Stitt appoints Norman business owner to the Oklahoma State University board of regents

Susan Bergen, a Norman business owner and conservationist, is the latest appointment by Gov. Kevin Stitt to the OSU/A&M Board of Regents, which oversees Oklahoma State University and four other state higher education institutions.

Bergen was appointed Thursday to replace Rick Davis of Guthrie. Davis had served on the nine-member board since May 2011, when he was appointed by then-Gov. Mary Fallin. Davis’ current eight-year term ended on Thursday. Bergen’s appointment is subject to confirmation by the Oklahoma Senate.

Bergen is a Boston native but has lived in Oklahoma for four decades. She serves as the chief executive officer of Bergen Enterprises, a multi-generational, family-owned company. Among its businesses are Prairie Dirt Solutions and Eco Wood Solutions, Oklahoma City companies that offer services to create sustainable preservation opportunities.

At Bergen Enterprises, her responsibilities include financial and operational oversight, and she leads a diverse portfolio of businesses spanning agriculture, energy, land management, investments and restaurants. She says she’s passionate about regenerative agriculture and soil health and in 2023, her family’s 22,000-acre ranch in Johnston and Pontotoc counties earned the Landowner Conservationists of the Year award from the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation.

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"Susan has incredible experience within Oklahoma's agricultural and business community, which makes her a great choice to be a regent on the board," Stitt said. “I'm grateful to Susan for stepping up, and I look forward to seeing how her business acumen will uplift students across Oklahoma."

Bergen serves on boards for Loveworks Leadership, OKIE (Oklahoma Israel Exchange) and the Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs, a conservative policy organization. She’s worked with the community service program OKC SHINE to support the development of community gardens in the Oklahoma City area.

"I'm honored to accept this appointment from Governor Stitt," Bergen said. “These colleges have an immense impact on our state. I look forward to helping shape the future of education, fostering innovation and ensuring that generations to come benefit from the same opportunities that enriched the lives of countless others."

In addition to OSU, the nine-person OSU/A&M board oversees Langston University in Langston, Oklahoma Panhandle State University in Goodwell, Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College in Miami and Connors State College in Warner.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Norman business owner, conservationist named to OSU Board of Regents