Campus Update - All of 2025

January 2025

Representatives from ECU and other Southeast Oklahoma universities joined state legislators to discuss the future of higher education and its impact on Oklahoma’s economy and workforce.

The event featured remarks from students and state officials, such as the current Speaker of the House of Representatives, Kyle Hilbert, and Representative Ronny Johns, as well as other senators and representatives.

SE Oklahoma Legislative Tour

For more information, visit ecok.edu/ news.

ECU Fall 2024 Commencement!

www.ecok.edu

pg 2 – January '25 – Campus Update

Caring, Trustworthy & Committed to Excellence

Congratulations graduates of Fall 2024!

For more photos of Fall 2024 Commencement, visit www.ecok.edu/photo-galleries www.ecok.edu

pg 3 – January '25 – Campus Update

Upcoming Events

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Professors save students $140K in textbook costs Faculty members at ECU are leading Oklahoma in providing no-cost instructional materials to students through Open Educational Resources, or OERs.

Jan. 4 - Women's Basketball VS Southern Nazarene University, 1 p.m.

- Men's Basketball VS Southern Nazarene University, 3 p.m.

Jan. 10 - Winter Intersession Ends

OERs are teaching, learning and research materials that are freely available to access, revise, and adapt under an open license.

Dec. 16 - Women's Basketball VS Arkansas Tech University, 5:30 p.m.

- Men's Basketball VS Arkansas Tech University, 7:30 p.m.

For more information, visit ecok.edu/news.

Jan. 18 - Women's Basketball VS Harding University, 1 p.m.

- Men's Basketball VS Harding University, 3 p.m.

ECU has been named the recipient of a $3,615 grant from Oklahoma Humanities.

The grant will be used to assist in funding a presentation of the Killing the Negative exhibit on the ECU campus in the spring.

Jan. 20 - Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Jan. 21 - Full semester (SP25) begins; SP 25 Term A begins Jan. 22 - NASA's Pow Wow Night 6 p.m.

ECU recieves grant from OH

For more information, visit ecok.edu/news.

ECU recently hosted their 104th Interscholastic Meet.

Students from 35 different high schools took part in more than 20 available test options, ranging from Shakespeare to Accounting.

Jan. 23 - Women's Basketball VS SOSU, 5:30 p.m.

- Men's Basketball VS SOSU, 7:30 p.m.

104th Interscholastic Meet

For more information, visit ecok.edu/news.

For more photos, visit www.ecok.edu/photo-galleries www.ecok.edu

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Sanchez named Director of Alumni Relations Jessica Sanchez has been named Director of Alumni Relations for ECU, a position that focuses on outreach, networking, communications and general support between alumni and graduates through a variety of events and fundraisers, among many other responsibilities. Sanchez begins her new role in Janaury. For more information, visit ecok.edu/news.

Campus Update – January '25 – pg 4

History professor publishes first book Dr. Elisabeth Davis has announced the publication of her first book, “Catholic Sisters, Narratives of Authority, and the Native American Boarding Schools, 1847-1918.”

Davis’ book comes after a series of articles she published on the Native American Boarding Schools, both the Carlisle Indian Industrial School as well as schools run by Catholics. For more information, visit ecok.edu/news.

SoN Pinning Ceremony

Alpha Chi Induction

Honors Showcase

ECU School of Nursing held their annual SoN Pinning Ceremony in Dec. with students, staff/faculty and families in attendance.

Alpha Chi Induction was held in Dec. to recognize students for their academic acheivement and their induction into the Alpha Chi National Honor Society

Members of ECU's Honor Society were given the oppurtunity to present their Honor's projects before an eager audience.

For more photos, visit www.ecok.edu/photo-galleries www.ecok.edu

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Annual City of Ada tree lighting

ECU Family Christmas party!

www.ecok.edu

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Esports takes nationals ECU Tiger Esports recently made history when their League of Legends team competed and won the National Esports Collegiate Conference (NECC) Division 7 National Championship. ECU was represented by Chris Barker of Ada, Jesse Barker of Ada, Allie Mabry of Ada, Breckin Guevara of Tulsa and Dakota Cao of Pensacola, Fla. For more information, visit ecok.edu/news.

ECU hosts OSSAA playoffs ECU recently served as the host site for an Oklahoma School Activities Association (OSSAA) football Class 4A semi-final. Elgin High School beat Wagoner High school to proceed to the state finals. The game took place in the Koi Ishto stadium, bringing hundreds of visitors to ECU and Ada.

