Ann and Burns HARGIS

Oklahoma State University
Ann and Burns Hargis are in their 13th year as President and First Lady of Oklahoma State University. Burns Hargis took office as the 18th President of Oklahoma State and the OSU System on March 10, 2008.

Burns and Ann have enthusiastically united the broad OSU community of students, employees, alumni and donors behind a bold vision of a modern land-grant university that cuts across disciplines to better prepare students for success. The results have been historic.

OSU has seen record enrollment and record fundraising, with pledges and cash surpassing the $1 billion Branding Success campaign goal nearly two years ahead of schedule. In total, OSU has raised more than $2 billion in private support and added more than 81,000 new donors during Hargis’ time as president.

OSU’s giving has focused on student scholarships, faculty and other vital resources and programs. Hargis also has overseen a construction boom that has transformed the OSU campus. Guided by Ann and Burns Hargis’ vision, the OSU campus has never looked more beautiful.

The First Cowgirl Ann and Burns are active across campus, interacting regularly with OSU’s diverse student body. They also have taken OSU’s story of success to alumni around the world.

Burns Hargis is the second OSU graduate to serve as president. He holds degrees in accounting from Oklahoma State University and in law from the University of Oklahoma. Before being named OSU President, Hargis had a long and distinguished legal and business career, with active civic and philanthropic leadership across many fronts. Hargis received the state’s highest honor when he was inducted into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame in 2009.

Ann Hargis has taken a leadership role in OSU’s wellness efforts and the university’s position as America’s Healthiest Campus. She was instrumental in developing and launching OSU’s nationally recognized Pet Therapy Program, Pete’s Pet Posse, and is an active participant with her therapy dog, Scruff. She was honored as Oklahoma Woman of the Year by the Journal Record in 2014 for her service to the community and leadership in wellness.
​
A native of Dallas, Mrs. Hargis earned her bachelor’s degree in math and Latin from the University of Texas. She worked a number of years in the information technology industry and advertising and marketing.
​
Burns and Ann have two children and three grandchildren.