University Leadership | Oklahoma State University

Innovative. Visionary. Modern. Our executive leadership team applies these principles in a creative environment of knowledge, vision and personal growth.

Interim President James Hess

Dr. James Hess, a native of Henryetta, Oklahoma, has over 43 years of service in Oklahoma higher education. Hess was named interim president by the Board of Regents in February 2025. Most recently, 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.

Office of the President

Administration

Our core values serve as the guidelines for our leadership team as they determine the most beneficial actions to take for our university. Our leadership structure supports collaboration and communication, which allows each person on the team to play a significant role in maintaining the level of excellence developed at OSU. Working together, this team makes the future of OSU their top priority.

Jerome Loughridge

Senior Vice President and Chief of Staff

Jeanette Mendez

Provost and Senior Vice President

Elizabeth Pollard

Chief Executive Officer, The Innovation Foundation

Dr. Johnny R. Stephens

President, OSU-CHS
Interim President, OSU-Tulsa

Eric Polak

Interim Senior Vice President for Administration & Finance / Vice President for Administration & Finance OSU Center for Health Sciences / Chief Executive Officer OSU Medical Authority & Trust

Chad Weiberg

Vice President, Athletic Programs/Director, Intercollegiate Athletics

Kyle Wray

Senior Vice President of System Affairs

OSU Campuses and Institutions

Academic and Division Leadership

OSU/A&M Board of Regents

Oklahoma State University is the largest institution under the OSU/A&M Board of Regents purview. The Board oversees five institutions including Oklahoma State University, Connors State College, Langston University, Northeastern Oklahoma Agricultural and Mechanical College, and Oklahoma Panhandle State University.

Board of Regents