Campus Update
February 2015
ECU NIGHT AT THE OKC THUNDER GAME
The ECU Chorale performed the National Anthem and the Gold Program presented the colors prior to the Oklahoma City Thunder game with the Memphis Grizzlies on Feb. 11. It was “ECU Night” and many alumni and ECU friends gathered to celebrate.
EDUCATION BUILDING RENOVATIONS UNDERWAY
ECU students and faculty are excited for the fall semester to begin. They will be walking into a newly renovated Education Building. Crews have been working hard to give our students the setting they need to prepare for the classroom.
ECU TO OFFER ONE OF TWO COUNSELING PROGRAMS IN THE COUNTRY
With the efforts of Dr. Linda Massey, ECU recently became one of only two institutions of higher learning in the country to be dually accredited in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling and Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program (master’s degree) from the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) and the Council on Rehabilitation Education (CORE).
LOUISE YOUNG DIVERSITY LECTURE SET
Ninety-two-year-old R.V. Burgin, a U.S. marine, who served as a rifeman in the Pacifc Islands during World War II, will deliver the annual Louise Young Diversity Lecture at 7 p.m., March 10, at the Ataloa Theatre inside the Hallie Brown Ford Fine Arts Center. Burgin is part of what many have called “The Greatest Generation” of Americans.
THOUSANDS VISIT ECU FOR HIGH SCHOOL COMPETITIONS
High school students took over the ECU campus this month. On Feb. 10, more than 1,000 students attended ECU’s 99th Annual Interscholastic Meet. On Feb. 17, nearly 3,500 students visited ECU for the Oklahoma High Schools District 9 Vocal Contest, sponsored by the Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association.
Campus Update February 2015
10TH ANNUAL SCISSORTAIL CREATIVE WRITING FESTIVAL
The 10th annual Scissortail Creative Writing Festival, featuring Darrell Bourque, Heid E. Erdrich, Steven Schroeder and Mary Kay Zuravleff, in addition to more than 50 author presentations from Oklahoma and beyond, is April 2 - 4 at ECU. All sessions are free and open to the public.
TRIBUTE WALL TO GREET VISITORS AT NEW CURL CENTER
A new wall will greet visitors at the entrance into the new Dr. Raniyah Ramadan Center for Undergraduate Research and Learning. The wall is a tribute to the late Raniyah Ramadan, who was a research scientist in neuro-ophthalmology. The CURL is set to open April 24, with a formal dedication.
ECU NABS TWO CERTIFIED HEALTHY AWARDS
Making outstanding efforts and achievements in actively creating a safe and healthy environment, ECU was recently recognized as a Certifed Healthy Oklahoma Campus at the excellence level. Additionally, ECU achieved an award as a Certifed Healthy Oklahoma Business as well.
ECU STUDENTS PROVIDING TAX RETURN ASSISTANCE
ECU students are currently providing free tax return assistance to those with fxed and low incomes as part of the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program. The students are advanced accounting majors who have received training from IRS materials.
LOU WATKINS LECTURE ENDS WITH PANEL DISCUSSION
Aradhna Pillai, a 2008 George Nigh Award winner at ECU, delivered the annual Lou Watkins Lecture on Jan. 27. She also participated in an audience/ panel discussion with ECU graduate and University of Oklahoma law student Joe Trail and current ECU senior Linzi Thompson.
BEAN COMPLEMENTS “STALINGRAD” FILM
Dr. Christopher Bean, associate professor of history at ECU, speaks to attendees prior to the Russian flm “Stalingrad.” Bean talked about Stalingrad’s importance in World War II. The event was part of ECU SCREENS, a flm festival being held on campus throughout the 2015 spring semester.
PRESIDENT HARGRAVE SERENADED AT “A VERY CHORALE VALENTINES”
ECU President John R. Hargrave was serenaded by members of the ECU Chorale during “A Very Chorale Valentines,” an event which featured a dinner, auction and musical entertainment on Jan. 29. The event raised more than $9,000 for the ECU Chorale’s travel and competition fund.
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REEVES NAMED GAC PLAYER OF THE WEEK
ECU redshirt sophomore basketball player Braxton Reeves was named Great American Conference Player of the Week on Jan. 26 after averaging 20.5 points in the Tigers’ wins over Southeastern Oklahoma State and Northwestern Oklahoma State. He scored 19 against Southeastern and 22 against Northwestern and connected on fve 3-point shots in each game.
THOMPSON PRESENTED WITH MLK SPIRIT AWARD
ECU student Linzi Thompson, from Sulphur, was presented the MLK Spirit Award during the Fourth Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Day on Jan. 20.
“ANNIE GET YOUR GUN” PERFORMED BY DRAMA, MUSIC
DEPARTMENTS
Three packed performances of “Annie Get Your Gun” were staged Feb. 12-14 at ECU’s Ataloa Theatre inside the Hallie Brown Ford Fine Arts Center.
STUDENT TEACHERS FOR SPRING 2015
Student teachers pose for a group shot on Jan.
