UCO President
University of Central Oklahoma President Don Betz has made it his life’s passion to help students learn. Throughout his distinguished career of more than 40 years in higher education, Dr. Betz has developed a reputation for teaching and encouraging students, for his unmatched energy and enthusiasm, and developing future leaders.
Enhancing that reputation, he currently is serving a three-year term on the International Association of University Presidents (IAUP) executive committee and as chair of its North American Council.
As a student of political science, philosophy and international studies, and having a lifelong interest in global issues, Dr. Betz is well known for his diplomacy skills and work on international issues, most notably with the United Nations and its affiliated non-government organizations. He has dedicated himself to advancing international relations, with a focus on the Middle East.
President Betz took his post as the 20th president of the University of Central Oklahoma in August of 2011, but he is no stranger to the university. He previously served Central as provost and vice president for Academic Affairs from 1999-2005. Between then and now he has served as Chancellor of the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, and as President of Northeastern State University in Tahlequah.
Dr. Betz is active in many professional and civic organizations and is the recipient of numerous accolades and awards, and was recently inducted into the Oklahoma Higher Education Hall of Fame.