Brad Carson to step down as President of University of Tulsa

Quick takeaways:

1. Brad Carson is TU's 21st President
2. Carson served as President of the university for 4 years
3. His last day will be May 31st
4. Carson is headed to lead the non-profit Americans for Responsible Innovation
5. TU has not announced a replacement and will name an interim president in the coming weeks

University of Tulsa President Brad Carson announced Tuesday that he will step down at the end of May, concluding a four-year tenure that saw rising enrollment and financial stability at the university.

FULL STATEMENT: TU President Brad Carson announces plan to step down at end of May

Carson, a former U.S. congressman and longtime public servant, said he plans to lead a nonprofit focused on artificial intelligence policy he’s been working with for the last year.

“It’s in a great place,” Carson said of the university. “Enrollment is up, we are in a really good spot.”

Carson's last day will be May 31.

During his presidency, Carson emphasized transforming the university into what he called “the center of the city,” noting improvements in student quality and financial footing.

“I think the university has done great things over the last four years,” Carson said. “I feel very confident about where we are as a great platform for the next leader to take it on.”

Carson took office in 2021, following a career that included serving in Congress and holding positions in the U.S. Department of Defense. His next chapter will involve leading Americans for Responsible Innovation, a nonprofit that advocates for public policies that encourage the responsible development and usage of AI technologies.

“I’ve been working on AI policy over the last year just as a volunteer,” he said. “I thought it was the right time because I think the next couple of years in artificial intelligence will be critical ones where we either get the law right or we don’t.”

The university has not yet named a successor, but Carson said he expects a national search to be conducted.

“I imagine they’ll do a national search the same way they found me,” he said. “They’ll probably advertise it across the country.”

In a statement, the University of Tulsa thanked Carson for his leadership.

“The trustees thank President Carson for his four years of service to the university,” said Marcia MacLeod, chair of the governing board. “On behalf of the UTulsa community, the entire board wishes him continued success.”

University officials said an interim president will be named in the coming weeks and expressed confidence in the leadership team that remains in place.