Burns Hargis was named the 18th president of Oklahoma State University in December 2007, officially taking office March 10, 2008. Hargis holds degrees in accounting from Oklahoma State University and in law from the University of Oklahoma, and is the second OSU graduate to lead the university. Hargis guided OSU to record enrollment and record fundraising, reaching the $1 billion Branding Success goal in April 2013, nearly two years ahead of schedule. He oversaw a construction boom that transformed the OSU campus to make it more competitive in academics and athletics, while renewing its commitment to grounds beautification. Under Hargis, the university was recognized nationally for its progress in community access and impact as well as health and wellness. He led the campus with compassion through the aftermath of a tragic plane crash, while strengthening its resolve for safety in all facets of operation. Before he was chosen as OSU president, Hargis had a long and distinguished legal and business career, with active civic and philanthropic leadership across many fronts. He was immediately familiar to many at OSU who watched him weekly on the award-winning television program “Flashpoint.” Hargis received the state’s highest honor when he was inducted into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame in 2009. Hargis retired from the presidency in 2021.
