Cameron University president announces retirement

Officials with the University of Oklahoma Board of Regents, which oversees Cameron, said they plan to begin the search process for a new president.

Ross, 62, who has headed Cameron since she came to the university in August 2002, has overseen the Lawton campus during a period of financial and physical growth.

During her tenure, the university launched a three-year fundraising campaign that raised more than $12.5 million for the university — beating the campaign's goal by 50 percent. The campaign was part of the university's centennial celebration during the 2008-2009 academic year.

Ross also oversaw $60 million in campus construction and renovation projects, including the $14 million McMahon Centennial Complex, the university's student union. The 41,000-square-foot complex opened in April 2010.

Before coming to the university, Ross served as executive vice chancellor for academic affairs for the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education.

Leslie Rainbolt-Forbes, chairwoman of the OU Board of Regents, said Ross has been an asset to the university.

“With her guidance, Cameron has experienced enrollment growth and an all-time high in fundraising as well as a physical transformation of the campus and increased economic development in the community and region,” Rainbolt-Forbes said. “She has set a high standard for all university presidents in the state.”