OSU/A&M Regents authorize President Hargis to take action on OSU Medical Center agreement
December 5, 2008 -- The OSU/A&M Board of Regents today granted Oklahoma State University President Burns Hargis the authorization to negotiate the necessary agreements to finalize the recently announced plan to keep OSU’s Center for Health Sciences residency training program at the OSU Medical Center in Tulsa. Following a meeting with various stakeholders, Governor Brad Henry and legislative leaders announced Nov. 25 that all parties committed to the plan subject to the approval of their governing entities.
The OSU/A&M and OSU issued the following statements following today’s Board action:
OSU/A&M Board Chairman Doug Burns.
“We commend President Hargis and Regent Calvin Anthony for their tireless work to secure the future of our nationally ranked medical school well at the same time address Tulsa’s very real indigent care issue. . We also appreciate the leadership of Governor Brad Henry, President Pro Tempore of the Senate, Senator Glenn Coffee and the Speaker of the House of Representatives Chris Benge and Tulsa business and community leaders who are seeking a solution. And, on behalf of the Regents, we want express our most sincere appreciation to St. Francis Health System Trustees Board of the Directors and especially Jake Henry Jr. the organizations President and CEO for stepping forward at a critical time to offer a viable plan for our medical school. St. Francis is a true community hero in our eyes and we will be forever appreciative to them.”
OSU President Burns Hargis
“We sincerely thank the many state and local leaders who diligently worked through an assortment of complex issues to seek a plan to preserve the OSU residency program and ensure the availability of indigent health care in Tulsa and northeastern Oklahoma. In addition, OSU is extremely grateful to Saint Francis Health System for its willingness to provide a stable home for our residents. We look forward to finalizing an agreement that best serves our residents and the citizens of Tulsa and the surrounding area.”
