Former House Speaker appointed to Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education

OKLAHOMA CITY (KOKH) — A former Oklahoma Speaker of the House has been appointed to the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education.

Governor Mary Fallin announced May 1 that former House Speaker Jeff Hickman has been appointed to the board. The Fairview-native will need confirmation of the Oklahoma Senate to take the position.

Fallin states that Hickman's experience with the legislative process will be helpful to the regents.

"He also is familiar with higher education issues as well as the needs of CareerTech and common education policy because of his legislative experience. Our colleges and universities are key to producing the kind of skilled and educated workforce we need in order to compete globally," Fallin said.

If confirmed, Hickman will serve a nine-year term. He replaces James Dean Harrell.