Oklahoma Higher Ed Reforms: Gov. Stitt Signs Executive Orders Targeting Tenure, Accountability, and Graduation Outcomes

Understanding the Tenure Reforms in Detail

Governor Kevin Stitt's Executive Order 2026-06 marks a significant shift in how Oklahoma's public higher education institutions approach faculty employment. Tenure, formally known as academic tenure (a permanent employment status granted after a probationary period, typically six years, providing job security to foster academic freedom and long-term research), has long been a cornerstone of university life. However, the order introduces accountability measures by establishing a statewide policy for performance-linked faculty contracts.

At the two primary research universities—the University of Oklahoma (OU) in Norman and Oklahoma State University (OSU) in Stillwater—tenure will continue to be offered. This preserves the traditional model for these R1-designated institutions (Research 1, the highest Carnegie classification for research activity). Yet, a new requirement mandates post-tenure reviews every five years. These evaluations will assess teaching effectiveness, contributions to student success, research productivity, and alignment with institutional goals. Failure to meet standards over sustained periods could lead to disciplinary action, reassignment, or termination, ensuring ongoing performance.

In contrast, the state's 24 regional universities and 13 community colleges face a more transformative change. These institutions must phase out granting new lifetime tenure appointments. Instead, faculty will transition to renewable fixed-term contracts, renewed based on metrics such as student completion rates, job placement success for graduates, teaching evaluations, and relevance to Oklahoma's economic needs. Importantly, faculty who already hold tenure at these schools retain it, subject to the same five-year review process. Institutions are required to certify compliance with the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education (OSRHE).

This distinction recognizes the differing missions: research universities prioritize groundbreaking scholarship, while regional and community colleges focus on teaching and workforce preparation. By tailoring reforms, the order aims to balance innovation with practicality.

Accelerated Degrees and Enhanced Outcomes Tracking

Complementing tenure changes, Executive Order 2026-07 targets graduation outcomes and program efficiency. Oklahoma's higher education system has seen steady but suboptimal results. For instance, six-year graduation rates at public four-year institutions hover around 60-65 percent, with OU at approximately 64 percent and OSU at 64.6 percent for recent cohorts, according to OSRHE data. Regional universities often lag behind, with three-year rates for freshmen below 30 percent in many cases. These figures trail national public university averages slightly and underscore the need for improvement, especially as Oklahoma's bachelor's degree attainment rate stands at 20.1 percent—ranking 39th nationally.

The order directs OSRHE and the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission to bolster tracking of alumni outcomes, including wages, job types, hours worked, and employment locations. This data-driven approach will inform program approvals, reviews, and sunsetting, ensuring taxpayer investments yield returns.

A standout initiative is a 90-day feasibility study on 90-credit-hour "accelerated" bachelor's degrees. Traditional programs require 120 credits, often taking longer due to prerequisites and scheduling. By streamlining to 90 high-impact credits, students could complete degrees faster and cheaper—potentially reducing costs by 25 percent—while maintaining accreditation and employer recognition. This aligns with workforce demands in sectors like energy, aerospace, and healthcare, where Oklahoma excels.

Additionally, the order kickstarts performance-based funding (PBF), linking state appropriations to metrics like employment outcomes, affordability, and economic priorities. OSRHE must develop a plan by October 1, 2026, for next year's budget. Proponents argue PBF incentivizes efficiency, as seen in states like Tennessee, where it boosted completion rates by 8 percent over a decade.

Background: Challenges Driving Oklahoma Higher Ed Reforms

Oklahoma's higher education landscape has faced persistent hurdles, fueling these reforms. Enrollment dipped during the pandemic but rebounded to over 300,000 students in fall 2025, per OSRHE reports. Yet, completion lags: only 91.5 percent of in-state graduates are employed one year post-graduation, dropping to 82 percent after five years, though many stay in-state.

Critics highlight misaligned programs and tenure's perceived protection of underperformers. Governor Stitt, in announcing the orders, emphasized, "We want higher education that meets workforce needs and keeps talent home." This echoes national trends amid rising tuition (Oklahoma public four-year average $9,000 in-state) and debt concerns.

Tenure debates intensified post-2020, with conservative leaders questioning its role amid declining public trust in academia. Oklahoma joins efforts in Florida and Texas to reform post-tenure reviews, responding to stagnant outcomes despite $2 billion annual state funding.

