Gov. Kevin Stitt appoints State Superintendent Lindel Fields to serve as education secretary

August 5, 2026 - 15:13

Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt has named State Superintendent Lindel Fields to the position of state secretary of education. The appointment puts Fields in a dual role, as he will continue to serve as the state's top education official while also taking on the cabinet-level secretary position.

The secretary of education post is part of the governor's cabinet and focuses on coordinating education policy across the state, including early childhood programs, public schools, career tech centers, and higher education. Fields steps into the role previously held by Nellie Tayloe Sanders, who resigned earlier this year.

In announcing the move, Stitt said Fields has shown strong leadership in the classroom and at the administrative level. He pointed to Fields' work on school safety, literacy initiatives, and expanding school choice options as key reasons for the appointment. The governor also noted that having one person oversee both the day-to-day operations of the state department and the broader policy coordination could streamline decision-making.

Fields said he is honored by the trust placed in him and plans to focus on workforce development and making sure students are prepared for life after graduation. He added that he wants to strengthen partnerships between public schools and the business community.

The appointment does not require state senate confirmation. Fields will begin his duties as secretary immediately while continuing his work as superintendent.