Dr. Kayse Shrum resigns as OSU President, sparking mixed reactions across campus

Dr. Kayse Shrum has resigned from her position as president of Oklahoma State University. The surprising news was confirmed by the Board of Regents on Wednesday. In a statement, the board said it has accepted Shrum’s resignation letter, effective Feb. 3. On campus, students expressed sadness and disappointment by her sudden departure. 

“I thought she was good for the university, so I’m just surprised by it all,” said OSU sophomore Emma Nelson. “I know a lot of people like her, like how she comes to all the events she puts on for the university, I think a lot of people will miss her.”

Dr. Shrum was fondly referred to as "Mommy Shrum" by some students because of the close connection she had with them.

"I'm really sad,” said OSU freshman Grace Ketcham. “I told my mom no more Mommy Shrum."

This sentiment was shared by other students who remember her having a huge presence on campus.

"Everybody loves her," said OSU freshman Kyndall Pitts. "Just being here so far she was nice, nice seeing her around campus.”

Dr. Shrum was often seen interacting with students, particularly during major events like Homecoming.

"She was really involved with her students," said OSU sophomore Addyson Blankenship.

Dr. Shrum made history in 2021 when she became the first female president of OSU. The board thanked her for her many contributions to the university. During her tenure, she launched several initiatives in energy, aviation, healthcare, and technology to help prepare students for these industries. Under her leadership, OSU also set multiple enrollment records, including the highest number of undergraduate students and the largest first-time freshman class. Dr. Shrum was instrumental in stabilizing the Big 12 Conference after OU announced it was moving to the SEC.

“I’ve always had the attitude: if there’s a problem, you know how to fix it,” Dr. Shrum said back in 2021.

It’s this attitude students here hope will continue when a new president is named.

“I hope our next president is female; I don't know, I feel like that since she was the first female president, I think that was a big thing for OSU,” Blankenship said. “I just hope whoever the next president is really can fill her shoes and step up.”

“I don't really know what the reason is; maybe she's got something better coming up,” added OSU senior Landon Vogts. “I wish the best for her whatever she's doing.”

The search for a new president is underway. Meanwhile, the board emailed students to inform them that OSU provost and senior vice president Dr. Jeanette Mendez will serve as acting president until an interim president is appointed.