Former Oklahoma State University women’s tennis coach Chris Young now serves as senior vice president for advancement and athletics at his alma mater, Oklahoma Christian University in Oklahoma City.
OC announced Young’s appointment on November 21. OSU parted ways with Young in July after the NCAA placed the program on three years’ probation and issued a series of penalties for recruiting violations.
Young, a 2000 OC graduate, enjoyed great success as the tennis coach at OC, Wichita State and OSU, leading the Cowgirls to 12 consecutive NCAA tournament appearances and three Big 12 regular-season championships in 15 years. In 2016, OSU was the NCAA runner-up. He was also instrumental in the fundraising and design of OSU’s state-of-the-art Michael and Anne Greenwood Tennis Center, which opened in 2014.
“As Oklahoma Christian University pursues its strategic vision to become a unique Christian Kingdom university, it is important to ensure visionary leadership in advancement and athletics,” said Oklahoma Christian University President Ken Jones. “Chris represents an extraordinary combination of proven athletic success, developmental acumen and a genuine commitment to our mission.”
Young was grateful to be back at OC and was named the Sooner Athletic Conference Women’s Coach of the Year in 2004. OC eliminated its tennis program in 2013.
Former Oklahoma State University women’s tennis coach Chris Young has taken a job at his alma mater, Oklahoma Christian University.
“Oklahoma Christian University changed my life,” he said. “It shaped the foundation of my faith and provided the intellectual and spiritual framework to guide my career. Returning in this capacity is deeply meaningful. I am committed to advancing OC’s mission through strategic growth in philanthropy and athletics and supporting the future of our students and the University for generations to come.”
Former RUSO Director now works for the National Governors Association
Brandon Tatum, former executive director of the Oklahoma Regional College System, began serving Nov. 1 as acting executive director of the National Governors Association, of which Gov. Kevin Stitt is now president. At the NGA, Tatum replaces the retiring Bill McBride.
“As we look to the future, I’m excited to see governors come together in new and innovative ways to reignite the American Dream in our states,” Stitt said. “We are deeply grateful to Bill for his leadership and commitment to NGA’s mission, and I am grateful to Brandon for his willingness to step in and lead at this critical time.”
The NGA is a bipartisan organization of U.S. governors founded in 1908. It describes itself as an organization that shares best practices, coordinates policy and strengthens states’ collective voice in setting federal priorities.
Tatum, who begins his RUSO role in August 2024, will lead the system, which includes East Central University, Northeastern State University, Northwest Oklahoma State University, Southeastern Oklahoma State University, Southwestern Oklahoma State University and the University of Central Oklahoma.
Former RUSO executive director Brandon Tatum (left) now works with the National Governors Association.
He left RUSO in August 2025 to begin serving as Executive Vice President of America Achieves, a New York-based nonprofit organization. He also serves as senior advisor to Stitt’s NGA President’s Initiative, Reigniting the American Dream.
Prior to joining RUSO, Tatum served as Stitt’s chief of staff starting in November 2022. He has held positions in K-12 and higher education, including serving as executive vice president of Oklahoma Christian University.
“Governors are at the intersection of policy and impact, where decisions translate directly into outcomes for families, businesses and communities,” Tatum said. “The state level is where real solutions are formed, and I am honored to support this leadership and help NGA advance meaningful, results-driven outcomes.”
OSU Engineering Building Wins Design Award
The renovation of Oklahoma State University’s Engineering South Building won first place in the overall building category at Retrofit Magazine’s 2025 Metamorphosis Awards. Retrofit magazine focuses on architectural projects dedicated to renovation, adaptive reuse and reinvention.
The Oklahoma State University project is a collaboration between Rand Elliott Architects, an Oklahoma City-based firm led by University of Oklahoma alumnus Rand Elliott, and OSU’s College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology.
The award recognizes projects that transform existing buildings into modern, high-performance spaces while retaining their historic character. The five-story, 88,000-square-foot building now features light-filled, flexible spaces designed to foster collaboration, innovation and hands-on learning. The 12,000-square-foot expansion houses a 300-seat auditorium and lobby to serve students and the broader campus community.
Rand Elliott Architects team member Dallin Reese Whiting, also an OSU architecture graduate, played a key role in the project.
“This renovation exceeded my expectations and breathed new life into one of our historic buildings,” said OSU architect Jana Phillips. “The exterior renovation maintains the elegance of our Georgian College style, while the interior provides a refreshing feel for students, faculty and staff.”
UCO President Elected to National Committee
University of Central Oklahoma President Todd Lamb was one of only five chancellors or chancellors elected to the American Association of State Colleges and Universities Board of Trustees at the 2025 AASCU Annual Meeting of Presidents and Chancellors in Nashville, Tennessee.
Headquartered in Washington, D.C., AASCU describes itself as a higher education association representing more than 500 regional public colleges, universities and systems whose members share a culture centered on learning and teaching, a historic commitment to the student body, and a dedication to research and creativity that promotes economic advancement and cultural development in their regions.
University of Central Oklahoma President Todd Lamb now serves on the board of directors of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities.
“I am honored to be one of the few higher education leaders elected to the AASCU Board of Trustees,” said Lamb. “I look forward to expanding the work we do at the University of Central Oklahoma to provide students with an affordable, high-quality educational experience across the nation and working with my AASCU colleagues to address our nation’s critical workforce needs.”
Trade between Southeastern and UNLV focuses on Tribe games
The Tribal Education Program at Southeastern Oklahoma State University in Durant and the William F. Harrah Hospitality College at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas announced a partnership to provide students with education and preparation for careers in tribal gaming and hospitality businesses.
The two universities have signed what is known as a “2+2” articulation agreement, through which Southeastern students can seamlessly transfer credits to the University of Nevada, Las Vegas School of Hospitality, where they can complete a bachelor’s degree with a major in tribal gaming or hospitality management. Students can choose to study in person on the UNLV campus or study entirely online.
The purpose of such agreements is to facilitate easy student transfer.
In addition to the southeast, Durant is home to the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, which operates the large Choctaw Casino on the southern edge of town and other casinos on its reservation.
Southeastern University President David Whitlock said the partnership with the University of Nevada, Las Vegas will give students the opportunity to stay in Oklahoma, “take classes at the best regional universities in the state and the best hospitality and gaming schools in the country, and work with tribes in Oklahoma. These types of partnerships are great avenues for students, and we appreciate the partnership with the Harrah’s School of Hospitality at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.”
This article originally appeared in Oklahoma State: Former Oklahoma State University tennis coach now works in development at his alma mater