STILLWATER, Okla. (KFOR) — News 4 has confirmed through two independent sources that Oklahoma State University President Dr. Kayse Shrum is expected to announce her resignation on Wednesday.
She has been on the job for less than four years.
During her tenure, Dr. Shrum led the way with the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and conference realignment, all while bringing new initiatives to the university: the Hamm Institute for American Energy, the Oklahoma Aerospace Institute for Research and Education, the Human Performance and Nutrition Research Institute, and the OSU Student Farm.
OSU has also set multiple enrollment records under Dr. Shrum, including the highest undergraduate enrollment, the largest first-time freshman class, and becoming the state’s largest university system.
The university also set records for non-residents, Honors College, Spears School of Business, Native American, first-generation, online, and new graduate students.
News 4 spoke with several OSU students on Tuesday who say they are in disbelief after hearing about the news.
“I hope it’s not true,” Jordan Mondaine, an OSU student said.
Students are trying to fathom the fact that Dr. Shrum is apparently stepping down.
“It feels a little, well, very kind of sad, to be honest,” said Nathan Wolmack, an OSU student. “It’s just like because she’s been here about as long as I have. I’ve been here as long as she has.”
Photo Gallery: Dr. Kayse Shrum begins her tenure as Oklahoma State University President
They say it feels like Dr. Shrum had just arrived yesterday, giving her speech about what she was going to do to improve the university.
“As a medical student at Oklahoma State University, I would have never imagined this day,” Dr. Shrum said when she was hired. “I’m so honored and humbled by this appointment. OSU has a special place in my heart and I’m thrilled at the opportunity to lead this vibrant university.”
Dr. Shrum became the 19th president of OSU in 2021 and is the first woman to lead the university.
“It was really cool to see her become the first woman president,” Wolmack said. “It was just like, it was nice. It’s like a big accomplishment for OSU as a whole.”
So far, no reason has been revealed as to why Dr. Shrum is resigning.
“She always showing support, seeing her always at the football games,” Mondaine said. “She’s great, being in touch with the student base and everything.”
Students that News 4 spoke with say they enjoyed their time at OSU while she was president.
“Just having her go would feel very strange because like all of a sudden, like, there might be some shakeups, something might change,” Wolmack said.
“I would hate to see her go,” Mondaine said. “I’d love to see her stay. And again, I understand things change, but again, we would love if you stayed out here, Dr. Shrum.”
News 4 will keep you informed when an official announcement is made.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City.
#Kayse #Shrum #expected #resign #OSU #President
