OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Gov. Kevin Stitt's appointment of an Oklahoma businessman to fill a vacant seat on the University of Oklahoma Board of Regents has raised concerns among some members of the state Senate.

Stitt has nominated Oklahoma businessman Gary Pierson to fill the seat, which requires Senate approval. Pierson is president and CEO of The Oklahoma Publishing Company, which oversaw The Oklahoman newspaper until it was sold to GateHouse Media in 2018.

Senate President Pro Tem Greg Treat said he is skeptical of the appointment due to Pierson's involvement with Step Up Oklahoma, a coalition...