RUSO board accepts resignation of SWOSU president Diana Lovell, moves to implement interim presidency

The Regional University System of Oklahoma Board of Regents on Dec. 16, 2025, accepted a letter of resignation from Diana Lovell and voted to proceed with arrangements for an interim president at Southwestern Oklahoma State University.

"Motion to accept Diana Lovell's letter of resignation," moved by Regent Thomas Kupiec and seconded by Regent Lake Carpenter, was recorded as unanimously approved, according to the meeting minutes. The board then approved a motion "to proceed as discussed in executive session as it relates to interim presidency at Southwestern Oklahoma State University," moved by Regent Amy Anne Ford and seconded by Carl McKenzie; that motion was also recorded as unanimously approved.

The actions followed an executive session the board held under the Oklahoma executive-session statute cited in the minutes. The minutes do not record a public roll-call tally for each regent on the motions; they note only that the motions were "unanimously approved." The meeting record lists Jane McDermott as chair and names other regents who were present at the meeting.

The board did not announce the identity of any interim appointee in the open session, nor did the minutes include additional details about transition timing or an effective date for an interim leadership appointment. The minutes state the board may refer matters discussed in executive session to the Chief Executive Officer or legal counsel for follow-up or implementation.