Spears School of Business names James Payne as dean

of Regents approved his appointment at its June meeting last Friday.

Following an extensive search for a dean for the Spears School of Business, Oklahoma State University has appointed James Payne for the position.

Since May 2019, Payne has served as dean of the Woody L. Hunt College of Business at the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP). The OSU/A&M Board

Ranking Big 12 position groups

“Filling the dean’s role at the Spears School of Business was going to require an educator, administrator and researcher with the right experience to take the reins at a college that has enjoyed such a successful history,” said Jeanette Mendez, OSU provost and senior vice president. “I am pleased the search attracted a scholar of Dr. Payne’s caliber, who is also an experienced administrator and sitting dean.”

See Spears on page 7

Football season is creeping up, and the Big 12 welcomes four new teams. The O’Colly will rank position groups in the conference each week. Running backs are the second group to go, with a few tough decisions.

1. Texas

Talk about big shoes to fill. Texas needs to replace the production of Bijan Robinson and Roschon Johnson. The two had more than 2,500 yards and 22 touchdowns last season. Robinson is irreplaceable, but Texas still has the weapons, and the offensive line, to have a powerful rushing attack in 2023. Jonathon

Brooks, Jaydon Blue and fivestar freshman CJ Baxter will fill the role. Brooks, a speedy back at 6-foot, 200 pounds, sat behind Johnson and Robinson the past two seasons, not getting much production, but is expected to take charge in the Longhorn backfield.

2. Kansas State Kansas State will have a tough time replacing star Deuce Vaughn, but a duo in the backfield will work for 2023. Treshaun Ward transferred in from Florida State where last year he rushed for 628 yards and seven touchdowns on 6.6 yards per carry. Ward is a smaller back but can burst through the line. Giddens is also primed for a breakout season after 518 yards and six touchdowns as Vaughn’s backup last season.

See Big 12 on page 3