Campus Updates - 2019 Collection

CAMPUS UPDATE Pierson’s Perceptions

January is a time for resolve,

promise and hope. The campus begins its spring 2019 semester with all of these characteristics in mind. As the spring semester unfolds we renew our commitment to serving students wherever they may be in their educational journey. Faculty and staff share in the work of providing access to and success along the journey. The campus has begun developing more online programs to help more students achieve the dream of a university degree. We also continue to work with area businesses and Native American Nations to better understand and therefore meet their workforce needs.

If we made one resolution this year, it is to help more students earn a degree from ECU. We share in the students’ journey and seek ways to provide exceptional experiences that will benefit them for a lifetime.

Dr. Katricia Pierson President East Central University

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January 2019

ECU RANKED THIRD IN STATE BY TWO WEBSITES ECU was ranked third in Oklahoma by the website Best Colleges. com for a rigorous and culturally relevant education. ECU was also ranked third in the state overall and second in state public institutions for low to zero debt by its students, according to the website The Student Loan Report. Best Colleges.com noted ECU for its offering of degree programs in such fields as accounting, business administration, English and music.

Best Colleges.com also noted that ECU is the only institution in the state and one of only a few in the United States to offer an accredited B.S. degree in environmental health science and one of only a handful in the country to offer an undergraduate degree in medical physics. According to The Student Loan Report was not only recognized for its low student debt, but 45 percent of ECU graduates have zero debt. ECU’s average debt per borrower figure was $9,427.

BLACK HISTORY MONTH TO BE CELEBRATED ON FEB. 23 ECU will celebrate Black History Month with “Unifying the Past, While Empowering the Future,” on Saturday, Feb. 23 from 10 a.m.noon in the Ataloa Theatre of the Hallie Brown Ford Fine Arts Center. The event will include speakers, music, panel discussion and a question and answer session. The panel will include Judge David Lewis, Dr. Jimmy Scales, Dr. Donnie Nero and other current and former ECU students. (Scales is pictured).

NEWLY-ELECTED STATE REP ADDRESSES ECU GRADUATES State Representative Ronny Johns addressed ECU’s graduating seniors at the 2018 Fall Commencement on Dec. 15 in the Kerr Activities Center. Johns, an ECU alum, was elected to the Oklahoma House District 25 seat in November. There were 214 bachelor’s degrees granted and 95 master’s.

www.ecok.edu

Campus Update January 2019

Page 2 STUDENTS LEARN AT RAMADAN SYMPOSIUM Outstanding professionals from the neuroscience field were on hand for the Seventh Annual Raniyah T. Ramadan Symposium on Jan. 23. The featured speakers included Dr. Lauren Ethridge, Dr. Martin-Paul Agbaga and Dr. Jonathan Wren.

The Ramadan Symposium is named in honor of the late Dr. Raniyah Ramadan, who was a research scientist in neuro-ophthalmology. The symposium was established and is sponsored

by Dr. and Mrs. Tawfik Z. Ramadan, the parents of the late Raniyah Ramadan.

SPORT PSYCHOLOGY PROGRAM BENEFITS STUDENTS, ATHLETICS Dr. Suzanne Pottratz heads a unique program which not only benefits students in the ECU Department of Psychology, but ECU Athletics as well. In 2017 ECU, under the direction of Pottratz, launched a Sport Psychology Program, the only one like it in the entire state. The program is an option under the umbrella of ECU’s Master of Science in Psychological Services. Pottratz, who is a certified mental performance consultant, currently works with ECU athletes and teams in enhancing their mental approach to training and competitions. Among the tools used in the program are imagery, positive self-talk, goal-setting, relaxation, overcoming anxiety and handling pressure.

OSU-CHS SEEKS ECU STUDENTS FOR RURAL PHYSICIANS PROGRAM A Memorandum of Understanding Agreement was recently established between ECU and Oklahoma State University – Center for Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine called the “3+1 Program.” OSU-CHS will admit ECU students who desire to become primary care physicians in rural and underserved Oklahoma. The “3+1 Program” then allows ECU students to complete their pre-doctoral medical training in seven years through three years of undergraduate education and four years of medical education at OSU-CHS in its Rural Medical Track (RMT).

ECU OFFERS SCHOLARSHIP TO PUBLIC SCHOOL TEACHERS KIDS Oklahoma public school teachers now have the opportunity to send their own children to ECU through the Teacher’s Promise Scholarship. The $1,500 tuition waiver per year ($750 per semester) can be applied up to four years (or eight semesters) as firsttime, fulltime freshman are eligible. Other requirements are that the potential ECU student be a dependent of an Oklahoma public school teacher, that the parent and student be Oklahoma residents, that the student meets regular ECU admission standards and that a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) be on file with the university.

FIGHT ON TIGERS! www.ecok.edu

Campus Update January 2019 ECU WEBMASTER, VIDEOGRAPHER SIRCY HONORED Jacob Sircy, webmaster and videographer for ECU’s Office of Communications and Marketing, was recently named the winner of the 2018 Randy Talley Rising Star Award at the Oklahoma College Public Relations Association (OCPRA) Fall Conference in Oklahoma City. Sircy, who earned his undergraduate degree in mass media from ECU in 2011, was the ringleader in ECU launching its new university website late last summer. He has also displayed his videography skills in developing recruitment videos and commercials.

ECU EARNS VOTING AWARD FOR FIFTH STRAIGHT TIME Student Heather Hall (center), representing ECU, was presented the Oklahoma Campus Compact 2018 Voter Registration Contest, hosted by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education.

It was the fifth straight time in which ECU captured the award.. Pictured with Hall are State Regent Chair Jay Helm (left) and OSRHE Chancellor Glen D. Johnson.

STUDENTS PLACE THIRD AT STATE These ECU students recently participated in Oklahoma Intercollegiate Legislature activities. Pictured are: Cody Bowen, Bradie Breedlove, Lydia Bomboy, Carli Heitland, Alex Courtney, Skyler Riddle, Ryleigh Cooper, Mikayla Lott and Ruth Herman. They were named the third-best delegation in the state for both the House and Senate along with being the third best for O.I.L.

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Page 3 HOLIDAY CARDS FOR SOLDIERS SIGNED, SENT BY ECU STUDENTS ECU students (from left) Erika Lara, Katelynn McCarn and Brenna Heffley, sign holiday cards for the “Operation Holiday Cards for Soldiers” event held recently on campus. On Christmas Day, Cassie Johnson, academic success coach from the Student Support Services Office, and Vencent Johnson, of Upward Bound 2, traveled to Italy to deliver the cards in person to Del Din Military Base in Vicenza, Italy.