22. These students are working in area schools as student teachers for the 2015 spring semester.
Campus Update February 2015
UPCOMING EVENTS
Feb. 16 - Mar. 13, 2015
Jim Gaar Art Exhibit • All Day
Friday, Feb. 20, 2015
Softball vs Henderson State (Doubleheader)
2 p.m. • Tiger Field
Baseball vs NWOSU
2 p.m. • Ken Turner Field
ECU Screens Presents: “NO” 4 p.m. • Estep Auditorium
Saturday, Feb. 21, 2015
Baseball vs NWOSU (Doubleheader)
Noon • Ken Turner Field
Softball vs Henderson State (Doubleheader) 1 p.m. • Tiger Field
Women’s & Men’s Basketball vs Harding 1 p.m. & 3 p.m. • Kerr Activities Center
Monday, Feb. 23, 2015 9th Annual Composers’ Concert 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2015
Baseball vs Oklahoma City
2 p.m. • Ken Turner Field
Thursday, Feb. 26, 2015
Wind Ensemble & Symphonic Band Concert 7:30 p.m. • Ataloa Theatre, HBFFAC
Friday, Feb. 27, 2015
Baseball vs Ouachita Baptist
Noon • Ken Turner Field
ECU Screens Presents: “Three Idiots” 4 p.m. • Estep Auditorium
Saturday, Feb. 28, 2015
Baseball vs Ouachita Baptist (Doubleheader)
Noon • Ken Turner Field
Women’s & Men’s Basketball vs Southern Nazarene 5:30 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. • Kerr Activities Center
Tuesday, March 3, 2015
Baseball vs Hillsdale Baptist
2 p.m. • Ken Turner Field
Tuesday, March 4-5, 2015
OSRHE Meeting All Day
Campus Update
CORNELISON, GRAHAM TO ADDRESS ECU GRADUATES IN MAY
Two ECU alums return to address ECU graduates in two commencement ceremonies Saturday, May 9, at the Kerr Activities Center. Deborah Cornelison, who was inducted into the National Teachers Hall of Fame last June in Emporia, Kan., will speak to graduates at the 10 a.m. commencement ceremony while Todd Graham, the head football coach at Arizona State University, will address the candidates in the 2 p.m. commencement exercises.
FIRM HONORED FOR ECU PARTNERSHIP
Kellogg & Sovereign® Consulting LLC, a professional consulting firm located in Ada, was recently recognized by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education for its valued business partnership with ECU. Co-owned by Jane Kellogg and Debi Sovereign, the firm provides consulting services for schools, libraries and healthcare providers in order to receive funding from the FCC’s Universal Service programs.
HUNDREDS PARTICIPATE IN SCIENCE FAIR
Hundreds of high school and junior high students gathered on campus for the Oklahoma State Science and Engineering Fair March 26-27.
ECU ALUMNA SPEAKS IN D.C.
On March 18, the Labor, Health and Human Services and Education Appropriations Subcommittee hosted an oversight hearing entitled “Closing the Achievement Gap in Higher Education.” Carol Fischer, Ph.D., an alumna of the McNair Post Baccalaureate Achievement program at ECU served as a featured witness. She shared her personal story of overcoming a history of abuse and lack for formal schooling to earning a doctorate in oral microbiology thanks to the academic and social supports provided by TRIO.
ECU COUNSELING PROGRAM RECEIVES DUAL ACCREDITATION
Thanks to the leadership efforts of Dr. Linda Massey, ECU has become one of only two institutions of higher learning in the country to receive dual accreditation under the recent affiliation agreement between the Council for Accreditation and Related Educational Programs and the Council of Rehabilitation Education. Students can achieve national certification through ECU’s Clinical Rehabilitation and Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program.
HIGHER EDUCATION DAY AT STATE CAPITOL
ECU was well represented at Higher Ed Day at the State Capitol in February. April
Campus Update April 2015
HUNAN DELEGATION FROM CHINA VISITS ECU
A delegation from the Shenzhen Center at Hunan University in China visited the ECU campus March 30-April 2. Hunan is a sister institution of ECU. The two universities have a partnership where students from each can study at the other with joint research activities and academic programs.
CHOCTAW NATION HOLDS MEETING AT ECU
J.J. Jacob and Landa McClure, of the ECU Native American Student Association, presents an ECU gift basket to Chief Gary Batton, of the Choctaw Nation. The Choctaw Nation held a meeting on the ECU campus on March 21.
ECU CONDUCTS SCISSORTAIL CREATIVE WRITING FESTIVAL
Hundreds gathered on the ECU campus for the 10th Annual Scissortail Creative Writing Festival April 2-4. The event featured more than 50 writers and poets who made presentations during the event’s three-day run. A nearly-packed house attended the session in this photo.
SGT. BURGIN SPEAKS AT LOUISE YOUNG DIVERSITY LECTURE
Decorated World War
II Marine Veteran R.V. Burgin spoke to a packed audience at the Seventh Annual Louise Young Diversity Lecture on March 10 at ECU. The lecture was entitled “R.V. Burgin: Recollections from America’s Greatest Generation.” Sgt. Burgin fought in the Pacific Theatre through New Britain, Peleliu and Okinawa and ultimately earned a bronze star.
DIPLOMAT SPEAKS TO SEVERAL ECU CLASSES
Rob Andrew, the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomat in Residence at the University of Oklahoma, spoke to several classes at ECU on March 10. As diplomat in residence, Andrew is responsible for recruiting and conducting outreach for career opportunities with the U.S. Department of State in the Central Region of the U.S.
BUSINESS STUDENTS GO TO NEW YORK CITY
Some of ECU’s elite business students made a trip to New York City during spring break. They were able to tour businesses, go to Wall Street and visit several tourist attractions, including the Statue of Liberty.
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION HOLDS AWARDS BANQUET
The annual College of Education Awards Banquet was held on March 24 at the Stanley Wagner Ballroom. Twenty-seven scholarship awards were presented. Outstanding student teacher awards were handed out and outstanding student workers were recognized as well.
ECU CONDUCTS SPRING CAREER FAIRS
ECU students were able to network with potential employers and graduate schools during ECU’s 2015 Spring Career Fair Expo on March 11 and the Education Career Day on March 24 in the Chickasaw Business and Conference Center.
EQUALICON2K15 HELD ON ECU CAMPUS
Approximately 120 college and high school students were on campus for the EqualiCon2k15 College Summit, hosted by the ECU Gay-Straight Alliance and sponsored by Freedom Oklahoma. Participants learned how to build political capacity and learn about GLBTQQIA issues, including bullying, conversion therapy and trans-issues.
STUDENTS TIE BLUE RIBBONS TO REDBUD TREE
ECU students tie blue ribbons to a redbud tree in front of Faust Hall and Horace Mann in observance of Child Abuse Prevention Month in April.
