4 minute read
Edmond Life and Leisure - May 2, 2024
Celebration
UCO Inaugurates 22nd President
Todd G. Lamb
The University of Central Oklahoma inaugurated its 22nd President Todd G. Lamb during an investiture ceremony, Friday, April 26, on UCO’s campus. The university welcomed hundreds of faculty, staff, students, alumni, community members and distinguished guests to the ceremony.
In his investiture address, Lamb shared highlights from his first year on campus, along with his personal history with higher education and how it positively impacted his life. His address also laid forth his vision for the future of the university and UCO’s critical role in fulfilling our nation’s workforce needs.
“Higher education has provided excitement and movement for my wife, Monica, and I, as we walk through an open door of opportunity right here at UCO. This opportunity to serve as president of the University of Central Oklahoma has been, and is, the greatest professional joy of my life,” said Lamb.
“We are here for the students; every student has their own story. They come to UCO and entrust us with their dreams and goals for their future. That’s a responsibility we do not take for granted.”
Lamb assumed the role of UCO’s 22nd president July 1, 2023, and has already made an impact on the campus.
“President Todd Lamb has already had a notable impact on UCO since he stepped into the role last year. He has boosted Broncho pride on campus, developed an exclusive partnership with the Deer Creek school district to offer concurrent courses, heralded a new doctoral degree in forensic science and deepened the university’s connection with the state legislature,” said Jane McDermott, chair of the Regional University System of Oklahoma Board of Regents, UCO’s governing board.
“The investiture offered a wonderful opportunity to
honor what he has accomplished so far and celebrate all that is to come under his presidency.”
Born in Enid, Lamb earned his Bachelor of Arts from Oklahoma State University, having also attended a number of classes at UCO, and earned a Juris Doctor from Oklahoma City University.
After beginning his career as an assistant to Governor of Oklahoma Frank Keating, Lamb entered the U.S. Secret Service, where he served from 1998 to 2002.
Following his time with the Secret Service, Lamb worked with U.S. Senator Don Nickles as an agriculture field representative throughout northwest Oklahoma, after which he entered the private practice of law. While practicing law, Lamb was elected to the Oklahoma State Senate, where he served as a state senator from 2005 to 2011.
Following his service in the Oklahoma State Senate, Lamb was elected as the lieutenant governor of the State of Oklahoma, a position he held from 2011 to 2019. During his time at the Oklahoma Capitol as a senator and as the lieutenant governor.
Lamb’s diverse background in government, law, financial management and industry will help guide UCO as a leading university in career readiness.
Founded in 1890 and guided by the motto “ubi motus est” – which translates to “where movement is” - UCO leads, innovates and creates transformative learning opportunities that foster success for our students. UCO offers 119 undergraduate and 81 graduate degree programs from its main campus in Edmond and facilities throughout the Oklahoma City metropolitan area. UCO is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
For more information about UCO, visit www.uco.edu.
