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OU vice president nominated for White House job leaves position in preparation for Senate confirmation

Kelvin Droegemeier

Kelvin Droegemeier is the OU vice president for research. He will step down from this role, as he has been nominated by U.S. President Donald Trump to lead the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.

OU's vice president for research has stepped down to prepare for a Senate confirmation after being nominated to a White House position. 

Kelvin Droegemeier will step aside from his role at OU to make way for an interim vice president for research after being nominated by U.S. President Donald Trump to lead the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, according to an OU press release. 

The press release said a national search will begin shortly for a permanent replacement in Droegemeier's position. The transition had been under discussion for several months. 

“We are extremely grateful for Kelvin’s service and leadership through this transition," OU President Jim Gallogly said in the press release. "He decided to step out of the vice president role in order to support the university’s fast-paced vision in research, and we are incredibly supportive of him throughout his preparation for this new role." 

Droegemeier's resignation comes after Gallogly has announced his plans to double OU's research output. The press release said Droegemeier's replacement will continue the "strong momentum" underway for that goal. 

“It has been my privilege and honor to serve as vice president for research under OU presidents Boren and Gallogly, and I have loved working with our faculty, staff and student scholars to help advance their research and creative activity,” Droegemeier said. “I deeply appreciate President Gallogly’s support in allowing me to step down now so I can devote full attention to the Senate confirmation process.”

The release said Droegemeier, if confirmed, will take a leave of absence without pay as an OU faculty member. 

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