Page 4 POUDEL WINS TIGER TANK COMPETITION ECU student Pradip Poudel claimed the championship prize in the College Division of the recent 2018 ECU Tiger Tank Competition. Poudel’s project “All-in-One” is an app and website that lists local services offered in one easy-to-find location. Pictured with Poudel is Wendell Godwin, dean of the ECU Stonecipher School of Business. The award was presented at the Leonard Limes Lecture and Luncheon. The team of Noah Holle and Bennett Harvey placed second while Mackinsey Archer took third.

Campus Update January 2019 TIGERS CROWNED GAC MEN’S CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPIONS The ECU men’s cross country team won the Great American Conference Championship as four of its runners – senior Larry Filer (first place), junior Eliud Koech (second), freshman Jakaveon Shaw (third) and junior Tommy Grebe (seventh) - earned All-GAC First Team honors while freshman Carson Sandvik (12th) was All-GAC Second Team.

ECU WOMEN THIRD IN GAC MEET The ECU women’s cross country squad –behind All-GAC ALPHA CHI FALL INDUCTION CEREMONY First Team efforts CONDUCTED IN NOVEMBER of redshirt junior Anna Mora (fourth place) and sophomore Kyleigh Norris (10th) – placed third in the team standings at the Great American Conference Championships. The Tigers also swept Inductions were held for ECU’s Oklahoma Gamma Chapter of the Alpha Chi National Hon- the 18th-20th spots – junior Abbie Winchester or Society this past fall. Alpha Chi is comprised (18th), sophomore Barbara Johnson (19th) and redshirt junior Yvette Felix (20th) good enough of the top 10 percent of juniors and seniors at ECU. Students must have at least a 3.5 grade- for each to garner ALL-GAC Second Team awards. point average to join. The objective of Alpha Chi is to promote and recognize superior scholMORA, KOECH HONORED FOR REGIONAL arship and those elements of character which EFFORTS make scholarship effective for service.

Two Tiger cross country runners STUDENT TEACHERS FOR SPRING 2019 – redshirt junior This group Anna Mora on of ECU the women’s students side and junior Eliud Koech on the men’s side are doing their student – were named to the 2018 USTFCCCA All-Centeaching this tral Region Team. A total of 200 men from 91 spring in var- different programs and 200 women from 94 different programs earned the distinction of ious elementary, junior high and high schools All-Region. around the area and state.

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Campus Update January 2019 TIGER PUNTER VOTED TO TWO ALL-REGION TEAMS ECU sophomore punter Jack Preston was named both D2 CCA All-Super Region 3 First Team and Don Hansen’s All-Super Region 3 First Team.

Preston averaged 42 yards per punt, had 13 punts travel more than 50 yards and even had one which journeyed 81 yards.

TWO ON ALL-GAC FOOTBALL FIRST TEAM Senior wide receiver Trinity Benson and junior punter Jack Preston were named to the 2018 All-GAC First Team while senior tight end Tre Harvey, junior offensive lineman Wyatt Galante and senior outside linebacker Jamil Young were named honorable mention. Benson was also named honorable mention as a return specialist. Benson caught 45 passes for 507 yards and four touchdowns this past season.

ECU SOCCER PAIR BUTLER, CASTILLO HONORED BY GAC Tiger junior defender Alyssa Butler was selected to the All-GAC Soccer Second Team while teammate and junior midfielder Alexis Castillo was honorable mention for the 2018 season. It was the third straight season in which the pair earned all-conference accolades. Butler was an All-GAC First Team pick in 2017 and an honorable mention in 2016. Castillo was named to the AllGAC Second Team as a freshman and a sophomore. Castillo collected three goals and two assists for the season while Butler assisted one goal during the 2018 campaign.

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Page 5 TIGER GUARD TALLEY NAMED GAC MEN’S PLAYER OF THE WEEK TWICE ECU junior guard Camron Talley was named GAC Men’s Basketball Player of the Week on Jan. 7 after averaging 26.5 points and 5.5 rebounds in Tiger victories over Harding and Arkansas Tech.

He also eclipsed the 1,000-point scoring mark in his career that week. Talley was named GAC Player of the Week again on Jan. 28 as he averaged 27.0 points and 4.0 rebounds in wins over Henderson State and Ouachita Baptist.

COACH HAVENS GOES OVER CENTURY MARK IN CAREER WINS Ja Havens, ECU men’s head basketball coach, reached a milestone on Nov. 17 when he earned his 100th career coaching victory for the Tigers in their 109-71 home victory over Bacone.

TWO ECU WOMEN EARN PLAYER OF THE WEEK AWARDS Tiger senior Lakin Preisner was named GAC Women’s Basketball Player of the Week on Nov. 26 and senior Tia Williams achieved the same honor on Jan. 2. Preisner averaged 22.0 points and 8.5 rebounds in ECU wins over Northern State and Arkansas-Ft. Smith. She also shot 41.7 percent from 3-point range and was a near-perfect 17-of-18 from the free-throw line. Williams tallied 19 points and connected on four 3-point shots in the Tigers’ upset victory over then 22nd-ranked Central Oklahoma. She also recorded three steals in that game.

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Campus Update January 2019 A Flashback to 2018 Fall Commencement

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CAMPUS UPDATE Pierson’s Perceptions We are excited with what is happening at East Central University and want to share it with you more frequently. We now plan to publish many of our successes monthly in our Campus Update.

This edition focuses on our February achievements along with spotlighting upcoming events, including the everpopular Founders Day which is for March 27. We hope you are able to observe 110 years of educating students with us.

We have also celebrated the diversity we have had for over 50 years. The recently formed Black Alumni Association had a highly successful Black History Month event on February 23.

We recently learned of ECU’s impact on the local economy.

Indeed, for every dollar in state appropriations ECU receives, $9.80 is returned to the area economy. That’s a $150,000,000 impact.

The spring semester is noted for being a busy time on campus. Take a look at what we have to offer.

