David Boren dies at 83 after a life of public service

In the United States, David Boren, a prominent political figure and former Oklahoma governor, passed away at the age of 83. He was notably one of the youngest governors in the nation when he assumed office at the age of 33 in the 1970s. Boren also served in the U.S. Senate from 1979 to 1994, becoming the longest-serving chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, where he played a significant role in shaping national intelligence policy. After retiring from politics, Boren took on the role of president at the University of Oklahoma, where he served for 24 years. However, his later years were marred by allegations of sexual harassment, which he denied. In 2019, he severed ties with the university amid investigations into these claims, leading to a tarnished reputation and withdrawal from public life. Despite these controversies, Boren’s contributions to public service and education remain impactful. Boren's political career was marked by significant reforms, including efforts to cut taxes and streamline state government operations during his tenure as governor. He famously criticized excessive bureaucracy in government, emphasizing the need for modernization and efficiency. His connections within the intelligence community were notable, particularly his close relationship with former CIA Director George Tenet, which placed him at crucial moments in U.S. history, including the events surrounding September 11, 2001. Born on April 21, 1941, in Washington, D.C., Boren came from a political family, being the son of U.S. Representative Lyle Hagler Boren. He was married twice and is survived by two children, including Dan Boren, who also had a career in politics. David Boren's legacy is remembered both for his public service dedication and the controversies that emerged towards the end of his life, as stated by his son, who noted the noble calling of public service throughout Boren’s career.