University of Tulsa names SMU Dean of Engineering as new president

TULSA - University officials announced Wednesday the appointment of a new president at the University of Tulsa.

The TU Board of Trustees has named Geoffrey Orsak as the university's 18th president.

"Geoffrey Orsak shares our vision for the next stage in the advancement of The University of Tulsa,” said L. Duane Wilson, chairman-elect of the TU Board of Trustees and chairman of the presidential search committee. “His strategic insight and proven leadership will be tremendous assets, helping to drive TU to new levels of national distinction.”

Orsak, 48, is currently dean of the Bobby B. Lyle School of Engineering at Southern Methodist University in Dallas.

Orsak will assume his duties at TU July 1.

Orsak says he was drawn to TU for a number of reasons, including the quality of its academic enterprise and commitment to the community.

“TU has an exceptional national reputation that far exceeds its size,” he said. “And the civic engagement demonstrated by TU students, faculty, staff and alumni is inspiring and unmatched any where.”

Orsak received his bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in electrical and computer engineering from Rice University.

His wife, Dr. Catherine Orsak, serves as Chief of Mental Health for the Veterans Affairs North Texas Health Care System and Professor of Psychiatry at The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas.

They have two children, Mary Elizabeth, 12, and Peter, 8.

Orsak succeeds President Steadman Upham, who announced his retirement in 2011.

“Geoffrey Orsak has been a creative and energetic leader at every stage of his professional life. He is an accomplished engineer and respected academic executive,” said Upham. “Peggy and I warmly welcome Geoffrey, Catherine, and their children to the city of Tulsa and the University of Tulsa family. We look forward to their leadership.”

Steadman's last day at the university is June 30.