Regional University System of Oklahoma

We have labored over whether to resume classes this fall at the six universities in the Regional University System of Oklahoma. After much thought and discussio

This is a watershed moment in our country’s history.  The COVID-19 pandemic has required us to shift focus rapidly and to reassess our strategies for continuing to meet our critical mission – to provide students with a high quality, affordable education so that they can reach their highest potential and thrive in an increasingly complex, global society. The spread of the coronavirus across the world has changed what this week – and many to come – look like. It has been challenging, but I am proud to say that our university communities – our administration, faculty, staff and students - have been responsive, attentive and flexible in this time of uncertainty. Our university presidents are in regular contact with each other and with the governor, we are developing contingency plans for the future, and we are committed to guiding and protecting our students and e...

Southeastern Oklahoma State University has a new president.

Dr. Thomas Newsom, who currently serves as Interim Vice President for Student Success and Dean of Students at Texas A&M-Commerce, will assume the duties as 21st  president of Southeastern on April 30. (Interim Southeastern president Bryon Clark will complete his duties at Commencement on May 9.)

The Board of Regents of  the Regional University System of Oklahoma (RUSO) made the announcement Friday at its regularly scheduled meeting at the University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond.

“We had a number of  outstanding candidates for the position,’’ said Regent Chair Susan Winchester. “After thoughtful deliberation by the Board, Dr. Newsom emerged as the best candidate to lead Southeastern into the future. The University has experienced significant growth in enrollment and other areas over the past few years, and...

This year marks the 70th anniversary of the Regional University System of Oklahoma. It was created and elevated to constitutional status in 1948 through a vote of the people to limit legislative control over university issues. I'm proud to say that our universities have grown and evolved to meet the changing needs of our students and workforce.

All six regional universities started at or near statehood as teacher certification schools. Today they are four-year institutions offering degrees ranging from education and pharmacy to forensic science, optometry and aviation. The institutions are nationally recognized for outstanding programs, instruction, research and leadership initiatives.

Our campuses have expanded learning opportunities to remove geographical barriers. Several of the universities have satellite campuses in rural towns and all have or are in the proc...

Inspired by Jim Collins’ presentation at the "Good To Great and the Social Sectors," RUSO has embarked on a transformative journey from "Good to Great" by establishing a special committee to help our institutions focus their resources and efforts on what makes them great during tough times. Last summer, we began the Good to Great process at the annual RUSO retreat by having a frank discussion of what Collins refers to as "the brutal facts without losing faith in the potential for greatness." Since the retreat, the facts have become more brutal. Faced with rising costs and growing budget deficits, the timing could not be better to enter the second phase of Stage 2 – Finding Our Hedgehog Concept.

While the wily fox knows many things, the simple hedgehog only knows one thing, but that one knowledge bite is highly impactful in protecting itself against danger. photo...