Definition
V. Burns Hargis (born 1945) is an American academic administrator and business executive who served as the 13th president of the University of Oklahoma from 2008 to 2018.
Overview
Hargis began his professional career in the private sector, holding senior positions in banking and finance. Prior to his presidency at the University of Oklahoma (OU), he was chairman of the board of directors of FirstBank, a regional banking institution based in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He also served on several corporate and non‑profit boards, including the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities.
Appointed president of OU in May 2008, Hargis oversaw a period of significant capital development, fundraising, and academic expansion. His tenure emphasized increasing the university’s research profile, improving student success metrics, and strengthening community engagement. Under his leadership, OU launched major construction projects such as the renovation of the Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium and the development of new science and technology facilities.
Hargis announced his retirement in 2017 and stepped down in June 2018, succeeded by Joseph Harroz Jr. He remains active in philanthropic and advisory roles within Oklahoma’s higher‑education and business communities.
Etymology/Origin
The name “V. Burns Hargis” incorporates the initial “V.” for Vinson, his given first name, and “Burns” as his middle name, which he commonly uses in professional contexts. The surname “Hargis” is of English origin, derived from a locational name meaning “dweller at the hill” (from Old English elements har “gray” or “hoary” and eg “island” or “dry ground”).
Characteristics
- Academic Leadership: Emphasized strategic fundraising, infrastructure development, and research initiatives at OU.
- Business Experience: Prior executive roles in banking, providing a financial-management perspective to university administration.
- Community Involvement: Served on numerous Oklahoma civic and educational boards, contributing to statewide policy discussions on higher education.
- Philanthropy: Recognized for contributions to scholarships, health‑care initiatives, and cultural institutions.
Related Topics
- University of Oklahoma
- Higher education administration in the United States
- Corporate governance in banking
- Oklahoma higher‑education policy
- List of University of Oklahoma presidents