Kent Lashley Selected as Chief Executive Officer of Regional University System of Oklahoma

OKLAHOMA CITY — The Regional University System of Oklahoma (RUSO) Board of Regents has selected Kent M. Lashley, J.D., to serve as chief executive officer. Lashley will begin his duties Sept. 1. He brings more than 17 years of progressive leadership in Oklahoma higher education administration and governance, including extensive experience in institutional operations, finance, legal and regulatory compliance, policy development and stakeholder relations.

Lashley currently serves as executive vice president and chief financial officer at Rose State College, where he is a senior member of the president’s executive leadership team. In that role, he advises on institutional policy, legal matters, governance and strategic planning while overseeing a $38 million operating budget and approximately 350 full-time employees.

“Kent brings a depth of higher education experience, sound judgment and a clear commitment to public service,” RUSO Board Chair Lake Carpenter said. “He understands the opportunities and challenges facing our regional universities, and he is committed to furthering RUSO’s mission. I am confident he will work closely and

productively with our university presidents, RUSO staff and stakeholders across the state to expand opportunity for students and strengthen Oklahoma.”

As RUSO’s CEO, Lashley will lead the Board’s day-to-day work and serve as the principal link between the regents and leaders of the six universities. He will help the Board look across the system, prepare for major decisions, plan for the future and respond to issues affecting RUSO universities, while ensuring its work is carried out effectively and in accordance with state law. The system governs East Central University, Northeastern State University, Northwestern Oklahoma State University, Southeastern Oklahoma State University, Southwestern Oklahoma State University and the University of Central Oklahoma. Together, the universities serve more than 40,000 students across the state.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to serve RUSO and work alongside the board, our presidents, staff and partners,” Lashley said. “Higher education has been the focus of my career because of the difference it makes for students, families and communities. Across all six RUSO universities, graduates are highly likely to remain in Oklahoma, building their careers and their lives here. They are the teachers, health care professionals, business leaders and engaged citizens who invest in and lead their communities, helping Oklahoma grow and thrive. I look forward to strengthening the pathways that connect RUSO students with Oklahoma’s workforce and its future.”

Lashley has held senior leadership roles at Rose State College since 2009, with experience spanning institutional operations, finance, legal affairs and capital planning, including more than $60 million in campus initiatives. Before joining Rose State, he practiced corporate law with The ServiceMaster Company. He has also taught as an adjunct professor at Rose State College and the University of Central Oklahoma, with courses in educational planning, U.S. history, transformational leadership, organizational culture and creative thinking.

Lashley earned a Juris Doctor from the University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law, a Master of Science in Education from Harding University and a Bachelor of Arts in social science, summa cum laude, from Harding University. His professional and civic service includes work with the Oklahoma State Regents Council of Business Officers, the Oklahoma Association of College and University Business Officers, the Midwest City Chamber of Commerce and Creative Oklahoma.