OKLAHOMA CITY – House Speaker Kyle Hilbert and members of his leadership team comment on the resignation of Oklahoma State University President Kayse Shrum.

Speaker of the House Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow:

"Like everyone, I was surprised by the news of Dr. Kayse Shrum stepping down as President. I greatly appreciate her service to the university and our state. She was instrumental as a member of the Governor's cabinet throughout the COVID-19 pandemic in ensuring tests were available for Oklahomans. Her tenure as president improved rural health care workforce shortages in establishing a nursing program at OSU-Stillwater and a medical school in Tahlequah. She also faced other challenges such as shepherding my alma mater through conference realignment with the Big 12 going from the brink of disaster to emerging as an undisputed top-4 conference in the country. I wish her and Darren the best in their future endeavors."

House Appropriations and Budget Chairman Trey Caldwell, R-Faxon:

"Dr. Shrum's resignation is a loss for OSU and our state. In recent years we have invested in building up our state's research universities and Dr. Shrum and her team utilized those increased dollars to improve our state's workforce pipeline, especially in medical and STEM fields. We look forward to working with the next OSU leader to continue the momentum we have seen."

House Postsecondary Education Chairwoman Toni Hasenbeck, R-Elgin:

"I have known Dr. Shrum for years and was thrilled when she became president of my alma mater. She served with distinction as the first female president of a public research institution in Oklahoma and she has much to be proud of from her tenure. I look forward to working with the A&M Board of Regents as they seek the next university leader. Dr. Shrum's loss will be felt not only at OSU but by the state as a whole."