Gov. Stitt Congratulates OSU President Burns Hargis On Retirement

Governor Kevin Stitt congratulated Oklahoma State University President Burns Hargis on his retirement.

Hargis announced his retirement on Friday; Hargis' retirement is set for 2021.

“My sincere congratulations to Burns Hargis today upon announcing his plans to retire next year as president of Oklahoma State University. Along with First Cowgirl Ann Hargis, Burns has overseen an extraordinary resurgence at OSU during the past 12 plus years and has been a transformational leader. As a graduate of OSU, I am proud of my alma mater and as governor, I am grateful to both Burns and Ann for their exceptional service,” Governor Stitt said.

OSU officials said "Hargis became OSU’s 18th president on March 10, 2008. He is the second OSU graduate to serve as president of the University."

Hargis said he was blessed and honored to have served as OSU's President.

“Ann and I have been blessed and honored to serve Oklahoma State University the past 12-and-a-half years. The opportunity to be president of my alma mater exceeded all my expectations. OSU is a special place. It is where I found friends who became family for a young man who lived in many different places growing up. I received an excellent education, preparing me for my careers in law and banking, and culminating at OSU as president. Ann and I are grateful for the faith and trust extended to us by the Regents and the support from faculty, staff, students, and alumni. There remains much work to be done, and in that regard, I look forward to the opportunities and challenges ahead, and welcoming a new president next summer,” Hargis said.

Senator James Lankford also released a statement, congratulating Hargis, saying

“Oklahoma State has seen incredible growth and success under the guidance and leadership of Burns Hargis. Cowboys will miss his steady leadership. America’s brightest orange shines because of the work, dedication, and pride he and Ann have for the entire OSU community. Burns will leave OSU better after his season of leadership, and he leaves a remarkable legacy for the University. On behalf of all Oklahomans, thank you Burns and Ann.”