In a significant move, Governor Kevin Stitt has appointed his senior adviser, Dustin Hilliary, to serve on the University of Oklahoma’s Board of Regents. Hilliary, a proven leader in business and education, will join the oversight board for OU, along with Cameron and Rogers State Universities. His appointment is part of Stitt’s ongoing efforts to ensure that Oklahoma’s higher education institutions are closely aligned with the state’s workforce needs.
Background and Qualifications
Dustin Hilliary is no stranger to higher education leadership. He previously served as vice chair of the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, a role he held until his appointment to the OU Board of Regents. His term as a State Regent was set to run until 2031, but he will resign from that position if confirmed to the OU Board.
Hilliary brings a wealth of experience from the private sector, where he is co-CEO of Hilliary Communications, a company that provides telephone and broadband services in Oklahoma, Texas, and Iowa.
He is also involved in real estate development and co-publishes Hilliary Media Group, which owns several publications. In addition, Hilliary is set to take on the role of chair of the State Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors in June, further demonstrating his leadership in the business community.
Gov. Stitt’s Endorsement
Governor Stitt expressed confidence in Hilliary’s ability to serve on the Board of Regents, highlighting his business acumen and commitment to improving education. “As a regent, he will put students first, insist on excellence in the classroom, and make sure OU is tightly aligned with the needs of Oklahoma employers across our state,” Stitt said in a statement.
He further praised Hilliary for his proven leadership skills in growing businesses and delivering results, qualities that he believes are vital for the university’s success.
Hilliary, who hails from Lawton, echoed the Governor’s sentiment, emphasizing the importance of aligning the university’s goals with Oklahoma’s workforce needs. “Our flagship university must be a powerhouse for Oklahoma’s workforce, producing graduates who are ready to step into high‑demand jobs across our state,” Hilliary stated.
“As a business leader, I’ve seen firsthand how talent and innovation drive growth, and I look forward to working with my fellow regents to keep OU affordable, competitive, and laser‑focused on preparing students for the jobs of tomorrow.”
Appointment Pending Confirmation
Hilliary’s appointment is subject to confirmation by the Oklahoma State Senate. At this time, it is unclear which senator will be responsible for carrying Hilliary’s nomination through the confirmation process.
Once confirmed, Hilliary will begin his role on the Board of Regents, where he will work alongside other board members to guide the university system and ensure that it meets the needs of both students and employers in Oklahoma.
Dustin Hilliary’s appointment to the University of Oklahoma Board of Regents marks an important step in aligning higher education with the state’s economic needs. As both a business leader and an experienced educator, Hilliary is poised to help shape the future of the state’s flagship university, ensuring that it remains competitive and responsive to the evolving job market.
