Oklahoma State University Welcomes New President Dr. Kayse Shrum

OSU’s new President is starting a brand new chapter today as the first woman to be named President in the University’s history.

Dr. Kayse Shrum sat down to talk with News On 6’s Sawyer Buccy today about her priorities for the future and how she’s hoping to use her new position will do Something Good for the university family. This is a woman who has been breaking barriers for a long time. Before becoming the 19TH President of OSU Dr. Kayse Shrum spent years at OSU’s Center for Health Sciences, becoming the first woman to be President of a medical school in the state.

”I am so pleased to be here with all of you today on a morning that not only marks my first day as President but also a new chapter for a trusted colleague that I respect beyond measure,” said Dr. Shrum during her first press conference as OSU’s 19TH President.

This is a big day for the OSU Cowboys family. Not only is the university’s new Athletic Director being introduced today but this is the first day on the job for OSU’s new President, Dr. Kayse Shrum.

“I think at the core of everything for me is knowing whatever my hand is in, it is going to make a difference- the life of a student, the life of the state during COVID or the research that we do here. That really drives me every day,” said Dr. Shrum.

Dr. Shrum has a medical and research background. She’s been working at OSU’s Center for Health Sciences in Tulsa, where The University says student enrollment doubled during her time as President. She helped create the National Center for Wellness and Recovery which has helped develop research to combat the opioid crisis.

”I have really looked up to her and followed her story for a long time and it was really exciting for me to see that she got selected,” said former student and current OSU employee Jenna Siler, “She sets a really great example. She did that when she was over at the Medical School and I think she is going to translate that directly here. I think she is going to do great.”

Dr. Shrum is the first woman to become President of OSU and while she says she never imagined or planned for this new role—- she’s ready for this next step and excited for what is ahead.

“In some ways, I feel like everything has led right here,” said Dr. Shrum, “I am the 19TH President. I happen to be a woman. I am proud to be a woman. I am proud to be a mom. I am proud to be a physician and educator. All of those things. That’s what makes Kayse, Kayse. I hope that it inspires other women and other people to just be who they are and dream big.”

Dr. Shrum has a long list of accomplishments but she is also a mom of 6. She’s from Coweta where she keeps up a farm with her family.