Dr. David Whitlock named interim president of Southeastern Oklahoma State University beginning August 1

July 14, 2025

The Regional University System of Oklahoma (RUSO) has named Dr. David Whitlock as interim president of Southeastern Oklahoma State University, effective August 1, 2025.

Whitlock succeeds Dr. Thomas W. Newsom, who was recently announced as the next president at Pittsburg State University in Kansas. Newsom served as Southeastern’s 21^st president from the spring of 2020.

“I am excited to have Dr. Whitlock serve in this interim role,” said Jane McDermott, chair of the RUSO Board of Regents. “His professional background, combined with his deep love for his alma mater, makes him the perfect fit for this position. I want to sincerely thank Dr. Whitlock for his willingness to step in and serve Southeastern Oklahoma State University.”

Whitlock is currently the Dean of the John Massey School of Business at Southeastern, a position he has held since 2023. In this position, he has spearheaded the creation of Southeastern’s first doctoral degree – the Doctor of Business Administration’s first cohort begins in August – and reaffirmation of accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).

“I am deeply honored and humbled to serve as interim president of Southeastern Oklahoma State University,” Whitlock said. “I appreciate the confidence the Regional University System of Oklahoma Regents have placed in me by entrusting me with this important role. I want to express my sincere gratitude to President Thomas Newsom for his outstanding leadership and wish him continued success in his new position at Pittsburg State University.

“Southeastern is on a strong path forward, guided by our strategic plan, an exceptional faculty, and a steadfast commitment to our mission of providing educational opportunities that are accessible, affordable, aspirational, and accredited — hallmarks of excellence for our students and the communities we serve.”

Whitlock returned to Southeastern as professor of business in 2019 and has been the John Massey Endowed Chair in Entrepreneurship since 2021. He has also been the interim chair of the department of music.

“I’m excited to see Southeastern’s continued progress under Dr. Whitlock’s interim leadership,” Newsom said. “He has been a great friend in my time in Durant and his experience as a university president has already been a massive benefit to Southeastern. Southeastern’s success during my tenure owes a lot to Dr. David Whitlock’s leadership as well. The students, faculty, staff, and supporters of the gold and blue will all benefit from having this fantastic son of Southeastern leading the university as the regents search for the next permanent president.”

Whitlock returned to Southeastern after a highly successful tenure as president at Oklahoma Baptist University in Shawnee from 2008-19.

As OBU’s third-longest tenured president, Whitlock led efforts resulting in a 20 percent growth in enrollment; construction of six new buildings on campus; significant renovations of multiple locations on campus including academic areas, residence halls, and student and spiritual life facilities; a variety of campus beautification projects; expanded undergraduate and graduate programs; the Vision for a New Century Capital Campaign which raised $52.3 million; and the transition of OBU’s athletics programs from NAIA to NCAA Division II.

Whitlock also served at Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar, Mo., for nearly 10 years as a professor of business, associate provost, dean of the College of Business and Computer Science, and dean of SBU’s adult and off-campus programs.

Whitlock, who holds three degrees from Southeastern – a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry (1984), a Master of Administrative Studies (1985), and a Master of Business Administration (2000) – was recognized as a Distinguished Alumni Award recipient in 2014. He earned his Ph.D. from the University of Oklahoma in 1995.

He began his career in academia in 1985 after earning his first master’s degree from Southeastern. He taught in the school of business from 1985-99, rising to associate professor of business. He also chaired the business information management department from 1995-99, was interim chair of management and marketing from 1992-94, and served as director of the Small Business Institute from 1990-97.

Whitlock has also been a consultant-evaluator for the Higher Learning Commission since 2006.