The University of Tulsa Board of Trustees has named TU President Emeritus Steadman Upham as the university's new president.
He steps into that role October 1. He had retired June 30 after leading the university for eight years.
Upham has agreed to remain in the position for up to two years. The trustees have not announced a timeline for the search.
TU Board Chairman L. Duane Wilson said he has every confidence that Upham will provide the university with the leadership it requires until the current vacancy is filled. "Stead knows TU inside and out and is respected by our students, faculty, alumni and friends," Wilson said. "The board agreed that this stabilizing force will allow us to move forward deliberately and without haste in selecting TU's next president."
During Upham's time as president, TU raised more than $700 million and rose to #75 among national research universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey.
"I have every confidence that The University of Tulsa is as strong as ever, and I look forward to helping ensure TU has a smooth transition into its next historic phase," Upham said. "I sincerely love this university and this city, and I am glad to be of service at this crucial time."
Last week, the board fired Geoffrey Orsak as president. Orsak came to TU earlier in the summer from Southern Methodist University. He served as TU's president for 72 days.
