OSU names Interim President following Dr. Kayse Shrum’s sudden resignation

Oklahoma State University has named Dr. James Hess as interim president following the abrupt resignation of Dr. Kayse Shrum earlier this week.

The decision came during a special Board of Regents meeting Friday, ending a week of speculation surrounding the leadership change. However, key details about Shrum’s departure remain undisclosed.

Leadership Change Amid Unanswered Questions

Shrum’s resignation earlier this week shocked many in the OSU community, including students like sophomore Rebecca Swensen.

"It was shocking, for sure," Swensen said.

The Board of Regents has provided little information about the circumstances leading to the resignation. While an OSU spokesperson acknowledged an investigation, officials declined to confirm any connection between it and the university’s Innovation Foundation.

"They were presented with some allegations, which they note in those board meetings," said Donelle Harder, a spokesperson for the Board of Regents.

The secrecy surrounding the matter has raised concerns, but Harder defended the board’s handling of the situation.

"I don't know that there's secrecy. There was an open meeting on Friday in which motions were taken," she said.

New Interim President Named

Despite the uncertainty, OSU leadership is moving forward. Hess, who has held leadership roles in OSU’s health programs, was appointed as interim president Friday.

"I look forward to working with the teams at the OSU Alumni Association and the OSU Foundation to advance our land-grant mission and create even more opportunities for our students to succeed," Hess said.

Swensen expressed confidence in Hess’s ability to lead.

"I've spoken with him personally. He's a very nice, professional man, so I think he'll do fine as interim," she said.

Further Resignations and Ongoing Inquiries

In addition to Shrum’s departure, two key figures at the OSU Innovation Foundation, including its CEO, have also resigned.

News 9 has filed multiple records requests with the university seeking more information on Shrum’s resignation. As of now, those requests remain unanswered.