Eastern Oklahoma State College

Eastern Oklahoma State College President Announces Retirement

January 21, 2025

Eastern Oklahoma State College President Dr. Janet Wansick (middle front) meets with members of the President's Leadership Class. Front row: Lacie Lott (front left), Addison Brown, Cyrena Bull, Geralyn Haney, Wansick, Jacy Browne, Averie Bain, Laney McAlester, Raegan Biggerstaff, Maddie Littlejohn. Back row: Maebrey Wallace, Dawson Smith, Dristan Harber, Caden Goodson, Walker Chandler.

WILBURTON, Oklahoma – Eastern Oklahoma State College President Dr. Janet Wansick has announced her decision to retire, effective June 30, 2025. Wansick, who has served as the college's president since July 2020, made the announcement in a letter to the EOSC Board of Regents earlier this month.

During her tenure, Wansick guided EOSC through a period of growth and significant accomplishments. The college secured more than $4.5 million in grants for projects such as renovations to the Bill Hill Library, Guided Pathways programs, health and wellness initiatives, and adult degree completion. She also obtained $300,000 in ARPA funds for the nursing and respiratory therapy programs and oversaw $1.3 million in private donations to the EOSC Foundation.

Through deferred maintenance funds allocated by the state, Wansick oversaw significant improvements to the campus. These included the construction of a new 20-unit student apartment complex, a new campus laundry facility, and major renovations to Johnston Hall and Choctaw Hall dormitories. She also directed the replacement of roofs on nine campus buildings, upgrades to gutters across campus, and the installation of a comprehensive campus-wide security system. Other critical infrastructure upgrades included replacing two chillers in dormitories, another in Gunning Hall, and upgrading the HVAC control unit for the McAlester Campus, as well as replacing the roof of the Clark Bass Building. Transportation and operational capabilities were enhanced with the purchase of two 15-passenger vans, a 35-passenger bus for student travel, and a new truck for the college farm.

Wansick implemented initiatives that strengthened student and community engagement, such as the President's Leadership Class and community roundtables. Her leadership saw the launch of new programs and microcredentials, the creation of Boonies II as a student activity space, and the establishment of a hybrid online LPN-to-RN degree program to expand educational access. Her presidency brought increased enrollment and significant support for students’ academic and personal success. Notably, EOSC collaborated with Connors State College to secure a nearly $4 million federal grant to enhance academic success, career readiness, and mental health counseling for students.

"It has been a privilege to lead Eastern Oklahoma State College and work alongside an extraordinary team committed to transforming lives through education," Wansick said. "While my decision to step down was not made lightly, it reflects my need to focus on personal well-being and family after years of professional dedication."

The EOSC Board of Regents will begin a comprehensive, national search for the college’s next president, with the goal of selecting a new leader by May 2025.

"Dr. Wansick’s unwavering dedication to Eastern and its mission has been instrumental in shaping the institution’s future," said Leland Walker, Chairman of the EOSC Board of Regents. "We thank her for her service and look forward to building on the foundation she has established."

Wansick’s contributions to EOSC and her steadfast commitment to the institution’s mission of “Cultivate Growth. Create Futures. Change Lives.” will leave a lasting legacy.

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