Friday, January 22, 2016
OKLAHOMA CITY — Governor Mary Fallin today announced she is reappointing Connie Reilly to the Board of Regents of the Regional University System of Oklahoma. Reilly originally was appointed to the post in 2007 by former Governor Brad Henry.
Reilly, of Okemah, has served as chairman of the board and participated in search committees that were involved in hiring presidents for five of the six universities the board governs.
“Connie Reilly has earned another term as regent with her meritorious service over the past nine years,” said Fallin. “Her experience as an educator makes her an invaluable part of this board.”
Reilly will continue on the board until 2025 if her appointment is confirmed by the Senate.
Reilly said she is passionate about education at all levels.
“I have a keen interest in expanding the dialogue between secondary and higher education,” said Reilly. “For example, we need to get feedback from classroom teachers about what they want our universities to teach for teacher preparation and implement classroom curriculum based on professors’ feedback for preparing students for college.”
Reilly spent more than 30 years as an educator in Okemah Public Schools, as a teacher, librarian and administrator. She also worked with several other school districts as an educational consultant.
Reilly was educated at the University of Oklahoma. She earned a bachelor’s degree in English in 1971 and a master’s degree in library science in 1981. She also completed certifications as a secondary principal and superintendent.
Reilly also has been active in the business community of Okemah, where her family owns several businesses. She has been inducted into the Okemah Hall of Fame, and her family recently received a Commitment to Excellence Award from the Okemah Chamber of Commerce.
Reilly and her husband, Bob, have two children and two grandchildren.
About the Regional University System of Oklahoma
The Regional University System of Oklahoma board governs six regional universities: East Central University, Northeastern State University, Northwestern Oklahoma State University, Southeastern Oklahoma State University, Southwestern Oklahoma State University and the University of Central Oklahoma. The board consists of nine members. Eight are appointed by the governor, with the consent of the Senate, while the ninth is the elected state superintendent of public instruction.
###