The Oklahoma House of Representatives and Oklahoma State Senate yesterday honored outgoing Oklahoma State University President Burns Hargis for his 13 years of service to the university, the Stillwater community and the state.

Hargis first joined Sen. Tom Dugger, R-Stillwater, on the Senate floor, where he was recognized by members of the Senate. He later joined Rep. Trish Ranson, D-Stillwater, Rep. John Talley, R-Stillwater, and Sen. Dugger on the House floor and spoke a few words to the body.

“Ann and I have just had a wonderful experience at OSU, and if you ever get a chance to be a university president, do it,” Hargis told the members. “It’s the best job in the world, and I can’t believe how privileged we were to get to go up there.”

Hargis was presented with a citation of commendation that reads, in part, “Oklahoma and OSU are better and stronger because of President Hargis’s vision and courage to enhance the lives of over 70,000 students awarded degrees during his time as President.”

“It was an honor to recognize OSU President Burns Hargis at the Capitol,” Ranson said. “He and First Cowgirl Ann Hargis have revitalized the learning community that is Oklahoma State University. They have left it better than they found it, and have reminded OSU graduates that no matter where they find themselves in this world, Stillwater is always home.”

“Throughout his years of service to OSU, both Burns and Ann have been exceptional role models as our president and first cowgirl because of their loyalty to the university and outstanding character,” Talley said. “During the past 13 years, OSU has faced numerous tragedies, and they have led students, staff and alumni through those difficulties with grace and dignity. Burns and Ann are deeply beloved by the community, and their presence will be missed by all.”

“What President Hargis has achieved during his service has been nothing short of phenomenal,” Dugger said. “Along with First Cowgirl Ann Hargis, President Hargis has guided OSU to new heights, building a better future for the university, its students and for our entire state. From the bottom of my heart, I thank President Hargis and his wife, Ann, for all they have done to make this great university greater, creating an even stronger foundation for Dr. Kayse Shrum to build upon as she prepares to become the 19th president to lead OSU.”

Hargis was named OSU’s 18th president in Dec. 2007 and took office March 10, 2008. He announced his retirement in late Oct. 2020 and will step down July 1, 2021. Dr. Kayse Shrum will succeed Hargis as OSU’s 19th president.