David Boren’s legacy of leadership remembered across Oklahoma

Former Oklahoma Governor, U.S. Senator, and University of Oklahoma President David Boren passed away Thursday morning at the age of 83, surrounded by family.

Boren’s legacy is one of leadership, mentorship, and shaping the future of Oklahoma, according to friends and colleagues.

A Leader for Change

A man of many titles, Boren’s influence stretched across generations. Journalist and professor Mike Boettcher first met Boren in middle school while serving as his page at the Capitol. He recalled Boren’s gubernatorial campaign, which was symbolized by a broom—a promise to sweep out corruption and bring change.

“The fact that this very young man, who was in his early 30s, would be the governor of Oklahoma was a surprise,” Boettcher said. “But the state was ready for that.”

Boren was elected as Oklahoma’s 21st governor in 1974 and later served three terms in the U.S. Senate.

Shaping the Future at OU

Following his time in Washington, Boren became president of the University of Oklahoma in 1994. It was during this tenure that he convinced Boettcher to teach a class while the journalist was covering wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

“I would come in twice a week on satellite, whether it was Baghdad, Kabul, or somewhere on the front lines, and teach the class,” Boettcher said.

More than a decade later, Boettcher continues to teach—a testament to the long-lasting impact of Boren’s vision for education.

Advancing Healthcare

Beyond politics and education, Boren played a key role in advancing healthcare in Oklahoma. He worked closely with Continental Resources founder Harold Hamm to improve treatment and research for diabetes, a disease both men battled.

“He had a vision for what could be done with diabetes,” Hamm said. “The narrative has been changed, and diabetes is on the forefront of everyone’s thinking—treat it and prevent it.”

The Harold Hamm Diabetes Center, which Boren helped establish, has been treating and preventing diabetes for 18 years.

A Legacy Beyond Oklahoma

Boren’s influence extended far beyond state lines. As chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, he played a key role in national security and intelligence matters.

“You couldn’t go anywhere without talking with someone in the intelligence community that didn’t ask you about David Boren,” Boettcher said.

Boren’s impact on Oklahoma and the nation will be remembered for generations to come.