Press Release
May 26, 2020
Contact: Larry O’Dell
Oklahoma Historical Society
Office: 405-522-6676
lodell@okhistory.org
www.okhistory.org
Oklahoma Historical Society Board of Directors Elect New Officers
OKLAHOMA CITY — The Oklahoma Historical Society (OHS) Board of Directors elected Dr. Deena Fisher of Woodward as its new president at its meeting on May 20, 2020. In addition, the board elected Shirley Nero of Clearview as vice president and Karen Keith of Tulsa as treasurer.
The results of the OHS Board of Directors election were also announced. OHS members elected Southwestern Oklahoma State University President Randy Beutler, Weatherford, to the board as a member, as well as re-electing Jack Baker, Oklahoma City; Deena Fisher, Woodward; Teresa Black Bradway, Clayton; and Kenny Sivard, Idabel. Jack Baker is the outgoing board president.
The newly elected president Deena Fisher, who recently retired as dean of Northwestern Oklahoma State University’s Woodward Campus and professor of history, holds an Ed.D. in higher education administration from Oklahoma State University. She is a longtime OHS member and has served on the OHS Board since 2004. She previously served as OHS Board treasurer and vice president.
“I hope to build on the legacy of President Jack Baker’s success,” said Fisher, “I am very honored and humbled to be elected by my colleagues as president. The new OHS officers look forward to continuing to serve its membership in a responsible and effective manner.”
Shirley Nero, the new OHS Board vice president, is a retired history teacher. Born and raised in the All-Black town of Clearview, Nero has served on the OHS Board of Directors since 2004. She is currently the chair of the OHS Black Heritage Committee and a past treasurer for the OHS Board of Directors.
Newly elected treasurer Karen Keith has served as a Tulsa County commissioner since 2008. A graduate of Oklahoma State University, she worked as a Tulsa television reporter, anchor and host for 26 years. She has been an OHS member since 2008 and on the board since 2010.
The mission of the Oklahoma Historical Society is to collect, preserve and share the history and culture of the state of Oklahoma and its people. Founded in 1893 by members of the Territorial Press Association, the OHS maintains museums, historic sites and affiliates across the state. Through its research archives, exhibits, educational programs and publications the OHS chronicles the rich history of Oklahoma. For more information about the OHS, please visit www.okhistory.org.
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