Kayse Shrum Appointed Secretary of Science and Innovation for the State of Oklahoma

Kayse Shrum has been appointed Secretary of Science and Innovation for the State of Oklahoma by Governor Kevin Stitt.

Dr. Shrum has been serving as president of the Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences. Her appointment in 2013 made her the youngest and first woman president and dean of a medical school in the state of Oklahoma. Dr. Shrum first joined the medical school faculty at in 2002. In 2011, she was named provost and dean of the College of Osteopathic Medicine. She held that position until her appointment as president in 2013. In addition to her administrative roles, Dr. Shrum holds the George Kaiser Family Foundation Chair in Medical Excellence and Service and the Saint Francis Health System Endowed Chair of Pediatrics.

During Dr. Shrum’s tenure as president, student enrollment at the medical school has more than doubled and new academic programs have been established to meet the specific healthcare workforce needs of Oklahoma. Additionally, Dr. Shrum spearheaded the creation of a hospital simulation center, established the nation’s first tribally affiliated medical school: the College of Osteopathic Medicine at the Cherokee Nation, launched high school recruiting programs, and expanded residency training programs throughout Oklahoma.

“I am excited and honored to join Governor Stitt’s administration at such a transformational time in our state,” said Dr. Shrum. “Governor Stitt knows from building his own successful business how technology and innovation can create new companies and new job opportunities for Oklahomans. Innovation is essential to Oklahoma’s long-term economic growth and prosperity. I am looking forward to serving my state and promoting entrepreneurship and business growth through advancements in science and technology.”

Dr. Shrum holds a doctor of osteopathic medicine degree from the Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine and has completed executive leadership and management training programs at Harvard University and Stanford University.