Regional University System of Oklahoma

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...

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...

Last spring RUSO Regents Connie Reilly, Mark Stansberry and I, joined more than 1000 higher education leaders to attend the Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges National Conference. The keynote speaker author Jim Collins presented his monograph "Good To Great and the Social Sectors -- Why Business Thinking Is Not The Answer."  Collins explained that while the business and social sectors have different m...