About President

Jim D. Hess, ed.D.

 

An educator who puts students first, Dr. Jim Hess brings over four decades of transformative leadership to his role as Oklahoma State University's president. His remarkable journey from small-town Oklahoma to the presidency demonstrates the power of education to change lives.

Born in Henryetta, Oklahoma, Dr. Hess earned his bachelor's and master's degrees at Northeastern State University before completing his doctorate at Oklahoma State University. Hess was named president by the Board of Regents in April 2025 after serving as interim president since February 2025.

Known for his commitment to student experience and innovative approach to education, Dr. Hess has consistently led transformational change. At OSU-Tulsa, he doubled enrollment and created the popular Big Orange Bus shuttle service connecting Tulsa and Stillwater campuses. At the OSU Center for Health Sciences, he expanded the OSU Physicians Group tenfold while championing innovative online graduate programs that made OSU-CHS the only institution in Oklahoma's higher education system to achieve consecutive enrollment growth for a decade.

Despite his administrative responsibilities, Dr. Hess remained dedicated to teaching, carrying a full graduate course load each semester. His pioneering work establishing new graduate programs—including degrees in Healthcare Administration, Global Health, Medical Sciences, and Forensic Sciences—reflects his belief that education should evolve to meet students' changing needs.

One of his most significant achievements came in securing OSU Medical Center as the nation's only osteopathic teaching hospital, creating unprecedented opportunities for medical students. This accomplishment, along with his many others, led to his induction into the Oklahoma Higher Education Hall of Fame in 2023.

Dr. Hess brings a unique blend of visionary leadership, financial acumen, and authentic connection to students to the presidency. His ability to transform institutions while maintaining their core missions makes him exceptionally qualified to lead OSU's next chapter.

He and his wife, Angela, have two children, John and Bonnie, and four grandchildren: Johnny, Brooklyn, Billie, and Bradley.