Barry L. Pollard
matthew w. mungle
James H. Means
The OSU Alumni Association recognizes individuals each year with the prestigious Distinguished Alumni Award. The award is presented to OSU alumni who have distinguished themselves through personal and professional achievements and received recognition for service to their communities.
James H. Means
Matthew W. Mungle
Barry L. Pollard
was one of the first African-Americans awarded a doctoral degree from OSU with an Ed.D. in mathematics in 1958. Means continued to grow his reputation as a respected educator and administrator who, with his wife, Bertha, made significant contributions to Austin, Texas. Now 96 and in retirement, he is chairman of the board of Austin Cab Company. Means dedicated more than 40 years to the students of Huston-Tillotson University in Austin, where he served as professor of mathematics, head of the physical sciences department, coach and athletics director. He was appointed to the task force of the Institute for Services to Education helping to develop curriculum materials and teaching strategies for college students. Means takes his greatest pride in the accomplishments of the students he mentored. Means has been honored for service by several organizations including academic, athletic, political and community service organizations. He is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and a charter member of the prestigious Austin Chapter Gamma Gamma Boule, Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity.
followed his father’s advice to attend OSU although his sights were set on Hollywood. From 1975 to 1977, he studied theater arts at OSU, working with props and make-up for various productions. Afterward, Mungle was accepted into Joe Blasco’s Make-up Center, the premier academy for film and television’s elite make-up artists. He stayed on-staff at Blasco’s until his own work was successful. He is currently vice president of W.M. Creations Inc. Mungle’s career took off with the movie Edward Scissorhands in 1990. This was followed by many awards, including an Oscar for Bram Stoker’s Dracula in 1992 and four Emmy awards. With more than 100 film and television projects to his credit, Mungle has earned recognition as one of the industry’s top masters of illusion. He also works in the commercial and stage industries. Mungle stays busy balancing his film and TV projects but still finds time to conduct seminars on advanced prosthetics and appear on TV shows for The Discovery Channel and CNN. He also serves on the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences Committee.
graduated from OSU in 1973 with a bachelor of science in biochemistry. Dr. Pollard currently practices neurosurgery in Enid, Okla., at his shared private practice, the Neurological Surgery Association Inc. Pollard grew up with a farming and ranching background. He operates a registered angus ranch and an extensive farming operation. He also owns several John Deere dealerships. Pollard is a longtime supporter of the OSU agricultural and beef departments. He frequently invites the OSU livestock judging teams to visit his farm in preparation for judging events. Since college, he has been recognized by the American Angus Association and with the Future Farmers of America Honorary State Farmer Degree. He is also certified by the American Board of Neurological Surgery. Pollard served as an OSU homecoming judge in 2005. He currently serves as a member of the OSU Foundation board of governors and is a trustee of the OSU Foundation.
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