Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt last week announced the appointment of Jimmy D. Harrel to the Oklahoma State University A & M Board of Regents.
Harrel is a banker, farmer, and rancher and a native of Leedey. In 1985 he became the owner of the Bank of Western Oklahoma in Elk City. Under his management, the bank has grown to include offices in Weatherford, Woodward, Vici, Geary, and Cordell, as well as the original location in Elk City.
Harrel earned his bachelor’s degrees in animal science and vocational agriculture education from Oklahoma State University and worked in education as a vocational agriculture instructor, principal, and basketball coach in Taloga Public Schools before moving into the financial sector. He has served on several boards and committees, including the State Board of Agriculture, Board of Regents for A & M Colleges, Board of Regents of Higher Education, and the Oklahoma Wildlife Commission. He is also an active member of the OSU Alumni Association and was inducted into the Oklahoma Agriculture Hall of Fame in 2019.
“I am very excited and humbled that Governor Stitt would ask me to serve on the Oklahoma A&M Board of Regents,” Harrel said in a press release. “I look forward to working with the governor and the A&M regents to improve higher education and make sure students are ready for their careers. I, along with many of my immediate family members, now my grandson, attended Oklahoma State and it holds a dear place in my heart.”
Harrel’s appointment was met with praise from Oklahoma’s legislative and executive leadership.
“Jimmy Harrel is a fixture of banking, farming, and ranching in Oklahoma, and a loyal and true supporter of Oklahoma State University,” said Senate President Prop Tempore Greg Treat. “He’s an ardent supporter of both higher education and common education. I know he will do a great job as a regent for OSU, and I congratulate him on this appointment.”
“Jimmy Harrel has been a driving force in Oklahoma agriculture, finance, and beyond for his whole life,” said Oklahoma House Speaker Charles McCall. “Bringing his charisma, skill, and charisma back to his alma mater is a major victory for Oklahoma State University and the entire state. I know Jimmy will thrive in this role and commend Governor Stitt for an excellent selection in this very important position for our state.”
“A rancher and ag lender from western Oklahoma, Mr. Jimmy Harrel will bring a wealth of agriculture knowledge to the OSU A&M Board of Regents,” said Oklahoma Secretary of Agriculture Blayne Arthur. “An OSU Regent with a strong agricultural background and rural perspective is incredibly beneficial to agriculture producers across the state. I look forward to working with Governor Stitt, Mr. Harrel, and the OSU regents as we advance agriculture and higher education in Oklahoma.”
Harrel is filling the seat currently occupied by Lou Watkins, whose term ends April 4, 2020. Harrel’s will serve an eight-year term beginning April 5, 2020, and ending April 4, 2028.