CapitolBeatOK Staff Report

Published: 06-Jan-2011

Governor-elect Mary Fallin today (Thursday, January 6) selected Dr. Stephen McKeever as secretary of science and technology.

McKeever currently serves as vice president for research and technology transfer at Oklahoma State University and is the executive director of the OSU Multispectral Lab in Ponca City.

“It’s important for our state, our students and our workforce to remain on the cutting edge of science and technology in order to be competitive in a global economy. And it’s just as important to transfer research and technology from our universities into real-world business opportunities that will help create more jobs for our state,” Fallin said. “Dr. McKeever brings with him a tremendous level of expertise in both areas and I’m glad to have him on our team.”

McKeever first joined the physics faculty at OSU in 1983 rising to the level of regents professor in 1990. He was named a Noble Research Fellow in Optical Materials in 1987 and served as head of the physics department at OSU from 1995 to 1999 and associate dean for research in the College of Arts & Sciences from 2000 to 2003. McKeever was named the More Oklahoma Science and Technology (MOST) chair of experimental physics in 1999 and eventually became vice president in 2003.

“I’m honored to serve in Governor-elect Fallin’s cabinet and look forward to working with her as we seek to transfer new technologies and research into commercial opportunities for the benefit of our local and state economies,” McKeever said.

McKeever obtained bachelor’s and master’s degrees as well as a doctor of philosophy from the University of Wales. He has authored or co-authored more than 190 scientific publications and five books and has six U.S. and nine international patents.

Fallin will take the oath of office at noon on Monday, January 11, and has been filling Cabinet and other top appointive positions regularly over the months since her election victory.