“A SCARY POTTER MUSICAL” PRODUCED BY ECU STUDENT
Fans of Harry Potter enjoyed a musical parody of the series in a studentled stage production of “A Scary Potter Musical” on March 26 and 28 at the Dorothy Summers Theatre. The director was ECU student Zach Garcia, who was putting on the production as credit toward his honor’s thesis. He wrote the entire script and music for the production.
ECU STUDENTS ROCK THE DOME
The Kerr Activities Center featured a night of “Rock the Dome” as two bands – Jason Boland and the Stragglers and Cody Canada and the Departed – performed in an event sponsored by the ECU Residence Hall Association.
STIRLING THOMAS NAMED SECOND TEAM ALL-REGION
ECU men’s basketball player
Sterling Thomas was named to the Daktronics NCAA Division II Men’s Basketball All-Central Region Second Team as voted on by the sports information directors of the region. Thomas averaged 19.3 points this past season.
ECU’S SHAFFER NAMED GAC SOFTBALL PITCHER OF THE WEEK
ECU junior Marissa Shafer was named Great American Conference Pitcher of the Week on March 31. Shaffer recorded two victories and a save as ECU posted a 4-1 record for the week of March 23-30.
SECONDARY MATH FOCUS OF COLLOQUIUM
ECU alums Jessica Stettler and Chris Eckler present their math teaching techniques during the 2015 Noyce Colloquium on March 11. The topic was secondary-level math.
ICE CREAM SOCIAL HELD IN HONOR OF SNOW, ICE REMOVAL CREW
ECU President John Hargrave hosted an Ice Cream Social in the Stanley Wagner Ballroom on March 25 to thank the snow and ice removal crew that worked tirelessly during the 2015 winter storms.
NEW DEAN OF COLLEGE OF HEALTH AND SCIENCES NAMED
Dr. Carl Gilbert has been named the new dean of the College of Health and Sciences, effective July 1. Gilbert has served as the dean of the College of Science at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor since 2012. Prior to that he was the head of the Sciences Department at the University of Arkansas-Ft. Smith. He also served as assistant professor at the University of Louisiana-Monroe and has additional experience as a research specialist at the University of Arkansas-Fayetteville. Gilbert has three degrees from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville – a doctor of philosophy in molecular biology and microbial physiology, master of science in food safety and microbiology and a bachelor of science in zoology.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Saturday, April 11
Mom’s Day
Softball vs Southwestern OK State, 12 p.m.
Baseball vs Arkansas-Monticello, 1 p.m.
Sunday, April 12
Tennis vs Nebraska-Kearney, 10 a.m.
Monday, April 13
ENROLLMENT BEGINS
ECU Screens presents:
“Behind the Beautiful Forevers”, 4 p.m.
Watermelon Extravaganza, 4 p.m.
Jordan Clark Senior Recital, 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, April 14
Ultimate Frisbee, 4 p.m.
Honors Picnic and Caucus, 5:30 p.m.
College of Health & Sciences Awards, 7 p.m.
Wind Ensemble & Symphonic Band Spring Concert, 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, April 15
Waffle Wednesday, 8 p.m.
Thursday, April 16 – Saturday, April 18
ECU Theatre Presents: Woyzeck
Thursday, April 16
Women’s Tennis vs Arkansas Tech, noon
Spring Alpha Chi Induction, 7 p.m.
Saturday, April 18
Save a Sister 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk
April 19 - 24
Orange Crush Week
April 19
Spring Band Concert - Wind Ensemble, 3 p.m.
Bongo Ball, 4 p.m.
First United Honors Ceremony, 6 p.m.
Campus Update
June 2015
DR. ANDERSON TO RETIRE JUNE 30
Dr. Duane Anderson, the longestserving chief academic officer in Oklahoma, is set to retire June 30. Anderson has been ECU’s vice president for academic affairs since 1994 and provost since 2006. He also served as interim president of the university in 2009 in transition from Dr. Richard Rafes to current President John R. Hargrave.
RAMADAN CURL GRAND OPENING HELD
ECU conducted the grand opening of the Dr. Raniyah Ramadan Center for Undergraduate Research and Learning on April 24. Hundreds attended the ceremony and tours were given of the state-of-the-art research and learning facility, which features two biology laboratories and one each for chemistry and environmental health science.
AGREEMENT FORMULATED WITH NATURE CONSERVANCY
ECU and The Nature Conservancy have formulated a memorandum of understanding in which the two parties will participate in coordinated and cooperative efforts to increase awareness and education of common topics related to discovery, preservation, restoration and conservation of Oklahoma native species and water quantity and quality issues.
ECU TEAMS SWEEP SMALL BUSINESS AWARDS
ECU swept all three team awards in the Small Business Division at the 2014 Donald W. Reynolds Governor’s Cup on April 16. Team SuiteSeat, led by Miles Mitchell took first place. Team Gourmet Grub, led by Stanford Mahlatini, finished second and Team Back-Spin, led by Miranda McNabb and Matthew Butler, was third. McNabb was also named the winner of the 2015 Paulsen Award Scholarship and Mitchell won the pitch competition.
TIGER SOFTBALL MAKES MAGNIFICENT RUN
The ECU softball team made a magnificent postseason run, winning the Great American Conference Tournament and advancing to the NCAA Division II Central Regional Finals in Sioux Falls, S.D. The Tigers eliminated Winona State and Central Oklahoma along the way, but fell to ninthranked Augustana College in the finals.
BARTON, DAVIS WIN NIGH AWARD
Aileen Barton and Emily Davis were named co-winners of the prestigious 2015 George Nigh Award at ECU, it was announced April 22. Barton, of Latta, and Davis, of Blanchard, were honored as the top seniors for 2014-2015 for their academic achievements, along with enduring a rigorous application and interview process.
