DR. JIM HESS INDUCTED INTO OKLAHOMA HIGHER EDUCATION HALL OF FAME

In recognition of 40-plus years of academic excellence and commitment to higher education, Jim Hess, Ph.D., vice provost of Graduate Programs at OSU Center for Health Sciences, will be inducted into the Oklahoma Higher Education Hall of Fame in November 2023.

With a career spanning more than four decades in higher education and 20 years at OSU-CHS, Hess’ contributions have left an enduring impact on students, faculty and staff across northeast Oklahoma.

Hess started his administrative career at Rogers State University, then OSU-Tulsa before coming to OSU-CHS in 2003 where he has served as a professor of family medicine and health care administration, chief executive officer of the OSU Medical Authority and the OSU Physicians Group, chair and director of the School of Health Care Administration, and chair of the School of Forensic Sciences. He now serves as vice provost of graduate programs supervising academic program directors, admissions, new program development and evaluation.

His induction comes as no surprise to those familiar with him and his career.

“Throughout his tenure at OSU Center for Health Sciences, Dr. Hess has played a pivotal role in shaping and growing the institution’s graduate programs while also fostering a nurturing environment for learning and research,” OSU-CHS President Johnny Stephens said. “His impact on our campus and campuses across northeastern Oklahoma will be felt for decades to come.”

Hess said working in higher education is both rewarding and challenging, but the best part is the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of other people.

“There is absolutely no other job like it. It’s been exciting to have an impact on the direction and vision of an institution, effecting change and serving with great leaders,” he said. “I have been blessed to work with great people — it’s the most rewarding aspect of my career. Without those people, this recognition would not have been possible, so this induction into the Hall of Fame really belongs to them.”