Dr. Katricia Pierson President East Central University

580-332-8000

February 2019

ECU CONTINUES TO HAVE POSITIVE ECONOMIC IMPACT ECU is making a positive impact on its local economy. According to the State Chamber Research Foundation’s report, “The Economic Role of Oklahoma’s Public Colleges and Universities,” ECU generated expenditures of $96.5 million in Fiscal Year 2016 and supported $150 million in total economic output. The impact on the local economy was the third-highest among the Regional University System of Oklahoma. Under the category of ration of economic output to appropriations, ECU had a $9.80 in economic output per dollar of state appropriations which was the second-highest among RUSO institutions.

BLACK HISTORY MONTH CELEBRATED ECU Black Alumni Association hosted a Black History Month with an event on Feb. 23 in the Ataloa Theatre. Judge David B. Lewis, of the Court of Criminal Appeals of Oklahoma, was the keynote speaker and was joined by a panel which featured ECU alums Dr. Jimmy Scales, Dr. Donnie Nero, LaShawn Gallimore, Gavin Burl and Ryleigh Cooper.

ECU INVADES OKC THUNDER GAME Alumni and friends of ECU gathered in Oklahoma City for “Thunder Up Night” at the Colcord Hotel on Feb. 7. The event featured special guest and Oklahoma State Auditor Cindy Byrd, a 1997 ECU alum, who spoke to the contingent about her job and some memories of her alma mater. The event led up to the Oklahoma City Thunder-Memphis Grizzlies NBA game in which the ECU Chorale performed the National Anthem prior to the game.

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Page 2 FOUNDERS DAY SET - MARCH 27th ECU will celebrate its 110th year of existence with Founder’s Day on Wed., March 27, at noon on Centennial Plaza. The event is in celebration of the founding of ECU which actually took place on March 25, 1909. The event will feature food, presentations and fun.

GOODEN TO DELIVER LOUISE YOUNG DIVERSITY LECTURE Beverly Gooden, viral hashtag creator and victim’s right advocate, will deliver ECU’s Louise Young Diversity Lecture on Tuesday, March 5, at 7 p.m. in the Ataloa Theatre of the Hallie Brown Ford Fine Arts Center. The title of her presentation is “Why I Stayed, The Complexity of Domestic Violence.”

The event is free and open to everyone. The lecture is sponsored by Young, who is a graduate of Ada Public Schools and ECU (B.A. in geography in 1969). Young was an instructor of geography at ECU. ECU ALUM RECEIVES FULLBRIGHT U.S. SCHOLAR AWARD ECU alum Dr. Jeff Griffitts, a professor at Southern Nazarene University, is the recipient of the Fullbright U.S. Scholar Award to Hungary for teaching and research in Environmental Health. Griffitts will conduct research and lecture at Szent Istvan University. Recipients of Fullbright Awards are selected on the basis of academic and professional achievement as well as record of service and demonstrated leadership in their respective fields. Griffitts graduated from ECU in 2003 with a degree in environmental health science and was part of ECU’s McNair Scholars Program.

Campus Update February 2019 ANNUAL PARKER ETHICS LECTURE Alfonzo Alexander, the chief ethics and diversity officer for the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy and the president of the NASBA’s Center for Public Trust, was the keynote speaker at ECU’s recent Parker Ethics Lecture. The lecture is named after Oscar L. Parker. At ECU, the Oscar L. Parker Center for the Advancement of Ethical Standards in Business and Society was established in late 1988 as a fitting and lasting memorial to Parker, a highly respected educator, businessman, college administrator, civic leader of Ada and an active supporter and long-time ECU employee.

MARCH 14, 2019 9 A.M. - 2 P.M.

East Central University’s Junior Day is a day designed with high school juniors in mind. Come and experience ECU and all it has to offer. Begin your journey to become a Tiger with a fun day in Tigerland.

JUNIOR DAY ACTIVITIES 8:30 a.m. - 9 a.m.

REGISTRATION

get your FREE t-shirt

CAMPUS INVOLVEMENT FAIR

find your place at ECU FREE LUNCH

and so much more!

REGISTER TODAY! www.ecok.edu/JuniorDay

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Campus Update February 2019 BWI CONDUCTS ‘FABULOUS 50s’ GALA The Brandon Whitten Institute and Pontotoc County Drug Free Coalition conducted its Fourth Annual Gala with a Fabulous 50s theme on Feb. 22 in ECU Foundation Hall. The purpose of the event is to raise awareness of substance abuse in the community.

PALMER JAZZ EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR ECU instructor Kirk Palmer was named Oklahoma Collegiate Jazz Educator of the Year at the Oklahoma Music Educators Association Winter Conference in Tulsa. Palmer has been the jazz band leader and trumpet instructor at ECU since 2015. During his tenure as leader, the jazz band has performed at several jazz festivals, including the Wichita Jazz Festival, Southwestern Oklahoma State University Jazz Festival and the University of Kansas Jazz Festival where the jazz band won recognition as the top performing ensemble at the festival.

STUDENTS ATTEND HIGHER ED DAY AT STATE CAPITOL ECU students along with President Katricia Pierson and faculty recently visited the Oklahoma State Capitol in Oklahoma City for Higher Education Day. Sen. Greg McCortney and Rep. Ronny Johns addressed the students in the State Judicial Center’s Great Room. The group was able to tour the Justice Center, accompanied by several Supreme Court justices and then toured the State Capitol as a whole.

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Page 3 FOUR ECU STUDENTS AWARDED TEACH 2 REACH SCHOLARSHIPS Four ECU students – Christy Higgins, Jessica Wilcox, Jaley Brown and Nikki Wright – were awarded education scholarships through the Teach 2 Reach Program and the Choctaw Nation. Teach 2 Reach is a grant-funded opportunity to encourage students from Native American heritage to excel in their undergraduate teacher education programs and to support them in their future careers.

THEATRE DEPARTMENT PRESENTS ‘MAN OF LA MANCHA’ The ECU Theatre Department presented “Man of La Mancha,” Feb. 14-16, in Ataloa Theatre of the Hallie Brown Ford Fine Arts Center. The classic musical production was directed by Alan Marshall and starred Dr. Richard Groetzinger as Cervantes/Don Quixote. Rudy Lupinski was the musical director.

ECU STUDENT HERMAN FARES WELL IN SPEECH, DEBATE EVENTS Ruth Herman, a member of ECU’s Tigers Speech and Debate Team, placed runner-up in the individual competition in the International Public Debate Association competition and was recognized for her debating and public speaking skills by placing first speaker in the Oklahoma Interstate Forensics Association on Feb. 23 at Oklahoma City University. Herman also took fourth place in the University of Oklahoma’s Public Debate Tournament on Feb. 9. Herman majors in deaf and rehabilitation counseling and is a sophomore from Waxahachie, Texas.

