OU research executive steps down in preparation for Senate hearing
NORMAN — Kelvin Droegemeier has stepped down as vice president for research at the University of Oklahoma to prepare for his confirmation hearing before the U.S. Senate. President Donald Trump nominated Droegemeier to lead the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.
In a news release Monday, OU noted the transition had been under discussion for several months pending the formal announcement of Droegemeier’s nomination.
Research is a major focus of OU President Jim Gallogly, who has set a goal of doubling the university’s research efforts in the next five years.
“We are extremely grateful for Kelvin’s service and leadership through this transition. He decided to step out of the vice president role in order to support the university’s fastpaced vision in research, and we are incredibly supportive of him throughout his preparation for this new role,” Gallogly said.
Droegemeier said he loved working with the OU faculty, staff and students in their research and creative activities.
“I deeply appreciate President Gallogly’s support in allowing me to step down now so I can devote full attention to the Senate confirmation process,” he said.
Upon Senate confirmation, Droegemeier will take a leave of absence without pay from the university.
Droegemeier also serves on Gov. Mary Fallin’s executive cabinet as secretary of science and technology. He plans to continue serving in that role until after he is confirmed, Fallin’s spokesman said Monday. He will have three months after confirmation to resign.
In a news conference last week, Gallogly said a more robust graduate education program, hiring more researchers and doubling the amount of research at OU is a priority.
“That’s incredibly important because at this point in time that’s about the only thing that keeps us from being an AAU (Association of American Universities) type institution,” he said.
Gallogly said he wants OU to double both the amount of federal grant dollars received, which is about $120 million annually, and all scholastic activity.
“Those are the kinds of things that build university reputations. People, when they rank universities, often look to the graduate programs,” he said.
“There’s also strong economic impacts of advanced research,” Gallogly said. “It’s commercialization of some of the technologies, it’s creation of jobs, it’s creation of businesses.”
OU plans to conduct a national search for a permanent vice president for research.