Dr. Steve Rook Appointed New President of Connors State College
OSU/A&M Board of Regents selects Dr. Rook to lead Connors State College into its next chapter of growth and workforce impact
(OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla., April 23, 2026) — The OSU/A&M Board of Regents today announced the appointment of Dr. Steve Rook as the next president of Connors State College following a national search. Rook will assume the role at the conclusion of the 2025–2026 academic year, succeeding Dr. Ronald S. Ramming, who is retiring after nearly a decade of distinguished leadership.
As chancellor of Arkansas State University Three Rivers since 2016, Rook brings decades of experience in higher education leadership, student success initiatives, workforce development and community engagement.
“Serving Connors State College is both an honor and a responsibility,” Rook said. “I am inspired by the college’s mission of building futures one at a time and look forward to working alongside faculty, staff, students and the community to continue expanding opportunities, strengthening workforce pathways and ensuring student success across the region.”
During his tenure at ASU Three Rivers, Rook oversaw a $14 million institutional budget and led transformative initiatives, including system alignment with the ASU System, significant increases in workforce training revenue and the expansion of academic and technical programming. Under his leadership, the institution reached historic enrollment milestones, secured millions in federal and grant funding, and strengthened partnerships with industry and community stakeholders to support regional economic development.
The appointment follows a comprehensive national search conducted by the CSC Presidential Search Committee, chaired by OSU/A&M Regent Billy Taylor, and supported by a diverse group of stakeholders including faculty, staff, students, alumni, and community representatives.
“From the outset, our goal was to identify a leader who understands the mission of a two-year institution and has the experience to move Connors State College forward,” Taylor said. “Dr. Rook stood out for his ability to drive growth, build meaningful partnerships, and align academic programs with workforce needs. We are confident he is the right leader to build on Connors’ strong foundation and guide it into the future.”
“Dr. Rook’s experience, vision and commitment to student success make him an outstanding choice to lead Connors State College into its next chapter,” said Rick Walker, chair of the OSU/A&M Board of Regents. “His ability to align academic programs with workforce needs and build strong community partnerships will be critical as we continue to strengthen the impact of Connors State across Oklahoma.”
Rook succeeds Ramming, who has served as CSC president since 2016. Ramming’s tenure was marked by exceptional leadership during a period of financial challenge, including navigating a 26% reduction in state appropriations while achieving long-term financial stability and significant academic growth. Under his leadership, degrees and certificates awarded more than doubled, and the Connors State College Development Foundation saw its assets nearly double, supporting expanded scholarship opportunities for students.
Connors State College, established in 1908, serves approximately 2,000 students across its Warner and Muskogee campuses. The college plays a role in supporting workforce development and educational access by offering a comprehensive range of associate degree and certificate programs and is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission. Dr. Rook’s appointment marks a new era of leadership and continued growth for Connors State College.
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MEDIA CONTACT: Elgin Rucker | elgin.rucker@pinkston.co | (703)973-8065
About the OSU/A&M Board of Regents:
The OSU/A&M Board of Regents 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.
About Connors State College:
Connors State College has a long history of providing the people of eastern Oklahoma with access to higher education. Since seating its first class of 17 students in 1908, the institution has grown into a comprehensive, multi-campus, two-year college that enrolls more than 2,700 students annually. To learn more about Connors State College or how to enroll, please visit connorsstate.edu.