2025 ECU Athletics Hall of Fame Tickets are available for the 2025 ECU Athletics Hall of Fame Banquet.

The 2025 Hall of Fame inductees include Erin Curry (Softball – Student-Athlete), Terry Babbitt (Football – Student-Athlete), Phil Johnson (Men's Basketball – Distinguished Coach), Chris Snowden (Distinguished Service), and Tyler Gillum (Baseball – Distinguished Athletic Alumni). In addition, ECU will honor the 1989 ECU Men's Basketball NAIA National Runner-Up team, who will be inducted as Tiger greats.

The formal induction ceremony will take place on Friday, January 24, at the Chickasaw Business and Conference Center. The evening will begin with a social beginning at 5:00 p.m., followed by the dinner and program at 6:00 p.m. For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit ecutigers.com.

For more photos, visit www.ecok.edu/photo-galleries www.ecok.edu

February 2025

ECU recently hosted an event to discuss the future of the university during the construction of the Dan Hays STEM Center and plans for more renovations, improvements, and advancements going forward.

ECU Forward gave those in attendance an oppurtunity to glimpse the campaigns three primary focuses, which include; faculty and staff support, student scholarship and experience support, and campus improvements such as housing expansions, renovations for fine arts facilities, upgrades for athletic facilities and the construction of the Dan Hays STEM Center.

For more information, visit ecok.edu/ news.

The Clinic, ECU partner on student health care Beginning in the Spring 2025 semester, The Clinic now serves ECU students at its new location inside the Memorial Student Union building on the ECU campus.

The Clinic’s ECU office is staffed

by Kyndel Dillard, PA-C, a primary care provider and graduate of the university.

For more information, visit ecok. edu.

ECU has been ranked #3 by College Consensus on their “10 Best Online Counseling Bachelor’s Degree Programs” list.

For more information, visit ecok.edu/ news. www.ecok.edu

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Upcoming Events

Feb. 3 - Author Talk, 3:30 p.m.

- Last Day to Drop 16-W courses with 100% refund Feb. 4 - Baseball vs. Rogers State, 1 p.m.

- Paws and Relax, 2 p.m.

Feb. 5 - ECU Blood Drive, 10 a.m.

ECU Athletics Hall of Fame

Feb. 6 - ECU Blood Drive, 10 a.m.

- Women's Basketball vs. Southern Arkansas, 5:30 p.m.

- Men's Basketball vs. Southern Arkansas, 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 8 - Women's Basketball vs. Arkansas at Monticello, 1 p.m.

- Men's Basketball vs. Arkansas at Monticello, 3 p.m.

Feb. 10 - Paws and Relax, 11 a.m.

Feb. 11 - Stickball, 4 p.m.

- Artrageous, 5:30 p.m.

Feb. 12 - Dr. Walling's Book Talk, 3 p.m.

- Honors Program Interviews, 5 p.m.

For more news, visit www.ecok.edu/news For more photos, visit www.ecok.edu/photo-galleries www.ecok.edu

Caring, Trustworthy & Committed to Excellence

Campus Update – February '25 – pg 3

Upcoming Events

ECU Athletics recently hosted Chickasaw Appreciation Night to honor the long-standing partnership between ECU and the Chickasaw Nation.

Feb. 16 - Softball vs. Southwestern College, 1 p.m.

- Softball vs. Southwestern College, 3 p.m.

Feb. 18 - Softball vs. Newman Univ., 1:30 p.m.

- Paws and Relax, 2 p.m.

- Softball vs. Newman Univ. 3:30 p.m.

- ECU BAA Event, 6 p.m.

Chickasaw Appreciation Night

Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby was in attendance, along with many members of the Chickasaw Nation community.

Feb. 19 - Killing the Negative: A Conversation in Art and Verse, 4 p.m.

Feb. 21 - Baseball vs. Ouachita Baptist, 2 p.m.

Feb. 22 - Baseball vs. Ouachita Baptist, 12 p.m.

- Baseball vs. Ouachita Baptist, 3 p.m.

Feb. 25 - Baseball vs. Southern Nazarene, 1 p.m.

- Kayla Ohlmer Artists' Talk and Reception, 4 p.m.

Nursing White Coat Ceremony

The Money Game

The ECU NASNTI REACHE program recently hosted The Money Game event with guest speaker, Eric Smith, who is recongized as a nationally renowned financial coach. The event served as an educational money-saving lesson for students.

