Oklahoma Supreme Court Elects New Chief, Vice Chief Justices

Chief Justice M. John Kane, IV announced today that the Oklahoma Supreme Court elected Dustin P. Rowe, of Tishomingo, to serve as Chief Justice for a two-year term beginning January 1, 2025. Dana Kuehn was elected to serve as Vice Chief Justice for the same biennium.

Chief Justice-Elect Dustin Rowe

Governor Kevin Stitt appointed Justice Rowe to the state’s highest court in 2019, where he has served as Vice Chief Justice since January, 2023. Prior to his appointment to the Supreme Court, Rowe practiced law in Tishomingo and served as District Judge for the Chickasaw Nation District Court.

Vice-Chief Justice-Elect Dana Kuehn

Justice Kuehn was appointed to the Oklahoma Supreme Court in July, 2021, by Governor Stitt. Prior to her appointment, Kuehn, of Tulsa, had worked for the Tulsa County District Attorney’s Office from 1996 to 2006, served as judge in Tulsa County from 2006 to 2017, and was appointed to the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals in 2017 where she served until her appointment to the Supreme Court in July, 2021.

The Oklahoma Constitution provides that the Justices of the Supreme Court shall “choose from among their members a Chief Justice and a Vice Chief Justice.”

First Annual Oklahoma Chief Justice Colloquium On Civility and Ethics

The first annual Oklahoma Chief Justice Colloquium on Civility and Ethics in honor of Chief Justice John Kane was held and was a resounding success with over 350 attendees.  Judge Starr and Judge Castel presented on their observations with AI and its ethical uses and the future of AI in law. 

Students visit the State Capitol

Chief Justice Kane lead a tour of the Supreme Court courtroom at the State Capitol on March 26th for students from Tishamingo, OK. 

OBA Movie Night

The OBA and the Supreme Court held movie night : Legally Blonde 2.  A panel discussion was held following a viewing of the film with the Chief Justice moderating.  

Indiana State University Monthly Alumni Association Newsletter

Excerpt from the March 2024 Newsletter

Alumni Association Spotlight: Noma Gurich

How did you become a Sycamore?

I grew up near South Bend, IN and had no connection with Indiana State until I attended a Summer Honors 2-week program in Political Science during the summer between my junior and senior year of high school. The other students in the program were from all over Indiana and Ohio. There were other subject areas, but we all stayed in a dormitory on campus and participated in social events planned for us. One of the sessions, presented by the pre-law advisor, Professor William I. Matthews, included a discussion of law school. I had never met a lawyer or judge and knew nothing about the requirements for law school. After the summer program, ISU offered me an academic scholarship. I only applied to one college—Indiana State. I later worked as a student assistant for Professor Matthews, and because of his encouragement, I attended and graduated from law school.

What is your educational background?

I am a graduate of Penn High School in Mishawaka, Indiana. I graduated from Indiana State University in 1975 with a BA in Political Science and a minor in History. I graduated from the University of Oklahoma College of Law in 1978.

What is your current engagement at Indiana State University?

I am a proud alumna of Indiana State. I was honored by ISU in 2012 by being named a Distinguished Alumni. It was such fun going back to campus and participating in the banquet and in Homecoming. I even rode in a convertible in the Homecoming Parade. At half time of the football game, as Distinguished Alumni, we were introduced to the crowd. I was a member of the Marching Sycamores during my four years at Indiana State, so it was great to be back on campus. I continue to support ISU as a member of the President’s Society.

What is your professional path?

I relocated to Oklahoma to attend law school shortly after my graduation from Indiana State. I finished law school and, after passing the bar exam, became a licensed attorney in Oklahoma. I practiced law for ten years with two firms in downtown Oklahoma City. I was then appointed by the Governor of Oklahoma to serve as a judge on the Oklahoma Workers’ Compensation Court. I was reappointed by the next Governor to continue my service on that court. After ten years, I was appointed by another Governor to serve as a district judge in Oklahoma County, the largest county in Oklahoma. Soon after my appointment, I was challenged and successfully won a county-wide election. I served as a trial court judge with general jurisdiction for over 12 years. In 2011, I was appointed to serve on the Supreme Court of Oklahoma—one of 9 positions. I served as Chief Justice for two years and continue to serve as a member of the highest appellate court in Oklahoma. When I became a lawyer, no women had ever served on any appellate court in Oklahoma and no woman had ever served on the U.S. Supreme Court. In 2011, I

became only the 3rd woman to sit on the Supreme Court of Oklahoma.

What is a message you would like to share with Alumni Association members?

It is important for alumni to encourage each new generation to take advantage of the opportunities that Indiana State has to offer. 

Court and Chief Justice M. John Kane, IV Receive Award for Oral Arguments Posting

After a request from journalist Tres Savage of NonDoc, the Oklahoma Supreme Court made video recordings of past oral arguments available for the public on the Oklahoma Supreme Court Network website. The decision will give Oklahomans a better understanding about how their court system works and access to arguments in cases that have the potential to affect their legal rights and state government.

Link to Article

New OBA Members

Along with other Supreme Court Justices, Chief Justice John Kane swore in new members to the OBA on the House of Representatives floor on September 26, 2023 from three laws schools, O.U., O.C.U., and T.U. 

New Lawyers – Swearing-in

Oklahoma Supreme Court Chief Justice John Kane administered the oath of attorney to more than 50 new admittees during a ceremonyas the Supreme Court Courtroom inside of the Oklahoma State Capitol building.