Governor Mary Fallin announced Friday she has reappointed Jarold Callahan to the Board of Regents for the Oklahoma Agricultural and Mechanical Colleges (OSU/A&M).
The governor appointed Callahan, of Edmond, in February 2016 to replace Andy Lester, who resigned after being named to the Oklahoma Regents for Higher Education. Callahan’s reappointment to a full-eight-year term requires Senate confirmation.
“Jarold has done an outstanding job on the Board of Regents for Oklahoma A&M Colleges,” said Fallin. “His experience in education at the university level and his being a lifelong rancher makes him a valuable asset to the board.”
Callahan was born on a ranch in Welch, and has nearly 40 years of executive leadership experience. He currently is president of Express Ranches, a large commercial ranching operation headquartered in Yukon. He started his career there in 1996 as chief operating officer.
Callahan spent 15 years as an educator, starting at Northeastern Oklahoma Agricultural and Mechanical College in 1976. He was chairman of the agriculture division there for two years before moving to Oklahoma State University in 1982. Callahan was an assistant professor in OSU’s animal science department until 1991.
“I appreciate Governor Fallin’s confidence in me to continue my service on the OSU/A&M Board of Regents,” Callahan said. “My years in higher education and my work as a rancher have given me a great appreciation for the unique partnership between our universities and colleges and the agricultural industry.”
Callahan earned a bachelor’s degree in animal science from OSU and a master’s degree in agriculture from the University of Arkansas.
Callahan has been a member of the American Angus Association board of directors since 2005, including a stint as president from 2011-2012. He has also served on the Oklahoma Beef Council and as executive vice president of the Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association from 1991 to 1996.
Callahan and his wife, Jennifer, also own and operate their own cattle operation in Oklahoma and Craig counties as well as Xcel Feedyard in Watonga.