Stakeholder Perspectives: Support from State Leaders

Supporters view the executive orders as bold steps toward accountability. OSRHE Chancellor Sean Burrage welcomed the dialogue, noting tenure models must evolve for workforce alignment. Business groups like the Oklahoma Chamber praise accelerated degrees for addressing skill gaps—Oklahoma ranks high in energy jobs but low in tech graduates.

Governor Stitt framed it as a "win-win," cutting costs for students and tying faculty to results. Legislators, including Republicans, applaud data tracking to curb low-enrollment programs. For students, faster paths mean quicker workforce entry; one analysis suggests 90-credit degrees could save $10,000-$15,000 per student.

Criticisms and Concerns from Faculty and Unions

Not all reactions are positive. The American Association of University Professors (AAUP) President Todd Wolfson decried the orders as undermining academic freedom—the ability to teach and research without fear of reprisal. "Governor Stitt has made Oklahoma less attractive to highly qualified educators," he stated, warning of brain drain and weakened institutions.

Faculty senates at regional colleges worry renewable contracts introduce instability, potentially chilling controversial topics. Over 900 tenured faculty at affected schools (per 2024 data) face reviews, raising morale issues. Critics argue existing evaluations suffice, and PBF may favor STEM over humanities.

Students and parents question if performance metrics prioritize quantity over quality. If you're a professor navigating these changes, exploring Rate My Professor or higher ed career advice can provide insights into institutional cultures.

• Potential recruitment challenges for non-tenure lines.
• Risk of politicized reviews.
• Impact on diverse faculty retention.

Impacts on Faculty Careers and Student Success

For faculty, reforms reshape career paths. Research university professors gain tenure but must excel in reviews, emphasizing mentorship and grants. At regionals, renewable contracts (likely 3-5 years) demand proven student outcomes—e.g., higher pass rates or placements. This could attract teaching-focused educators but deter researchers.

Students benefit from outcome-focused programs. Accelerated degrees, if viable, shorten time-to-degree; tracking ensures relevant curricula. OSRHE data shows 84 percent of five-year alumni stay in Oklahoma, earning above-average wages—reforms aim to boost this.

Institutions must adapt: train evaluators, integrate metrics. Early adopters like community colleges may pilot contracts, informing statewide rollout. OSRHE Outcomes Reports offer baseline data.

National Context: How Oklahoma Compares

Oklahoma's moves align with a national push. Florida's 2023 laws ended tenure for new hires at some schools; Texas mandates reviews. Indiana's PBF model increased completions 15 percent since 2011. Yet, opponents cite Iowa's failed anti-tenure bills, highlighting legal hurdles—Oklahoma Regents oversee policy, but lawsuits loom if seen as overreach.

Amid 1.2 million fewer college enrollees since 2010, states prioritize ROI. Oklahoma's blend—preserving research tenure while reforming teaching institutions—offers a middle path.

Implementation Timeline and Next Steps

Orders take effect immediately, with compliance certifications due soon. Key dates:

• 90 days: Accelerated degree study report.
• October 1, 2026: PBF plan submission.
• Ongoing: 5-year reviews; tenure phase-out.

OSRHE will guide transitions, potentially via workshops. Universities may negotiate details, but Regents hold authority.

Opportunities Amid Change: Career Advice for Higher Ed Professionals

These reforms create openings. Faculty seeking stable roles may target research universities; adjuncts could thrive on performance contracts. Administrators need data experts for tracking.

Explore faculty jobs, admin positions, or remote higher ed jobs on AcademicJobs.com. Our career advice includes tips on performance portfolios.

Photo by Tyler Fulk on Unsplash

Future Outlook for Oklahoma Higher Education

Success hinges on execution. If PBF and tracking yield 5-10 percent graduation gains, Oklahoma could lead Midwest reforms. Challenges include equity—ensuring underserved students benefit—and resisting metric gaming.

Optimists predict a leaner, workforce-ready system; skeptics fear quality erosion. Monitor OSRHE updates and legislative sessions. For job seekers, this signals Oklahoma as dynamic. Visit higher ed jobs, rate my professor, and university jobs to stay ahead. Post a job at /post-a-job to attract talent.