Myers McRae Assists Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology with Provost Search
June 22, 2026 – Following a nationwide search, Macon, GA-based Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting has assisted in the recruitment of Richie Roberts as provost of Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology. Kenny Daugherty and Brianna Douglas led the assignment. Dr. Roberts’ selection was guided by a search committee of OSUIT administrators, faculty, staff and students, which was assisted by national search firm Myers McRae.
“The entire OSU system shares a commitment to our students to not only provide the highest quality education in the classroom, but to prepare them for success after they graduate,” OSU president Jim Hess said. “As a three-time OSU graduate, Dr. Roberts understands that commitment well and is ready to help pave the way for the next generation of Cowboys.”
“Dr. Roberts’ strong academic background and proven commitment to student success, along with his leadership in advancing world-class technical education programs, stood out during his interview,” said Jeanette Mendez, OSU provost and senior vice president. “His deep roots at OSU and in the state, as well as his experience within land-grant institutions focused on technical education and training, make him the ideal leader for OSUIT.”
“This is an exciting time for OSUIT, and Dr. Roberts is the right leader to help us move forward,” said Ronna Vanderslice, vice-provost for academic affairs for the OSU System, provost of OSU-OKC and interim provost of OSUIT. “He brings the experience and strategic mindset needed to strengthen academic quality, expand workforce partnerships and ensure our programs continue to meet the needs of students and employers. We are excited to welcome him and look forward to the impact he will make for our students, faculty, staff and community.”
Prior to entering higher education, Dr. Roberts worked as an agricultural education teacher and administrator in career and technical education. Following stints at North Carolina A&T State University and Louisiana State University, he most recently served as head of the Department of Agricultural and Extension Education at New Mexico State University.
“I’m eager to collaborate with the outstanding faculty and work alongside a strong administrative team to advance the shared mission of OSUIT,” Dr. Roberts said. “By strengthening workforce development and building meaningful partnerships, everything we do will be focused on ensuring every student succeeds, thrives and is well-prepared for the future.”
Finding Higher Education Leaders
Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting serves colleges, universities, independent schools, and other not-for-profit institutions. Nearly all of its search professionals have a minimum of 20 years of experience in higher education. The majority of the firm’s searches have been for presidents, chancellors, provosts, vice presidents, deans, and other senior academic and administrative leaders.
Related: Myers McRae Assists the University of Montana Western with Chancellor Search
Mr. Daugherty is Myers McRae’s president. He has an extensive background in higher education administration, having served 28 years in public and independent institutions. Throughout his career in higher education, he had personnel responsibilities and served on numerous search committees for professional staff and administrators for the institution.
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Mr. Daugherty has conducted hundreds of searches for schools across the nation, including presidential searches for the University of Montana Western, Northwest Missouri State University, McDaniel College, Oakwood University, Kentucky Wesleyan College, Pasco-Hernando State College, Pierpont Community and Technical College, Wichita Area Technical College, and the Georgia Independent College Association.
Ms. Douglas, consultant, brings more than a decade of higher education leadership experience to her role as an executive search consultant at Myers McRae. Over her career, she has held roles in advancement, business and finance, athletics, and student affairs. Ms. Douglas’ in-depth higher education knowledge coupled with Myers McRae’s four decades of executive search expertise creates the ideal balance to assist colleges and universities in recruiting candidates for their institutions.
Related: Myers McRae Recruits President for State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