Campus Update February 2019

Page 4 SR BASKETBALL PLAYERS RECOGNIZED ECU senior basketball players - women: Lakin Preisner and Tia Williams; men: Jamey Woods and Da’Rion King were honored for their career efforts in ECU’s final home basketball games at the Kerr Activities Center on Feb. 23 against Southern Arkansas.

Both ECU teams have qualified for the Great American Conference Championship Tournament which runs from March 6-10 in Bartlesville.

FILER, MORA CHAMPIONS Senior Larry Filer and junior Anna Mora each won the 3,000 meters at the recent GAC Indoor Track and Field Championships in Norman. ECU junior Eliud Koech finished right behind Filer for second place in the that 3,000-meter race. Caleb Eagans was second in the long jump and Dilland Gardner finished third in the shot put. The ECU distance medley team of Barbara Johnson, Naomi Simulus, Danielle Davidson and Mora claimed second while Yvette Felix took third in the 5,000-meter race.

ECU UPCOMING EVENTS Monday, March 4 3 p.m. - ECU Concerto Competition; Ataloa Theatre

Saturday, March 16 Noon – Softball vs. S. Arkansas (home doubleheader)

Tuesday, March 5 2 p.m. - Baseball vs. Southeastern (home)

Monday, March 18-Friday, March 22 Spring Break (campus closed)

Tuesday, March 5 7 p.m. - Louise Young Diversity Lecture; Ataloa Theatre

Friday, March 22 2 p.m. - Baseball vs. Arkansas-Monticello (home)

Friday, March 8 2 p.m. – Baseball vs. Arkansas Tech (home)

Saturday, March 23 1 p.m. – Baseball vs. Arkansas-Monticello (home doubleheader)

Saturday, March 9 1 p.m. – Baseball v Arkansas Tech (home doubleheader) Monday, March 11 7:30 p.m. – Frankenstein; Ataloa Theatre Tuesday, March 12 2 p.m. – Baseball vs.Rogers State (home) 4 p.m. – ECU Student Mock Interviews; Linschied LIbrary Wednesday, March 13 8 a.m. – Pre-State Concert Band Festival 10 a.m. – Kinesiology Depart/Club Health Fair; McBride

Monday, March 25 ECU Dress for Success Professional Clothing Drive Ends March 26, 27 & 28 8 a.m. – 2A-4A High School Concert Band Festival Tuesday, March 26 11:30 a.m. – Education Awards Luncheon 2 p.m. – Baseball vs. Oklahoma Baptist (home) 2 p.m. – Softball v Southeastern (home doubleheader)

Wednesday, March 27 Noon – Founder’s Day Celebration; Centennial Plaza Thursday, March 14 All Day – 2019 High School Junior Day Thursday, March 28 10 a.m. – ECU Retirees Brunch; Regents Room 5:30 p.m. – President’s Club Meeting; Estep 6 p.m. – Alpha Chi Induction; Stanley Wagner Ballroom 7:30 p.m. – Fanny Mendelssohn Hensel Concert; Ada Arts Friday, March 29 & Heritage Center 2 p.m. – Softball vs Henderson State (home doubleheader) 6:30 p.m. – ECU Screens Presents “Julie” Friday, March 15 Saturday, March 30 2 p.m. – Softball vs. S. Arkansas (home doubleheader) Noon – Softball vs Henderson State (home doubleheader)

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CAMPUS UPDATE Pierson’s Perceptions “In like a lion, out like a lamb” may be true for March weather. However, for ECU the expression is “in like a tiger, out like a tiger.” Activities on campus increase as we reach the mid-point of the semester and the momentum just keeps going. Throughout the month of March, we have hosted many activities with more on the way.

Among the many activities is recognition of our social work program, with March being celebrated nationally as social work month. The men and women in our program will become part of the largest group of mental health providers. Indeed, there is no shortage of positions for them.

March 2019

CITY OF ADA HONORED FOR PARTNERSHIP WITH ECU The City of Ada, with its leadership and employees, has contributed greatly to advancing higher education in the region and supporting ECU. By virtue of that support, the City of Ada was recognized with the Regents Business Partnership Excellence Award from the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education. The City of Ada-ECU partnership was one of 27 business and higher education partnerships throughout the state.

DR. ANDREWS DEAN OF COLLEGE OF HEALTH SCIENCES Dr. Ken Andrews was permanently appointed dean of the College of Health Sciences at ECU. He joined the faculty of ECU in 2000 and had served as interim dean since July of 2018. Andrews received his bachelor of science degree in zoology and master of science in zoology from Southern Illinois University. He earned his doctor of philosophy in zoology at Michigan State University in 2000. Andrews had served as chair of the Department of Biology since 2015 and had been active in promoting undergraduate research and taught numerous times in the Honors Program.

ECU students across all of our programs are exceptional as you will see in the various stories we share with you in our monthly update. I hope to see you on campus at one of the many events we will host between now and spring commencement in May.

Dr. Katricia Pierson President East Central University

580-332-8000

www.ecok.edu

Page 2 ECU ALUM JESSE ALLEN HOLDS HIGH TRIBAL POSITION ECU alumnus Jesse Allen was recently confirmed as Secretary of Interior Affairs for the Muscogee Creek Nation National Council. Allen is a 2009 graduate of ECU with a bachelor’s degree in business administration. He later received his juris doctorate from the University of New Mexico Law in 2013. Originally from Ada, Allen has worked for the Muscogee Creek Nation for five years and currently serves as vice president of the ECU Alumni Association Board of Directors.

HIGH SCHOOL BAND FESTIVAL AT ECU Thousands of high school students were on campus for the Classes 2A-4A High School Concert Band Festival March 2627 in the Hallie Brown Ford Fine Arts Center.

ECU HOSTS REGIONAL SCIENCE & ENGINEERING FAIR ECU hosted the Regional Science and Engineering Fair in March as hundreds of high school and junior high students came to campus to compete for prizes.

Campus Update March 2019 MARCH IS SOCIAL WORK AWARENESS MONTH March was declared as Social Work Awareness Month at ECU during a ceremony held on the second floor of Danley Hall. The ceremony featured a declaration with ECU social work faculty and students.

