OSU Foundation Elects Trustees & Governors to Board

Oklahoma, Dallas residents join distinguished leaders to advance university vision

Oklahoma State University (OSU) Foundation proudly announced the election of five new trustees and 10 new governors at the annual meeting of the Board of Governors in Stillwater. New trustees are Oklahomans Richard Bogert, Dennis White and Bryan Close and Dallas area residents Ross McKnight and William S. Spears.  Additionally, Oklahomans Dr. Joe Howell, Lisa Putt, Lyndon Taylor, David Holsted, Patrick and Patricia Cobb, Edward Keller, Keith Schwandt, and David and Sharon Trojan assumed roles as new governors.  

“Our trustees and governors play a vital role in providing leadership and oversight for the Foundation as well as helping secure the financial support which will enhance OSU’s future.  Their dedication to our university is tremendously appreciated as are their efforts to assist Oklahoma State as it moves forward to provide high quality education to Oklahoma’s sons and daughters,” stated Kirk A. Jewell, OSU Foundation president and CEO. 

Bogert is president and CEO of Bogo Benergy Corporation. He earned a mechanical engineering degree in 1956 from OSU.

White is a retired senior tech advisor for Eli Lilly & Company and owns D&M Cattle Company. He earned a bachelor’s degree in animal science in 1964 and a master’s degree in animal science in 1969 from OSU before attending Texas A&M and graduating with a doctoral degree in 1972.

Close is president of CloseBend, Inc., a pipe fitting and welding equipment business in Tulsa. He earned a degree in hotel and restaurant administration in 1966 from OSU. He has been a member of the Foundation’s Board of Governors since 1993 and is a former trustee.

McKnight, the first elected honorary trustee of the Foundation, is chairman and CEO of RoMac Oil Company Inc. and RoMac Gas Company Inc. He earned an animal science degree in 1971 from OSU and previously served as the Foundation’s Board of Trustees chairman.

Spears is the CEO of Energy Education, Inc. He earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing from OSU in 1962, an MBA from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania in 1967 and doctorate of business administration at NOVA Southeastern University. 

Howell is veterinarian and co-owner of Britton Road Vet Clinic in Oklahoma City. He graduated with a degree in preveterinary science in 1970 and a doctorate of veterinary medicine in 1972 from OSU.
Putt is vice president of Hilb, Rogal and Hobbs, an insurance intermediary firm located in Oklahoma City. She graduated with a degree in marketing in 1982 from OSU and received her MBA in 1995 from Oklahoma City University.

Taylor is the senior vice president and general counsel for Devon Energy Corporation. He graduated with an industrial engineering degree in 1981 from OSU and received his juris doctorate in 1984 from the University of Oklahoma.

Holsted is the CFO of Fred Jones, an Oklahoma certified business incubator. He graduated with a double major in agricultural economics and accounting in 1983 from OSU and became a certified public accountant in 1984.

Patrick is the president of Toklan Oil & Gas Corporation and graduated from OSU with a degree in finance in 1973 before earning an MBA from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania. Patricia is a 1974 OSU graduate with a degree in sociology.

Keller is the retired chairman and CEO of JP Morgan Chase Foundation and now serves as chairman of Summit Bank. He earned a finance degree in 1963 from OSU.

Schwandt is the president of Rose Rock Bank and earned a degree in agricultural economics from OSU in 1973.

David is an attorney at Field, Trojan, Long & Sedbrook while Sharon works as a CPA. David earned a degree in agricultural economics in 1975 from OSU and a juris doctorate from the University of Oklahoma in 1978. Sharon earned a degree in accounting from OSU in 1976.

The OSU Foundation Board of Governors is comprised of 99 men and women whose leadership and commitment to the university are demonstrated through achievement in business, steadfast financial support and a motivation to enhance the programs and initiatives of the Foundation.  Governors are leaders who have an avid interest in advancing higher education and demonstrate personal ties and dedication to Oklahoma State University.  Among the governors, 19 trustees are selected to act as the governing body of the organization and comprise the Foundation’s Board of Trustees.

Oklahoma State University Foundation serves as the private fundraising organization for OSU, as designated by the OSU Regents.  Its mission is to unite donor and university passions and priorities to achieve excellence.

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