Don Betz Named New UCO President

EDMOND, Oklahoma -- The Regional University System of Oklahoma (RUSO) Board of Regents today named Don Betz, Ph.D., the 20th president of the University of Central Oklahoma.

Betz will officially take the position Aug. 1. Current UCO President W. Roger Webb, originally set to retire June 30, will stay through July to assist with the transition.

"Don Betz will advance the growth and momentum initiated by Roger Webb's innovation and vision at the University of Central Oklahoma," said Regent Connie Reilly, board chair.

"He is the right person to lead the state's largest metropolitan university, and we are excited to see where Central will go under his leadership."

Currently president of Northeastern State University (NSU) in Tahlequah, Okla., Betz is a familiar face to the Central community. He served as provost and vice president of Academic Affairs, as well as a professor of Political Science, from 1999-2005.

"I am honored that the RUSO Board of Regents has provided me with this opportunity to serve the faculty, staff and students of the University of Central Oklahoma," said Betz.