Dear Colleagues,
The news I’m sharing will come as bittersweet to many. After five years of dedicated leadership at the University of Oklahoma, our own Sean Burrage, Vice President of Executive Affairs and Chief of Staff, has been named the next Chancellor of the Oklahoma State System of Higher Education. As much as we will miss him, we are delighted to see him take on this extraordinary opportunity to further serve the people of Oklahoma. His last day at OU will be November 3.
Since joining OU’s executive team in Fall 2019, Sean’s steady guidance and insight have been instrumental in shaping some of the university’s most significant achievements. From the launch of our “Lead On, University” Strategic Plan; the historic merger creating OU Health, Oklahoma’s first comprehensive academic health system; forging stronger-than-ever partnerships with state and federal leaders; and much more – through every critical moment, Sean’s presence has been a constant.
Long before stepping into his current role, Sean’s commitment to public service has been a defining trait. Prior to his five-year tenure as President of Southeastern Oklahoma State University, he served two terms in the Oklahoma State Senate, and was elected Senate Minority Leader by his party colleagues. Earlier in his career, he practiced law in Claremore.
To know Sean is to experience his quick wit, grounded nature, and sincere connection with others. It’s these qualities, beyond his professional contributions, that make him such a cherished friend and colleague to so many of us. We are indebted to him for his selfless service – both to the university and to our state and its citizens – and there is no doubt that his dedication will continue moving our state forward as Oklahoma’s 10th Chancellor.
With Sean’s departure, we are thrilled that OU’s Chief Government Affairs Officer Hollye Hunt will be stepping in as our new Vice President of Executive Affairs and Chief of Staff, pending final approval of the OU Board of Regents. Given Hollye’s extensive background in government relations, deep understanding of policy, and proven success building strategic partnerships, there is no one better poised to take on this key role. She will begin her new position on October 28.
For the past three years, Hollye has led legislative advocacy efforts across the OU enterprise, managing the university’s and health system’s relationships at all levels of government. In this role, she has been pivotal in securing in excess of $300 million in targeted state appropriations for transformational projects, including the OU Health Pediatric Behavioral Health Center, Stephenson Cancer Center’s expansion to Tulsa, and two new research/teaching buildings on OU’s Norman campus. Her relentless work with our federal delegation has resulted in an increase in federal funding for both directed spending projects and programmatic research efforts, including a $36 million earmark for Max Westheimer Airport.
Before taking on her current role, Hollye focused exclusively on government relations for OU Health, serving as its Vice President of External Affairs. Her career also has included serving as Vice President of Legislative Affairs for the Oklahoma Independent Petroleum Association, working for the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education as its Vice Chancellor for Governmental Relations, as well as working for Congressman Tom Cole in a legal advising role. Hollye completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Texas at Austin and earned her Juris Doctorate from Oklahoma City University.
Please join me in thanking Sean for his exceptional service and leadership, and in wishing congratulations to Hollye on her new appointment.
Live On, University,
Joseph Harroz, Jr.
President
