David Lyle Boren (1941–2025) was an American politician, lawyer, and educator known for his leadership in Oklahoma politics and higher education. He served as Governor of Oklahoma (1975–79,) U.S. Senator (1979–94,) and President of the University of Oklahoma (1994–2018.)
Born in Washington, D.C., Boren attended Yale University, earning a B.A. in American History (1963.) He later studied at Oxford University as a Rhodes Scholar, obtaining a Master’s in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (1965,) followed by a J.D. from the University of Oklahoma (1968.)
His political career began in the Oklahoma House of Representatives (1967–75.) As Governor, he implemented transparency reforms and education initiatives. In the U.S. Senate, he chaired the Senate Intelligence Committee, advocating for national security policies. As University of Oklahoma President, he oversaw academic expansion and increased research funding.
His notable publications include A Letter to America (2008,) which explores political leadership and civic responsibility, and The Oklahoma Constitution: A Reference Guide (1993,) which examines state governance.
More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by David L. Boren
Those who mill around at the crossroads of history do so at their own peril.
—David L. Boren
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