Tomorrow, Oklahoma will wake up in SEC Country. July 1, 2024, marks a new chapter in the University of Oklahoma’s 133-year-old story as we celebrate our inaugural day in the Southeastern Conference. Our excitement for this historic moment has been building for years. Sooner Magic will shine even brighter in the SEC, giving us an incredible opportunity to share the life-changing OU story with the world.

To fully appreciate the magnitude of today, we must reflect on what paved our path. Recent years have seen transformative changes fundamentally reshaping collegiate athletics. We recognized this evolving reality and chose to act. For OU, that meant the Southeastern Conference. Joining the SEC isn’t merely about changing conferences; it’s about positioning OU to remain true to our crimson roots while aiming for new heights in athletics and far beyond.

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Although the SEC is widely recognized for its athletic prowess, it also emphasizes academics, research and community progress ― missions at the heart of our university. While there are countless benefits to OU athletics with this move, joining the SEC represents a strategic step forward for every part of OU. Being in the SEC will elevate our national profile and provide increased visibility that translates into broader recognition ― not only for our student-athletes and athletics programs, but also for our academic achievements, research activities and community impact.

We know being in the SEC will catalyze substantial investment in our academic and research endeavors, where we’ve already seen stunning progress. Consider, for instance, the record-setting sizes of our last three freshman classes, with double-digit percentage increases last year and this coming fall. More students than ever are choosing OU, and the enhanced visibility we’ll enjoy in the SEC will provide even more avenues to attract top student and faculty talent.

Similarly, we have aggressive goals for research. Our research endeavors have garnered national recognition, with OU ranking among the top institutions in terms of research growth rate, aligning with our position as a top-tier public research university. Joining the SEC, a conference populated with prestigious research institutions, will accelerate our trajectory and foster collaboration, opening doors for joint research initiatives and promising new breakthroughs.

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All Oklahomans can unite in recognizing the benefits our state will reap from OU’s move to the SEC. SEC universities not only excel academically but also drive economic growth and innovation in their states, shaping future leaders and strengthening the national workforce. Oklahoma will share in the $104.5 billion economic impact collectively generated by all SEC institutions. We also look forward to welcoming thousands of enthusiastic SEC fans to Norman, providing a significant boost to our local economy and the state as a whole.

The University of Oklahoma’s entrance to the Southeastern Conference represents a bold and visionary decision. It’s the right conference at the right time, and is a testament to our university’s adaptability and dedication to excellence in all endeavors. Today, we fully embrace the opportunity to write the next chapter in our history, ensuring that Sooner Magic endures for generations to come.

Joseph Harroz Jr. is president of the University of Oklahoma.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: OU president: Joining SEC an incredible opportunity for Sooners