OKLAHOMA CITY The Senate on Monday approved Gov. Kevin Stitt’s third pick for the OSU Board of Regents.
Senate lawmakers returned to the Capitol Monday to consider the executive nomination of Jennifer Callahan of Edmond to the Board of Regents for the Oklahoma Agricultural and Mechanical Colleges, to serve an eight-year term ending April 4, 2032, succeeding Rick Davis.
The Senate rejected Stitt’s nomination of Susan Bergen during the last week of the 2024 regular session. In response, Stitt chose Mike Holder, former OSU athletic director in June and called the Senate into a special session to approve it, but the chamber chose to delay a vote until they could determine if he was qualified. Later that month, Stitt withdrew the Holder nomination and tapped attorney and agriculture advocate Jennifer Callahan instead.
Callahan spoke to the Senate Education Committee Monday morning. She said she’s committed to the future of the institutions that are governed by this board of regents and what they represent in terms of educational opportunities in Oklahoma and the economic benefits to the state of having an educated and dynamic workforce.
“I am very passionate about agriculture. Our country's economic engine has been built on a strong agriculture base, and I see our success as a country continuing to depend on healthy and vibrant agriculture,” Callahan said. “I try to be a thoughtful decision maker, but most importantly, I will make my best effort to contribute to the board In a thoughtful and meaningful way.”
State Sen. Dave Rader, R-Tulsa asked Callahan if she had an agenda. Callahan said she didn’t have a specific agenda to bring to the board, other than the goal to provide educational opportunities for kids who grow up here, because she would like to see students get their degree and state in the state, ultimately working here and contributing to the economy.
The committee unanimously advanced the nomination. Callahan was then considered by the full Senate Monday afternoon. The nomination passed 39-0.
The Senate then adjourned sine die from the Fourth Special Session of the 59th Legislature.
Following the floor session, Senate Pro Tem Greg Treat, R-Oklahoma City, described the confirmation process of Callahan as smooth and said “third times a charm.”
Treat said concerns raised by outside groups that got to his caucus members resulted in the failed vote for Bergen. He said while Holder “did a great job” as athletic director, he was still receiving income from OSU, which goes against the criteria for eligibility. Additionally, he said Callahan and her late husband have “large agricultural holdings” and he is impressed with her background.
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