SE Communications
On Friday, June 20, 2025, the Kansas Board of Regents announced the appointment of Dr. Thomas W. Newsom as 11th President of Pittsburg State University in Pittsburg, Kansas.
Newsom has served as the 21st President at Southeastern Oklahoma State University in Durant since April 2020.
“It has been my distinct pleasure to serve as the President at Southeastern Oklahoma State University for the last five years,” Newsom said. “The Durant and Texoma community have been so supportive of my family and the University, and I am so grateful and thankful for their support of our mission. Thank you as well to the dedicated faculty, staff, regents, and especially the students who make Southeastern great. My family and I will remember our time in Durant with great fondness and will always be watching Southeastern as it continues to grow and succeed.”
“I am excited about this new career move for Dr. Newsom and Vicky and also sad to see them leave Southeastern Oklahoma State University,” said Jane McDermott, chair of the Regional University System of Oklahoma. “Dr. Newsom has brought great leadership to Southeastern and has been a pleasure to work with in his five years in Durant.”
The regents of the Regional University System of Oklahoma will immediately begin planning a presidential search process and will release more details as they become available.