OPSU Focuses on Shared Governance for Stronger Institutional Alignment

In alignment with best practices in higher education, Oklahoma Panhandle State University has embarked on a path toward establishing a system of shared governance. Rooted in “Progress through Knowledge,” OPSU is committed to promoting excellence in the preparation of students for success in a global community. Guided by the principles outlined by the American Association of University Professors (AAUP), OPSU’s efforts in shared governance aim to enhance collaboration, transparency, and strategic decision-making among key stakeholders— faculty, staff, administrators, and students. The process is spearheaded by the newly established OPSU Shared Governance Task Force, which has committed to creating a shared governance statement to reflect the institution’s mission of fostering academic excellence and community responsibility.

On October 21, the university held a workshop led by Dr. Steve Bahls, an expert in shared governance and who has consulted with numerous colleges and universities on governance structures. He led the workshop with insight on transforming traditional models of shared governance into engines for institutional agility and sustainability. His key message emphasized moving from “constituency-based thinking” to “institutional thinking”—a shift that requires collaboration, mutual trust, and a focus on the long-term mission of the university.

“From my experience in consulting with dozens of colleges and universities over the past ten years, I have seen, firsthand, that shared governance, when properly conceived, structured, and fostered, is an effective engine of change to help colleges and universities with institutional thriving,” said Dr. Steve Bahls in Trusteeship Magazine.

At the heart of shared governance is the need for a culture of transparency and open communication. In practice, this will mean more timely and well-informed decisions for OPSU, fostering a sense of mutual investment in the university’s strategic direction. According to the AAUP, shared governance is not merely a series of checks and balances but an active, collaborative process that involves ongoing dialogue between faculty, staff, and administration.

OPSU President, Dr. Julie Dinger, expressed her enthusiasm for the task force’s progress and the impact shared governance will have on the institution. “At OPSU, our commitment to shared governance aligns with our vision of ‘One University, One Mission,’” Dr. Dinger said. “We are creating an inclusive space where faculty and staff work together, ensuring that all voices contribute to decisions that guide our future. This process is key to achieving long-term sustainability and growth for our university.”

Through the task force’s efforts, OPSU is set to draft a comprehensive shared governance statement in the coming months. This statement will formalize the institution’s commitment to transparency, timely decision-making, and shared responsibility. As the university continues to evolve, shared governance will play an essential role in strengthening its strategic initiatives and ensuring that all constituencies work together toward a common goal: the long-term success and prosperity of OPSU.