Dear Colleagues,
I write to share important news about the leadership of OU-Tulsa. After more than two years of exceptional leadership at our Tulsa campus, Dr. Jim Sluss will be taking a position on the faculty in the Gallogly College of Engineering, effective January 1, with plans to retire from the university this coming September.
Dr. Sluss has been a pillar in the OU-Tulsa community for almost two decades, with his service stretching across the university’s academic and administrative functions. As OU-Tulsa Interim President, he has guided the campus through pivotal moments, such as the development of the “Lead On, Tulsa” Strategic Vision and the launch of the OU Polytechnic Institute. His impact on interdisciplinary education, research, and collaborations has been substantial. Dr. Sluss also led our School of Electrical and Computer Engineering to historic growth during an earlier stage of his OU career, earning him national recognition as an outstanding educator in engineering. His contributions have been widespread and profound, and we are sincerely grateful.
Our momentum for OU-Tulsa has grown tremendously over the past two years, prompting the creation of the role of Vice President, OU-Tulsa to further accelerate our progress. Today, I am thrilled to announce that Susan Bynum will be joining OU in this new role, pending final approval by the OU Board of Regents. An OU alumna with extensive experience in strategic planning, executive leadership, and community engagement, Susan will begin this role on January 8.
As Vice President, OU-Tulsa, Susan 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.
Susan has spent the majority of the last two decades in Tulsa, developing an extensive community-wide network while forging a career that combines government, private, and nonprofit sector experience. Over the past seven years, she has worked as an attorney for one of Tulsa’s most community-minded law firms, Frederic Dorwart Lawyers PLLC, working with clients to find solutions in the areas of nonprofit compliance, employment, and general corporate law. She also spent 10 years as a consultant in Oklahoma and Washington, D.C., focusing on government relations, business strategy, and public relations.
Throughout her career, Susan has remained invested in the Tulsa community, devoting her 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.
After graduating from OU with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism with a concentration in public relations, she earned a Juris Doctorate from the University of Tulsa.
Susan’s professional background, coupled with her strong community ties, makes her a natural fit for the important work ahead, building upon the groundwork laid by Dr. Sluss.
Please join me in expressing gratitude to Dr. Sluss for his remarkable service and leadership, and in welcoming Susan Bynum to her new role at OU.
Live On, University,
Joseph Harroz, Jr.
President