Smash Event

ECU Esports hosted a Welcome Week Event for students across campus during the second week of the semester. Dozens of students were in attendance as they competed in Super Smash Brothers for a chance to win prizes provided by Esports.

Feb. 26 - Paws and Relax, 5:10 p.m.

Feb. 27 - Last Day to withdraw from courses and recieve a W-grade - Women's Basketball vs.

Southwestern, 5:30 p.m.

- Business Leaders Association Meeting - Men's Basketball vs.

Southwestern, 7:30 p.m.

ECU Nursing students ended January with the Spring 2025 White Coat Ceremony inside the Ataloa Theatre.

55 students recieved the honor with friends, family, and ECU faculty and administration in attendance.

www.ecok.edu

pg 4 – February '25– Campus Update

Caring, Trustworthy & Committed to Excellence

Kayla Ohlmer Exhibit Ohlmer’s exhibit is currently available for viewing inside the Pogue Gallery, with an artist talk and reception scheduled for Feb. 25 at 4 p.m.

Join us for ECU Tiger Tangles: Part Deux!

Event to be held on Feb. 28 at 6 p.m. inside the Ataloa Theatre! Tickets available at ecok.edu/hb!ac-box-office.

www.ecok.edu

According to Ohlmer’s artist statement, “I have always felt as though I existed between two realities. This feeling has manifested itself into hours of looking at a mirror and deep self-examination.

However, the person that I see seems unfamiliar to the person that exists in the real world. As an artist, I am interested in the way one simultaneously exists in two spaces.”

March 2025

New Dean signals new era for CLASS Following an extensive search, Dr. Mark Walling has been named the new Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences (CLASS) at East Central University. With 38 years of dedicated service to ECU, Walling brings a wealth of experience in education and a long-standing commitment to both ECU students and alumni to his new position.

Walling recieved his B.A. in English with Teacher Certification in 1985 from ECU before going on to earn his M.A. and Ph.D. in English from Oklahoma State University. He returned to ECU in 1987 as a member of the faculty, steadily advancing through the ranks to become a tenured professor and a respected, irreplaceable member of the Tiger community. He assumed his new role on March 1. For more information, visit ecok.edu/news.

Tiger Tangles: Part Deux triumphs with new record The beloved student talent show returned for the second year in a row, after a multi-decade hiatus, to thunderous applause and an evergrowing attendance.

With nearly 1,000 students and alumni in attendance, Kim Bethune took the prize for overall winner for Tiger Tangles: Part Deux, securing the $500 award.

For a full list of winners and for more information, visit ecok.edu/news. www.ecok.edu

pg 2 – February '25– Campus Update

Caring, Trustworthy & Committed to Excellence

Upcoming Events

March 3 - Vive 18, 6 p.m.

- ECU Bands Competition, 7:30 p.m.

March 4 - Paws and Relax, 2 p.m.

- Softball vs. Arlington Baptist, 5:30 p.m.

- Esports vs. SAU, 7 p.m.

- Softball vs. Arlington Baptist, 7:30 p.m.

March 5 - ECU Junior Day, 9 a.m.

- Lockmiller Art History Lecture, 3 p.m.

ECU BAA Dinner & Program

8th Annual PCDFC Gala

Journey of Hope

March 10 - Esports vs. SE, 7 p.m.

March 11 - Health Fair, 11 a.m.

- Baseball vs. Southwestern Oklahoma State, 2 p.m.

- Originals Showcase, 3:30 p.m.

- Stickball, 4 p.m.

Artrageous

March 12 - Mental Health Fair, 11 a.m.

- Killing the Negative, 4 p.m.

ECU Preview Day www.ecok.edu

The Pontotoc County Drug Free Coalition held their annual Gala on the ECU campus with members of the community and ECU administration in attendance. PCDFC is a local group of volunteer community members collaborating in an effort to prevent substance abuse and promote recovery.

ECU students, Oklahoma legislatures and community members heard from individuals directly impacted by the Oklahoma City bombing share their personal stories. The program focused on the theme, "A Day of Darkness Years of Light."

March 7 - Softball vs. Oklahoma Baptist, 3 p.m.

March 8 - Softball vs. Oklahoma Baptist, 12 p.m.

- Softball vs. Oklahoma Baptist, 2 p.m.

In celebration of Black History Month, the ECU Black Alumni Association hosted a dinner and program with Marilyn Luper-Hildreth, daughter of famed Civil Rights activist Clara Luper, presenting, "African Americans in Labor: Continuing to Uplift and Build Others."

