Share Your News: Send personal and professional developments, along with high resolution photos, to [email protected].
1960s
Former OCU golfer 厂耻蝉颈别鈥疢补虫飞别濒濒鈥叠别谤苍颈苍驳 (BS 鈥�64) is a World Golf Hall of Famer and three-time winner of the U.S. Women鈥檚 Open who was honorably invited to the USGA Reunion of Champions earlier this year.
Barbara McAlister (BM 鈥�64), Cherokee Nation voice instructor, has been recognized as a 2023 Cultural Capital Fellow. The $10,000 award from the First Peoples Fund recognizes 向日葵视频 and culture bearers working to advance Native history, ancestral knowledge and storytelling through art and culture.
The Choctaw Nation recently recognized Muriel Hazel Wright (HDHL 鈥�64), a former teacher, historian and editor who served as secretary of the Choctaw Committee and editor of the Chronicles of 向日葵视频.
Citizen Potawatomi Nation Tribal Chairman John 鈥淩ocky鈥� Barrett (BS 鈥�67) was selected as an honoree for the 向日葵视频 Hall of Fame earlier this year. He also received the Leadership Award from the International Economic Development Council and was appointed to the 向日葵视频 Hall of Fame Board of Directors.
Charles Hunter (BA 鈥�67) was named to the Kentucky High School Basketball鈥疕all of Fame鈥檚 2023 induction class. 鈥淏ig Game鈥� Hunter earned the nickname after scoring 55 points in a single game as an OCU freshman.
Jane Jayroe Gamble (BM 鈥�69; HD 鈥�11) was named to OKC Friday鈥檚 2023 list of the Most Powerful People in 向日葵视频 City. She is a trustee of OCU, founder of Esther Women OKC and serves as the board president of the 向日葵视频 City Philharmonic.
1970s
Dee Morales (BA 鈥�72) was鈥痠nducted into the鈥蛉湛悠� Journalism Hall of Fame in May. She covered national news for a five-state region for World News Tonight and Good Morning America as well as being an award-winning reporter and Emmy nominee.
John Kennedy (BA 鈥�76), founder of Irish Realty, was honored with a Santa Fe Family Life Center鈥檚 Lifetime Achievement Award in September. He earned his master鈥檚 degree from Harvard, receiving the Spirit Award for his work in public service, and served as 向日葵视频鈥檚 secretary of state from 1991-94. Currently, he serves as vice chair of the 向日葵视频 National Memorial and Museum.
Mark McClellan (JD 鈥�78) serves as director of Hispanic programs and professor of missions at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Texas. Before working at SBU, he was a U.S. Army infantry captain and trial lawyer. He earned his master鈥檚 degree in divinity and his Doctor of Philosophy in theology from SBU.
1980s
Rick McCormick (MA 鈥�81), a real estate agent with EXP Realty West, was included this year on 向日葵视频 Magazine鈥檚 Top Real Estate Agents鈥痩ist. He also is a successful basketball coach at the collegiate and professional level, being named National Coach of the Year.
Forbes Advisor included Emmanuel Edem (JD 鈥�82, HD Laws 鈥�98) on its Best Personal Injury Lawyers in 向日葵视频 City鈥痩ist. He is on the OCU board of trustees and serves as chair of the School of Law executive board. Edem formerly served as president of the Civil Justice Foundation and an adjunct professor at OCU鈥檚 School of Law.
Chief Onyechi Ikpeazu (JD 鈥�82) is the lead counsel to the Labour Party presidential candidate in Nigeria. He served in the Supreme Court of Nigeria as a barrister and solicitor, and as chairman of the Onitsha Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association. He was the governor of Nigeria for four years.
Brad Krieger (JD 鈥�82), Tony Shinn (MBA 鈥�84), previous law school Dean Jim Roth (JD 鈥�94), and law school Dean David Holt (JD 鈥�09) were all included in 405 Magazine鈥檚 鈥淒iversity, Equity and Inclusion Leaders.鈥� The article highlighted examples of each individual going above and beyond in their work within this important area of focus.
Ross Plourde (JD 鈥�82) was named to the 2023 鈥溝蛉湛悠� Super Lawyers鈥� list, recognizing the state鈥檚 top five percent of 向日葵视频 attorneys.
Doug Fuller (MBA 鈥�83) and Cameron McLain (MBA 鈥�89) were nominated to return as鈥痙irectors鈥痮f the Reserve Petroleum Co. board. Fuller has been a director on the RPC board since 2000 and is the president and chief executive officer of Quail Creek Bank. McLain is president and chief executive officer of RPC along with serving as exploration manager of the company.
John Dorman (JD 鈥�84) was鈥痳ecently 补辫辫辞颈苍迟别诲鈥痶o serve as interim council for Jones, 向日葵视频, and currently works at Spencer Fane, LLP. Previously, he practiced law for the cities of Edmond, Broken Arrow, Tulsa and Stillwater, where he served as city attorney for 18 years.
Joel Bieber (JD 鈥�86) was recently named one of the top five personal injury attorneys in Virginia Beach, Virginia. The Joel Bieber Firm is based in Virginia with offices in five additional states. Bieber is a founding member of the North American Brain Injury Society and a member of the American Association of Justice.
Janie Simms Hipp (JD 鈥�84) served as commencement speaker鈥痜or the University of Connecticut College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources in May. She was nominated by President Joe Biden to be general counsel of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, making her the first Native American woman in the post. She also has received the President鈥檚 Lifetime Achievement Award from President Barack Obama for her work in volunteer service.