LAW DAY CELEBRATED WITH A PANEL ON “THE INNOCENT MAN” ECU celebrated Law Day on March 27 with various activities, including a special panel discussion on “The Innocent Man,” a New York Times bestseller

by John Grisham and the hit Netflix documentary series by the same name which explores the murder convictions that occurred in Ada during the 1980s, one of which resulted in the exoneration of two individuals over a decade later based on DNA evidence.

The panel included Christy Sheppard, Dawn Teal, Hon. Tom Landrith and Hon. George Butner. The panel members discussed their experiences concerning the legal issues and how they dealt with the media in these high-profiled court cases. A packed audience was in attendance in the event held in ECU Foundation Hall.

ECU Summer & Fall Enrollment begins Monday , April 1, 2019 www.ecok.edu

Campus Update March 2019 TWO FACULTY NAB DAVINCI AWARDS Two ECU faculty members – John Dougherty and Robin Roberson – were announced as DaVinci Institute Award winners for 2019. Dougherty was named a 2019 Creativity in Education Fellow for his plan to develop an assessment for ECU’s new digital and electronic art curriculum. Dougherty is an assistant professor in art and a studio artist and graphic designer.

Roberson was honored as 2019 DaVinci Fellow for her K12 Tiger Tutoring project that combines tutoring and service learning.

FOUNDERS’ DAY CELEBRATED Founders’ Day was celebrated by students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends March 27 on ECU’s Centennial Plaza. The event featured fun, food, music and presentations commemorating the creation of the East Central State Normal School, now ECU, on March 25, 1909.

SIM LABS BRING STUDENTS TOGETHER Students collaborate in a simulation lab conducted by ECU’s Social Work Program for its Child Welfare Professional Enhancement Program.

The lab brought together students from such fields as social work, criminal justice, legal studies and nursing to work in mock multi-disciplinary teams to deal with real-life issues.

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Page 3 DIVERSITY AWARDS PRESENTED Five ECU students were recently presented awards by the Human Diversity Committee at the Black History Month.

Four MLK Spirit Awards were presented to Breanna Baker, Kay’Lee Maddox, Ratna Shrestha and Eberechi Soloman-Egwu. Soloman Mahlatini was the winner of the GLBT Scholarship.

SISTER UNIVERSITIES WELCOMED Six exchange students from ECU’s sister universities in France and Germany were recently welcomed at a meet and greet event.

ACCOUNTING STUDENTS ATTEND CAREER NIGHT ECU Tiger Accountants attended the 2019 Oklahoma Society of CPAs Career Night at Oklahoma City University’s Meinders School of Business on March 7. The students listened to keynote speaker Earl Stone, CPA – Deloitte’s Oklahoma Audit Leader.

FORTY INDUCTED INTO ALPA CHI Forty new members were inducted into ECU’s Alpha Chi National Honor Society in March. Alpha Chi is comprised of the top 10 percent of juniors and seniors at ECU.

Campus Update March 2019

Page 4 TALLEY, KING NAB AWARDS ECU men’s basketball players junior Camron Talley and senior Da’Rion King were named to 2018-2019 All- Great American Conference Teams. Talley was selected to the First Team while King was chosen for the Second Team. Talley averaged 20.5 points and 3.1 rebounds. King averaged 14.4 points and 5.1 rebounds.

TIGER PITCHER FRESHMAN OF THE WEEK ECU pitcher Paige Leschber was named Great American Conference Freshman of the Week on March 25 after she recorded two pitching victories, including her first career-shutout, in the Tigers’ four-game series split with Arkansas-Monticello. In 12 innings of work, Leschber allowed just one run off six hits while striking out six batters.

PREISNER, WILLIAMS HONORED Tiger senior basketball players Lakin Preisner and Tia Williams were selected to the All-Great American Conference Second Team.

Preisner averaged 13.3 points and 8.5 rebounds and was among the nation’s best in free-throw percentage at 93.1. Williams averaged 12.9 points, 3.3 rebounds and shot 72 percent from the foul line.

THREE ECU TRACK ATHLETES TAKE FIRST Three ECU track athletes posted first-place finishes in the recent University of Texas-Arlington Bobby Lane Invitational. On the men’s side, Dilland Gardner won the shot put and Larry Filer topped the 3,000-meter steeplechase. On the women’s side, Anna Mora won the 5,000 meters. In all, ECU had 19 top-10 finishes at the meet.

GO ECU TIGERS!!! www.ecok.edu

Campus Update March 2019

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ECU UPCOMING EVENTS Monday, April 1 All Day - Priority Enrollments Honors & Student Support Services 8 a.m.-5 p.m. - Greek Week Banners in UC 5:30 p.m. – Greek Week Chariot Races on Centennial Plaza Tuesday, April 2 All Day – Priority Enrollment Graduates/Seniors 6 p.m. – Greek Week Trivia in Estep n UC Wednesday, April 3 All Day – Priority Enrollment Juniors 8 a.m. – Transfer Enrollment Day 10 a.m. – Career Expo Spring 2019 in ECU Foundation Hall 7 p.m. – Greek Week Lip Sync in Ataloa Theatre, HBFFAC Thursday, April 4 All Day – Priority Enrollment Sophomores 8 a.m.-10 p.m.- Scissortail Creative Writing Festival 6 p.m. – Greek Week Games on Centennial Plaza Friday, April 5 All Day – Priority Enrollment Continuing Freshmen 8 a.m.-10 p.m. – Scissortail Creative Writing Festival 3 p.m. – Baseball vs. Ouachita Baptist (home) 7 p.m. – Greek Week Banquet in Stanley Wagner Ballroom Saturday, April 6 8 a.m.-2 p.m. – Scissortail Creative Writing Festival 10:30 a.m. – Greek Discovery Day Memorial Student Union 1 p.m. – Baseball vs. Ouachita Baptist (home doubleheader) Monday, April 8 All Day – First Time Freshmen Spring Advisement & Enrollment Tuesday, April 9 All Day – Concurrent Student Enrollment Begins 11 a.m. – Make it Personal, UC 6:30 p.m. – Trivia in Estep

