OKLAHOMA CITY — Former Lieutenant Governor Todd Lamb was named the 22nd president of the University of Central Oklahoma last week, just weeks after he was announced as one of three finalists for the Dean of Oklahoma City University’s law school.
Lamb, a Republican, will take over from Andrew Benton, who has served as interim president of the university since January. Lamb was chosen by the Board of Regents of the Regional University System of Oklahoma last Thursday. He will begin his tenure as president on July 1.
The announcement of Lamb, whose political pedigree can be traced back to a staff post with former U.S. Senator Don Nickles, drew harsh criticism from UCO’s biggest donor, Chad Richison, the CEO of Paycom.
Shortly after Lamb’s appointment became public, Richison sent a letter to UCO’s governing board, saying that Lamb was hired because of his political connections and was unqualified to lead the university.
“Before the hiring of the University of Central Oklahoma’s new president, the RUSO board asked for my opinion, and I was clear that I didn’t think the university should consider a career politician with no university leadership or management experience,” Richison wrote in a letter that was published by The Oklahoman.
University officials pushed back, saying the university conducted a national search and added that “Lamb’s diverse background in government, law, financial management and industry will help guide UCO into the future, as a leading university in career readiness.”
Lamb also brings an extensive background in situational assessment, risk management and crisis response from his service as a Secret Service agent, the university said in a media statement announcing Lamb’s post. “The knowledge gained and connections made during Lamb’s tenure with the Secret Service will strengthen UCO’s nationally recognized and respected W. Roger Webb Forensic Science Institute.”
Richison told The Oklahoman that Lamb’s appointment prioritizes politics at the expense of the university. He said students at the university deserved a president “with credentials that fit the role, not someone who leveraged connections with RUSO board members as a repayment of political favors.”
Former Chancellor of Higher Education Glen Johnson – himself past university president and former Speaker of the Oklahoma House of Representatives – praised Lamb.
“Todd Lamb has been a consistent advocate for the needs of students throughout his tenure in the state Senate,” Johnson said in a media statement. “His leadership during this difficult budget year was instrumental in providing an increase in funding for higher education, making a tuition freeze possible. Our state system of higher education is very grateful.”
Connie Reilly, chair of the RUSO board, said Lamb would be an asset to the university because of his experience in financial management.
Lamb’s tenure comes at a difficult time for UCO.
Not long after then-President Patti Neuhold-Ravikumar became UCO’s president, declines in state funding and enrollment forced the university to institute several cost saving measures as it faced a $15 million budget shortfall. Published accounts put the university’s enrollment decline at more than 17%.
Last year students marched in protest at the school after tuition, student fees and class sizes were increased. Neuhold-Ravikumar also eliminated some staff positions.
In October 2022, Neuhold-Ravikumar resigned after just three years in office. Neuhold Ravikumar had previously served at UCO’s vice president of finance and CFO.
In his letter, Richison wrote that RUSO board should have been more thorough in its national search.
“When looking at this and past hires, the board has lacked an understanding of best practices on how to conduct a proper presidential search and set hiring criteria to meet the overarching goals and needs of the university,” he wrote.
For his part, Lamb, a graduate of Oklahoma State University and the OCU School of Law, said he was humbled by the opportunity.
“I know firsthand how UCO changes lives. Oklahoma is a better state, and I became a better citizen, because of UCO,” Lamb said in a media statement. “The Regional University System is crucial to our state’s future and UCO has a role to play as a leader within that system. I thank the RUSO board for a thorough search process. I look forward to the opportunity to serve the students and work with faculty and staff to continue to grow UCO, especially in workforce-critical areas like aerospace, business, technology and engineering.”