ALVA, Okla. — Northwestern Oklahoma State University’s President, Dr. Bo Hannaford, would like to thank Jane McDermott of Alva for her nine years of dedicated service to the Regional University System of Oklahoma (RUSO) as a regent. McDermott was appointed by Gov. Mary Fallin in 2017.
Reflecting on her tenure, McDermott said one of her greatest joys was watching university leaders from the six universities RUSO governs set ambitious goals and achieve them.
“My favorite memories are seeing each university president and their institution establish goals and then accomplish them,” she said. “Enrollment growth, increased state funding and significant growth in donor support are just a few of the successes I have witnessed over the years.”
During her time on the board, the RUSO system experienced significant growth. The state legislature allocated substantial deferred maintenance funding to address aging infrastructure and improve campus facilities. New construction projects were completed across RUSO schools, enhancing educational opportunities and campus experiences for students.
A graduate of RUSO and Northwestern herself, McDermott said her decision to serve as a regent stemmed from a desire to give back.
“I became a regent because I wanted to give back to the university system that gave so much to me,” she said.
Throughout her service, McDermott helped drive initiatives designed to strengthen RUSO by building stronger leadership throughout the system, advancing affordability plans for Oklahoma students and supporting the creation of a RUSO legislative caucus to strengthen awareness of the system’s impact on the state.
She also noted the role regional universities play in workforce development.
“More graduates are staying and working in Oklahoma than ever before,” she said. “RUSO has become a leader in workforce development for our state.”
McDermott served as chairman of the RUSO Board of Regents for three consecutive years.
“Serving as chairman and working alongside fellow regents, university leaders, faculty and staff has been an incredible privilege,” she said. “I am proud of what we have accomplished together and excited about the future of Oklahoma’s regional universities.”
Besides Northwestern, RUSO is the governing body for East Central University, Northeastern State University, Southeastern Oklahoma State University, Southwestern Oklahoma State University and the University of Central Oklahoma.
Members of the Northwestern administration join institutions across the Regional University System of Oklahoma in thanking McDermott for her years of service and dedication to higher education and the students of Oklahoma.
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