In a dramatic reshuffling of the state’s education leadership, Governor Kevin Stitt on Thursday named Lindel Fields as Oklahoma’s new State Superintendent of Public Instruction. Fields replaces Ryan Walters, who resigned earlier this week to take the helm of a conservative education nonprofit.
At a press conference held in Tulsa’s Eisenhower International School, Stitt introduced Fields and outlined a sweeping “turnaround” plan for Oklahoma’s education system. Stitt praised Fields as someone who would restore the department’s focus to student outcomes rather than political conflict.
“I want us to be top ten in everything we do, and we need a top ten education system to achieve that,” said Stitt.
Fields, a longtime educator and former Career Tech administrator, said he would lead “with honesty and respect” and highlighted three immediate priorities: improving reading proficiency, recruiting and retaining teachers and expanding career pathways for students.
Fields said he would not seek out a full term in 2026. He said he is “not a politician” and that his role is to stabilize the agency during the remainder of Walters’ term. Alongside the new superintendent, Stitt announced several other leadership changes.
Dan Hamlin, a University of Oklahoma professor, will serve as the new Secretary of Education, replacing Nellie Sanders. Stitt introduced a seven-member turnaround team to work alongside Fields, composed of experienced education and administrative leaders from across the state.
Two members of the Oklahoma State Board of Education, Sarah Lepak and Zach Archer, are being replaced with Brian Bobek and Wes Nofire, the latter having previously served as Stitt’s Native American liaison. Stitt also reiterated his push to change the superintendent’s role from an elected position to one appointed by the governor, arguing that voting for that change would reduce political conflict in the department.
The appointment follows a turbulent period under Walters, whose tenure saw outspokenbattlesovereducation policy, including efforts to mandate Bible instruction in classrooms and close alignment with culture-war agendas. In selecting Fields, Stitt appears to be signaling a less combative approach.
Yet the new superintendent inherits a department facing strained relationships with teachers, mounting scrutiny over prior contracts and calls for greater accountability. Fields’ first test will likely involve a pending state audit of the Department of Education’s finances covering Walters’ entire tenure.