Finance VP picked to lead UCO
EDMOND — Patti Neuhold will become the University of Central Oklahoma's 21st president July 1 — the first woman to lead the university — officials announced Friday.
"It shows diversity and switches things up," said Macayla Hill, a sophomore from Oklahoma City. "It's about time. She deserves it."
Neuhold, 45, is UCO's vice president for finance and chief financial officer. She will succeed President Don Betz when he retires June 30 after eight years as UCO president.
The Board of Regents for the Regional University System of Oklahoma named Neuhold as the successor following a meeting Friday on the campus of East Central University in Ada. UCO is one of six universities governed by the regional board of regents.
Hill said she has gotten to know Neuhold through her job in the benefits department.
"She always made me feel valuable and comfortable and a part of the team," Hill said.
Han Seth Lu, a sophomore from Myanmar, said he likes Neuhold's leadership style and passion, and he is excited the next president will be a woman.
"I'm super-duper happy about it," Lu said. "It shows the university is embracing diversity and inclusion."
Neuhold has served in leadership positions at UCO in finance and budget, administrative and professional development departments since joining the university in 2007.
She balanced UCO's $187 million budget through years of the most significant declines in state support and declining enrollment. She also oversaw business process reviews that resulted in savings, higher retention of faculty and new leadership development opportunities.
“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,” Betz said Friday. “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.“
Regents interviewed seven candidates last month from among 62 applicants for the position. Finalists were interviewed Thursday at ECU.
“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, regents board chairman. “Her blend of financial acumen, organizational development and understanding of what industry needs will help UCO continue to lead in education and workforce development.”
Founded in 1890 as the Territorial Normal School, UCO has nearly 16,000 students in 121 undergraduate areas of study and 74 graduate majors.