Dr. Jim Hess Named 20th President of Oklahoma State University

Dr. Jim Hess has been named the 20th president of Oklahoma State University, after serving as interim president since February.

Friday, April 25th 2025, 2:23 pm

By: David Prock

TULSA, Okla. -

The Oklahoma State University A&M Board of Regents appointed Dr. Jim Hess as the 20th president of Oklahoma State University on Friday, removing the interim title he has held since February.

The board approved a three-year term for Hess during its regular meeting at Oklahoma Panhandle State University.

"Dr. Hess has proven himself as the right leader at the right time for Oklahoma State University," said Board Chairman Jimmy Harrel. "His deep understanding of OSU's land-grant mission gives our board complete confidence in his ability to lead the university forward."

Hess has held faculty and administrative roles at Rogers State College (Now Rogers State University), OSU-Tulsa, and the OSU Center for Health Sciences. He earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Northeastern State University and a doctorate from OSU.

Hess was named interim President after the previous president, Dr. Kayse Shrum, suddenly resigned in early February. The board of regents accepted Shrum’s resignation, effective Feb. 3. Shrum served as OSU’s president for nearly four years.

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