STAFF APPRECIATION FEATURES DUNKING OF PRESIDENT
ECU President John Hargrave was among a handful of volunteers who were dunked in a tank full of water during Staff Appreciation Day on June 4. The event featured hamburgers, cotton candy, peanuts and drawings for prizes.
GRAND PIANO DONATED TO MUSIC DEPARTMENT
A grand piano was donated to the ECU Department of Music by the family of Joe and Tammy Mankin. From left to right are Cody, Corbin and Casey Mankin, along with Joe and Tammy Mankin and Dr. Mark Hollingsworth, Dr. Brad Jessop and Phyllis Danley.
BENCH DEDICATED IN HONOR OF DR. ALTMILLER
A bench dedication was held on May 11 in honor of Dr. Wendell Altmiller, professor and founding dean of the ECU School of Education and Psychology.
HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS ATTEND OBW
High school students converged on the ECU campus to gain a firsthand experience in the world of business for the Fourth Annual Oklahoma Business Week. Students interacted and learned from community business leaders as well as gained skills in leadership, communication, team-building, responsibility, money management, entrepreneurship, marketing and more.
MURRAH BOMBING SURVIVOR SPEAKS AT ECU
Terri Talley, a survivor of the 1995 bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City, spoke at ECU April 15. The speech was part of the 20th anniversary of the Oklahoma City Bombing. ECU’s Office of Campus Involvement, along with the other Regional University System of Oklahoma (RUSO) institutions of higher education, actively participated in activities of service, honor and kindness, during the time of remembrance.
VETERANS, MILITARY APPRECIATION HELD
ECU’s Veterans Upward Bound Program celebrated its 20th anniversary by hosting Veterans and Military Appreciation Day on May 14. The event featured a program of testimonials and an appearance and speech from Brigadier General Hopper T. Smith, an assistant adjutant general for the Army, Oklahoma National Guard. Danny Maylen received the Bret Isenhower Scholarship at the event.
FRAUD AWARENESS TOPIC OF PARKER ETHICS LECTURE
Elaine Dodd, vice president of fraud training for the Oklahoma Bankers Association, spoke about fraud prevention related to identity theft and scams involving social media, phone and mail.
SEMINOLE NATION ASSISTANT CHIEF SPEAKS TO NASA ON CAMPUS
Seminole Nation of Oklahoma Assistant Chief Lewis Johnson spoke to members of the Native American Student Association on campus April 24.
HUNDREDS OF HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS HONORED ON CAMPUS
Hundreds of area high school seniors were on campus in late April for the First United Bank and Trust Company Outstanding Senior Awards Banquet.
PACKED AUDIENCES FOR SCISSORTAIL
WRITING FESTIVAL
The 10th Annual Scissortail Creating Writing Festival featured packed audiences in the Estep Multimedia Center in early April. The festival showcased over 50 creative writers, who came to campus and presented their works.
BICYCLISTS REST ON CAMPUS
Bicycle enthusiasts made a stop on the ECU campus June 10 as a part of the 2015 Oklahoma Freewheel Tour. The cyclists camped out for the night during the week-long ride through the state which began June 7 and concluded June 13.
SUMMER MEDICAL CAMP HELD AT ECU
High School students were on the ECU campus as part of Oklahoma State University’s Operation Orange, a medical summer camp designed for those interested in a career in medicine.
TEACHING AWARD GOES TO DR. ZENI
Dr. Thomas Zeni, assistant professor of business administration in ECU’s Harland C. Stonecipher School of Business, was named a regional recipient of the 2015 Accreditation Council for Business and Programs Teaching Excellence Award.
FARRILL NAMED CIVIC FELLOW
ECU student Rhetta Farrill was one of 11 college students from across the state to be named a 2015 Civic Fellow by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education. A sophomore from Stratford, Farrill has led efforts to improve the welfare of children which have resulted in thousands of dollars in aid to children.
STUDENT WINS SCHOLARSHIP
Jaysa Hutchings, a political science major at ECU, won a $1,500 Gaston Scholarship at the Alpha Chi National Convention in Chicago. Hutchings, a junior from Wilson, earned the award after presenting a paper entitled “Why Do We Debate? A Content Analysis of the Obama vs. McCain Election and Voter Opinion.”
FIRST NOBLE/BROWN BIOLOGY SCHOLARSHIP GIVEN
Kaitlinn Wright is the first recipient of the Don Noble/ Elmer Brown Biology Scholarship. From left to right are: Dr. Elmer Brown, Wright, Mrs. Don Noble and Dr. Nick Cheper.
SIMMONS RECEIVES ST. MARGARET’S GUILD SCHOLARSHIP
Debra Simmons, second from left, is the recipient of the St. Margaret’s Guild Scholarship. It was presented by the ladies from St. Luke’s Episcopal Church. From left to right are: Dr. Shirley Mixon, Simmons, Ruth Parkhurst, Sue Milner, Peggy Page, Jennifer Greenstreet and ECU Foundation Executive Director Phyllis Danley.
CARNELL RECEIVES HARREL MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Maranda Carnell is the recipient of the Jeremy Harrel Memorial Scholarship, presented at the Pauls Valley High School Awards Assembly. At left is Jamie Harrel and at right is Stephanie Harrel Upshaw.
SAVAGE RECIPIENT OF FIRST STARs SCHOLARSHIP
Caleb Savage is the first recipient of the STARs (Student Tiger Alumni Representatives) Scholarship. STARs is a new organization on campus. From left to right are: ECU Foundation Executive Director Phyllis Danley, Savage and ECU Alumni Director Katie Wellington.