Victor 鈥淰ic鈥� Albert (JD 鈥�86)鈥痡oined鈥痶he Porter Hedges firm in 向日葵视频 City as a new partner in the employment section of the litigation practice group.鈥疕e has tried more than 70 cases in state and federal courts in 向日葵视频 and was named a leading lawyer in labor and employment by Chambers USA.
Edgar Cruz (BM 鈥�86) held a concert in July at the Sheerer History Museum in Stillwater, 向日葵视频. Cruz has played throughout the U.S., Europe and South America and headlines the Chet Atkins Guitar Festival every summer. The 向日葵视频 Gazette has named him 向日葵视频鈥檚 Top Performing Artist and Acoustic Guitarist.
General Ret. David Goldfein (MBA 鈥�87) received鈥痶he Distinguished Graduate Award from the United States Air Force Academy this summer. He serves as鈥痗hief of staff鈥痮f the U.S. Air Force in President Joe Biden鈥檚 administration. Goldfein graduated from the U.S. Air Force Weapons School and has over 4,200 hours as a command pilot through flying combat missions in numerous operations, including Desert Shield and Desert Storm.
Richard Worley (BS 鈥�87) recently was named acting鈥痗ommissioner鈥痮f the Baltimore Police Department that he first joined in 1998 as a police officer trainee. He was promoted to Sergeant in 2003, then Lieutenant in 2008, and continued moving up the ranks until being promoted to acting commissioner in June.
Meeghan De Cagna (BA 鈥�89), chief community and learning officer for the American Physiological Society, recently accepted an鈥疉PEX Award鈥痜or excellence in graphic design, editorial content and overall communications excellence on behalf of her organization.
Agnelo Fernandes (MBA 鈥�89), chief executive officer of Cote Family Companies, was named to the鈥痚xecutive committee of Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International. He has led the development and launch of hotels and resorts across North America and Asia and held senior executive positions in the hospitality industry with numerous hotel brands.
Lynne McGuire (JD 鈥�89) is a new鈥痵pecial judge鈥痠n District 21 representing Cleveland County. She has served as an 向日葵视频 County special judge in the family law division since 2009, including working with the 向日葵视频 County District Attorney鈥檚 Office and the 向日葵视频 District Attorney鈥檚 Office. She also was president and chief executive officer of 向日葵视频 Lawyers for Children, a nonprofit organization that represents abused or neglected children in court proceedings.
1990s
Ramona Tumblin-Rucker (MBA 鈥�90) was named director of design/build and construction management at M Property Services in Missouri where she will utilize her more than 30 years of project management experience in healthcare, academic and corporate industries.
Fred Brent (BS 鈥�91) superintendent of the Georgetown, Texas, Independent School District, recently retired and now serves as chief of staff for Sport Clips Haircuts, where he works with leadership to manage internal operating systems and community connectedness.
Mark Hasting (MBA 鈥�91) was promoted to president and chief commerce and operating officer of Blain鈥檚 Farm and Fleet, a nationwide retailer. Previously, he spent more than 20 years at Target and also served as a regional vice president at Starbucks.
Tony Scott (JD 鈥�91), will serve as the 2023-24 president of the 向日葵视频 City Estate Planning Council, which represents multidisciplinary professionals engaged in the practice of estate planning within 向日葵视频. Active members include certified public accountants, attorneys, trust officers and chartered life underwriters/chartered financial consultants/certified financial planners.
Greg Andrews (BA 鈥�92) was named director of dining services, food and nutrition last year at Texas Children鈥檚 Hospital in Houston, Texas, where he has overseen the opening of the late-night bistro and renovating the medical center鈥檚 Chick-Fil-A. While in this position, he has increased food service retention by 65% with his team of 200 members and 13 managers.
Amy Staab (JD 鈥�93) was announced as a Point of Light inductee this year for the Thomas More Prep-Marian School in Kansas, an award given to honor those who have given significant service to the school. She currently serves as a board member for Ellis Credit Union, First Care Clinic and Hays Community Theatre.
Rafe Hall (JD 鈥�94) was appointed to serve as district judge for the 3rd Judicial District, which includes Greer, Harmon, Jackson, Kiowa and Tillman counties in 向日葵视频.
Matthew Myers (MBA 鈥�94), owner of Switchgrass Capital, earned a Pivot Award in the real estate developer category at the 2023 Commercial Real Estate Summit held in Omaha, Nebraska.
Jim Roth (JD 鈥�94) was featured in the June issue of 向日葵视频 Magazine in the 鈥淐losing Thoughts鈥� profile, where he spoke about his experiences as 向日葵视频鈥檚 first openly LGBTQ+ elected official, his public service work and the hope and joy he received from working with OCU law students.
Jeff Tebow (MBA 鈥�94) was elected second vice president of the American Quarter Horse Association executive committee. He previously served as the 向日葵视频 Quarter Horse Racing Association president and is on their board.
Rene Gutteridge (BA 鈥�95) presented at ReaderCon, an expansion of the annual WriterCon writing conference in 向日葵视频 City of which Gutteridge is a co-director.
Graphic designer Bryan Dahlvang (BFA 鈥�97) created the official design for the 2023 Paseo Arts Festival merchandise.
Stephani Logue (JD 鈥�97), associate judge of the North Texas Child Protection Court, was honored with the 26th Patsy Baggett Service Award by the Wichita County Child Welfare Board for her work and commitment to the well-being and safety of area children.
