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PRESIDENT RESIGNS: Dr. Kayse Shrum resigns from Oklahoma State University

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STILLWATER, Okla. — The first woman president in the history of Oklahoma State University resigned, a university press release said Feb. 5.

The Oklahoma State University A&M Board of Regents accepted Dr. Kayse Shrum's resignation.

Shrum became the first woman to lead a public research institute in Oklahoma in 2021. 2 News sat down with her in 2022.

Sitting down with OSU President Kayse Shrum

According to a document obtained by the investigative journalist group NonDoc, the OSU Board of Regents on Jan. 31 used an executive session to discuss a potential investigation into the mishandling of state legislature-allocated funding for the university's STEM-related Innovation Foundation.

According to NonDoc, the board also approved motions halting funds and new hires to Innovation Foundation without prior board approval.

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Days later, Dr. Shrum's resignation was announced.

“We extend our deepest gratitude to Dr. Shrum for her dedicated leadership, unwavering commitment to students, and significant contributions to the OSU System," the board said in a statement.

PRESIDENT RESIGNS: Dr. Kayse Shrum resigns from Oklahoma State University

“Dr. Shrum has led with passion and vision, championing key initiatives in academics, research, and innovation while advancing OSU’s land-grant mission. During her tenure, Oklahoma State University has experienced record enrollment, student retention rates, research funding, and philanthropic support, setting the stage for a bright future.

From the outset of her presidency, she was thrust into a critical role of navigating the disruption within the Big 12 Conference. Dr. Shrum worked tirelessly to help stabilize the league and protect OSU’s athletic programs, ensuring the university remained competitive nationally.

Under Shrum's leadership, OSU saw record enrollment, maintained flat tuition rates, and managed the COVID-19 pandemic. She also announced a new OSU Polytech to improve STEM access and workforce development.

The news was met with confusion on campus.

"I don't really know what to make. I know she was a good president," OSU undergraduate Owen Fleming told 2 News.

"I mean I guess (the board of regents) are just kind of waiting to release some more stuff once they know, but I guess I would be interested in this (answer)," fellow student Jake Spokely said.

"I'm really interested in finding out what happened," Raleigh Aaron added. "I thought she was a really good president and I'm sad to see her go."

"I mean, any time something happens out of nowhere you kind of want to know what led up to it and if there's any more context that's missing," Raleigh Peebles said.

"She was a doctor. And you know, she was president of the med school for a while, too," Fleming added. "So I really like what she's done for the sciences and stuff here. So (the resignation) kind of interested me."

Senior Vice President Dr. Jeanette Mendez was named the acting president in the university's statement. The board of regents will meet again on Feb. 7 to decide on the interim role.


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