Joseph Harroz, Jr.
University President
Serving the University of Oklahoma for over 28 years in various leadership roles, Joseph Harroz Jr. was named the 15th president of OU on May 9, 2020. Harroz’s previous service to the university includes a one-year term as interim president, nine years as dean of the College of Law, 12 years as general counsel, and two years as vice president for executive affair
Under Harroz’s leadership, the university has ambitiously pursued the fulfillment of its “Lead On, University” Strategic Plan, sparking a new era of excellence and elevating OU’s position as a top-tier public research university with life-changing impact.
More students than ever are choosing OU, with the last four years seeing record-breaking freshman classes. With nearly 5,600 students, the Class of 2028’s size represents a 20% increase over the last two years. The class is breaking other university records, with the highest number of first-generation college students and the most Oklahoma residents of any other incoming class.
OU’s research momentum continues to accelerate, reaching a record $411 million in externally funded research awarded. The OU research enterprise has achieved an average 12% annual growth rate for awards over the last four years, and OU ranks among the top 8% of research universities nationally.
The historic merger in 2021 to create OU Health has brought immense benefits to the state and its people. As Oklahoma’s first comprehensive academic health system, OU Health is delivering world-class health care, training tomorrow’s health professionals, and meeting the toughest medical challenges with pioneering research and innovation.
OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center remains Oklahoma’s only national cancer institute-designated cancer center, standing at the forefront of cancer research and treatment. In April 2024, OU announced it will bring NCI-level cancer care to thousands more Oklahomans by expanding the Stephenson Cancer Center to Tulsa. Plans are in motion to build a state-of-the-art facility at OU-Tulsa, with an anticipated opening in June 2027.
Supporting Oklahoma’s workforce is another key priority of the Strategic Plan, and OU has significantly expanded enrollment in several key academic areas to support workforce demands. Nursing has seen its annual number of graduates more than double, with over 600 joining the workforce in fall 2024, up from around 300 in 2021. Across all Health Sciences academic programs, fall 2024 new student enrollment is up 18% compared to two years ago. OU has also expanded its top-ranked aviation program to meet growing workforce demands, with enrollment in the School of Aviation more than doubling in just two years. The OU Polytechnic Institute at OU-Tulsa welcomed its inaugural class in fall 2024. OUPI combines cutting-edge curriculum in critical STEM fields with on-site training, equipping graduates to transform Oklahoma industries and fuel economic prosperity.
An abundance of other successes have come to life since the Strategic Plan’s introduction – the announcement of a historic $2 billion fundraising campaign, a continued focus on balancing excellence with affordability, the addition of premier freshman housing, entering the SEC, and more. In spring 2024, OU embarked on a Strategic Plan refresh to ensure this living, breathing roadmap continues to evolve to meet the challenges of an ever-changing world while still serving the distinct needs of the OU community. Learn more about the Strategic Plan at ou.edu/leadon.
A native Oklahoman, Harroz graduated Phi Beta Kappa from OU in 1989 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics and a minor in zoology. He earned his J.D. in 1992 from Georgetown University Law Center. A grandson of Lebanese immigrants to Oklahoma, Harroz is father to Joseph, Zara, and Jude, and is married to Ashley Harroz.
