Regional University System of Oklahoma announces Dr. David Whitlock as 22nd President of Southeastern Oklahoma State University

The Regional University System of Oklahoma (RUSO) has announced Dr. David Whitlock as the 22nd president of Southeastern Oklahoma State University, effective immediately.

"The Regional University System of Oklahoma (RUSO) Board of Regents is honored to announce the appointment of Dr. David Whitlock as the next President of Southeastern Oklahoma State University," said RUSO Board of Regents Chair Jane McDermott. "Dr. Whitlock brings a distinguished record of leadership and academic excellence, coupled with a deep commitment to student success and the mission of Southeastern. We are confident his vision will usher in a new era of growth and innovation for the university, building on our strong foundation."

Whitlock was the Dean of the John Massey School of Business at Southeastern since 2023, spearheading the creation of Southeastern's first doctoral degree - the Doctor of Business Administration's first cohort begins in August - and reaffirmation of accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).

"I am deeply grateful to the Regents for entrusting me with the stewardship of my alma mater, Southeastern Oklahoma State University," Whitlock said. "This is where I studied and where my career in higher education began, and it is a privilege to help shape its future alongside our gifted faculty and talented staff. Together, we remain committed to our mission of serving students and strengthening the communities where our graduates live and lead."

A Son of Southeastern

Whitlock earned his Bachelor of Science in Chemistry (1984), Master of Administrative Studies (1985), and Master of Business Administration (2000) from Southeastern and was recognized as a Distinguished Alumni Award recipient in 2014. He earned his Ph.D. from the University of Oklahoma in 1995.

He began his career in academia in 1985 after earning his first master's degree from Southeastern. He taught in the school of business from 1985-99, rising to associate professor of business. He also chaired the business information management department from 1995-99, was interim chair of management and marketing from 1992-94, and served as director of the Small Business Institute from 1990-97.

Whitlock returned to Southeastern as professor of business in 2019 and has been the John Massey Endowed Chair in Entrepreneurship since 2021. He has also been the interim chair of the department of music.

Presidential Leadership Success

Whitlock returned to Southeastern after a highly successful tenure as president at Oklahoma Baptist University in Shawnee from 2008-19.

As OBU's third-longest tenured president, Whitlock led efforts resulting in a 20 percent growth in enrollment, construction of six new buildings on campus, significant renovations of multiple locations on campus including academic areas, residence halls, and student and spiritual life facilities, a variety of campus beautification projects, expanded undergraduate and graduate programs, the Vision for a New Century Capital Campaign which raised $52.3 million, and the transition of OBU's athletics programs from NAIA to NCAA Division II.

Academic Leadership Excellence

In addition to his extensive teaching and leadership of academic departments and schools at Southeastern, Whitlock also served at Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar, Mo., for nearly 10 years as a professor of business, associate provost, dean of the College of Business and Computer Science, and dean of SBU's adult and off-campus programs.

Whitlock has also been a consultant-evaluator for the Higher Learning Commission since 2006.