NEWS
NORMAN, OKLA. – Belinda Higgs Hyppolite, Ed.D., vice president of the Division of Access and Opportunity and associate provost at the University of Oklahoma, is among the top women leaders of Oklahoma, according to Women We Admire.
The outlet released its list of The Top 50 Women Leaders of Oklahoma for 2024, recognizing inspiring Oklahomans for outstanding leadership in their respective fields. Awardees included leaders in business, higher education, health care and more.
“I am truly honored to be recognized alongside so many inspiring women leaders in Oklahoma,” Hyppolite said. “This acknowledgment reflects the outstanding support and collaboration I’ve experienced throughout my career and would not be possible without the incredible teams and mentors who have been part of my journey.”
Hyppolite has 28 years of experience in higher education, serving in various leadership roles at multiple higher education institutions. Since joining OU in 2020, she has worked to improve access and opportunity for the OU community. In her current role as Vice President of the Division of Access and Opportunity, Hyppolite supports the university’s Accessibility and Disability Resource Center, Testing Center, TRIO Center and Military and Veteran Student Success Center.
“We are immensely proud to see Dr. Hyppolite receive this outstanding recognition,” said OU President Joseph Harroz Jr. “Her dedication and contributions to the University of Oklahoma have had a profound impact, and this honor is a testament to her exceptional leadership and commitment to excellence. We thank her for her continued efforts in shaping a brighter future for our university and community.”
Before her time at OU, Hyppolite served as assistant vice president for student development and enrollment services at the University of Central Florida. Throughout her career, she has supported and advocated for many student populations, including low-income, first-generation, veterans, multicultural, fraternity and sorority students.
“I am thrilled to see Dr. Hyppolite honored as one of Oklahoma’s top women leaders,” said OU Senior Vice President and Provost André-Denis Wright. “Her unwavering commitment to providing opportunities for student success has made a lasting difference and inspires us to strive for even greater impact. We are fortunate to have her championing the power of education for our university community.”
Hyppolite completed her undergraduate work at Southwest Missouri State University and earned her master’s in counseling education and human resources from Western Illinois University. She earned a doctoral degree in education from Concordia University, specializing in professional leadership, inquiry, and transformation.
The full list of The Top 50 Women Leaders of Oklahoma for 2024 by Women We Admire can be found at thewomenweadmire.com.
About the University of Oklahoma
Founded in 1890, the University of Oklahoma is a public research university located in Norman, Oklahoma. As the state’s flagship university, OU serves the educational, cultural, economic and health care needs of the state, region and nation. For more information about the university, visit www.ou.edu.
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