OU Health Harold Hamm Diabetes Center Names Dr. John Kirwan as New Director

Diabetes is a critical health challenge in Oklahoma, with more than 14 percent of the state’s adult population diagnosed with the disease—surpassing the national average and making its widespread impact a defining public health challenge for the state. The University of Oklahoma is committed to reducing diabetes complications and related deaths in Oklahoma by 30% over five years.

Building on its two-decade journey from a philanthropic vision to a worldwide research enterprise committed to preventing, treating, and curing diabetes, the University of Oklahoma Health Harold Hamm Diabetes Center has named John P. Kirwan, Ph.D., FACSM, a world-leading translational scientist, as its next director, effective Sept. 1, pending approval from the OU Board of Regents.

“Few health challenges have touched the lives of Oklahomans more profoundly than diabetes,” said OU President Joseph Harroz Jr. “For decades, Harold Hamm has challenged us to think bigger about what is possible in the fight against this disease. Through his extraordinary vision, determination and generosity, the OU Health Harold Hamm Diabetes Center has become one of our nation’s leading institutions for diabetes research, prevention and treatment.

“As we build on that remarkable foundation, we need leaders who can match the scale of our ambition and accelerate the pace of discovery. We have found that in Dr. Kirwan. His exceptional expertise, proven leadership and unwavering commitment to improving human health will be critical in leading the center’s next chapter – attracting top talent, advancing groundbreaking discoveries and moving us closer to a future free from diabetes.”

The OU Health Harold Hamm Diabetes Center was established through the transformative philanthropy of Harold Hamm, founder and chairman emeritus of Oklahoma-based Continental Resources, Inc. His generosity has made the center a national leader in diabetes research. Since its founding, NIH research income has grown from $5 million to $33 million, and the center has expanded its research enterprise, clinical programs, and community outreach to address one of the most pressing health challenges facing Oklahoma and the nation.

“The Harold Hamm Diabetes Center has built something rare, with the talent, resources, and ambition to tackle diabetes at every level, from molecular discovery to the patients who walk through our clinic doors,” said Kirwan. “I am honored to help lead its next chapter and translate that science into real gains for Oklahomans and for people everywhere living with this disease.”

“We’ve come a long way in our fight against diabetes, but I believe our most important discoveries are still ahead of us,” said Hamm. “Too many Oklahomans and families across the country continue to live with the burden of this disease, which is why investing in research remains so important. The Harold Hamm Diabetes Center was built on the belief that bringing together the best minds and giving them the resources to pursue bold ideas can change lives and ultimately cure diabetes. Dr. Kirwan is an outstanding scientist and proven leader, and I am confident that he will help take the center to even greater heights.”

Kirwan joins OU from LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center, where he served as executive director from 2018 to 2025. He earned his Ph.D. in human bioenergetics from Ball State University, his master’s degree in exercise biochemistry from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Limerick in Ireland.

"I want to express my appreciation to Dr. Kirwan for his leadership and service to Pennington Biomedical Research Center over the past eight-plus years," said Dr. Jennifer Rood, Interim Senior Vice Chancellor and Executive Director of Pennington Biomedical. "Dr. Kirwan guided Pennington Biomedical with vision and ambition, strengthening our scientific reputation and expanding our impact nationally and internationally. We are excited for Dr. Kirwan as he begins this next chapter at The University of Oklahoma."