How Kayse Shrum turned conference realignment turmoil into OSU devotion

The Berry Tramel Show: Oklahoma State's president drew the admiration of Cowboy fans with her feistiness when OU announced its jump to the SEC.

By Berry Tramel

| Oct 25, 2023, 6:00am CDT

By Berry Tramel

Oct 25, 2023, 6:00am CDT

Kayse Shrum went from Connors State Junior College softball player to Muskogee pediatrician to president of Oklahoma State University, where she’s knee-deep in college athletics. From celebrating the Fiesta Bowl win over Notre Dame to leading OSU during difficult days in the Big 12 Conference, Shrum has earned the devotion of Cowboy fans drawn to her feistiness when OU announced it would jump to the SEC.

On this episode of The Berry Tramel, Shrum joins me to discuss the challenges and opportunities of conference realignment, the importance of donor relationships to support athletes in the era of name, image and likeness and how she connects to those athletes.

Producer: Jacquelyn Musgrove

Creative Director: Michael Lane

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Berry Tramel is a 45-year veteran of Oklahoma journalism, having spent 13 years at the Norman Transcript and 32 years at The Oklahoman. He has been named Oklahoma Sportswriter of the Year by the National Sports Media Association. Born and raised in Norman, Tramel grew up reading four newspapers a day and began his career at age 17. His first assignment was the Lexington-Elmore City high school football game, and he’s enjoyed the journey ever since, having covered NBA Finals and Rose Bowls and everything in between. Tramel and his wife, Tricia, were married in 1980 and live in Norman near their daughter, son-in-law and three granddaughters. Tramel can be reached at 405-760-8080 or at [email protected].