David Surratt, Ed.D.

Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students

University of Oklahoma

Dr. David Surratt is the Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students at the University of Oklahoma (OU), where he serves as the institution’s senior student affairs officer across the Norman campus as well as OU-Tulsa, OU Health, and the OU Arezzo campus in Italy. A proud first-generation college graduate and OU alumnus, Dr. Surratt has built his career around student advocacy, leadership development, and fostering communities that affirm identity, purpose, and engagement. 

With more than 20 years of experience in higher education, Dr. Surratt has held leadership roles at institutions including UC Berkeley, Penn State University, Saint Peter’s University, and Rosemont College. He brings a practitioner-scholar approach to his work, combining student-centered service with organizational strategy and policy leadership. At OU, he also holds a faculty appointment as a Distinguished Lecturer in the Jeannine Rainbolt College of Education, preparing future leaders in higher education, K–12, and athletics administration. 

Originally from Tulsa, Oklahoma, Dr. Surratt is an advocate for access, equity, and lifelong learning. He is also a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated, the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities’ Executive Committee on Student Affairs, the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education Council on Student Affairs, and the Norman Regional Health Foundation board.