As first reported by KOKC Radio, University of Oklahoma president David Boren is stepping down from the job at the end of the academic year. The former Oklahoma governor and U.S. Senator has been one of the longest serving OU presidents. He’s been serving in that capacity since 1994. Oklahoma’s politicians have expressed their feelings at Boren’s retirement.
“President Boren is an Oklahoma institution. Throughout his five decades of public life, President Boren has honorably served the people of his state and nation. I join many Oklahomans today to express my gratitude to President Boren for his faithful service to the University of Oklahoma. The relationships he forged from his service as Governor and US Senator have brought OU exciting new opportunities and tremendous growth and success. Over the last 23 years as president, he has continued a long tradition of leadership of academic excellence and student success,” said U.S. Senator James Lankford.
“As someone who has known David Boren for over 40 years, it was with mixed emotions that I learned of his decision to step down as President of the University of Oklahoma at the end of the academic year,” said Cole. “I consider President Boren to be the most consequential and influential Oklahoman since Robert S. Kerr. As a state legislator, governor, U.S. Senator and President of OU, he has contributed more than any other Oklahoman to the wellbeing of our country and the state of Oklahoma.”
Congressman Tom Cole was a little more expressive in his statement on Boren’s planned departure.
“Personally, while I respect his decision, I regard his departure as a great loss for OU and the state of Oklahoma. Every Oklahoman and OU alumni realizes his departure is a genuine loss, and it will be hard to replace him with someone of his vision, talent and stature,” said Cole.
“President Boren can take great pride in the progress of the University of Oklahoma under his leadership. By every conceivable measure he has left the university stronger than he found it. The student body is more talented and diverse. The academic programs are richer and deeper. The campus is more functional and beautiful. And the endowment has been multiplied many times over. Last year, OU ranked #10 among public universities in terms of the amount of donations received, outpacing many famous private universities such as Princeton. In fact, the main campus of the University of Oklahoma received three times as much money from contributions as from appropriations from the state of Oklahoma.”
“While President Boren will be missed, I have no doubt that the Regents will come to a wise and thoughtful decision concerning a potential successor. And I know firsthand that the institution is strong and dynamic. It will adapt well to a new president.”
“As President Boren serves out his final year, I hope all Oklahomans will reflect on the profound contributions he has made to the University of Oklahoma, to our state, and to our country. I wish him well in his retirement and look forward to his continued contributions to the public life of our state and our nation.”
Senator John Sparks represents the Norman area in the Oklahoma Legislature. He was complimentary of Boren’s time at OU.
“President David L. Boren’s distinguished tenure at the University of Oklahoma is an extension of his lifetime of selfless, tireless service to the State of Oklahoma. He will be the standard by which all future leaders of our great state and of this university will be measured,” said Sparks.
“I believe his years at the University of Oklahoma will be considered the Golden Age of OU. His bold leadership and diligent service have not only enriched the lives of thousands of students, but it has also contributed immeasurably to the community of Norman and our state as a whole. I join with OU students, faculty, and staff in thanking him for all he has done to advance higher education in Oklahoma, and wish him nothing but the best in all things.”