Jim Gallogly began his duties as Univ. of Oklahoma President on Sunday, and over the past three days has attended the Big 12 meetings and "learned from his fellow Big 12 presidents and chancellors," according to Sean Isabella of the NORMAN TRANSCRIPT. Gallogly said, "This part of our university has to do with business, doesn't it? I'm an ex-businessman, so I'll approach it that way." What served as an introductory lesson for Gallogly also "doubled as a farewell" to outgoing OU President David Boren, who was an "authoritative voice in the Big 12 and an ambassador for a league that navigated through change and conference realignment." OU, along with Texas, is "one of two major power players in the 10-team league." The school's status is "largely in part to Boren’s two-fold impact on higher education and athletics." Texas AD Chris Del Conte said of Boren, "He has been an iconic figure for Oklahoma." OU AD Joe Castiglione "described the transition period as 'going exceptionally well' -- Boren was actively engaged while Gallogly spent time visiting with key players, catching up on projects and dealing with various school-wide business." Isabella noted Gallogly’s primary issues to tackle first are "likely rooted in university finances." Big 12 Commissioner Bob Bowlsby said even though Gallogly will be a "great representative for Oklahoma and a wonderful part of the Big 12," Boren was a "special and unique individual." Bowlsby added he expects Gallogly to be "very engaged and very effective" (NORMAN TRANSCRIPT, 6/29).
