Letters on Todd Lamb as UCO president and state schools Superintendent Ryan Walters
Todd Lamb as UCO’s president will lead with energy, integrity
As an alumnus of the University of Central Oklahoma, I am excited about the recent decision to hire Todd Lamb as the next president. I had the opportunity to work with Todd when he served as the Senate floor leader and as lieutenant governor. It was under his watch that we were able to navigate difficult budgets yet keep the momentum going in repairing our bridges. Oklahoma saw incredible advances in its transportation system due to Todd’s leadership. Being the floor leader of the state Senate means you must find ways to balance many interests while maintaining a positive trajectory for the state. It took leadership to navigate through special interests, the varying voices of his own caucus, and building a collaborative environment with an opposite house of the Legislature while working with a governor of the opposite party. These things are not easy, and these talents will be useful when navigating the varying interests within the university setting.
There has been talk that a politician isn’t the best choice. I don’t think that is a fair statement. Not all politicians would be the best pick for a university presidency, that’s right. But some are. Look at what former Gov. George Nigh did for the university. I had the opportunity to be on campus at that time. I was shocked to be a part of a regional university that was bringing to campus presidents, former U.S. speakers of the House, and at one time, even our entire U.S. congressional delegation. His pull to get attention to the university energized the campus and brought pride to the brand. Also, since universities rely heavily on state funds, who better to lead the charge than someone who understands how to navigate the halls of the state Capitol.
And, at a time when parents worry about the safety of their children when dropping them off at school (at all levels), isn’t it refreshing to know the university is being led by a former Secret Service agent that will make campus safety a top priority?
I believe Todd will form a team representing the interests of the entire UCO community. I believe he will lead with energy and integrity. I believe we have an opportunity to get behind this exciting new leadership and do everything we can to support his vision.
— Bobby Stem, Oklahoma City
Ryan Walters shtick is no laughing matter
Superintendent Ryan Walters has now formally jumped the shark. His latest round of antics includes releasing a propaganda video attacking Oklahoma educators and approving a juvenile attempt at releasing a trap email targeting employees in his own department. The latter producing a couple of lawsuits that will ultimately cost the Oklahoma taxpayers money to defend.
At this point, he has entered full clown mode ... but his shtick is no laughing matter. At best these shenanigans are embarrassing for an elected official. At worst, they are dangerous and severely negatively impact any serious attempt to move Oklahoma out of the bottom 10 states in public education in several key metrics. The people of Oklahoma deserve much better from the Oklahoma superintendent of public instruction.
— Kirk Alan Jones, Edmond
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Letters on UCO's next president and Ryan Walters
