University of Central Oklahoma Names New President

The Regional University System of Oklahoma (RUSO) today released a statement in which Patti Neuhold was named the 21st president of the University of Central Oklahoma (UCO). Neuhold will replace current UCO President Don Betz who will retire June 30th.

Neuhold is the current Vice President for Finance and Chief Financial Officer at UCO, having served in leadership in finance and budget, administrative and professional development departments since joining the university in 2007.

Neuhold balanced UCO’s $187 million budget through years of the most significant declines in state support and declining enrollment. She facilitated business process reviews that resulted in savings, higher retention of faculty and new leadership development opportunities.

“Patti Neuhold has the leadership experience, and vision for the university that will help prepare our students to contribute ideas, innovation and solutions to the marketplace,” said Mark Stansberry, RUSO regent chair. “Her blend of financial acumen, organizational development and understanding of what industry needs will help UCO continue to lead in education and workforce development.”

Neuhold was approved by the board of regents on Friday. Her appointment is the result of a national search.

“Patti has been a key member of the university cabinet for several years, and has exercised significant leadership on a number of highly relevant issues to the university,” President Betz said. “I believe that Patti will serve the UCO community, the metro and the state with energy, insight and distinction. I will work closely with her throughout the transition. I am delighted, and I sincerely look forward to the successful future of the university under her leadership.”

Neuhold read for her bachelors degree in Psychology at Oklahoma Christian University before going on to earn an MA in Organizational Psychology from the University of Tulsa. She is currently studying for a PhD in Organizational Leadership with Concordia University.

With strong connections throughout the Oklahoma City metro, the University of Central Oklahoma is dedicated to developing in students the confidence to succeed through transformative learning experiences. From its main campus in Edmond and facilities throughout the metro area, UCO is recognized nationally as a military-friendly school and for its high student engagement through service-learning and volunteerism and its workplace environment.

Founded in 1890, Central connects its nearly 16,000 students to unmatched value found in 121 undergraduate areas of study and 76 graduate majors from its main campus in Edmond and facilities throughout the metro area. The university 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. For more information about RUSO visit www.ruso.edu.

(Image courtesy University of Central Oklahoma)