April 16 & 17 7:30p.m. –Showtime Spring Production, Dorothy Summers Theatre Tuesday, April 16 2 p.m. – Baseball vs. University of Texas-Tyler (home) 7 p.m. – College of Health and Sciences Awards Ceremony, ECU Foundation Hall Wednesday, April 17 8 a.m. – Tiger Transfer Showcase 2019 11 a.m. – McNair Scholars Program 2019 Poster Display, Chickasaw Business and Conference Center 3:30 p.m. – Originals Party Art & Creative Writing Presentations Thursday, April 18 2 p.m. – Softball vs. Oklahoma Baptist (home doubleheader) 6 p.m.-8 p.m. – Easter Egg Hunt all over campus 7:30 p.m. – Jazz Ensemble Concert Friday, April 19 1 p.m. – Softball vs. Oklahoma Baptist (home doubleheader) Monday, April 22 Orange Crush Week 11a.m.-1p.m. –Orange You Glad Its Monday, UC Tuesday, April 23 3 p.m. – Baseball vs. Central Oklahoma (home) 3:30 p.m. – Honors Spring Showcase (site TBA) 5:30 p.m. – ECU Employee Recognition Banquet, ECU Foundation Hall Wednesday, April 24 11 a.m. – Orange Crush Week – Goat Yoga Thursday, April 25 5:30 p.m. – President’s Club Meeting, UC 6 p.m. – School of Business Spring Awards Banquet 6 p.m. – Orange Tide on North Lawn

Wednesday, April 10 11 a.m.-7 p.m. – Stranger Things Escape RM, Linscheid Library 11:30 a.m. – George Nigh Awards Lunch, ECU Foundation Hal April 11 - 13 7:30 p.m. – All the Great Books Abridged Chalmers Herman Theatre of Hallie Brown Ford Fine Arts Center

Friday, April 26 Noon – Freebie Friday 2 p.m. – Softball vs. Southwestern (home doubleheader) 3 p.m. – Baseball vs. Southeastern (home) 6:30 p.m. – ECU Screens Presents “Allelujah!”, Estep

Thursday, April 11 11 a.m.-7 p.m. – Stranger Things Escape RM, Linscheid Library 7:30p.m. – Pop & Jazz Standards Concert, Dorothy Summers

Saturday, April 27 Noon – Softball vs. Southwestern (home doubleheader) 1 p.m. – Baseball vs. Southeastern (home doubleheader)

Friday, April 12 2 p.m. – Baseball vs. Northwestern Oklahoma (home)

Sunday, April 28 3 p.m. – ECU Bands Concert in the Ataloa Theatre

Saturday, April 13 1 p.m. – Baseball vs. Northwestern (home doubleheader)

Monday, April 29 7:30 p.m. – Chamber Ensembles Concert, Ataloa Theatre

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Tuesday, April 30 6 p.m. – Honors Banquet, Regents Room

CAMPUS UPDATE Pierson’s Perceptions The people of East Central University are amazing! Our students are making headlines and being recognized for their incredible work in the classroom, at the Capitol, on stage, and on the field. Our alumni are doing their part in mentoring students so that they have a successful start on their professional careers.

Those students go on to become alumni who will give back to the campus. Our faculty and staff are the champions of that cycle of success. We recently honored the men and women who have dedicated their lives to ensuring the students have a quality education. We have a significant number of people who have been with us 15, 20, 30, even 40 years. This past year, our employees brought in nearly $6 million in external funding.

Over 60 faculty completed professional development workshops or training to enhance the learning experience. Five faculty were recognized for their teaching excellence, and 15 staff members were nominated for the Charlee Lanis Award, with Carol Peshehonoff receiving the award.

ECU Tigers demonstrate every day that excellence is our standard.

Be prepared to be

April 2019

COMMENCEMENT SET FOR MAY 11 James R. Hamby, president of Vision Bank of Ada since 1990, and former Oklahoma Gov. George Nigh will deliver 2019 spring commencement addresses at ECU’s two ceremonies on Saturday, May 11. Hamby will speak at the 10 a.m. ceremony while Nigh will speak at 2 p.m. Three-hundred, ninety-seven students are candidates for bachelor’s degrees while 161 are candidates for master’s degrees.

ECU STUDENTS EXCEL AT LOVE’S CUP ECU business students excelled at the 2019 Love’s Entrepreneur’s Cup held recently in Oklahoma City. Exbac, made up of ECU team members Larisa Bolin, Norbu Gurung and Kacee Schier took first place in the Small Business Division while fellow ECU students Mackinsey Archer and Yashna Khadgi, with The Hairy Hotel, took third place in that same category. ECU’s Saurav Gurung, for LikeaPro, was the Small Business IT/App Interview winner as well. The competition is a statewide event that stimulates the real-word process of researching a market, writing a business plan and pitching to potential investors.

amazed.

Dr. Katricia Pierson President East Central University

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www.ecok.edu

Page 2 GOODEN SPEAKS AT LOUISE YOUNG DIVERSITY LECTURE Beverly Gooden, viral hashtag creator and victims’ right advocate, spoke at ECU’s Louise Young Diversity Lecture in March. Gooden shared her personal experience and how communities can strive to end domestic violence.

BENCH DEDICATIONS ON ECU CAMPUS A bench dedication for Dr. Bill Osborne was held in March and another bench dedication will be conducted for Dr. Carlotta Lockmiller on Thursday, May 9, at 1:30 p.m. in the Frank R. Crabtree. Sr. Honor Plaza.

WHITNEY WINS GEORGE NIGH AWARD Tyler Whitney was named the 2019 winner of the prestigious George Nigh Award as ECU’s top graduating senior for 2018-19 at a luncheon held on April 10. The award is named in honor of former Oklahoma Governor and ECU alumnus George Nigh. Whitney, a biology major, plans to be a developmental pediatrician. The other four finalists were Mariah Ewy, Chloe Hull, Pradip Poudel and Megan Pruitt. During the luncheon, Nigh answered questions from the five finalists and posed and shared a laugh with Regent Connie Reilly.

Campus Update April 2019 EWY PRESENTS POSTER AT OKLA. STATE CAPITOL ECU student Mariah Ewy represented ECU with a presentation on DNA of dried bone during the recent Research Day at the State Capitol. Undergraduate students representing 16 Oklahoma colleges and universities presented competitive scientific research posters to the State Legislature and the public during this annual event sponsored by Oklahoma NSF EPSCoR, the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education and the National Science Foundation.

STUDENTS ATTEND CAREER EXPO ECU students met with prospective employers and graduate schools during Career Expo in ECU Foundation Hall of the Chickasaw Business and Conference Center.

SPRING STAYS BUSY WITH AWARDS CEREMONIES The ECU campus is filled with scholarship and awards banquets throughout the spring, including the Stonecipher School of Business and the College of Health and Sciences.