Commencement & Evening of Honors Faculty
Commencement speaker Deborah Cornelison
Commencement speaker Todd Graham with daughter Haylee
Charles & Lila Acker honored for Centennial Math Endowment
Brad Biddy & Phil Biddy honored for Leon & Wanda Biddy Centennial Endowment
Dr. Bill Osborne honored as Distinguished Former Faculty
The late Dr. Donald G. Stafford honored as Distinguished Former Faculty
Jane Kellogg & Debi Sovereign honored for Distinguished Service
At left, Kay Davis represents the Higginbotham Family (above) as Distinguished Family
Dr. James Rauch, Stacey Bolin, Dr. Houston Mount & Dr. Phyllis Isaacs earn promotions
Retiring staff, faculty members: Evelyn Martin, Pattie Howell, Dr. Nick Cheper & Dr. Duane Anderson
Earning tenure are Dr. Steven Phillips, Dr. Andrew Wells & Dr. Janna Byrd
Dr. Laura Bixler is presented the Teaching Excellence Award
Dr. Steven Roring is presented the Teaching Excellence Award
Dr. Brad Jessop congratulated for Service Learning Award
Campus Update
July
DR. PIERSON NEW VICE PRESIDENT FOR ACADEMIC AFFAIRS
Dr. Katricia Pierson took over as provost and vice president for academic affairs at ECU on July 1. Pierson, who most recently served as assistant vice president for academic affairs, replaces the retiring Dr. Duane Anderson. In addition to her assistant vice president for academic affairs duties the past four years, she has served as professor of English and languages at ECU.
HARGRAVE NAMED CHAIR OF GAC PRESIDENT’S COUNCIL
ECU President John Hargrave has been named chair of the president’s council for the Great American Conference. The GAC was formed in 2011 as the NCAA’s 23rd Division II league.
GODWIN SOUTHWESTERN COUNCIL PRESIDENT FOR ACBSP
Wendell Godwin, dean of ECU’s Harland C. Stonecipher School of Business, has been named president and chairman of the board for the Southwestern Council of Business Schools and Programs, it was recently announced. The SCBS is under the umbrella of the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).
BOLIN RECIPIENT OF PRESTIGIOUS DA VINCI AWARD
Stacey Bolin, an assistant professor in ECU’s Harland C. Stonecipher School of Business, was one of only five college faculty from across the state to receive the prestigious Da Vinci Fellowship Award this past spring. These awards go to higher education faculty, whose accomplishments reflect creative and innovative approaches that have made a significant contribution to their academic discipline.
MISS OKLAHOMA VISITS ADA
Miss Ada, now Miss Oklahoma, Georgia Frazier visited Ada July 20 and posed for a photo with ECU President John Hargrave. Frazier will be representing Oklahoma in the Miss America Pageant.
ECU RECEIVES GENEROUS DONATION FROM ROARK ESTATE
Keywood Deese, vice president and trust officer for Vision Bank (third from left), presents a check for $216,500 from the estate of Essie Roark to the ECU Foundation, Inc. and its scholarship program. Accepting the check is Phyllis Danley, executive director of the ECU Foundation. Also representing the ECU Foundation were Shirley Pogue, chair of the scholarship committee; Vicky Petete, treasurer and chair of the audit finance committee and Russ Allen, trustee. ECU President John Hargrave is at the far right.
RENOVATIONS MADE TO STERLING WILLIAMS CENTER
Renovations were recently made to the Sterling Williams Center, which houses the ECU Foundation, Inc. The funds came from the estate of Lorene Fuller and Amy James with supplemental assistance from the ECU Alumni Association.
TRAVELING EXHIBIT SET FOR LIBRARY
A traveling exhibit geared toward providing information on water resources is coming to ECU’s Linscheid Library and will be displayed during the entire month of September. The exhibit, from the Carl Albert Congressional Research and Studies Center, is entitled “Water: Congressional Representation to Protect a Precious Resource.” It tells the stories of many of Oklahoma’s dams, reservoirs and rivers through the lens of legislation and the members of Congress that helped to shape and protect the state’s waterways during the 20th century.
STUDENTS ATTEND CHICKASAW SUMMER ARTS ACADEMY
ECU hosted the annual Chickasaw Summer Arts Academy during the month of July. Students, ages 8 through high school, participated in activities such as drawing, painting, sculpturing, instrumental music, vocal music, photography, video and sound production and dancing.
RUSSIAN CAMP HELD ON ECU CAMPUS
Twenty-four high school students were on campus in June to participate in “StarTalk 2015 In Search of the Firebird: Connecting Generations Through Tradition,” a summer camp in which participants learned the Russian language and absorbed the Russian culture.
YOUNGSTERS ATTEND ECU BASKETBALL SCHOOLS
Elementary and junior high girls and boys were on campus this summer for ECU Basketball Schools. The participants learned skills such as dribbling, passing and shooting from the coaching staffs and members of the Tiger basketball squads.
THOMPSON RECEIVES AEHAP STUDENT RESEARCH AWARD
ECU student Linzi
Thompson was a 2015 Association of Environmental Health Academic Programs student research competition winner, it was recently announced at the National Environmental Health Conference in Orlando, Fla. Thompson presented her McNair Scholars research project that she completed at the Kerr Laboratory in the spring of 2014 with Scott Huling. The project studied the potential effects of certain nanoparticles (found in sunscreens, paints, cosmetics, etc.) once they reached surface waters.
TIGER CUP WINNERS ANNOUNCED
The ECU men’s tennis team captured first place, followed by the men’s basketball team and the women’s tennis squad in the first Tiger Cup for 2014-15. The contest provides coaches and student-athletes the opportunity to promote success and unity in the select commitment areas of community service, personal development and leadership, team enhancement, academics and the supporting of other athletic teams.
Campus Update July 2015
SOCCER PLAYER GLUTZ ECU NOMINEE FOR WOMAN OF YEAR
ECU soccer player Margaret Glutz was announced as the Tigers’ nominee for the 2015 NCAA Woman of the Year honor. Now in its 25th year, the Woman of the Year award honors graduating female college athletes who have exhausted their eligibility and distinguished themselves throughout their collegiate careers in academics, athletics, service and leadership.