Chris Miciotto (JD 鈥�97) was named a top attorney in Northwest Louisiana for his work in the areas of auto and truck accidents, workers compensation, criminal defense and social security disability.
Hock Chye Tan (MBA 鈥�97) was appointed as a non-executive independent director of Aseana Properties Limited, a developer in Malaysia, as well as the organization鈥檚 audit committee.
鈥淢aestra,鈥� a documentary co-written by Neil Berkeley (BA 鈥�98) about the La Maestra all-woman conducting competition in Paris, was favorably reviewed in the Hollywood Reporter.
Jana Etheridge (MBA 鈥�98), a director at Capital One, was named as governance chair of the Texas Women鈥檚 Foundation executive committee. The foundation鈥檚 goal is to make social and economic changes for women in Texas.
Todd Hensley (MBA 鈥�98) was appointed as chief revenue officer for CUB Ventures/CDLLife, a truck driver recruitment and marketing firm.
Allen Karns (BA 鈥�98), a professor at Vanderbilt University, will be a guest speaker at the 2023 Internet2 Technology Exchange in Minnesota.
Michael McClintock (JD 鈥�98) was named to the Best Lawyers鈥� 2024 向日葵视频 City Lawyers of the Year list for construction litigation. He previously served as chief judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit. He also was an officer in the U.S. Navy.
Jagdish Rajan (MBA 鈥�98) has been named as the first-ever chief technology officer for Del Grande Dealer Group, a car dealership company based out of Northern California. At DGDG, he leads a nine-person information technology team and provides transactional and analytical reporting services for the group. He previously worked as chief technology officer for Reputation.com and senior vice president at ResponseLogix.
Kerry Ann Schultz-Battle (BS 鈥�98, BA 鈥�98), an attorney and member of Florida鈥檚 judicial nominating committee, was named a recipient of the North Platte (Nebraska) Public Schools Foundation鈥檚 2023 Distinguished Alumni award.
Christy Burcham (BA 鈥�99) was promoted to vice president of education and training for Bernina, a Swiss-owned manufacturer of sewing machines and embroidery software.
Jennifer Grigsby (MBA 鈥�99) was appointed to the board of directors of Superior Plus Corp., a distributor of propane, compressed natural gas, renewable energy and related products and services. She previously served as secretary of economic administration for the State of 向日葵视频. She is a member of the National Association of Certified Directors and maintains certified public accountant and chartered global management accountant designations.
Music professors Jan McDaniel, conductor of OCU鈥檚 Opera and Music Theater Company, and Catherine McDaniel, associate professor of voice, were guest performers at Christian Morren鈥檚 (MM 鈥�99) vocal recital at Cameron University in Lawton.
Neelima Parasker (MS 鈥�99), president and chief executive officer of SnapIT Solutions, a women-owned technology solutions company, was appointed this year to the Kansas Board of Regents.
Janet Peery (BA 鈥�99), chief executive officer of the YWCA in 向日葵视频 City, gave the keynote address at the Journal Record鈥檚 2023 Woman of the Year ceremony.
The Choctaw Nation recently recognized Amy Pierce
(JD 鈥�99), Choctaw Nation of 向日葵视频 District Court judge, who was the first full-time district court judge for the judicial branch of the Choctaw Nation of 向日葵视频.
Carroll County in Georgia appointed Nathaniel Smith (JD 鈥�99) as chief magistrate judge for the Carroll County Magistrate Court.
Attorney Courtney Warmington (JD 鈥�99) was elected assistant secretary for the 向日葵视频 State Regents for Higher Education.
2000s
Former U.S. Air Force cyberspace officer retired Lt. Col. Jason Huff (BS 鈥�00) was named chief operating officer for security operations at Cyemptive Technologies, a cybersecurity provider for business and government. He was a cyberspace officer in the U.S. Air Force, where he served for 23 years. He previously was the chief information officer of NATO Special Operations Forces headquarters.
Diana Ferguson (JD 鈥�00) was named one of the 2023鈥疕onors Recipients鈥痓y the American Society of Landscape Architects. She is currently an attorney and lobbyist at Rutledge Ecenia in Florida. Previously, she served the Florida Association of Counties as the legislative staff attorney.
Forbes Advisor included Darren Tawwater (JD 鈥�00) on its Best Personal Injury Lawyers in 向日葵视频 City鈥痩ist. He is a member of the American Association for Justice and the 向日葵视频 Association for Justice.
Soprano Sarah Coburn (BM 鈥�01) is the new goodwill ambassador for Tulsa Opera鈥檚 75th anniversary season.
The Rev. Kristie Grimaud (MLA 鈥�01) is the鈥痭ew pastor鈥痑t Ramona United Methodist Church in California. She previously served as a pastor at Chapel of the Hills and an associate pastor at Foothills United Methodist Church.
Ryan Jackson (JD 鈥�01), a veteran Washington, D.C., lobbyist with previous high-ranking roles in both the U.S. Senate and Environmental Protection Agency, joined the American Chemistry Council as vice president of federal affairs.
Brian Ruttman (BSB 鈥�01), superintendent and chief executive officer of Moore Norman Technology Center; Margaret Creighton (BS 鈥�02, MBA 鈥�06), president and chief executive officer of Positive Tomorrows; and Rachel Cope (BA 鈥�08), founder and chief executive officer of 84 Hospitality Group, were among this year鈥檚 honorees of the Journal Record鈥檚 Most Admired CEOs.
