Governor Stitt Appoints Dustin Hilliary to the University of Oklahoma Board of Regents

OKLAHOMA CITY (March 19, 2026) - Governor Kevin Stitt today announced the appointment of Dustin Hilliary to the Board of Regents for the University of Oklahoma, pending confirmation by the Oklahoma Senate.

Hilliary currently serves as a member of the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, having been appointed by Governor Stitt in 2022.

“Dustin Hilliary is one of Oklahoma’s most dynamic business leaders, and he brings an unwavering commitment to building the workforce our state needs to be a top 10 state,” Governor Stitt said. “As a regent, he will put students first, insist on excellence in the classroom, and make sure OU is tightly aligned with the needs of Oklahoma employers across our state. Dustin is a proven leader in growing businesses and delivering results, and that’s exactly the kind of leadership we need on the OU Board of Regents.”

Hilliary is co‑CEO of Hilliary Communications, a family‑owned broadband and telecommunications company that, under his leadership, has grown from a small rural telephone provider into one of the largest independent broadband companies in the region, serving customers across Oklahoma, Texas, and Iowa.

“Our flagship university must be a powerhouse for Oklahoma’s workforce, producing graduates who are ready to step into high‑demand jobs across our state. As a business leader, I’ve seen firsthand how talent and innovation drive growth, and I look forward to working with my fellow regents to keep OU affordable, competitive, and laser‑focused on preparing students for the jobs of tomorrow,” said Hilliary.

Governor Stitt said Hilliary’s appointment reflects his administration’s continued focus on tying higher education outcomes to workforce needs and economic growth.

“On State Regents, Dustin pushed for accountability, for better alignment with workforce needs, and for smart investments that deliver real value to students and taxpayers,” Chancellor Sean Burrage said. “I’m confident he will bring that same energy and vision to OU.”

About Dustin Hilliary

Dustin Hilliary is co-CEO of Hilliary Communications, where he leads the company’s growth strategy, financial planning, and major acquisitions. He has played a key role in transforming Hilliary from a small rural telephone company into a multi-faceted provider of broadband, telephone, and video services, passing 70,000 homes and businesses across Oklahoma and Texas and employing 225 direct employees and over 150 indirect employees.

Under Hilliary’s leadership, the company has successfully negotiated the acquisition of more than 20 companies and delivered hundreds of millions of dollars in broadband infrastructure to rural communities.

In addition to his telecom work, Hilliary is co-publisher of Hilliary Media Group, which owns and operates multiple media outlets, including The Lawton Constitution and the Oklahoma Ag Network.

He is actively involved in civic and professional organizations, including NTCA – The Rural Broadband Association, the Oklahoma State Chamber, Oklahoma Farm Bureau, the Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association, and various local and regional boards focused on education, health care, and rural development.

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