Allison Dabbs Garrett (born 1964) is an American attorney, inventor, educator, and the chancellor of the Oklahoma State System of Higher Education.[1] She previously served as the 17th president of Emporia State University from January 2016 to October 2021, and prior to her time at Emporia State, Garrett served as Abilene Christian University's executive vice president, a position she held from August 20, 2012, to December 23, 2015.[2] Garrett has held several vice president positions in both education and the private sector.
While attending Georgetown Law, Garrett worked at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission from 1988 to 1991 as a staff attorney.[4] In 1994, Garrett moved to Bentonville, Arkansas to work for Walmart Stores, Inc., where she served as vice president and general counsel for the corporate division and as vice president of benefits compliance and planning.[5] Garrett also holds a U.S. patent for a media disk holder, granted in 2003.[6]
On August 20, 2012, Garrett began her three-and-a-half-year term at Abilene Christian University. While at ACU, Garrett oversaw the financial operations, enrollment, and marketing, as well as the university's facilities. Garrett also worked with academics, advancement and athletics, as well as chairing several university committees.[9] On October 22, 2015, Garrett was named Emporia State University's 17th president.[10] She began her work as ESU's president in January 2016.[11]
During her time at Emporia State, Garrett helped Emporia State achieve increased enrollment in the graduate school, set fundraising records for the university, and helped oversee projects including an aquatic research center, a new house for the university president, a new tennis complex, and a new residence hall.[12] As ESU president, she served as vice chair of the NCAA Board of Governors and as chair of the NCAA Division II Presidents’ Council.
On September 24, 2021, she was named the first woman and ninth chancellor of the Oklahoma State System of Higher Education.[13] Garrett leads a state system comprising 25 state colleges and universities, 11 constituent agencies, one university center, and independent colleges and universities coordinated with the state system. She reports to a constitutional board whose nine members are appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Senate. Garrett directs 20 statewide scholarship programs, including the Oklahoma's Promise scholarship program, and statewide GEAR UP efforts. She was appointed by Gov. Kevin Stitt in November 2021 to serve a three-year term as an Oklahoma designee to the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB). In April 2024, Garrett was named by The Journal Record as one of Oklahoma's Most Admired CEOs.[14] In November 2024, Garrett received the Oklahoma National Guard's Oklahoma Thunderbird Medal, which is the highest honor presented to a civilian. [15]
