Boren hailed as one of state's most accomplished leaders upon news of his retirement

NORMAN, Okla. (KTUL) -- State and local leaders are acknowledging the achievements of University of Oklahoma President David Boren upon news of his retirement plans.

The former Oklahoma governor said Wednesday he will step down in June 2018 so long as the university has named a successor.

Boren has been in leadership at OU for more than two decades, previously serving in the U.S. Senate.

OSU President Burns Hargis:

“Oklahoma State University commends President Boren on his remarkable career and epic success. His dedication and leadership as President of the University of Oklahoma has contributed to the betterment of our state and higher education. Personally, I appreciate his collaboration and friendship. He has been a wonderful partner to me and Oklahoma State. The state of Oklahoma owes David Boren its deepest gratitude. His lifetime of public service has earned him a place as one of Oklahoma’s finest statesmen. We appreciate all he has done and OSU wishes him all the best.”

Senator Jim Inhofe:

"David Boren has been a dedicated public servant for decades and has served OU with distinction. I wish my friend all the best."

Lt. Governor Todd Lamb:

“I commend President Boren for his years of public service and his lifelong commitment to bettering the state of Oklahoma. Whether it was his service as a state representative, as Oklahoma’s 21st governor, as a United States Senator or his current role as president of the University of Oklahoma, David Boren has dedicated his life to serving Oklahoma. I wish him an enjoyable and healthy retirement.”

Congressman Tom Cole:

“As someone who has known David Boren for over 40 years, it was with mixed emotions that I learned of his decision to step down as President of the University of Oklahoma at the end of the academic year,” said Cole. “I consider President Boren to be the most consequential and influential Oklahoman since Robert S. Kerr. As a state legislator, governor, U.S. Senator and President of OU, he has contributed more than any other Oklahoman to the wellbeing of our country and the state of Oklahoma.

“Personally, while I respect his decision, I regard his departure as a great loss for OU and the state of Oklahoma. Every Oklahoman and OU alumni realizes his departure is a genuine loss, and it will be hard to replace him with someone of his vision, talent and stature.

“President Boren can take great pride in the progress of the University of Oklahoma under his leadership. By every conceivable measure he has left the university stronger than he found it. The student body is more talented and diverse. The academic programs are richer and deeper. The campus is more functional and beautiful. And the endowment has been multiplied many times over. Last year, OU ranked #10 among public universities in terms of the amount of donations received, outpacing many famous private universities such as Princeton. In fact, the main campus of the University of Oklahoma received three times as much money from contributions as from appropriations from the state of Oklahoma.

“While President Boren will be missed, I have no doubt that the Regents will come to a wise and thoughtful decision concerning a potential successor. And I know firsthand that the institution is strong and dynamic. It will adapt well to a new president.

“As President Boren serves out his final year, I hope all Oklahomans will reflect on the profound contributions he has made to the University of Oklahoma, to our state, and to our country. I wish him well in his retirement and look forward to his continued contributions to the public life of our state and our nation.”

Tulsa Mayor G.T. Bynum:

“In all of Oklahoma history, few public servants have done more for our state than David Boren. Thankful this brilliant man decided at a young age to devote his life to public service in our state.”

Tulsa Regional Chamber:

“Twenty-three years ago, the OU Board of Regents showed incredible foresight in choosing David Boren, one of our state’s most accomplished leaders and public servants, to lead the University of Oklahoma,” said Mike Neal, president and CEO of the Tulsa Regional Chamber. “His focus on recruiting national merit scholars has lifted the reputation of education in our state. Raising the standards and profile of OU has raised the profile of Oklahoma’s entire higher education system.

“On behalf of the business community, let me say how much we at the Chamber appreciate President Boren’s strong advocacy for the importance of higher education in Oklahoma, and his leadership for better and adequate funding for education at all levels. As the president of a major university, he displayed great courage to support K-12 funding.

“His courageous leadership will leave a legacy in Tulsa that will stand for many generations, most visibly through institutions such as the Schusterman Center and the School of Community Medicine. His impact will also live on through OU’s partnership with the University of Tulsa on a four-year medical school, and through his leadership in focusing attention on improving health outcomes for Tulsans living in underserved areas. OU has been a critical partner in the work to reduce the differential in life expectancy between zip codes in Tulsa. OU’s specialty clinic and health care data have been especially impactful in this regard.

“It is safe to say that David Boren – as an academic and as a public servant for five decades – will leave an indelible footprint on our region, our state and our nation. He is – and will continue to be – an example to all of us who aspire to improve our communities.”

TCC President Leigh B. Goodson:

“University of Oklahoma President David Boren is a transformative leader. He’s had a tremendous impact on higher education in the state of Oklahoma. He has used his experience and skills learned as a Governor of Oklahoma and U.S. Senator to benefit not just the students attending OU but students through the state and the achievement of academic excellence. Personally, he’s served as a mentor for me in leading by example and leading the conversation about higher education.”

TU President Gerard P. Clancy (former OU-Tulsa president):

“I have had the pleasure of working with David Boren for 17 years. First and foremost, I want to thank him for his commitment to Oklahoma and America throughout his many years of public service. I also deeply appreciate his guidance and friendship for our entire family.”