Oklahoma Senate Confirms RUSO Board of Regents Appointments

OKLAHOMA CITY — The Oklahoma Senate this week confirmed Gov. Kevin Stitt’s appointments to the Regional University System of Oklahoma (RUSO) Board of Regents.

Haley Hope Frix of Muskogee was confirmed to serve an unexpired term ending June 10, 2033, succeeding Chuck Perry. Michael McElroy of Ada was confirmed to serve a term ending June 10, 2034, succeeding Connie Reilly. Carl McKenzie of Bixby was confirmed to serve a term ending June 10, 2030, succeeding Chris Van Denhende. Dr. Michael Peck of Enid was confirmed to serve a term ending June 10, 2035, succeeding Jane McDermott.

The RUSO Board of Regents provides governance and oversight for East Central University, Northeastern State University, Northwestern Oklahoma State University, Southeastern Oklahoma State University, Southwestern Oklahoma State University and the University of Central Oklahoma.

Haley Hope Frix

Haley Hope Frix is a communications and public relations professional. She holds a master’s degree in adult and higher education administration from the University of Oklahoma and a bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Central Oklahoma.

Her professional background includes leadership roles in higher education at Northeastern State University and Oklahoma City University, as well as business experience as the former owner and operator of a boutique in Muskogee.

She is active in her community through Leadership Oklahoma, Main Street Muskogee and Kids Space, and serves as State Committee Woman for the Muskogee County Republican Party.

Frix and her husband, Avery, are the parents of their son, Charles “Chip” Frix.

Michael McElroy

Michael McElroy earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing and management from East Central University. He currently manages Gateway Mortgage in Ada and has been nationally recognized as one of the top one percent of mortgage originators in the United States.

McElroy has a strong record of community service in Ada and beyond. He serves on the board of Mama T’s Homeless Shelter, recently co-founded the Good Gift Foundation, and previously served on the Latta School Board.

He and his wife Allyson founded Whispering Peace, a Christ-centered sober living home that supports individuals in recovery.

Carl McKenzie

Carl McKenzie attended Northeastern State University on a tennis scholarship, earning a degree in mass communications. He later earned a Master of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. McKenzie has devoted his career to serving youth in Oklahoma and across the country.

He owns a company that develops and distributes emotional intelligence curriculum in K-12 schools and serves as program director for LifeWise Academy in Broken Arrow.

He and his wife, Balie, have three children, JJ, Mason, and Kelsey.

Dr. Michael Peck

Dr. Michael Peck earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Oklahoma and his doctor of optometry degree from the University of Houston. He also completed an externship at Fort Carson Army Hospital in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

After completing his training, Peck returned to Enid and joined the Enid Eye Clinic before later establishing his own private practice. He has served several terms as a deacon and elder at First Presbyterian Church, has been a commissioner for the Department of Human Services for 12 years, and is a member of the American Optometric Association and the Oklahoma Association of Optometric Physicians.

He and his wife, Jan, have three married children and six grandchildren.