Oklahoma State University Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Oklahoma State University has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, information technology, financial management, operational oversight, and student leadership.

Committed to academic excellence and research innovation, Oklahoma State University advances public land-grant education through rigorous scholarship and community engagement across the United States.

Leadership Roles at Oklahoma State University

  • Chief Executive Officer - Mason Thea
  • Chief Financial Officer - Kenny Shaw
  • Chief Operating Officer & Senior VP - Jason Ramsey
  • President & Student & Advisory Committee Athlete - Maddie Meiner
  • President - Clare Mathes
  • President, The Almighty S (She) - Kierra Rago-Peters
  • President Oklahoma State Hockey - Colleen Harvey
  • President - Mason Lee
  • Chief Information Officer - Darlene Hightower
  • Financial Assistant I - Katie Krehbiel
  • Mason Thea - Chief Executive Officer

    Mason Thea, the Chief Executive Officer at Oklahoma State University, directs the overarching strategic vision for this public land-grant research institution. The Chief Executive Officer manages institutional growth, ensuring alignment between academic research initiatives and long-term university goals. By fostering partnerships with industry leaders, Thea expands the research footprint of the university across North American markets. This leadership role requires constant collaboration with the Board of Regents to maintain fiscal health and academic integrity. Mason Thea drives the implementation of large-scale educational programs that enhance student outcomes and faculty productivity. Through rigorous oversight of administrative departments, the Chief Executive Officer optimizes resource allocation to support the mission of the university. Ultimately, Thea secures the competitive position of the institution within the higher education landscape, ensuring sustainable development and continued excellence in research and teaching.

    Kenny Shaw - Chief Financial Officer

    Kenny Shaw, the Chief Financial Officer at Oklahoma State University, manages the fiscal health and budgetary planning for this expansive research institution. The Chief Financial Officer oversees capital allocation, endowment growth, and financial reporting to ensure long-term stability. By analyzing revenue streams and expenditure patterns, Shaw optimizes funding for academic programs and infrastructure development. This leadership role requires close coordination with university administration to align financial resources with strategic priorities. Kenny Shaw drives cost-efficiency initiatives across all departments, maximizing the impact of public and private funding. Through rigorous financial oversight, the Chief Financial Officer supports the expansion of research facilities and student services. Ultimately, Shaw ensures the financial resilience of the university, providing the necessary capital to sustain high-quality education and groundbreaking research efforts for the benefit of the entire academic community.

    Jason Ramsey - Chief Operating Officer & Senior VP

    Jason Ramsey, the Chief Operating Officer & Senior VP at Oklahoma State University, executes the daily operational strategies that maintain campus functionality and facility management. The Chief Operating Officer & Senior VP oversees physical infrastructure, auxiliary services, and campus logistics to support a productive learning environment. By streamlining administrative processes, Ramsey improves the efficiency of university operations across all departments. This role involves collaborating with executive leadership to implement policies that enhance campus safety and service delivery. Jason Ramsey drives facility modernization projects, ensuring that physical assets meet the evolving needs of students and faculty. Through the management of operational teams, the Chief Operating Officer & Senior VP supports the broader mission of the university by providing a stable and well-maintained foundation for academic success. Ultimately, Ramsey optimizes the operational scale of the institution, fostering an environment conducive to research and learning.

    Maddie Meiner - President & Student & Advisory Committee Athlete

    Maddie Meiner, the President & Student & Advisory Committee Athlete at Oklahoma State University, represents the student body while coordinating athletic advisory initiatives. The President & Student & Advisory Committee Athlete oversees communication between student-athletes and university administration to ensure balanced academic and athletic experiences. By advocating for student needs, Meiner influences policy decisions regarding campus life and athletic support services. This role involves facilitating dialogue between various student organizations and the university leadership team. Maddie Meiner drives engagement programs that promote student wellness and academic achievement within the athletic community. Through active participation in advisory committees, the President & Student & Advisory Committee Athlete ensures that student perspectives inform institutional decision-making. Ultimately, Meiner fosters a supportive environment for student-athletes, enhancing the overall student experience and promoting the values of the university through leadership and dedicated service.

    Clare Mathes - President

    Clare Mathes, the President at Oklahoma State University, leads specific academic initiatives focused on student development and organizational growth. The President oversees the implementation of programs designed to enhance student engagement and campus culture. By coordinating with faculty and administrative staff, Mathes ensures that institutional goals align with the needs of the student population. This role involves managing internal committees and fostering collaborative projects that improve the overall university experience. Clare Mathes drives initiatives that promote inclusivity and academic excellence across various student groups. Through the oversight of student-focused programs, the President supports the mission of the university by creating opportunities for leadership and personal growth. Ultimately, Mathes strengthens the connection between the student body and the administration, ensuring that the university remains responsive to the evolving requirements of its diverse academic community.

