Q&A: Oklahoma State University welcomes new President Dr. Jim Hess

The new president of Oklahoma State University was celebrated in Stillwater on Tuesday.

Dr. Jim Hess officially became OSU’s 20th president last week.

BACKGROUND

Hess, a Henryetta native, has been working in Oklahoma higher education for more than four decades.

Hess was named interim president in February after Dr. Kayse Shrum resigned during an investigation into mismanaged money.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE FIRST THINGS YOU ARE GOING TO DO NOW THAT YOU ARE PRESIDENT?

Hess says one of his first steps is passing legislation that would help fund university programs like an animal teaching hospital.

“Those communities rely so heavily on our ability to produce quality veterinarians. In order to do that, to be able to attract the best students, in order to attract the best clinical faculty that we can possibly attract, we need a facility that can prepare those students for the service in both metropolitan and primarily, rural areas,” said Hess.

WHAT ARE SOME CHALLENGES YOU ARE GOING TO BE FACING NOW AS PRESIDENT?

Hess says one of those will be raising money for scholarships to cut costs for OSU students.

“One of the things I think is most appropriate for us is to provide greater scholarship opportunities for all of our students,” said Hess. “So that will be a major fundraising effort, and one that I’m 100% committed to for the betterment of our student population.”

WHAT ARE SOME THINGS YOU WILL BE DOING DIFFERENTLY FROM THE PREVIOUS ADMINISTRATION?

Hess did not touch on Shrum’s resignation, but did say he appreciates everyone who has served as president, many of whom he has had the chance to work for.

“I am always appreciative of everyone who’s had the opportunity to serve as President,” said Hess. “It’s not for the faint of heart. It’s a really hard job. Every decision you make affects someone… So, as I move forward here, I will always be focused on that. What are the implications for every decision that we make, and how does it further the interest of the state of Oklahoma?”

YOU SAID OSU IS FACING SOME FINANCIAL HEADWINDS. WHAT DOES THAT LOOK LIKE FOR STUDENTS, FACULTY, AND STAFF?

Hess says he teaches healthcare economics and studies economic cycles.

“As our state and our nation has economic challenges, we will adapt to those,” said Hess. “The key to all of this is to figure out, when there are financial headwinds, to make sure your mission is foremost in your mind. Stay focused on what the mission is, and how do you use the resources that you have to accomplish that mission?”

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE SHORT-TERM GOALS YOU HAVE IN MIND?

Hess and his wife say they are working to improve the mental health of the people they serve at OSU.

“I’m a big believer in culture,” said Hess. “I want to make sure that students and faculty and staff all here know that the culture we represent at Oklahoma State University is one of serving other people.”

He says the three cultural improvements he wants to bring are hope, optimism, and security.

WHAT DOES IMPROVING THE STUDENT EXPERIENCE LOOK LIKE FOR YOU?

Hess says before taking on this role, he had spent a lot of time with student groups.

He says the best way to improve the student experience is to bring down the cost of education.

“We often try to avoid the conversation about cost,” said Hess. “But we are absolutely committed here to keeping the cost of a good education at the lowest possible level.”

Hess says it’s absolutely crucial to make sure students feel supported during their first 16 weeks, and says that sets the tone for the rest of the student’s educational experience.

WHAT ARE SOME WORDS FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS WHO MIGHT BE WORRIED RIGHT NOW?

Hess says it is great news that the international students at OSU with visa troubles had their visas restored.

“I cannot imagine the courage it takes to travel across the globe and go to a place where you know no one,” said Hess. “It’s easy for us to embrace them and say we honor your courage and stepping out of your comfort zone, giving them the best experience they can have, give them hope, optimism, and security.”

WHAT WOULD BE YOUR MESSAGE TO KIDS WHO COME FROM RURAL AREAS, LIKE YOU DID, TO OSU?

Hess says he is grateful for the chance to become president and have the career he has had.

“If you’re willing to dream big and come to Oklahoma State University, of course, your life can be whatever it is that you choose for it to be,” said Hess.

MORE INFO ON HESS

https://go.okstate.edu/about-osu/leadership/president/about.html

RELATED

1. Oklahoma State University President Dr. Kayse Shrum resigns; Acting President named
2. Former OSU President Kayse Shrum Responds To Audit; Says Legal Counsel Was Followed
3. Dr. Kayse Shrum resigns as OSU President, sparking mixed reactions across campus
4. Dr. Jim Hess Named 20th President of Oklahoma State University