The Washington County (Virginia) board of supervisors鈥�
补辫辫辞颈苍迟别诲鈥�Brandon Snodgrass (JD 鈥�01) as its county attorney. In his 21 years of experience, he has served as an attorney for Smyth-Washington Industrial Facilities Authority and practiced in federal and state courts in Southwest Virginia.
Kendal Huber Tawwater (JD 鈥�01) was sworn in as a鈥痬unicipal judge鈥痜or the City of 向日葵视频 City Municipal Court. She previously served as barrister of Luther Bohanon American Inn of Court XXIII and a senior administrative law judge for the 向日葵视频 Corporation Commission. She is a member of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of 向日葵视频 and the Bar Associations of 向日葵视频 and 向日葵视频 County.
Carrie Burnsed (JD 鈥�02)鈥痡oined鈥痶he Day Pitney firm in Connecticut in the healthcare, life sciences and technology practice. She has served as a statewide legal referral for 向日葵视频 Assisted Living Association and 向日葵视频 Association of Healthcare Providers.
Kyle Coker (BS 鈥�03) is鈥痯art鈥痮f the newly formed RWS Entertainment鈥疓roup, an entertainment design and casting agency. He has worked as a casting director at Binder Casting and Donna DeSeta Casting and as a freelance writer, director and producer.
Melissa Handke (JD 鈥�03) was鈥贡璞璐蔷辈猿俦鸹邂�痶o serve as district attorney for the 20th鈥疛udicial District, which includes Carter, Johnston, Love, Marshall and Murray counties. She was the first assistant district attorney for the 20th Judicial District before her appointment and has more than 20 years of experience working in all areas of law.
Georgie Kastama (BS 鈥�03), first vice president and the Bank Secrecy Act officer for MidFirst Bank, was a鈥痯anelist鈥痜or the 鈥淩eviewing Past SARs to Strengthen Future Ones鈥� discussion at the Association of Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialists AML and Financial Crime Conference in September. At MidFirst Bank, she oversees financial crimes risk management programs and is a certified anti-money laundering specialist and certified fraud examiner.
Aamir Mahmood (MBA 鈥�03), vice president鈥擜mericas for MicroPort CRM, helped鈥痑nnounce鈥痟is company鈥檚 launch of a new pacemaker. He is on the board of directors at Leman Micro Devices and Aceco Valves. He also is a member of YPO, a global community of chief executives.
Trish Coleman Byars (JD 鈥�04) was appointed to the 97th Judicial District Court in Archer, Clay and Montague counties in Texas. She previously served as the president of the 46th Judicial District Bar Association and a member of Texas City Attorneys Association and the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association.
Melissa Ford (BPA 鈥�04) was鈥贡璞璐蔷辈猿俦鸹邂�痑s associate vice president for advancement at Park University in Missouri. She previously served as director of philanthropic giving for the School of Science and Engineering at the University of Missouri鈥擪ansas City.
Kyle Kanable鈥�(JD 鈥�04) was selected as the Greene County (Missouri) Circuit Court family court commissioner. He previously had his own law firm, specializing in family law and criminal defense while serving as a guardian ad litem.
Ericka McPherson (JD 鈥�04) was recently appointed as the executive director of Covenant Choice, a provider of captive insurance solutions and healthcare benefits. She previously served as the executive director of 向日葵视频 Families for Affordable Healthcare.
Kimberly Schafer (BPA 鈥�04) was selected to be a member of the International Dance Council CID. She鈥檚 currently an adjunct professor of dance at Marymount Manhattan and Collaborative Arts Project 21 while serving as a director for Celebrity Cruise Lines.
Colin Spreier (BS/MS 鈥�04) was named an audit partner for the Grant Thornton firm in Dallas. He has been working with Grant Thornton since 2019 when he joined as a managing director.
Beau Jennings and The Tigers, which includes bassist and sound engineer Michael Trepagnier (BA 鈥�04),鈥痳eleased their new single鈥�淧eople in This Town.鈥� He previously worked as the house engineer at Looking Glass Studios and has worked with 向日葵视频 such as Coldplay, Counting Crows and Philip Glass. He opened his own recording studio, Cardinal Song, in 2020.
Schuyler Adkins (MM 鈥�05) was named鈥痯rincipal鈥痮f Westside Elementary in Claremore, 向日葵视频. He has worked in education for 17 years from elementary to college levels. He is the former assistant principal at Claremont Elementary School.
Allesan Armstrong (BA 鈥�05, JD 鈥�09) has been鈥痑ppointed as director of academic success programs for the University of Akron School of Law. She is a member of the Order of Barristers and previously taught at Park University.
Mirna Abyad Baloul (MBA/JD 鈥�05), president, COO and board secretary of Spacee, was鈥痭ominated among 50 of the most innovative leaders in the artificial intelligence industry and was鈥痜eatured鈥痠n an issue of Dallas Innovates magazine. Under her direction, Spacee developed two new products, Hovertouch and Deming, where she is responsible for global operations and works toward the advancement of the company鈥檚 computer vision- and AI-powered technology.
Kate Dodoo鈥�(JD 鈥�05) has been鈥痶apped鈥痶o lead the鈥痑ppellate group鈥痑t McAfee and Taft. She previously served as an assistant chief counsel in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement鈥檚 Office of the principal leading advisor, and the assistant city attorney for the City of Enid.