HONORS STUDENTS HOLD SHOWCASE A record number of ECU honors students made research presentations at the recent Honors Showcase. The event highlights special projects conducted by the students.

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Campus Update April 2019 ECU ALUMS RECOGNIZED FOR MENTORING NEW CPAs As a result of mentoring new certified public accountants, three ECU alums – Janice L. Gray, Dr. Carlos E. Johnson and Vicky C. Petete – were named three of only five Path Finders by the Oklahoma Society of Certified Public Accountants. CPAFOCUS, the society’s magazine, released the names of its 2019 Trailblazers and Path Finders in conjunction with its March/April special issue.

Page 3 ECU STUDENT NABS FISHER AWARD ECU students Taylor Johnson shared a first-place award during the Darryl Fisher College Awards presentation at the recent Scissortail Creative Writing Festival held at ECU. The award was decided by an off-campus judge via blind submissions.

Johnson presented excerpts of her work in this photo.

ECU ALUM PART OF AWARD-WINNING RADIO STATION WFMI-FM/Rejoice 100.9 which is also known as Musical Soul Food affiliate in the Norfolk/Virginia Beach market, won its sixth Stellar Award for “Radio Station of the Year” (large market) at the 34th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards. ECU alumnus Cedric Bailey is among the on-air talent from 2 p.m.-7 p.m. as he hosts “Cedric Bailey’s Traffic Jam.”

“WEEK OF THE CHILD” PROCLAIMED April 7-13 was proclaimed “Week of the Young Child” in Ada. The ECU South Central Child Care Resource and Referral Agency (ECU SC-CCRRA) took part in the proclamation ceremony in front of Fentem Hall. The week is an annual celebration hosted by the National Association for the Education of Young Children to spotlight early learning, young children, their teachers, families and communities.

U.S. POET LAUREATE SMITH SPEAKS AT SCISSORTAIL Tracy K. Smith, United States Poet Laureate, was one of the featured speakers at ECU’s 2019 Scissortail Creative Writing Festival held April 4-6.

Smith is a Pulitzer Prize-winning poet and was a National Book Award Finalist for Memoir. In 2017, she was appointed the 22nd U.S. Poet Laureate. The event included 64 authors, including 19 first-time visitors to ECU, and Darryl Fisher Awards were presented to high school and college students during the event.

GREEK WEEK FEATURES COMPETITIONS ECU students competed in Greek Week competitions, April 1-4.

Greek Week featured such events as chariot races, lip sync contests, banner contests and trivia. The week was capped off by a Greek Banquet on April 5. The week is in recognition of the fraternities and sororities on campus.

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Campus Update April 2019

Page 4 THREE TIGER SOFTBALLERS HONORED Senior Sable Hankins was named Great American Conference Player of the Week twice during the month of April. Most recently, she got the award on April 29 after batting .583 with seven hits, including three home runs and five RBIs, as ECU swept a fourgame series from Southwestern Oklahoma. Hankins was also named GAC Player of the Week on April 2 after batting .500 with a 1.450 slugging percentage and six homers. Freshman Paige Leschber was selected as GAC Pitcher of the Week on April 2. Leschber posted a 3-0 pitching record, including a shutout of Henderson State, with a 1.17 earned run average that week. Hilton batted .556 with two homers (one grand slam), three doubles and 14 RBIs with a 1.222 slugging percentage the week prior to April 16 as ECU had a 3-1 record during the week.

FILER WINS TWO EVENTS AT GAC ECU senior Larry Filer won the 3,000-meter steeplechase and the 5,000 meters while taking second in the 1,500 meters at the recent Great American Conference Championships at Oklahoma Baptist. Filer’s winning times were 9:17.95 in the steeplechase and 15:28.56 in the 5,000. His 1,500 time was 3:59.87. Filer won the 3,000-meter steeplechase with a time of 9:21.00 at the East Texas Invitational in Commerce, Texas on April 13.

GARDNER TAKES FIRST, SECOND AT GAC Dilland Gardner, an ECU junior, took first place in the discus and second in the shot put at the recent Great American Conference Track and Field Championships at Oklahoma Baptist. Gardner’s discus toss traveled 48.47 meters while the shot went 14.95. He was named All-GAC Field Athlete of the Week on April 3 after winning the shot put and discus at the Oklahoma Baptist Invitational.

KOECH WINS 10,000 METERS FOR ECU ECU junior Eliud Koech won the 10,000 meters with a time of 32:39.36 at the Great American Conference Championships at Oklahoma Baptist in Shawnee.

Tiger teammate and freshman Jakaveon Shaw finished right behind Koech in second place at 32:43.44.

Koech’s effort helped fuel ECU to a third-place finish in the team standings.

MORA SECOND IN 5,000, 10,000 METERS Anna Mora, an ECU junior, claimed second place in both the 5,000 meters and 10,000 meters at the GAC Championships with times of 18:21.74 and 38:48.99 respectively. Mora was chosen Great American Conference Track and Field Runner of the Week for April 9 after setting an NCAA provisional mark in the 10,000 meters with a winning time of 36.28.39 at the Paul Parent Classic at Southern Nazarene.

Enrollment ongoing www.ecok.edu

Campus Update April 2019

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UPCOMING EVENTS Monday, May 6 Final Exams Begin - All Week 6 p.m. - First United Recognition of Excellence Honors Ceremony in ECU Foundation Hall

Thank You For Your Service!!!

30 or more years of service to ECU

Thursday, May 9 1:30 p.m. - Bench Dedication for Carlotta Lockmiller Friday, May 10 6 p.m. - Evening of Honors and Recognition in ECU Foundation Hall Saturday, May 11 8 a.m. - Honors Graduation Ceremony in Ataloa Theatre of Hallie Brown Ford Fine Arts Center 10 a.m. - Commencement in Kerr Activities Center 2 p.m. - Commencement in Kerr Activities Center 4:30 p.m. - Spring 2019 Nursing Pinning Ceremony in Ataloa Theatre of Hallie Brown Ford Fine Arts Center

25 years of service to ECU

Monday, May 13 10-Week Courses Begin Intersession Begins Thursday, May 16 9 a.m. - Veteran’s Appreciation Day in ECU Foundation Hall

20 years of service to ECU

Monday, May 27 Campus Closed for Memorial Day Friday, May 31 Intersession Ends Monday, June 3 Summer Classes Begin Friday, June 14 Time and Site TBA - Oklahoma City Area ECU Alumni Reunion Friday, June 21 5 p.m. - Tulsa Area ECU Alumni Reunion, Site TBA

15 years of service to ECU

Wednesday, July 3 6:30 p.m. – ECU SCREENS presents “The Madness of George III” in Estep Multimedia Center of Bill S. Cole Center Thursday, July 4 Campus Closed for Independence Day July 29-20 Final Exams for Summer Semester

More years of service photos to appear in May edition of Campus Update.

