Author

Gary Shutt

Gary Shutt grew up in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, and has had a long career in journalism and corporate and higher education communications. After earning a journalism degree at Oklahoma State University, he was a sportswriter at TheDaily Ardmoreite and Tulsa World, and was assistant sports information director at the University of Arkansas. He held a variety of positions during a 23-year career at SBC Communications (now AT&T), including Chairman speechwriter. He served as director of communications at Oklahoma State University from 2005–2018 and continued to support Burns Hargis until his retirement as OSU president in 2021. Shutt and his wife, Sheryl, live in Edmond. They have two sons, Casey (wife Sarah) and Tristan, and three grandchildren, Cora, Henry, and Oliver.

Hall of Fame Inductee

Gary Shutt

was inducted into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame in

Recent Publications

Adult

One Lucky Cowboy: The Life of Burns Hargis

Burns Hargis had a successful career as a lawyer and as vice chairman of Oklahoma’s largest bank. But his combined life experience prepared him for his greatest public service as president of Oklahoma State University. This is the story of Burns’ life that began in south Texas and how he and his family settled in Oklahoma. It is also the humorous chronicle of how he discovered his life partner and greatest supporter, Ann. Their journey is a template for public service and giving back to their adopted state.