George Lynn Cross (May 12, 1905 – December 31, 1998) was a botanist, writer, and the longest serving president of the University of Oklahoma[1] (1943 to 1968).

After he was appointed president at the age of 38, Cross helped peacefully integrate the university; built and oversaw the most winning college football program of the 1950s; spearheaded the expansion of numerous academic programs and facilities; and then helped lead the university through the 1960s protest period.

During his first day at school, Cross met Cleo Sikkink from Waubay, South Dakota, and the two embarked on a romance.

Realizing the toll football was taking on his body and its limited future, Cross decided to shift his focus to academics as a prospective career.

Cross oversaw the college through a period of skyrocketing enrollment following World War II as thousands of veterans attended under the G.I.

After a long presentation and 45 minute justification of the OU budget, a legislator asked him why the university needed more money.