    Kierra Rago-Peters - President, The Almighty S (She)

    Kierra Rago-Peters, the President, The Almighty S (She) at Oklahoma State University, directs specialized student leadership programs and community outreach efforts. The President, The Almighty S (She) oversees the development of initiatives that foster student empowerment and campus involvement. By organizing collaborative events, Rago-Peters facilitates connections between students and university resources. This role involves managing project teams and ensuring that student-led activities contribute to the broader goals of the institution. Kierra Rago-Peters drives outreach strategies that increase student participation in university governance and community service. Through the oversight of these programs, the President, The Almighty S (She) supports the mission of the university by cultivating a vibrant and engaged student body. Ultimately, Rago-Peters enhances the student experience through dedicated leadership, promoting a culture of active participation and personal development within the university environment.

    Colleen Harvey - President Oklahoma State Hockey

    Colleen Harvey, the President Oklahoma State Hockey at Oklahoma State University, manages the operations and strategic growth of the university hockey program. The President Oklahoma State Hockey oversees team logistics, recruitment efforts, and financial planning to ensure the success of the program. By coordinating with athletic department leadership, Harvey aligns the hockey program with the broader goals of the university. This role involves managing team budgets and fostering relationships with alumni and supporters to secure necessary funding. Colleen Harvey drives initiatives that improve player development and competitive performance on the ice. Through the oversight of team operations, the President Oklahoma State Hockey supports the mission of the university by promoting athletic excellence and school spirit. Ultimately, Harvey ensures the sustainability and growth of the hockey program, providing student-athletes with a high-quality competitive experience within the university.

    Mason Lee - President

    Mason Lee, the President at Oklahoma State University, directs specific academic and administrative projects aimed at enhancing institutional efficiency. The President oversees the coordination of cross-departmental teams to implement strategic improvements in university services. By analyzing operational data, Lee identifies areas for growth and develops solutions to optimize resource utilization. This role involves collaborating with other leaders to ensure that project outcomes support the long-term vision of the university. Mason Lee drives initiatives that improve communication and cooperation between faculty and administrative staff. Through the oversight of these projects, the President supports the mission of the university by fostering a culture of continuous improvement and academic excellence. Ultimately, Lee contributes to the overall success of the institution by managing key initiatives that enhance the quality of education and the effectiveness of university operations.

    Darlene Hightower - Chief Information Officer

    Darlene Hightower, the Chief Information Officer at Oklahoma State University, architects the digital infrastructure supporting modern research and academic delivery. The Chief Information Officer oversees cybersecurity protocols, data management systems, and campus-wide network connectivity to ensure seamless operations. By integrating advanced cloud technologies, Hightower facilitates efficient data sharing among faculty and students across regional campuses. This role involves coordinating with academic departments to implement software solutions that enhance learning experiences. Darlene Hightower drives digital transformation initiatives, reducing operational friction and improving institutional agility. Through the management of complex IT projects, the Chief Information Officer supports the research mission of the university, providing the necessary tools for high-level data analysis. Ultimately, Hightower maintains the technological backbone of the institution, safeguarding sensitive information while promoting innovation in digital pedagogy and administrative efficiency.

    Katie Krehbiel - Financial Assistant I

    Katie Krehbiel, the Financial Assistant I at Oklahoma State University, supports the fiscal operations of the university by managing accounts and processing financial documentation. The Financial Assistant I oversees the accuracy of departmental budgets and ensures compliance with institutional financial policies. By reconciling accounts and preparing reports, Krehbiel provides essential data to the finance team for decision-making. This role involves coordinating with various departments to facilitate smooth financial transactions and procurement processes. Katie Krehbiel drives efficiency in administrative tasks, reducing processing times for financial requests. Through the meticulous management of financial records, the Financial Assistant I supports the mission of the university by maintaining fiscal integrity and operational transparency. Ultimately, Krehbiel ensures that financial resources are managed effectively, allowing the university to focus on its core objectives of research, teaching, and student support.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Oklahoma State University Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Oklahoma State University?
    Oklahoma State University is led by Mason Thea (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Kenny Shaw (Chief Financial Officer) and Jason Ramsey (Chief Operating Officer & Senior VP).
    Who is part of Oklahoma State University’s executive team?
    The executive team of Oklahoma State University includes leaders such as Mason Thea (Chief Executive Officer), Kenny Shaw (Chief Financial Officer), Jason Ramsey (Chief Operating Officer & Senior VP) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Oklahoma State University have?
    Oklahoma State University has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Oklahoma State University’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Oklahoma State University includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer & Senior VP, President & Student & Advisory Committee Athlete, President.