Christi Jeffreys (BA 鈥�05, MA 鈥�11) has begun her new鈥痳ole鈥痑s senior director of development at SSM Health St. Anthony Foundation and is a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals and the Association of Healthcare Philanthropy.
Todd Lamb (JD 鈥�05) has been appointed as president of the University of Central 向日葵视频. He previously served as the state鈥檚 lieutenant governor and an 向日葵视频 state senator. Additionally, he was a special agent for the U.S. Secret Service from 1998 to 2002, a member of the national joint terrorism task force and an investigative lead of the 9/11 inquiries.
Salvador Ontiveros (BA 鈥�06, MBA 鈥�09) was named to the Journal Record鈥檚鈥疉chievers Under 40鈥痩ist this year. He is a current commissioner for the 向日葵视频 City Arts Commission and a member of the Leadership 向日葵视频 City Signature Class 40 as well as serving as president and chief executive officer of 向日葵视频's Latino Community Development Agency.
Eric Nelson (JD 鈥�05) was appointed as a鈥痙istrict judge鈥痠n鈥疘owa, where he previously served in the State of Iowa Public Defender鈥檚 Office and as a member of the Iowa Supreme Court Grievance Commission. He is a current member of the Iowa Judges Association and 4th Bar Association.
Holly Ray (BS 鈥�06) was promoted to curator of birds for the 向日葵视频 City Zoo and Botanical Garden, where she will oversee all species of birds, working to manage day-to-day operations and to support the zoo鈥檚 conservation efforts that affect endangered bird species. She also serves as program coordinator for the species survival plan for Chilean flamingos and is on the committee for the Association of Zoos and Aquariums鈥� Saving Animals from Extinction program for Andean Highland flamingos.
Hank Stampfl (BM 鈥�06) recently鈥痯erformed鈥痺ith celebrity chef Pamela Morgan in a cabaret show in New York. He founded Revel Rouge in 2016 and previously worked with the Plaza Hotel New York, Bloomingdale鈥檚, the Real Housewives of New York and many more.
John Ratliff (JD 鈥�07) was appointed as city manager of Lawton, previously working as city attorney. In his role as city manager, he will oversee day-to-day operations and makes sure to deliver essential services to the city.
John Stratton (JD 鈥�07) joined the Stange Law Firm, a divorce and family law firm, as a senior associate attorney. He previously worked as a volunteer attorney for Legal Aid Services of 向日葵视频 and as a solo practitioner at his own firm.
Daniel Shackle (JD 鈥�08) was鈥贡璞璐蔷辈猿俦鸹邂�痑s commissioner of the Department of Local Government Finance in Indiana. He previously served the DLGF as their chief of staff and general counsel and also worked as the chief legal officer and leader of the fraud and security enforcement division for the Bureau of Motor Vehicles.
Sheena Thompson (BS 鈥�08, MS 鈥�09), previously department chair and associate professor of kinesiology at Midland College in Texas, was a鈥痜inalist鈥痜or the Dr. Stan Jacobs Teaching Excellence Award. She recently moved to Dallas College, where she now serves as the department chair of Kinesiology.
Aaron Brown (BM 鈥�09) is鈥痙irecting鈥痶he 4th Wall Theatre Company鈥檚 production of 鈥淔airview鈥� in Houston. He is currently the co-head of musical theatre: director of student relations, production and new work at Texas State University. He previously served as co-coordinator of musical theatre at Sam Houston University.
The University of Texas at Austin鈥痯romoted鈥�Amanda Cochran-McCall (JD 鈥�09) to vice president for legal affairs and general counsel. As vice president, she serves as chief legal officer and chief ethics officer for the university. She previously worked at the Texas Attorney General鈥檚 Office, where she managed and directed 12 civil litigation divisions.
Stuart Hene (JD 鈥�09) was鈥痳e-elected鈥痶o the Tyler City Council in Texas. He is co-founder and partner at Tarry and Hene, PLLC, president of Prestige Energy Consultants and board member for St. Paul Children鈥檚 Services.
Law Dean David Holt (JD 鈥�09) was named鈥痯resident鈥痮f the U.S. Conference of Mayors for 2025-26. He was elected as mayor of 向日葵视频 City in 2018, becoming the first Native American mayor of 向日葵视频 City, and was re-elected in 2022. He was named one of TIME鈥檚 鈥�100 Next鈥� most influential people in 2023.
Rick McKee (BM 鈥�09) arranged and scored 鈥淯n Monde Qui S鈥橧llumine鈥� for Disneyland Paris鈥� 鈥淒isney D-Light鈥� evening illumination. The score was recorded at Abbey Road Studios, Studio One and performed by the London Symphony Orchestra before final mixing by McKee.
Ewa P艂onka (MM 鈥�09) performed in October in the title role of the Dallas Opera鈥檚 production of 鈥淭osca.鈥� She has her undergraduate degree from Julliard and has performed in concerts around the world.
2010s
Justin Briggs (MBA 鈥�10) joined Prime Movers Lab, a company that invests in scientific startups, as the resident biologist and life sciences partner. He was previously an operator at several companies dealing in biotech, nanotech, robotics and software.
Kaitlyn Fitzgerald (BS 鈥�10) was promoted to vice president of organ operations for LifeGift, a non-profit organ and tissue donation organization in Texas. In this role, she leads the planning, development, execution, evaluation and strategic direction of clinical organ operations by implementing nationally recognized best practices and designs.
