CU names Jari Askins as interim president pending June board meeting

May 9—Duncan native Jari Askins will fill the role as interim president at Cameron University following President John M. McArthur's retirement announcement in January.

After 20 years and 11 years as president, McArthur's last day at Cameron will be July 21. Then, upon approval from the University of Oklahoma (OU), Cameron University (CU) and Rogers State University (RSU) Board of Regents during its June 20-21 meeting, Askins will begin July 22.

Chair of the Board of Regents for the OU, CU, RSU Eric Stevenson said Askins is highly regarded for her service to Oklahoma.

"She is a judge, a native of southwest Oklahoma, and is familiar with Cameron and its operation," Stevenson said. "The Board feels CU will be in extremely capable hands while we conduct the search for the university's next president."

Askins earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism from the University of Oklahoma. She then went on to obtain her Juris Doctorate from the OU College of Law.

Her experience includes serving as the state's lieutenant governor, in the Oklahoma legislature, as well as serving as Democratic minority leader in the House and Administrative Director of the Courts.

CU Public Relations states Askins will serve as interim president until the Regents board confirms CU's 18th president.

According to Cameron's Public Relations Department, Askins' served over 40 years in a variety of roles, including: Stephens County Special District Judge; chair and executive director for Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board; deputy general counsel for Gov. David Walters; District 50 Representative; and lieutenant governor.

After serving in the legislative, executive and judicial areas, Askins became the Associate Provost for External Relations at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, as well as her appointment by Gov. Mary Fallin to fill the special adviser role to the Governor, CU states.

Askins said: "I'm pleased for the opportunity to work with the Cameron community and the next generation of young leaders from southwest Oklahoma."

Askins' final day as Administrative Director of the Courts will be June 30.