Former State Representative Jason Nelson to Lead UCO Office of Public Affairs
April 21, 2025
University of Central Oklahoma President Todd G. Lamb announced the appointment of Jason Nelson as the university’s Associate Vice President for Public Affairs.
Nelson brings a varied and distinguished 30-year career in public policy, campaigns, government relations and public service to the role. He most recently served as Chief of Staff for Oklahoma County Clerk Maressa Treat. Notably, Nelson was elected to four terms (2008-16) in the Oklahoma House of Representatives where he served in several leadership roles, including Majority Floor Leader, and led several complex and historic public policy reform efforts related to public education and child welfare.
His experience also includes serving as Deputy Secretary of Public Safety for the State of Oklahoma and in various roles in former Oklahoma Governor Frank Keating’s office.
“Jason Nelson is a longtime community and state leader. His tenacity, vision and collaborative leadership will be an asset for our university. He will be instrumental as UCO interfaces with community and governmental leaders,” President Lamb said.
In his new role at UCO, Nelson will serve as a liaison with the state legislature, the state’s Congressional delegation and other elected officials and work with various community stakeholders to advocate for the university.
“I know from attending UCO as a student and having a child who is a current UCO student that this university is a special place, playing a vital role in preparing Oklahoma students for the workforce. I look forward sharing the UCO story far and wide and building on the momentum led by President Lamb,” Nelson said.
He will start his role at UCO April 28.
Learn more about the UCO Office of Public Affairs at go.uco.edu/pa
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Cutline: Former State Representative Jason Nelson will join the University of Central Oklahoma as the Associate Vice President for Public Affairs.
