Governor Stitt Calls For Special Session, New OSU Board Of Regents Appointee

After weeks of back and forth between the Senate and governor on executive nominations, Governor Kevin Stitt calls lawmakers back to the capital for a special session, requesting the Senate confirm a new appointee to the OSU Board of Regents.

The Senate did not confirm the governor’s first choice, Susan Bergen to the board during the regular session. Bergen was one of seven of Stitt’s appointees that the Senate did not confirm in 2024.

"It’s too bad the Senate wouldn’t confirm Susan Bergen to the OSU Board of Regents. She’s a successful businesswoman, a philanthropist, and a leader in the Oklahoma agricultural community. She would have been a great addition to the board,” said Governor Kevin Stitt.

​Now, Stitt has named former Oklahoma State University athletic director Mike Holder to the OSU Board of Regents.

"I’m thrilled that Mike Holder, a golf legend in Oklahoma and an integral part of OSU’s athletic legacy, is willing to serve his state and his alma mater on the Board of Regents,” Governor Stitt said. “He was one of the driving forces behind the construction of Boone Pickens Stadium and has already left a lasting mark on the OSU campus. He will bring a wealth of experience and wisdom to this board. I look forward to the Senate promptly confirming him in special session."

Senate Pro Tem Greg Treat released a statement after the call, saying:

“The Senate’s process will not allow us to put up a nominee for a vote on Wednesday,” Pro Tem Treat said. “The Senate has a deliberate procedure in place and the governor’s nominee will need to meet with members of the respective committee and be approved by the full committee before we move forward on any kind of vote on the Senate floor. This is another example of the governor not understanding the process or rules of the Senate. The Senate Republican Caucus will meet tomorrow to discuss our next steps and will release further details after that. While we will adhere to the Constitution, we are not on the governor’s timeline.”

Following that statement, Governor Stitt responded by saying: 

“My job is to appoint qualified Oklahomans, then invite the Senate to confirm. Here, a special session is required for the Senate to start their process. Holder is highly qualified and will be a great asset to the Board of Regents. He is more than willing to meet with senators and answer their questions. I appreciate the Pro Tem’s commitment to the Senate’s process. I look forward to getting Mr. Holder’s hearing scheduled quickly so Oklahomans have a clear view of the nomination process and so they can hear more about Mr. Holder’s willingness to serve his state and alma mater. He is the perfect fit for this position, and I look forward to his timely confirmation.”

Stitt is calling the state senate to the capitol on Wednesday to begin the confirmation process.