Morrison resident Dennis Casey has been reappointed by Gov. Kevin Stitt and confirmed by the Senate to serve a nine-year term as a member of the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education. Casey was sworn in by Oklahoma Supreme Court Chief Justice Dustin Rowe for his second term of service at the State Regents’ May 30 meeting.
Casey is one of nine members of the constitutional board with oversight and coordinating responsibilities for the state system of higher education. He was originally appointed in 2020 to fulfill the unexpired term of former regent Andy Lester. His second term will expire in May 2034.
“Regent Casey is a dedicated leader who recognizes the important role higher education plays in our state and understands the value of a college degree,” said Chancellor Sean Burrage. “His extensive experience as an educator, administrator, and legislator are invaluable to the State Regents as we continue building Oklahoma’s educated workforce.”
Casey owns and operates a cow/calf operation. He is a retired educator, coach, principal, and superintendent who also served four terms in the Oklahoma State House of Representatives, representing District 35.
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, and he was inducted into the Oklahoma Coaches Hall of Fame in 2010. Casey earned a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Education from Northeastern State University.
“I thank Governor Stitt for the opportunity to continue serving as a State Regent,” said Casey. “This board is committed to offering an exceptional higher education opportunity while maintaining affordability for Oklahoma families. I look forward to the work ahead as we remain focused on meeting our state’s most critical workforce needs.”
The State Regents are the constitutional 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.