NEWS
TULSA, OKLA. – The University of Oklahoma announced today the appointment of Susan Bynum as its new Vice President, OU-Tulsa, pending approval by the OU Board of Regents. In this role, Bynum will lead strategic initiatives for OU-Tulsa to sustain the campus’ promising trajectory. She will begin her role on Jan. 8.
Bynum has called Tulsa home for nearly two decades, building a career that combines government, private and nonprofit sector experience, and developing an extensive community-wide network. She is currently an attorney for the Tulsa law firm Frederic Dorwart Lawyers PLLC, focusing her legal practice on nonprofit compliance, employment and general corporate law.
“Our momentum for OU-Tulsa has grown tremendously in recent years, and we are thrilled to welcome Susan Bynum to serve in this key leadership role,” said OU President Joseph Harroz Jr. “Susan brings a wealth of experience in strategic planning, executive leadership and community engagement – all of which will be crucial as we endeavor to accelerate OU’s impact in Tulsa and throughout northeastern Oklahoma.”
As Vice President, OU-Tulsa, Bynum will drive strategic initiatives to enhance the OU brand, cultivate partnerships and fortify relationships with stakeholders, aligning with OU-Tulsa’s Strategic Vision for the future. Serving as the brand champion for OU’s Tulsa programs, she will focus on building influential relationships within the university and the broader community, fostering collaboration and stakeholder engagement.
Prior to joining Frederic Dorwart Lawyers PLLC seven years ago, Bynum spent 10 years as a consultant in Oklahoma and Washington, D.C., focusing on government relations, business strategy and public relations. Early in her career, she served as the executive director of the Sapulpa Chamber of Commerce.
Throughout her career, Bynum has remained invested in the Tulsa community, devoting significant time and energy to various nonprofit boards, fundraising and volunteer efforts – all with the aim of improving Tulsa’s quality of life and celebrating the city’s vibrant, innovative spirit. Her current community involvement includes serving on the boards of the Oklahoma Policy Institute, the Tulsa Women’s Commission and McLain High School’s Titan Football Foundation.
Bynum earned a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism with a concentration in public relations from OU, where she was named to the PE-ET Top 10 Senior Honor Society. She later earned a Juris Doctorate from the University of Tulsa, graduating with honors.
About the University of Oklahoma
Founded in 1890, the University of Oklahoma is a public research university located in Norman, Oklahoma. As the state’s flagship university, OU serves the educational, cultural, economic and health care needs of the state, region and nation. OU was named the state’s highest-ranking university in U.S. News & World Report’s most recent Best Colleges list. For more information about the university, visit ou.edu.
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