President Kayse Shrum Releases Statement on Big 12 Expansion Vote

STILLWATER – The news broke Friday morning of the eight remaining schools in the Big 12 unanimously voting to accept BYU, Cincinnati, Houston and UCF into the conference. That officially brings the Big 12 back to 12 schools once the four teams all enter the league.

You can read all about conference expansion and the addition of the four teams HERE.

Less than two hours later, Oklahoma State President Kayse Shrum issued a statement on conference expansion.

“As many of you have read in recent headlines, I joined my fellow presidents from Big 12 universities this morning to accept membership applications from four respected universities with impressive athletic traditions into the Big 12 athletic conference. Today's vote represents the first of many steps to take place over the next couple of years. I am enthusiastic about the future of Oklahoma State University athletics as part of the reimagined Big 12 with the addition of Brigham Young University, the University of Central Florida, the University of Houston, and the University of Cincinnati, which creates an impressive geographical footprint. I also appreciate the leadership of our athletic director Chad Weiberg, and I'm proud to work alongside him to chart a bright future for Oklahoma State University athletics. The expanded conference means our student-athletes will compete at the highest level in every sport for national championships. 

The resiliency of the OSU community over the past year and a half has been impressive. We continue to adapt to ever-evolving challenges while meeting our land grant teaching, research and service mission. Again, thanks to all of you for your efforts to make this semester a success. Let's continue to work together on our shared goal to protect our campus and preserve the semester.  

Thank you, and Go Pokes!”