Former OSU President Kayse Shrum Joins Chickasaw Nation as Chief Health Strategy Officer

Dr. Kayse Shrum, the former president of Oklahoma State University and a physician with a strong background in rural health care and education, has been appointed as the Chickasaw Nation's Chief Health Strategy Officer starting in July. Her initial focus will be on planning and developing the new Newcastle Medical Center campus, where she will lead strategic initiatives such as identifying health workforce needs, creating graduate medical education opportunities, and establishing research priorities. Shrum, who resigned from OSU in February amid scrutiny over the handling of state funds, brings extensive experience including her previous roles as president of the OSU Center for Health Sciences and Oklahoma's Secretary of Science and Innovation. Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby praised her qualifications and commitment to improving healthcare accessibility and excellence for rural and underserved communities. Shrum expressed enthusiasm for joining the tribe’s leadership and contributing to innovative, community-based health care. Her appointment reflects the Chickasaw Nation’s commitment to expanding and enhancing health care programs and services for its citizens.