State Regents Jeffrey W. Hickman and Dustin J. Hilliary were recognized as state regents emeriti at Thursday’s meeting of the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education. Hickman, appointed by Gov. Mary Fallin in 2017, will complete his term May 18. Hilliary, appointed by Gov. Kevin Stitt in 2022, will conclude his service in 2026 following his recent appointment by Gov. Stitt to the University of Oklahoma Board of Regents.

“Regent Hickman and Regent Hilliary’s dedication to Oklahoma’s students, colleges and universities is reflected in their many contributions to the work of this board,” said Chair Courtney Warmington. “We sincerely thank them for their years of exceptional service to ensure our state system continues to provide a quality, affordable higher education while producing more college graduates to meet changing workforce needs.”

Hickman is president and CEO of the Oklahoma Grain and Feed and Oklahoma Agribusiness Retailers Associations. He has been involved with his family’s farming operation in Alfalfa and Woods counties since childhood and is now the fifth generation of his family to own and farm land near Dacoma and Cherokee in northwest Oklahoma.

Hickman served as Speaker of the Oklahoma House of Representatives for three legislative sessions, from 2014-16. Prior to his election as Speaker, Hickman served as Speaker Pro Tempore and chairman of the Revenue and Taxation Appropriations & Budget Subcommittee, Public Safety Appropriations & Budget Subcommittee, and Insurance and Retirement Committee.

Before his election to the Legislature in 2004, Hickman served as vice president of Omni Media Group in Woodward. He spent seven years working in higher education at the University of Oklahoma, where he served as university press secretary, public affairs special projects coordinator and as an assistant to the president and to the athletic director. He holds a bachelor’s degree with distinction from OU.

Hilliary is Co-CEO of Hilliary Communications, which provides telephone, broadband, and video service to more than 70,000 customers in Oklahoma, Texas and Iowa. He is co-publisher of the Hilliary Media Group, a media holding company that operates newspapers, the Oklahoma Farm Report and other radio and website outlets.

In addition to his roles in family-owned companies, Hilliary operates a real estate development company that develops commercial and residential properties across Oklahoma, Texas and Florida. He also serves as senior advisor and chief negotiator for Gov. Stitt, contributing to key state policy and strategic initiatives.