Governor Stitt Appoints Kenneth S. Waits to the University of Oklahoma Board of Regents

Today, Governor Kevin Stitt appointed long-time oil and gas businessman Kenneth S. Waits to the Board of Regents of the University of Oklahoma.

"Ken is a national voice in the energy sector who knows the OU community well," said Governor Stitt. "Ken loves the University of Oklahoma, and I can't wait to see how he serves the school as member of the Board of Regents."

After graduating from the University of Oklahoma and pursing graduate business studies at University of Texas at Tyler, Ken Waits joined Mewbourne Oil Company as an operations engineer in Woodward, OK, and has spent his entire career with the company. After working as the Oklahoma City district manager, vice-president of exploration, and chief operation officer, Waits now serves as the president and CEO of Mewbourne Oil Company, one of the largest privately-owned oil producers in the United States. Employing over 700 people, Mewbourne Oil Company is one of the most active drillers in the nation and is one of the largest providers of scholarships, internships, and full-time jobs at the University of Oklahoma.

"Serving my alma mater is an honor, and I'm deeply appreciative to Governor Stitt for the opportunity to uplift the school I love," said Waits. "The students, faculty, and staff of OU continue to inspire me every day, and I look forward to giving back to the community in this new role."

Waits serves on the boards of the American Exploration and Production Council, the Permian Basin Strategic Partnership, and the Permian Basin Petroleum Association. Having served as the chairman of the industry advisory boards for the Mewbourne College of Earth and Energy, the School of Petroleum and Geological Engineering, Waits is currently a council member of University of Oklahoma President Harroz' Lead On Campaign.

Ken and his wife of 35 years, Laura, are the proud parents of Hanna, a 2022 University of Oklahoma graduate.