Morrison resident Dennis Casey has been appointed by Gov. Kevin Stitt as a member of the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education. His appointment was recently confirmed by the Senate, and he will be sworn in at the State Regents’ June 25 meeting. Casey will fulfill the unexpired term of Regent Andy Lester, serving through May 2025.
“We welcome Regent Casey to the State Regents,” said State Regents’ Chair Joseph L. Parker Jr. “His vast educational and public service experience and expertise will greatly benefit the state system of higher education and the students of Oklahoma.”
Casey is a retired public school educator, coach, principal, and superintendent. He also served four terms in the Oklahoma State House of Representatives, representing District 35, and currently owns and operates a cow/calf operation and custom hay-cutting business in Morrison.
“Regent Casey is a dedicated leader in education with extensive experience as an educator, administrator, and legislator. These experiences will be invaluable to the State Regents as we continue to serve the needs of our students and the citizens of Oklahoma,” said Chancellor Glen D. Johnson. “He recognizes the unique role that higher education plays in our state and understands the significant value of a college degree for individual Oklahomans.”
As a first-generation high school and college graduate, Casey believes strongly that education is the great liberator and that everyone should have the opportunity to receive a high-quality education. Casey earned his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Education from Northeastern State University.
Casey spent 30 years in public education teaching, coaching, and as an administrator. As a coach of high school athletes, his teams achieved 10 state championships and three academic state championships. He was inducted into the Oklahoma Coaches Hall of Fame in 2010.
“I thank Governor Stitt for this honor,” said Regent Casey. “Serving as a State Regent is an opportunity for me to give back for the many blessings I have received, beginning with receiving a Regent Scholarship during my freshman year at NSU. I look forward to learning from the other Regents and staff, while bringing my experiences and strong beliefs that educational opportunities should be afforded to everyone.”
Outside of work, Casey enjoys coaching and volunteering to help former players. His hobbies include fishing, golfing, and spending time with his family. Casey and his wife, Kelly, have three children and nine grandchildren.
The Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education is a nine-member constitutional board that coordinates all 25 public higher education institutions in Oklahoma. The board prescribes academic standards of higher education, determines functions and courses of study at state colleges and universities, grants degrees, makes budget requests to the Legislature, allocates funding for each college and university, recommends proposed fees within limits set by the Legislature and manages numerous scholarships and special programs. State Regents are appointed by the governor for nine-year terms.