Sean Burrage was sworn in today as the 10th chancellor of the Oklahoma State System of Higher Education by The Honorable Michael Burrage, former U.S. District Judge for the Eastern District of Oklahoma. Chancellor Burrage succeeds Allison D. Garrett, who had served as chancellor since September 2021.
“We remain focused on supporting student success and increasing college degree completion in high-demand fields,” said State Regents’ Chair Dennis Casey. “Chancellor Burrage’s visionary leadership will guide our ongoing efforts to implement our Blueprint 2030 strategic plan, including expanding Oklahoma’s workforce in critical occupations.”
Burrage thanked the State Regents and said he will continue to be a tireless advocate for Oklahoma institutions and the students we serve.
“It is my honor to work with the State Regents, our state system colleges and universities, elected officials and the business community to expand educational opportunities for all Oklahomans,” said Burrage. “Oklahoma public higher education will continue innovating and adapting to produce the graduates this state needs to compete successfully on a global stage.”
Burrage was named chancellor in October 2024 following a national search. Before assuming the role of chancellor, Burrage served as vice president for executive affairs and chief of staff at the University of Oklahoma. He is a past president of Southeastern Oklahoma State University in Durant and was managing partner with the Taylor Burrage Law Firm in Claremore. He served two terms in the Oklahoma State Senate, representing Rogers and Mayes counties, during which he served as minority floor leader from 2011-14. Burrage previously served on Gov. Mary Fallin’s Education Advisory Committee and the State Regents’ Task Force on the Future of Higher Education and Blueprint 2030 strategic planning committee. He holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting and a juris doctorate from OU.
The State Regents are the coordinating board for the 25 public colleges and universities of the Oklahoma State System of Higher Education. The State Regents prescribe academic standards of higher education; determine functions and courses of study at state colleges and universities; grant degrees; request appropriations on behalf of state system institutions; set tuition and fees; approve institutional allocations; upon review, provide final approval of institutional budgets following governing board approval and submission; and manage numerous scholarships and special programs. The nine citizens who comprise the board are appointed to nine-year terms by the Governor and confirmed by the state Senate.
Chair Casey, Morrison, is a former State Representative and retired educator. Attorney Courtney Warmington, Edmond, is vice chair. Retired Oklahoma Supreme Court Chief Justice Steven W. Taylor, McAlester, serves as secretary of the board, and telecommunications executive Dustin J. Hilliary, Lawton, is assistant secretary. The other State Regents comprising the board are P. Mitchell Adwon, real estate, Tulsa; Jeffrey W. Hickman, nonprofit executive and former Speaker of the House, Fairview; Ken Levit, nonprofit executive, Tulsa; Jack Sherry, real estate, Holdenville; and Michael C. Turpen, attorney and former state Attorney General, Oklahoma City.