Connors State College President Ronald Ramming announces retirement

(WARNER, Okla., Sept. 12, 2025) — After nearly a decade of dedicated leadership, Connors State College (CSC) President Ronald S. Ramming announced Friday he will retire at the end of the academic year.

Dr. Ramming, a 1985 alumnus of Connors State College, returned to his alma mater in 1990 to join the agriculture faculty. He has served the institution in various capacities for over three decades, culminating in his appointment as president in 2016.

“Serving Connors State College has been the honor of my life,” said Dr. Ramming. “From my first days here as a student in the ’80s to these past nine years as president, I’ve been surrounded by people whose talent and dedication have made every achievement possible. I leave proud of what we’ve accomplished and confident that Connors is poised for an even brighter future.”

Dr. Ramming was appointed president at the height of a significant state financial crisis. Facing a 26% reduction in state appropriations, he expertly navigated the fiscal challenges to place the college on a sound financial footing. His tenure has been marked by unprecedented growth in academic achievement and the delivery of financial stability.

Under his leadership, the assets of the Connors State College Development Foundation have nearly doubled, and the college successfully raised over $2 million for endowed scholarships to support students. This focus on student success is most evident in the college’s academic outcomes; over the past five years, the number of degrees and certificates awarded annually has more than doubled, with over 1,180 awarded in the last academic year.

“President Ramming has been a tremendous asset to Oklahoma’s higher education system,” said Sean Burrage, chancellor of the Oklahoma State System of Higher Education. “His focus on expanding programs that directly address our state’s workforce needs is a model for how our colleges can drive economic growth. We commend him for a job well done and wish him and his family the very best.”

“Dr. Ramming’s legacy will be his exceptional stewardship during a time of immense financial pressure, guiding the college through a period of necessary change with a clear vision that ensured its future prosperity,” said Rick Walker, chair of the OSU/A&M Board of Regents. “On behalf of the entire OSU/A&M Board of Regents, I want to thank Dr. Ramming for his dedicated service to the college, its students, faculty and staff.”

“It has been a privilege to work alongside a leader like Dr. Ramming,” said Jason Ramsey, CEO of the OSU/A&M Board of Regents. “His collaborative spirit and dedication to his campus community were evident in every decision, making him an invaluable partner to the A&M system.”

Dr. Ramming championed numerous innovative programs during his presidency. He was instrumental in growing CSC’s nationally recognized prison education program, which now serves nearly 300 students and awarded over 85 associate degrees last year. He also forged key workforce partnerships, including cooperative programs with Indian Capital Technology Center for Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy Assistants. Additionally, he expanded student life and athletic opportunities by adding programs such as men’s and women’s cross country, archery, esports and meat judging.

“We’re proud of the stability we’ve achieved, but we’re also mindful of the sacrifice and hard work it took from everyone on campus to get here,” Dr. Ramming said. “I am confident the college is well-positioned to continue its vital mission of serving Oklahomans and meeting the workforce needs of our great state.”

An active community leader, Dr. Ramming serves on the Muskogee County Excise and Equalization Board, the Green Country Workforce Board, the St. Francis Muskogee Hospital Community Advisory Board, the Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence Board of Trustees, and the board of the American Farmers and Ranchers.

The OSU/A&M Board of Regents will announce a plan to conduct a national search for the next president of Connors State College in the near future.

Highlights from Dr. Ramming’s tenure:

• 1990: Agriculture Instructor and Assistant Livestock Judging Team Coach
• 1998: Director of Distance and Extended Education
• 2004: Dean of Enrollment Services
• 2009: Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Services & Interim Vice President of Academic Affairs
• 2014-2016: Senior Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs
• 2016-2025: 17th President of Connors State College

For more information, please contact the Connors State College Office of Marketing and Communications.

About the OSU/A&M Board of Regents
The Board of Regents for the Oklahoma Agricultural and Mechanical Colleges was established in 1944 under Section 31a, Article 6 of the Oklahoma Constitution. It comprises nine members: eight appointed by the governor with the senate’s advice, and the ninth is the State Board of Agriculture president. The Board serves as the governing body for five institutions. These institutions include Oklahoma State University, Connors State College, Langston University, Northeastern Oklahoma Agricultural and Mechanical College, and Oklahoma Panhandle State University. The Board ensures these educational institutions’ continued growth and success through its supervision, management, and oversight.