CHICKASHA – Chet Hitt, who owns and manages companies in California and in Chickasha, was confirmed by the Oklahoma Senate as the newest member of the Board of Regents of the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma.
Hitt, a California native who owns a house in Chickasha, was appointed by Gov. Kevin Stitt and his nomination was sponsored by state Senate President Pro Tempore Lonnie Paxton (R-Tuttle).
“I am honored to have been picked,” Hitt told Southwest Ledger. “I am grateful that Governor Stitt and Senator Paxton nominated me.”
Hitt said his goal is “to assist Chickasha from an academic perspective, to get kids who graduate from USAO to stay here and create jobs for the future.” Since the arrival of USAO President Dr. Kayla Hale in August 2023, “I have sensed a level of enthusiasm,” he said. “She has brought new life into USAO,” a public liberal arts college, “and I want to do my part to help the school grow.”
Hitt will succeed Chris Mosley, a Chickasha insurance agency owner and former Chickasha mayor whose second term as a regent ends June 30. USAO regents serve seven-year overlapping terms.
Other members of the board include:
• Chickasha small-business owner Kelly Wilkerson, chair.
• Defense industry veteran Diane Ming of Edmond, vice chair.
• USAO graduate JJ Francais, mayor of Elgin and assistant vice president of external affairs for Hilliary Communications, board secretary.
• Financial adviser Cale Walker of Chickasha, formerly a legislative assistant in the Oklahoma House of Representatives and a field representative for the late U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe.
• Amanda Conley of Sulphur, a fifth generation cattle breeder and a contract pharmacist for the Chickasaw Nation.
• Dr. Suzanne Reynolds of Nichols Hills, also a pharmacist.