TIGER SOFTBALL PLAYER HONORED
ECU softball junior Autumn Suydam claimed Capital One Academic All-America Second Team honors as selected by the College Sports Information Directors of America. She earned a chance to claim All-America honors after being an Academic All-District 7 pick. Suydam has a 4.0 GPA in criminal justice and had been honored as a 2015 NFCA All-Central Region First Team, All-GAC Honorable Mention and GAC All-Tournament Team selection.
BASEBALL PLAYER NABS HONOR
ECU baseball senior Nick Spini claimed Capital One Academic All-America Second Team honors as selected by the College Sports Information Directors of America. He earned a chance to claim All-America honors after being a Capital One Academic All-District 7 selection. Spini, carries a 3.76 GAP in biology and will continue his education in medical school this fall.
ECU FOOTBALL PAIR HONORED AT OKLAHOMA SPORTS HALL OF FAME
Two individuals with ties to the ECU football program – former head coach Pat O’Neal and senior football player Cole Weber – picked up awards by the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame and the National Football Foundation in June.
O’Neal received the Merv Johnson Integrity in Coaching Award and Weber, a linebacker, was selected as the Tigers’ representative for the NFF Oklahoma Chapter College Player of the Year.
ECU STAFF, STUDENTS ACHIEVE OCPRA AWARDS
ECU representatives earned eight awards during the Oklahoma College Public Relations Association Awards Banquet July 13 at Sulphur. ECU picked up three grand awards, two excellence awards, two achievement awards and one honorable mention. Among those honored were Amy Ford, Gina Smith, Susan Ingram, Tanner Capps, Charlynn Estes, Jim Benton, Dr. Steve Benton, Aramis Douglas, Tenecia Miller and Dr. Shelley Hamby.
PACKED HOUSE FOR DR. ANDERSON’S RETIREMENT RECEPTION
Hundreds turned out and packed ECU’s Foundation Hall for a retirement reception for Dr. Duane Anderson, who served as provost and vice president for academic affairs at ECU. Anderson was the longest-serving chief academic officer in Oklahoma since 1994. He also spent time as interim president of the university in 2009.
Campus Update
GROUNDBREAKING FOR CHICKASAW PLAZA AT KOI ISHTO STADIUM
“Chickasaw Appreciation Day” will be celebrated with the groundbreaking of the new Chickasaw Plaza at 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19, at ECU’s Koi Ishto Stadium, prior to the Tigers’ football game against Southern Nazarene at 6 p.m. The Chickasaw Plaza will feature new amenities including an inviting new entry gate, concessions and restrooms. Free admission to the game is being granted to Chickasaw Nation employees with badges and members with citizenship cards.
U.S. REP. TOM COLE SPEAKS AT ECU
U.S. Rep. Tom Cole conducted a Town Hall Meeting for the ECU and Ada communities on Aug. 20 in the Estep Multimedia Room in the Bill S. Cole University Center.
$40,000 RAISED TO BENEFIT
ECU ATHLETICS
Numerous items were up for bid at the Second Annual ECU Tiger All-Sports Kickoff Auction on Aug. 18. The auction helped raise more than $40,000 for all 15 of ECU’s varsity sports.
ECU RECEIVES $1.1 MILLION GRANT TO SUPPORT VETERANS
Veterans now have the opportunities and tools to achieve a higher education degree at ECU, thanks to a $1.1 million ($220,000 per year) Veterans Student Support Services Grant through the U.S. Department of Education. The TRIO grant, set up for an initial five-year run, led to the establishment of the Veterans Student Support Services Office on campus, Sept. 1.
MASSIVE FRESHMEN CLASS WELCOMED
ECU welcomed its largest freshman class of the century with 752 new students for the fall 2015 semester. The university also welcomed 296 transfer students. Needless to say, ECU residential halls are at capacity.
WIFI UPGRADE CONDUCTED AT ECU
ECU has received a new state-of-the-art campus WiFi system. Most of the campus is currently covered with the new system while the entire campus set to be covered soon.
ECU FOUNDATION, INC. AWARDS $700,000 IN SCHOLARSHIPS
This academic year, the ECU Foundation has awarded nearly $700,000 in scholarships to more than 400 students. This is an increase from $250,000 in 2010 and a 49 percent increase over the 20142015 academic year.
OKC AREA ALUMNI REUNION
ECU alumni enjoyed a time of food, fun, fellowship and horse racing at the Oklahoma City Area Alumni Reunion on Aug. 28 at Remington Park.
ECU GOES INTERNATIONAL
A record eight ECU students are learning and absorbing different cultures by studying abroad this semester through ECU’s Global Education Program. The four studying in France are Hillari Snider, of Chandler; Ben Godwin, Ada; Baylee Williams, Chickasha and Norman and Yin Lai, of China. Both Erin Walling, of Ada and Briana Fulton, of Tulsa, are in Spain. Devin Hargus, of Ada, is in China and McKenzie Grigg is in Wales. ECU enrolled 360 international students for the fall semester, which is up by 116 from 244 for the 2014-15 school year. A whopping 191 students are on campus this fall from the country of Nepal. The Bahamas is second with a representation of 51.
ECU MUSIC FACULTY SHOWCASED INTERNATIONALLY IN PERU, FRANCE
Nathaniel Berman, assistant professor of woodwinds and music history at ECU, performed on the flute at the National Flute Association’s Jazz Flute Big Band in Washington D.C. in August. Berman, along with new ECU flute instructor Alexandra Aguirre, also played in festivals in Peru and France this summer as well. They were two parts of a flute trio which played in the Festival Internacional de Flautistas in Lima, Peru. In France, Berman played the saxophone while Aguirre played the flute.
Campus
ECU TOPS GAC WITH OUTSTANDING STUDENT-ATHLETES
ECU led the Great American Conference with 57 student-athletes who had a grade-point average of 3.5 or better for the 201415 academic year, it was announced by the Division II Athletic Directors Association (D2ADA). The Academic Achievements Awards is a program that recognizes the academic accomplishments of student-athletes at the NCAA Division II level.
