Hall of Fame Member Biographies

John M. McArthur

Dr. John M. McArthur served as president of Cameron University for 11 years after serving nine as dean of the School of Science and Technology, vice president for academic affairs and provost. Before joining Cameron, he held faculty appointments in physics, computer science and mathematics at Southeastern Oklahoma State University and Colorado State University-Pueblo.

McArthur is an advocate for accessible and affordable university opportunities, particularly for students in southwest Oklahoma. As president, he maintained low tuition, fees, and room and board rates while significantly increasing scholarship opportunities for students and employees. A proponent of student learning inside and outside the classroom, the efforts of him and his colleagues resulted in significant increases in student persistence and completion rates, with dramatic growth in participation through distance learning and concurrent enrollment. Under his leadership, Cameron was recognized in 2016 as one of only 10 universities nationwide for the inaugural Excellence in Assessment designation by the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities, followed by recognition in 2021 as one of five institutions with the designation of Sustained Excellence in Assessment.

McArthur’s support for research opportunities throughout his career, both as a scholar and a mentor for undergraduate research, is truly commendable. He has also played a significant role in creating professional development opportunities for early-career faculty members. His service as the regional university representative on the Oklahoma Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) advisory committee from 2007 onward further underscores his commitment to fostering research.

Through diligent fundraising, dozens of renovation projects were completed to improve the student experience at Cameron, including new science laboratories, greenhouses, a teaching art gallery, eSports facilities, a golf center, and a major renovation of university library facilities. McArthur continues to enjoy a personal and professional partnership with Dr. Karla Oty, his spouse since 1990. He retired as Cameron’s President in July of this year.