The spectacular fusion of music, dance, theatre and live painting known as Artrageous came to the Ataloa Theatre. Community members came together to participate in activities, enjoy the show and give the nationally recognized cast of Artrageous an exciting ECU and Ada welcome.

All Majors Career Fair

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Upcoming Events

March 13 - Paws and Relax, 5:10 p.m.

March 14 - SP25 Term A Ends - Softball vs. Harding, 2 p.m.

- Softball vs. Harding, 4 p.m.

Linscheid Library Author Talk

March 15 - Softball vs. Harding, 12 p.m.

March 17 - Spring Break March 18 - Spring Break - Baseball vs. Southeastern Oklahoma State, 2 p.m.

- Esports vs. HSU, 7 p.m.

Linscheid Library Book Talk

March 19-20 - Spring Break March 21 - Spring Break - Baseball vs. Arkansas Tech, 2 p.m.

From Oklahoma to Istanbul

March 22 - Baseball vs. Arkansas Tech, 12 p.m.

- Baseball vs. Arkansas Tech, 3 p.m.

March 24 - SP25 Term B Begins March 25 - Business Leaders Association Meeting, 6 p.m.

Kayla Ohlmer Reception

Campus Update – February '25 – pg 3

Seven authors from different departments across campus participated in a panel to discuss their writing styles, perspectives, viewpoints and publication history. Dr. Elisabeth Davis, Dr. Ken Hada, Dr. Randall Maples, Jose Montalva, Dr. Steven Pedersen, Kerry Rhone and Dr. Mark Walling made up the panel.

Dr. Mark Walling discussed his book, "I Can Hear Everything from Here," during a recent Book Talk, including his writing process, history as an author and the long road to publication.

Walling offered advice to students and answered a variety of questions on the topics of writing and publishing.

ECU professor, Narciso Arguelles, recently traveled across the globe to visit the American Robert College of Istanbul, Turkey, to lecture, take part in critiques for the school’s AP Art Class and work on a mural project with students. The mural now hangs in the hallway of the Robert College Music Department.

Artist Kayla Ohlmer, who currently serves as the Program Director at Tulsa Glassblowing School in Okla., hosted an Artist Talk and Reception where she discussed her exhibit to a crowd of students, employees and community members.

March 26 - Paws and Relax, 5:10 p.m.

Honors Olympics

Lucky Tiger Bingo www.ecok.edu

pg 4 – February '25– Campus Update

Caring, Trustworthy & Committed to Excellence

ECU Senior Night

ECU Alumni & Foundation ECU Alumnus, Dustin Rowe, named State Supreme Court Justice.

At the age of 18, while still a senior in high school, Rowe won election to the Tishomingo city council where he served two terms as the youngest mayor in the state.

He later attended ECU and recieved his B.A., with honors, in 1998 before going on to recieve his J.D. from the University of Oklahoma College of Law. Rowe practiced law in Tishomingo from 2001 to 2019, where he served as Tishomingo city attorney for 18 years. He served as special judge of the Chickasaw Nation District Court from 2005-2011 and as district judge of the Chickasaw Nation District Court from 2011-2019. Rowe was appointed to the Supreme Court of Oklahoma by Governor J. Kevin Stitt on November 20, 2019. He assumed office on December 20, 2019.

Justice Rowe was retained by voters on November 8, 2022 and served as Vice-Chief Justice for 2023-2024. Rowe was elected by his colleagues to serve as Chief Justice for a two year term beginning January 1, 2025.

For more news, visit www.ecok.edu/news For more photos, visit ecutigerpics.pixieset.com www.ecok.edu

April 2025

Extensive Roof Damage to Faust Hall

South Entrance Faust Hall

East Central University experienced significant damage after a severe storm hit campus early Tuesday morning, March 4.

Faust Hall suffered the most extensive damage and will remain closed for the rest of the academic year. ECU administrators coordinated closely with local emergency responders, city officials, and support organizations on recovery efforts. The ECU community has shown incredible support Together, we remain committed to rebuilding our campus stronger than before.

The ECU Football Team stepped up to help our community by cleaning up trash and debris in local neighborhoods and schools.

April

Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby delivered the inaugural Congressman Lyle H. Boren Lectureship in Public Engagement and Public Service at ECU on Tuesday, March 25, at noon in ECU Foundation Hall. Former Congressman and current Chickasaw Nation Secretary of Commerce Dan Boren also spoke. The lectureship honors Congressman Lyle H. Boren, an ECU alumnus and influential public servant who advocated for education, farmers, seniors, and public health during his congressional tenure, notably contributing to establishing the National Cancer Institute and Civil Aviation Authority.

