Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt has made his pick for a vacancy on the OU Board of Regents.
Stitt appointed Eric Stevenson, the senior vice president of Nationwide Retirement Plans. Stevenson is a native of Wagoner, Oklahoma, and received his bachelor's degree from OU and a master's from Northwestern University's Kellogg Graduate School of Management.
Stitt said he wanted an OU alum with business acumen who reflected the diversity of the campus.
"The fact that he's African-American is just an absolute bonus, but he is a business person, the right person for this job, first and foremost," Stitt said.
Stevenson was asked what he might do about a recent spate of racist incidents on campus.
"That won't be something that any one person can tackle. I am anxious to learn more about some of the issues that are happening, and we'll certainly talk and partner and collaborate in the best way that we can to make a difference there," Stevenson said.
OU students demanded more faculty and staff diversity during a January campus rally after two white students were involved in a video in which one of the women wore blackface and used a racial slur.
That followed a 2015 video showing members of a fraternity participating in a racist chant.
If confirmed by the state Senate, Stevenson will replace Clay Bennett. The Oklahoma City Thunder chairman resigned from the board of regents last month, citing health concerns.
