Without Background In Academia, Hargis Prepares To Lead OSU

STILLWATER, Okla. (AP) New Oklahoma State University president Burns Hargis has a background in business, but he says that's not how he plans to run the school.<br/><br/>Hargis says there are a lot

Sunday, December 9th 2007, 4:37 pm

By: News On 6

STILLWATER, Okla. (AP) New Oklahoma State University president Burns Hargis has a background in business, but he says that's not how he plans to run the school.

Hargis says there are a lot of business principles that will be useful when he takes over as the university's 18th president next year, but the bottom line is that it is not a business.

Hargis says he'll use his experience in fundraising and politics to his advantage, but he also knows that the academic environment requires him to lead with collaboration and consensus-building.

Hargis says he'll also rely on some help from Provost Marlene Strathe in academic matters. Strathe has been serving as the university's interim president since March. Hargis will take over for her in July.