Attorney, businessman appointed OU regent by governor

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — An Oklahoma City businessman and lawyer has been appointed to the University of Oklahoma Board of Regents.

Republican Gov. Kevin Stitt announced the appointment Tuesday of Gary Pierson to the panel that oversees the state's flagship university as well as Cameron and Rogers State universities.

Pierson's appointment follows the February death of Regent Billy Wayne Burgess Jr. and requires approval by the state Senate.

Pierson is president and CEO of the Oklahoma Publishing Company and CEO of the Broadmoor-Sea Island Company. He was previously a vice president at the law firm of McAfee and Tate.

Stitt previously appointed OU graduate and Ohio business executive Eric Stevenson to the board following the resignation of Regent Clay Bennett. Stevenson is the first African American to serve on the board in 20 years.