TIGER PITCHER SHINES IN SUMMER COLLEGIATE LEAGUE
ECU pitcher Quentin McGrath posted a 6-0 record with a 3.58 earned run average for the Xenia Scouts (Ohio) of the Great Lakes Summer Collegiate Baseball League. The southpaw struck out 38 batters and walked 19 in 47 2/3 innings of work this summer. McGrath will be a senior for the Tigers in the spring.
ECU FOOTBALL TEAM NABS FIRST WIN OVER HENDERSON STATE SINCE 1984
The Tiger football team earned its first victory over traditional power Henderson State since 1986 with a 35-28 decision in Arkadelphia, Ark., on Sept. 10. Quarterback Rocky Moore passed for four touchdowns – two each to David Moore (for 16 and 12 yards) and Nathan Pickett (for 25 and 11 yards) and was 22-of-36 through the air for 316 yards. The win evened ECU’s record at 1-1, heading into a home game with Southern Nazarene on Saturday, Sept. 19.
ECU AMONG TOP 200 FOR NATIVE AMERICAN STEM STUDENTS
ECU is among the top 200 colleges in the country for STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) opportunities among Native American students, it was announced recently by AISES’ Winds of Change magazine.
EDUCATION STUDENTS VENTURE OUT INTO SCHOOLS
A large group of ECU education students ventured out to area elementary, junior high and high schools this semester for their student-teaching experience.
NEW FACULTY WELCOMED TO ECU CAMPUS
ECU welcomed a group of new faculty for the 2015 fall semester.
STUDENTS ENJOY ‘HUMP DAY’ WEDNESDAY WITH CAMEL RIDES
In an attempt to get over hump day on Wednesday, Aug. 26, numerous ECU students enjoyed camel rides on the lawn in
front of the Bill S. Cole University Center.
ADAFEST REJUVENATED IN ARTS DISTRICT
Music, art, food and fun were part of rejuvenated AdaFest held in the Ada Arts District and ECU’s Centennial Plaza on Aug. 29. The once-popular festival was revitalized with support from ECU, the Oklahoma Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts.
EDUCATION BUILDING OPEN HOUSE
Thursday, Oct. 1, 2015 4 p.m. dedication; 4:30 p.m.-6 p.m. tours
UPCOMING EVENTS
Saturday, Sept. 19
Step Out of the Darkness, 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Groundbreaking for Chickasaw Plaza, 5 p.m. at Koi Ishto Stadium
Football hosts Southern Nazarene 6 p.m. at Koi Istho Stadium
Sunday, Sept. 20
Welcome for International Students, 4:30 p.m. walk from Bill S. Cole University Center to Wintersmith Park for 5 p.m. music, picnic
Tuesday, Sept. 22
September Poetry Series, 6:30 p.m. Estep Multimedia Center
Thursday, Sept. 24
Women’s Soccer hosts SWOSU, 1 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 26
Women’s Soccer hosts NWOSU, 1 p.m. Football at Oklahoma Baptist, 1 p.m.
Wednesday, Sept. 30
Career EXPO, 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Chickasaw Business & Conf. Center
Thursday, Oct. 1
Education Building Open House, 4 p.m.-6 p.m.
Women’s Soccer hosts SNU, 4 p.m.
Volleyball hosts SNU, 7:30 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 2
ECU SCREENS: “Everyman,” 6:30 p.m. Estep Multimedia Center
Saturday, Oct. 3
Football hosts NWOSU, 6 p.m.
Campus Update
November 2015
CHICKASAW APPRECIATION DAY CELEBRATED WITH GROUNDBREAKING
“Chickasaw Appreciation Day” was celebrated on Sept. 19 with the groundbreaking of the new Chickasaw Plaza at Koi Ishto Stadium. The Chickasaw Plaza will feature amenities including an inviting new entry gate at the northwest part of the stadium along with a fan shop, larger concession stand and restroom areas.
OPEN HOUSE FOR EDUCATION BUILDING
A ribbon cutting ceremony and open house was conducted for the remodeled Education Building, Oct. 1. The facility, which houses the ECU College of Education and Psychology, includes a new innovative teaching center, installed with the latest technology.
ECU FOUNDATION BOARD MEETS
Members of the ECU Foundation Board conducted its annual meeting Oct. 27 in the ECU Foundation Hall of the Chickasaw Business and Conference Center.
INAUGURATION OF GOV. ANOATUBBY CONDUCTED ON ECU CAMPUS
ECU’s Ataloa Theatre inside the Hallie Brown Ford Fine Arts Center was the setting for the inauguration of Bill Anoatubby as Governor of the Chickasaw Nation on Oct. 1. He is serving his eighth consecutive term.
GOV. MARY FALLIN VISITS ECU CAMPUS
Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin (center) poses with Shelley Hamby, assistant vice president for presidential projects and planning, and ECU President John Hargrave during the State Chamber “Oklahoma Works” Meeting on Sept. 17 at the Chickasaw Business and Conference Center. The meeting was designed for business leaders, education professionals and others to get together and support the “Oklahoma Works” Education and Workforce Inititiative.
FORMER CONGRESSMAN MEETS WITH PLC GROUP
Former Congressman Dan Boren poses with members of ECU’s Vision Bank Presidential Leadership Class Program while meeting with the group on campus recently.
Campus Update November 2015
ECU HOSTS BUSINESS SCHOOLS CONFERENCE
Twenty-five business schools from five states (Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico and Texas) were represented as ECU hosted the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs Region 6 Conference at the Chickasaw Business and Conference Center. There were approximately 250 people, including academic administrators and students, in attendance.
ECU PARTNERS WITH CHICKASAW NATION FOR FLU SHOTS
ECU students, faculty and staff received free flu shots, courtesy of the Chickasaw Nation, on Oct. 29.