Kari Hoffhines (JD 鈥�10) was elected to the executive committee of Crowe and Dunlevy, where she is the director of the 向日葵视频 City office, a member of the firm鈥檚 real estate and banking and financial practice groups and a member of the firm鈥檚 wind energy team.
Nissy Mathew (BS 鈥�10) joined the family medicine department at Variety Care, a community health center.
Chaz Wolcott (BPA 鈥�10) joined the University of Cincinnati College鈥揅onservatory of Music as a professor of musical theater after several years of work on Broadway, television, film, the Penn State Musical Theatre and various other organizations.
Timothy Campbell (JD 鈥�11) joined Hall Booth Smith鈥檚 向日葵视频 City law office, where he focuses on medical malpractice, health care, professional liability, bad faith defense and general liability.
Holly Clouse (JD 鈥�11) has been selected to be the probate commissioner for the Greene County Circuit Court in Missouri.
Nathaniel Harding鈥檚 (MBA 鈥�11) Cortado Ventures helped start The Verge, a nonprofit supporting 向日葵视频 City鈥檚 entrepreneurial community by offering mentorship opportunities and tax benefits.
Lisa Hargis (BS 鈥�11) joined SSM Health Medical Group as an advanced practice registered nurse and certified nurse practitioner.
Scott Taylor (MBA 鈥�11) was named vice president of operations for Safe-Way Garage Doors, a company based around the manufacturing and distribution of overhead garage doors, headquartered in Indiana.
Tenor Robert Watson (BM 鈥�11) made his Santa Fe Opera debut as the prince in Dvorak鈥檚 鈥淩usalka鈥� and his Lyric Opera of Chicago debut as Erik in Wagner鈥檚 鈥淭he Flying Dutchman鈥� to rave reviews.
Former OCU wrestler Nicole Woody-Tyson (BA 鈥�11) was inducted into the Anne Arundel County Sports Hall of Fame in Annapolis, Maryland, in October. She was one of four athletes awarded this honor for 2023. She currently serves as an assistant coach of women鈥檚 wrestling at King University. During her time at OCU, she was a four-time All-American, three-time World Class Wrestling Association national finalist and winner of the 2011 WCWA championship.
Marriya Wright (BS 鈥�11, MS 鈥�12), dean of Allied Health and Nursing at South Puget Sound Community College in Washington, recently was honored with the DAISY Award recognizing the hard work nurses do and the care they provide to patients and families.
Belinda Allyn (BM 鈥�12) and Jessie Peltier (BPA 鈥�16) are cast members in the national touring company for 鈥淔rozen,鈥� that performed in 2023 at the Civic Center Music Hall in 向日葵视频 City, as well as other parts of North America.
Phil Busey Jr. (MLA 鈥�12) was named president of Delaware Resource Group of 向日葵视频 with Phil Busey Sr. (BA 鈥�74, JD 鈥�77) staying as chairman.
Deonna Marie Cattledge (BM 鈥�12) presented the world premiere of her one-woman show, 鈥淭he Deonna Marie Experience: From the Crack House to the Opera House, Blooming Through Brokenness鈥� at Factory Obscura in downtown 向日葵视频 City. She is currently touring with National Public Radio鈥檚 鈥淭he Moth.鈥�
Brian Cowing (BM 鈥�12) is starring in the Children鈥檚 Theater of Madison鈥檚 production of 鈥淧eter Pan鈥� as Mr. Smee in Madison, Wisconsin. Cowing also is currently serving as interim director of the theater.
Former OCU wrestlers Michaela Hutchison (BS 鈥�12), Brittany Delgado (BS 鈥�13), and Emily Webster (BS 鈥�15) were featured in one of the three National Wrestling Hall of Fame鈥檚 向日葵视频-themed exhibits at the 2023 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships in Tulsa.
Soprano Marlen Nahhas (BM 鈥�12) performed in Eureka Chamber Music鈥檚 鈥淎 Night at the Opera鈥� in California this past November.
Marcus Sams (BA 鈥�12) won best interior designer in 405 Magazine with his firm, Studio Merge. He serves as principal designer and managing partner of the 向日葵视频 City-based company.
Composer/producer Or Kribos (BM 鈥�13, MM 鈥�15) is founder of Or Kribos Music and cofounder of ARB4 while currently collaborating with media and video game partners including Riot Games, Warner Chappell, Universal, BMG, Amphibious Zoo, Sonoton and Megatrax.
Ben Lanham (BPA 鈥�13) was in the cast of 鈥淏ad Cinderella鈥� on Broadway, performing as part of the ensemble.
Marisa Macella (BFA 鈥�13) was named executive director of the Steep Theatre in Chicago after serving as senior manager for fundraising events for the Lyric Opera of Chicago.
Evelyn Bollenbach Schaefer (MBA 鈥�13) has been named executive director of Keep 向日葵视频 Beautiful. She previously served as executive director of the 向日葵视频 City Community College Foundation.
Jared Snedden (JD 鈥�13) joined the Stange Law Firm in 向日葵视频 City as a senior associate attorney. The firm is a multi-location firm with a focus on divorce and family law.
Benjamin Rivera (BS 鈥�14) performed in the ensemble of Broadway鈥檚 鈥淣ew York, New York.鈥�
Jeff Sherwood (BFA 鈥�14) joined Michigan Tech as an assistant professor of visual and performing arts.
Clay Taylor (JD 鈥�14), principal lobbyist of Taylor Capital Group, and Adam Rainbolt (MBA 鈥�12), BancFirst鈥檚 insurance senior vice president, were ranked two and four respectively on the OKC Friday鈥檚 鈥淢ost Powerful Young Professionals鈥� list.
