Oklahoma State University President James Halligan asked the OSU/A&M Regents to move quickly to replace him as president and CEO of OSU in Stillwater and the OSU system.

“I’m turning 66 years old, and Ann and I have been at the head of a campus for 20 years now,” Halligan said.

Halligan has agreed to remain on the job until his replacement is hired, but hopes that can happen in the next six to eight months.

He said a series of recent events have convinced him the timing is right for a transition to occur now so that a new leader can be involved.

OU President David L. Boren said Halligan made his mark on higher education in Oklahoma.

“It has been a pleasure to work with Jim Halligan for nearly eight years. During that time we have developed a good working partnership between our two institutions which has been of benefit to all of higher education in the state. His leadership will be missed in the future. Molly and I wish Jim and Ann much happiness in the years ahead.”

Chairman of the OSU/A&M Regents Fred Harlan of Okmulgee, said the board accepts Halligan’s request for reassignment, but also intends to accept his offer of active service.

“Dr. Halligan has had a truly remarkable presidency at Oklahoma State University, taking the university to new heights and firmly establishing it as one of the finest institutions of higher education in the country,” Harlan said.

At OSU, Halligan reversed 12 years of declining enrollments with student-centered programs and facilities. Freshman-to-sophomore retention increased to 85 percent on the way to Halligan’s goal of 60 percent graduation rates. Halligan also helped raise the money to “Raise the Roof” on Gallagher-Iba Arena.

— From a staff report