East Central University will host its Evening of Honors and Recognition on May 16 at 6 p.m. in ECU Foundation Hall, located in the Chickasaw Business & Conference Center. Distinguished Alumni awards will go to Kathy Pinson ('76), David Jackson ('85, '90), Christopher "Kitt" Wakeley ('93), State Auditor Cindy Byrd ('98), and Chief Justice Dustin Rowe ('98). Former faculty member David Schallhorn will receive the Distinguished Former Faculty Award.

Mark Stringfield ('73) and Janey Thomas ('02) will be honored with Distinguished Service Awards, and the Randall/Newcombe family will receive the Distinguished Family Award.

Pictured: Top row, left to right; Kathy Pinson, David Jackson, Kitt Wakeley, Cindy Byrd, Bottom row, left to right; Dustin Rowe, David Schallhorn, Mark Stringfield and Janey Thomas. Not pictured, the Randall/Newcombe family.

Pg 3 - April

East Central University's Student Government Association recently swore in new members during a special Student Senate meeting led by Chief Justice Jamin VanHorn.: • Adrian Odhiambo (International Student Representative) • Diego Cifuentes (IDEA Representative) • Mason Martinez (At-Large Representative) The new senators expressed excitement to enhance student life and campus engagement through events like Tiger Jam, Karaoke Night, Study Bags Table, and Orange Crush week (April 7-11).

From left to right: Diego Cifuentes, SGA President Patrick Snell, Adrian Odhiambo and Mason Martinez.

SGA Hosts Tiger Jam! a fun filled afternoon of food trucks, rides, and giveaways

Left: The Student Asian Assn. presented President Godwin with a check to aid in relief efforts for the recent storm damage.

Right: Law Day Student Panel

Upcoming Events April 1st • SSB Networking Event 6 PM • Baseball vs OBU 2 PM • Esports vs SWOSU 7 PM • Honors & Student Support Services Enrollment April 2nd • Graduate & Senior Enrollment • Lockmiller Art History Lecture 2 PM April 3rd • First Time Transfer Student Enrollment • Junior Enrollment • Scissortail Creative Writing Festival

Asian Student Association Celebrating Holi Festival

April 4th • Sophomore Enrollment • Scissortail Creative Writing Festival • Baseball vs Southern Nazarene 2 PM April 5th • Continuing Freshman Enrollment • Scissortail Creative Writing Festival • Baseball vs Southern Nazarene 12 & 3 PM April 8th • Softball vs SEOSU 2 PM April 9th • Psychology Career Day 10 AM - 2:30 PM April 10th • Magic the Gathering 5 PM • A Defense of the Unborn Person 6 PM • Showtime Presents: A Broadway Spectacular 7:30 PM

Junior Day Student Panel

Originals Reading

Delta Mu Delta Induction Ceremony

Upcoming Events April 11th • HS Concurrent Enrollment • College of Education Spring Student Conference • Softball vs Southern Arkansas 3 PM • Showtime Presents: A Broadway Spectacular 7:30 PM April 12th • Tiger Enrollment • Softball vs Southern Arkansas 12 & 2 PM • Showtime Presents: A Broadway Spectacular 7:30 PM April 15th • Paws and Relax 2 PM • CHS Awards Ceremony 6:30 PM April 16th • McNair Scholars Poster Display 10:30 AM • Hedgehog & Fox Lecture 3 PM April 17th • Business Leaders Assn. 6 PM April 18th • Baseball vs University of Arkansas @ Monticello 2 PM April 19th • Baseball vs University of Arkansas @ Monticello 12 & 3 PM April 21st • Chorale Concert 7:30 PM April 23rd • Paws and Relax 11 AM April 24th • Honors Program Global Faiths Tour 8 AM • Employee Recognition 4 PM

Upcoming Events April 25th • Softball vs Henderson State 2 & 4 PM • Baseball vs SEOSU 2 PM • Charlotte’s Web the Musical 5:30 PM April 26th • Softball vs Henderson State 12 PM • Baseball vs SEOSU 12 & 3 PM April 27th • Band Concert 2:30 PM April 29th • Honors Showcase 3:30 PM April 30th • Chamber Ensemble Concert 7:30 PM

Spring Sports!

Softball

Baseball