Eric Stevenson, Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt’s recent appointment to the University of Oklahoma Board of Regents, is an active alumnus of the university. He points to his early experiences at the university for his desire to succeed in sales along with his ongoing involvement as a member of the Price College of Business Advisory Council, despite the distance he travels from his office in Columbus, Ohio.
In addition to his service as an industry mentor to students in OU’s multi-cultural business program, Stevenson and his wife, Davia, have made important investments in supporting student scholarships and other college funding priorities.
“I am excited to appoint Eric Stevenson to the University of Oklahoma Board of Regents,” said Stitt. “Eric is a business-oriented and reform-minded leader who will be a dedicated representative for the students, employees and staff.”
Stevenson earned his B.B.A. in finance from OU and a master’s degree from Northwestern University Kellogg Graduate School of Management. His career has led him to a number of national companies, including PepsiCo-Quaker Oats, Warner Lambert and Nationwide Financial.
“I appreciate Gov. Stitt's thoughtful consideration of the needs of OU with his appointment of Eric Stevenson to our Board of Regents,” said OU President James Gallogly. “Eric’s close ties to OU and our Price College of Business as well as his leadership role in a national business enterprise make him an excellent choice. OU has local, national and international reach with its students, alums and academic programs. I’m eager to tap into Eric’s expertise and to have him join us for the work ahead.”
Bryan M. Burke, an OU graduate and member of the OU Price College of Business Board of Visitors, reflected upon Stitt’s appointment of Eric Stevenson.
“Gov. Stitt has made an inspired choice for appointment to the OU Board of Regents,” said Bryan M. Burke, senior vice president at Federated Investors. “Eric Stevenson is an accomplished industry leader in financial services. Eric has a unique background and the fact he has been a successful small business owner in addition to rising to the highest levels of corporate America will inspire both fellow board members but, more importantly, our students.”
Today, Stevenson leads the Retirement Plans Distribution program for Nationwide Retirement Plans, managing more than 500 licensed sales professionals and 37,000 plans with 2.5 million participants.
Even through his corporate successes and his relocations, his commitment to OU and his desire to be involved have remained strong.
“I’m excited for this opportunity and also humbled by this because of what the university meant to me,” Stevenson said at his announcement. “The University of Oklahoma literally changed my life in so many ways, most importantly, the relationships and the people, including my best friends I still have today. I think about how we all came from backgrounds without a lot of money or any big university experience. But we really had the desire to learn, to grow and to contribute. If I can do anything as a Regent, it would be to continue to create that kind of access and opportunity for students all across Oklahoma, or for that matter, any student who wants to come to the University of Oklahoma.”
Stitt appointed Stevenson to a full seven-year term on the seven-member official governing body of OU, Cameron University and Rogers State University. His appointment will fill one of two seats that became vacant on the board when Clayton Bennett stepped down in late January and Bill Burgess Jr. died in early February. Stevenson’s appointment requires Oklahoma State Senate confirmation.
“As chair of the OU, Cameron and Rogers State Boards of Regents, congratulations to Gov. Stitt on this nomination,” said Dr. Leslie Rainbolt-Forbes, chair of the OU Board of Regents. “Eric brings a very unique complement of skills, including extensive strategic planning experience, large corporate management experience and outstanding national-level communication experience that he has honed at some of the largest and most prestigious companies in the United States. His expertise will directly benefit the board, the universities we govern, all our students and the State of Oklahoma.”
Stevenson is the senior vice president, retirement plans distribution, at Nationwide Retirement Plans in Columbus, Ohio. Prior to this position he served in various roles at Nationwide Financial, including as vice president marketing and senior vice president and chief sales officer.