Understanding Governor Stitt's Executive Order on Higher Education Reform

In a significant move for Oklahoma's public higher education landscape, Governor Kevin Stitt signed Executive Order 2026-06 on February 5, 2026, targeting reforms in faculty tenure policies. This order establishes a statewide accountability framework for tenure systems across public institutions, aiming to align educator performance with student success and economic needs. The directive instructs the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education (OSRHE) to implement changes that prioritize measurable outcomes over traditional lifetime appointments.

Tenure, formally known as academic tenure, refers to a permanent employment status granted to faculty after a probationary period, typically six years, during which they undergo rigorous evaluations. It provides job security to protect academic freedom—the ability to teach, research, and speak without fear of reprisal for controversial views. Proponents argue it fosters innovation and intellectual rigor, while critics, including Governor Stitt, contend it can shield underperformance in taxpayer-funded roles.

Stitt's order does not retroactively revoke existing tenures but halts new grants at most institutions. It reflects broader concerns about graduation rates, workforce readiness, and return on investment in Oklahoma higher education. For context, regional public colleges serve over 54,000 students annually, many from underserved areas, making these reforms pivotal for local economies.

🎓 Key Changes to Faculty Employment Policies

The core of the reform shifts regional universities and community colleges away from lifetime tenure toward renewable, fixed-term contracts. These contracts, typically multi-year, will be renewed based on criteria such as:

• Teaching effectiveness, measured through student evaluations, peer reviews, and classroom observations.
• Student completion rates and progression toward degrees or credentials.
• Job placement outcomes for graduates, tracked via partnerships with the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission.
• Alignment with state economic priorities, like high-demand fields in energy, healthcare, and technology.
• Institutional service, including committee work and community engagement.

At research-intensive universities like the University of Oklahoma (OU) and Oklahoma State University (OSU), tenure remains available but comes with mandatory post-tenure reviews every five years. Faculty can face discipline, reassignment, or termination for "sustained failure to meet established performance standards." This applies to their health sciences centers as well.

Institutions must certify compliance with OSRHE, ensuring uniform implementation. Governor Stitt emphasized, "No job funded by taxpayers should be exempt from regular, meaningful performance reviews, whether you’re the governor or a university professor." This performance-based approach mirrors trends in K-12 education and private sectors, where contracts tie pay and security to results.

Affected Institutions: Regional Universities and Community Colleges

The order impacts Oklahoma's approximately 25 public colleges under OSRHE oversight, sparing only the flagship research universities. Here's a breakdown:

These regional and community institutions anchor rural and metro economies, offering pathways to bachelor's degrees and vocational training. For instance, University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond educates thousands in business and education fields critical to state growth.

Explore the full list via the OSRHE directory.

Photo by Jack Finnegan on Unsplash

📊 Stakeholder Reactions: Support, Criticism, and Concerns

Responses to the Oklahoma tenure elimination have been polarized. Supporters, including conservative think tanks like the Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs, praise it for promoting accountability. House Speaker Kyle Hilbert echoed this, noting long discussions on performance-based funding.

Critics, led by the American Association of University Professors (AAUP), warn of dire consequences. AAUP President Todd Wolfson stated, "By eliminating tenure... Executive Order 2026-07 strips away core protections for academic freedom and faculty stability." He argued it undermines recruitment, retention, and educational quality, accelerating brain drain.

• Faculty Experts: Emory's Deepa Das Acevedo notes tenure doesn't reduce productivity, citing research showing no impact on publications.
• Higher Ed Analysts: University of Georgia's Tim Cain calls it "pernicious," predicting administrative burdens from reviews.
• Legislators: Some Republicans back it, but unions fear politicization of teaching.

Read AAUP's full statement for deeper insights.

Potential Impacts on Faculty, Students, and the Economy

For faculty, the shift introduces uncertainty. Nationally, tenure-track positions have declined from 39% in 1987 to 23% in 2023 (AAUP data), with contingent roles rising. In Oklahoma, 761 regional faculty held tenure in 2024, per NCES. Without protections, turnover may spike, as studies show job insecurity boosts attrition, especially among high-performers seeking stability elsewhere.

Students could benefit from performance-tied teaching but risk losing experienced educators. Regional colleges, vital for first-gen students, might struggle with recruitment, impacting graduation rates—already a Stitt focus.

Economically, aligned curricula could boost job placement, retaining talent in Oklahoma's oil, aerospace, and ag sectors. However, weakened institutions might deter investment. Solutions include hybrid models: robust reviews preserving freedom, professional development incentives, and mentorship programs.

Faculty eyeing options should review academic CV tips and explore faculty positions nationwide.

National Context: Tenure Trends Across the U.S.

Oklahoma's move aligns with reforms in Texas, Florida, and Iowa, where post-tenure reviews tightened. Failed bills in other states highlight legislative hurdles Stitt bypassed via executive action. Nationally, adjuncts dominate, diluting tenure's role. Balanced reforms could emphasize multi-year contracts with freedom safeguards, as in some European systems.

Details in Inside Higher Ed coverage.

Photo by alexandra avelar on Unsplash

Actionable Advice for Faculty and Administrators

To navigate Oklahoma tenure phase-out:

• Document Achievements: Track student outcomes, syllabi innovations, and service rigorously.
• Seek Professional Growth: Pursue certifications in high-demand areas like data analytics for educators.
• Build Networks: Engage alumni and employers for placement data.
• Explore Opportunities: Platforms like university jobs list stable roles; rate professors via Rate My Professor for insights.
• Advocate: Join unions or shared governance to shape metrics.

Administrators: Invest in review training to minimize bias. Students: Leverage scholarships amid changes.

Looking Ahead: Implementation and Positive Pathways

OSRHE must certify compliance soon, with performance funding (Executive Order 2026-07) tying budgets to outcomes. A 90-credit bachelor's feasibility study promises faster, cheaper degrees. Optimistically, these reforms could elevate Oklahoma higher education if balanced with freedom protections.

For those impacted, higher ed jobs, rate my professor, career advice, university jobs, and employer tools via recruitment services offer support. Share your thoughts in the comments below—your voice shapes the conversation.