English and film studies professor James Cooper (MFA 鈥�15) spoke at 向日葵视频 State University-向日葵视频 City鈥檚 National Voter Registration Day and Constitution and Citizenship Day celebration.
Franchesca McDowell (BBA 鈥�15), post producer of Hungryman Productions, NYC, is part of the team working on a new campaign for Noodles and Co. with the goal of showing consumers the diversity of the company鈥檚 menu.
Daxx Jayroe (BM Musical Theater 鈥�16) played Sildat in 向日葵视频 City Repertory Theater鈥檚 鈥淪uperstitions.鈥�
Gulfport Energy Corporation recently named Michael Hodges (MS 鈥�17) executive vice president and chief financial officer. He was enrolled in OCU鈥檚 first cohort of the Master鈥檚 in Energy Management at Meinders School of Business while working at Sandridge Energy.
Heather Levy (MFA 鈥�17) released her book 鈥淗urt for Me,鈥� which is set in 向日葵视频 City and follows single mother, Rae Dixon, as she and detective Dayton Clearwater try to solve murders occurring around her secret underground business.
Public Service Company of 向日葵视频 announced Jonathan Wynn (MS 鈥�17) as the new external affairs manager for a nine-county area including McAlester, Okmulgee, Okemah and Wilburton. Wynn will work to build relationships to enhance the business and handle public and community affairs.
Kaleb Benda (BM 鈥�18) is the new music director of the 向日葵视频 Christian University Chamber Orchestra. He also serves as music director for the 向日葵视频 Chamber Symphony, assistant conductor of the Enid Symphony Orchestra and band director at the University of Science and Arts of 向日葵视频.
Quincy Chapman (MS 鈥�18) is the newly elected president of the Project Management Institute鈥檚 Northern Utah Chapter while serving as executive director of programs at Cyrq Energy. In these roles, he collaborates closely with boards and senior leadership of organizations as well as start-ups to improve oversight, accountability and transparency. He also owns his own business, Quinch William, LLC, which is a media company specializing in product development.
Aimee Majoue (JD 鈥�18) joined the 向日葵视频 City office of Steptoe and Johnson PLLC as a part of the firm鈥檚 litigation department as an associate.
Amanda Rodriguez (MBA 鈥�18) was named to the Citizens Bank of Edmond board of directors. She works at Accenture, where she provides thought leadership and expertise to solve critical business issues in the oil and gas industry while previously serving as the State of 向日葵视频鈥檚 chief financial officer. She also managed internal audit and accounting at Chesapeake Energy.
Frederico Marques Teixeira (BM 鈥�18) recently earned his master鈥檚 degree at the Royal College of Music in Stockholm, where he organized the ljudOljud Music Festival, and has accepted a fellowship in composition to pursue his doctorate at the University of Minnesota.
Sarah Pool Wilhelm (MM 鈥�18) is the newly named associate music director for the North American tour of 鈥淐ome From Away.鈥�
Nash Carey (BA 鈥�19) recently opened Sanctuary Comics and Games store and ministry. He founded the store with the goal of creating a safe space for people to explore Christianity through an intersection of religion, comic books and fantasy games.
Blackwelder Brass alumnus Andrew Carrillo (MM 鈥�19, BM 鈥�17) is the newly appointed principal trombone with the Tulsa Symphony.
Joe Charlton (BS/BM 鈥�19) won the principal horn position with the Dallas Winds, America鈥檚 premier windband located in North Texas.
Ethan Zambrano (BS 鈥�19, MA 鈥�22) was promoted to director of annual giving for the Office of University Advancement at OCU and also teaches dance at Ascend Dance Studios. Previously, he taught at Harding Fine Arts Academy and held an internship in fundraising and development at Make-A-Wish 向日葵视频.
2020s
Emily Carpenter Duncan (BM 鈥�20), instructor of harp and academic specialist at OCU, has accepted an appointment as principal harpist with the Fort Smith Symphony.
Cassi Gardner (BM 鈥�20) has booked the role of Marina in Houston Grand Opera鈥檚 Opera To Go production of 鈥淜atie, the Strongest of the Strong!鈥�
Teddy Edgar (BM 鈥�20) is starring as Guiseppe Zangara, the attempted assassin of President-elect Franklin D. Roosevelt, in Lyric Stage Boston鈥檚 production of Stephen Sondheim鈥檚 鈥淎ssassins鈥� as his debut for the Lyric Stage.
MaKenzi Fox (BBA 鈥�20) recently released her children鈥檚 book 鈥淭he Day Cara Cut Her Bangs鈥� and was profiled on the Write Any Genre blog site, where she spoke about her life, business pursuits, interests, hobbies and inspirations.
Celina James (BM 鈥�20) made her New York City debut in 鈥淏oth Sides Now,鈥� a combination of her interests in musical theatre and popular songs, at the Green Room 42.
Jordan Knapick (BM 鈥�20) performed a mixed concert of classical musical theatre and classic songs in Mooresville, North Carolina, with a share of the profits benefitting the YMCA Central Carolinas.
Kaiden Maines (BFA 鈥�20) became director of the Waxahachie High School drama department in Texas, returning to her alma mater after graduating in 2016 with several theatre awards.
Marina Quintanilla (BA 鈥�20) was named to the first cohort of the American Choral Directors Association鈥檚 New Canon
Project, which aims at commissioning new works by Black and Latinx composers for the classroom.
