Office of the President
Our distinctive land-grant calling
OSU unveiled a strategic plan in 2022 focused on coming together as a community behind a set of long-term goals to take OSU to new heights of academic and research excellence as the premier land-grant university. Together, the Cowboy family has already achieved remarkable milestones.
President Jim Hess
Dr. Jim Hess, a native of Henryetta, Oklahoma, has over 43 years of service in Oklahoma higher education. Hess was named president by the Board of Regents in April 2025 after serving as interim president since February 2025. Previously, he served as the vice provost for graduate programs at OSU-CHS, where he supervised all academic graduate programs and taught a full graduate coursework load. Dr. Hess also served as the CEO of the OSU Veterinary Medicine Authority. During his time in higher education, he has initiated several innovative online graduate programs, leading to enrollment growth at OSU-CHS.
Crafting a bold vision
Uncommon preeminence for the common good
Oklahoma State University unveiled a visionary new strategy to become the nation’s preeminent land-grant institution.
The strategy includes initiatives to reduce student debt, innovate around student competencies and focus research on solving society’s most significant challenges.