PRESIDENT RECEIVES A NEW LOOK
With October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month, ECU
President John R. Hargrave has his hair sprayed pink at halftime of ECU’s home football game with Northwestern Oklahoma State University on Oct. 3.
PRIDE OF TIGERLAND WOWS WEWOKA
President John Hargrave poses with members of ECU’s Pride of Tigerland Marching Band during Wewoka’s Sorghum Festival Parade on Oct. 24.
THOUSANDS OF HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS ON CAMPUS FOR CONTESTS
ECU hosted the annual Tigerpalooza Band Festival, Little Dixie Vocal Music Contest and Chalk Art Festival during the month of October.
THREE RECENT LECTURES CONDUCTED ON CAMPUS
Former State Treasurer of Oklahoma Scott Meacham delivered ECU’s Leonard Limes Lecture on Oct. 22. Meacham is currently president and CEO of i2E. Weston Smith, former CFO of HealthSouth, presented “Crossing the Line – An Insider’s Perspective of the HealthSouth Fraud” at ECU’s 26th Annual Parker Ethics Lecture on Oct. 22. Dr. George Diaz, an assistant professor of history at Sam Houston State University, presented the 2015 Rothbaum Lecture, entitled “Prohibition and Porous Borders: Unintended Consequences of the 18th Amendment,” on Sept. 17. More lectures were scheduled for November, including the Marvin Stokes Lecture on Nov. 9 and the Lockmiller Lecture on Nov. 10.
ECU CO-HOSTS “STEP OUT OF THE DARKNESS”
Step Out of the Darkness, a day of prevention and recovery from addiction, was held Sept. 21 as ECU served as a host, along with the Pontotoc Drug Free Coalition. The event featured a prayer march from the Pontotoc County Courthouse Plaza to ECU’s Centennial Plaza and a prevention and recovery rally, along with information booths, food and entertainment.
SUKHOLUTSKAYA REPRESENTS ECU, USA
Representing ECU and serving as a delegate for the United States, Dr. Mara Sukholutskaya took part in the XIII International Congress of Teachers of the Russian Language and Literature (MAPRYAL) in September in Granada, Spain. The MAPRYAL Congress, among the largest forums of Russian educators in the world, meets once every four years. The one in Granada included 1,100 participants.
PI SIGMA ALPHA HOLDS INITITIATION
A group of ECU students pose during the Pi Sigma Alpha Initiation Ceremony on Oct. 22. Pi Sigma Alpha is a national political science honor society.
STUDENTS ATTEND GO GLOBAL, STUDY
ABROAD FAIR
Students attend the Go Global, Study Abroad Fair Oct. 6 in the Bill S. Cole University Center. The fair exposed students to the possibility of studying in another country and applying for the Brad Henry International Scholarship.
CYBER SECURITY AWARENESS EVENT HELD AT ECU
ECU raised cyber security awareness in an event held Oct. 13. It featured a representative from the FBI and Bryan Sherbourne, cyber security expert. The attendees were educated about cyberbullying, current cyber threats and precautions to take with the internet and social media.
ECU STUDENTS ATTEND CAREER EXPO
ECU students were able to network with graduate schools and businesses during ECU’s 2015 Fall Career Expo Sept. 30.
ECU STUDENTS NAB NASA FELLOWSHIPS
Four ECU students - Kylee Boydstun, Morgan Mackey, Brandon Postoak and Heather Wright - were awarded funding under the NASA National Space Grant College and Fellowship Program for the 20152016 academic year. Awards are in the form of $2,000 research stipends for the academic year.
SIX STUDENTS PERFORM “THE COMPLETE WORKS OF WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE”
Six ECU students were part of four performances of “The Compleat Works of Wllm Skspr (abridged) (revised)” Oct. 8-10. The four performances were split into two each for an all-female cast and an all-male cast. The female cast consisted of Jennifer Hertel, Maggie Payne and Miranda McNabb. The males included Chad Woods, Wyatt Freeman and Trey Shofner.
SPEECH, DEBATE WORKSHOP HELD
Here are the participants in the ECU Speech and Debate Workshop held on Oct. 7. The workshop was held in conjunction with “A Live Parliamentary Debate,” featuring members of the National British Debate Team.
ECU ANGLERS CAPTURE TOP PRIZE
ECU anglers Wyatt Smith of Depew and Trevor Yates of Little Axe captured the FLW’s College Fishing Southern Conference Bass Tournament on the Red River in Louisiana.
Campus Update November 2015
TIGERS CAPTURE GAC CROWN
For the second straight year and fourth out of the last five, ECU has captured a Great American Conference Men’s Cross Country Championship in a meet which took place in Monticello, Ark., on Oct. 24. Will Baldwin, Juan-Joel Pacheco Orozco, Bruce Bragg, Cole Montgomery and Adrian Guevara placed in the top 10.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Monday, Nov. 9
Marvin Stokes Lecture 6:30 p.m. in Estep Multimedia Center
Tuesday, Nov. 10
College of Education & Psychology
Scholarship Luncheon 11:30 a.m. in Wagner Ballroom
Fifth Annual Lockmiller Lecture 4 p.m. in Estep Multimedia Center
Volleyball vs. Mid-America Christian 7 p.m. in Kerr Activities Center
Wednesday, Nov. 11
Veterans Flag Raising 1 p.m. in Honors Plaza
Thursday, Nov. 12
Volleyball vs. Southeastern Oklahoma 7 p.m. in Kerr Activities Center
Saturday, Nov. 14
Football at Southeastern Oklahoma 2 p.m. in Durant
Women’s Basketball at Cameron 6 p.m.
STARs members are picwred first row from left: Devika Wilson,Aiexa Engles,Abigail Savage. Baylee Williams & Danaka Mowdy; second row: Ali Noland , Dillon Noland, Orges Ueshaj, Caleb Savage & Kalli Mowdy.
Caleb Savage (center) is the first STARs scholarship recipient. Executive
Danley (left)
Katie Wellington (right) present the