Hallie Schmidt (BM 鈥�20) co-founded Olympia Opera Theatre, the first new opera company that Thurston County in Washington has had in decades. She also earned first place at the Seattle Opera Guild鈥檚 2023 Singer Development Awards.
Andrew Abraham (JD 鈥�21) joined the newly opened Gilson Daub law firm in 向日葵视频 City as a trial attorney. He previously worked as a civil defense attorney at McAtee and Woods and interned at Farha Law.
Littleton 鈥淭az鈥� Ellett (JD 鈥�21) joined the Hall Estill firm鈥檚 向日葵视频 City office, where his primary practice area will be litigation. He previously served as a judicial clerk for the Honorable Gary Lumpkin in the 向日葵视频 Court of Criminal Appeals.
Cierra Foster (BS 鈥�21) was named an assistant coach of the Olentangy Orange girls wrestling program in Ohio. During her time at OCU, she was a three-time NAIA All-American and is currently competing at the USA Wrestling national level.
Clayton Garner (BM 鈥�21, MM 鈥�23) has been appointed adjunct instructor of percussion and drumline director at Southern Nazarene University. He also serves as percussion director at Putnam City High School and percussion ensemble director at 向日葵视频 Homeschool Bands and Strings.
Brianna Kaleen (BM 鈥�21) and Chris Richie (BM 鈥�22) both performed in Times Square in the Playbill and Prudential鈥檚 Stages on Broadway concert, chosen as two of four finalists from more than 400 original contestants. Kaleen won the $10,000 prize in September, previously performing as Little Inez in the national tour of 鈥淗airspray.鈥�
Madeline Powell (BM 鈥�21) had her national tour debut as Eliza Doolittle in 鈥淢y Fair Lady鈥� this year. Previously, she performed nationally on Oprah, the Rachel Ray Show and Disney鈥檚 Corey In the House along with numerous professional sporting events.
Michael Power Jr. (JD 鈥�21) joined the McAfee and Taft firm鈥檚 aviation group as a transactional attorney. Prior to this position, Power served as assistant general counsel for the Chickasaw Nation Chamber of Commerce.
Former OCU golfer Natalie Gough (BS 鈥�22) was named a co-winner of the 2023 Everett Dobson Award by the 向日葵视频 Golf Hall of Fame.
Chance Ingalls (BM 鈥�22) is performing as part of the featured ensemble in his national tour debut in 鈥淎nnie鈥�
for a 48-city run.
Gabriella 鈥淓lla鈥� Lofton鈥�(BS 鈥�22) was named鈥痑ssistant coach鈥痮f the Carleton College volleyball team in Minnesota. She previously served as the director of events and athletic inclusivity, equity and diversity initiatives for the Carleton Knights. She ranks in the top-five players in OCU volleyball history.
Kate Morton (BM 鈥�22), performed with the professional Montana-based opera company Intermountain Opera Bozeman, for 鈥淲heels of Harmony,鈥� which features all Native American performers touring rural and tribal schools, including Morton鈥檚 hometown of Tahlequah, 向日葵视频.
Anna Schmidt (BS 鈥�22) was awarded the Norton Rose Fulbright Outstanding First-Year Student Award at Baylor University鈥檚 School of Law for the 2022-2023 academic year.
Colton Sprenkle (MM 鈥�22) was hired as an elementary music teacher in the Carthage School District in Missouri. He also recently performed at the Pittsburg Festival of the Arts in Kansas.
Zouhair Talbi (BS 鈥�22) finished fifth in his debut marathon鈥攖he Boston Marathon in April, and then in July of this year, he and his fianc茅e, Elizabeth Heffernan, who attended OCU, won their respective divisions in the John Carson 2-Mile Road Race in Chelmsford, Massachusetts, with Talbi setting the course record.
Danny Phan Tran (MS 鈥�22) joined SSM Health Medical Group as a digestive tract specialist.
Alexis Benitez (JD 鈥�23) has been named assistant district attorney in Carter County, the same county where she grew up in Healdton.
Vivian Cooper (BM 鈥�23) is the new assistant band director at Ousley Junior High in Arlington, Texas.
Connor Curtis (JD 鈥�23) and Jacob Patton (JD 鈥�23) joined the McAfee and Taft law firm, with both joining as trial lawyers.
Collin Ellsbury (BM/BA 鈥�23) performed as a guest solo vocalist with the Karl L. King Municipal Band in his hometown of Fort Dodge, Iowa, to sing selections from 鈥淢an of La Mancha.鈥� He also was selected as a national Phi Kappa Phi Fellow. The $8,500 fellowship began this fall, as he undertakes study for his master鈥檚 in vocal performance and pedagogy at New York University.
Amanda Gonzalez (BS 鈥�23) has been named development officer for OCU's Office of University Advancement. She previously served as the coordinator of alumni engagement and strategic communication for the Office of Alumni Affairs at the university.
Colby Karcher (JD 鈥�23) joined the Phillips Murrah law firm as a litigation attorney. During his time at OCU, he was a merit scholar and on the dean鈥檚 and faculty honor roll. He also was a member of the Law Review and Phi Delt Phi Honor Society.
William McClendon (JD 鈥�23) was one of three people to be awarded a rural law practice grant from the Kansas Farm Bureau Legal Donation as he begins his career practicing law in Kansas.
Paul Nguyen (BM 鈥�23) has been appointed band director at Putnam City Schools鈥� Kenneth Cooper Middle School.