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CAMPUS UPDATE Pierson’s Perceptions

We are saddened by the recent passing of Dr. Stanley Wagner, our fifth president. I am very grateful to have met Dr. Wagner.

He made such an impact on this campus and I know he was excited and pleased with the progress ECU continues to make!

After an outstanding 2018-2019 school year, we are proud of what has been accomplished here at ECU and look forward to many more success stories.

As a tradition at the end of the spring semester, the many accomplishments of our students, faculty, staff and friends of the university have been highlighted through banquets and ceremonies.

One of those recent instances involves 12 of our accounting students receiving scholarships from the Oklahoma Society of Certified Public Accountants Foundation.

Our students continue to do amazing things, and I’m excited to see what more can be accomplished by our students and employees in the coming days, weeks, months and year.

May 2019

ECU MOURNS PASSING OF FIFTH PRESIDENT DR. WAGNER Dr. Stanley P. Wagner, who was ECU’s fifth president from 1969-88, passed away peacefully in his home at the age of 96 in Aliquippa, Pennsylvania on May 8.

Wagner was part of a renaissance at ECU, with featured the startup of new academic programs, the improvement of others and the opening of Kerr Activities Center.

He was also responsible for navigating the university through tumultuous times of the Vietnam War and national unrest. Unlike many colleges and universities across the country, his leadership played a role in avoiding the scene of protests and counterprotests by way of taking a talking, listening and reasoning approach. A two-day colloquy was held with students and faculty to help maintain a calm, stable atmosphere. Wagner’s leadership also helped break down some physical barriers for students, especially those with disabilities.

EVENING OF HONORS CELEBRATED Awards were presented and endowments recognized during the 2019 Evening of Honors and Recognition on May 10. Three new Centennial Endowments were recognized. ECU student and George Nigh Award winner Tyler Whitney was the keynote speaker and awards were presented for Distinguished Alums - James R. Hamby and Tony A. Scott; Distinguished Former Faculty - Lou Watkins; Distinguished Service - Elizabeth A. Vezina and Distinguished Family - Lee Horne Family.

Dr. Katricia Pierson President East Central University

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www.ecok.edu

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Campus Update May 2019

NEW PSYCHOLOGY RESEARCH LAB TO ENHANCE STUDENTS’ LEARNING A new Psychology Counseling Research Lab has been opened in the Lanoy Education Building, Room 131, as an open house was conducted on May 1. The new lab features observation rooms and areas for data entry, interpretation and meetings as students can learn about Parent, Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) and Teacher, Child Interaction Therapy (TCIT).

GRAND WELCOME FOR NATIONAL GUARD The 1245th Transportation Company of the National Guard was welcomed home on May 24 inside the Kerr Activities Center. The unit was returning from deployment in Kuwait. Collectively, the unit executed more than 667 missions, covering 400,371 miles and hauling 30,409 tons of supplies, ammunition and equipment through the Kuwait Area of Operations. Hundreds, including spouses, families and friends were on hand to greet the unit.

CELEBRATING OUR VETERANS, MILITARY Veterans and those currently in the military were celebrated May 16 during ECU’s Veterans and Military Appreciation Day in ECU Foundation Hall. The event, which was attended by more than 200, was conducted by ECU’s Veterans Upward Bound Program. Brian Paul, president and founder of Veterans 4 Life USA, delivered the keynote address about his own struggles with post-traumatic stress and addiction while forming Veterans 4 Life USA to help others who are undergoing the same issues. Bart Culver, a V.A. education liaison for the State of Oklahoma, also provided information on recent benefits for veterans. An $8,000 check was presented to the Folds of Honor Foundation by Gateway Mortgage and the Bret D. Isenhower Scholarship was presented to ECU student Olivia Robertson, of Ada.

LOCKMILLER HONORED WITH BENCH A bench dedication was held for former ECU professor Dr. Carlotta Lockmiller on May 9 at the bench plaza in front of ECU’s Science Hall. Lockmiller was named Distinguished Former Faculty at ECU in 2012.

She served as a professor in ECU’s Department of Human Resources and was a director of institutional effectiveness during ECU’s last accreditation process.

OKA’ SELECTS FIVE SUMMER RESEARCH PROFESSORS The Oka’ Institute is pleased to announce it has selected five ECU professors – Dr. Randall Maples, Dr. Leah S. Dudley, Dr. Christine Pappas, Kevin W. Blackwood and Dr. Terrie Becerra — to lead summer research projects. For the third consecutive year, the Oka’ Institute sponsors professor-led scientific research that gives undergrads the opportunity to assist in research. The summer research projects this summer will study groundwater connections and collect data to support surface and ground water interactions.

www.ecok.edu

Campus Update May 2019 OKA’ INSTITUTE REPRESENTED AT STATE CAPITOL EVENT ECU’s Oka’ Institute was among the participating parties at the Oklahoma Water Resources Board’s Annual Water Appreciation Day held recently at the State Capitol in Oklahoma City. Susan Paddack, executive director of the Oka’ Institute, and Laura Brigger represented the Oka’ Institute. The event was designed to celebrate the importance of the state’s water resources and provide education to the public on how Oklahomans can protect, conserve and manage their water resources.

2019 FIRST UNITED AWARDS CEREMONY TAKES PLACE AT ECU Hundreds of area high school students were on the ECU campus for the presentation of awards during the 2019 First United Recognition of Excellence Honors Ceremony on May 6 in ECU Foundation Hall. Awards were presented for academics and leadership.

MIXON RECOGNIZED WITH AWARD Dr. Shirley Mixon was honored for being the first Trailblazer Award winner by ECU’s Black Alumni Association on May 10. Mixon, a longtime educator at ECU and a professor in the College of Liberal Arts and Social Science, is director of the General Studies Program, which is designed to help students complete a degree within an online format. Since 2010, she has served on the executive board of the Oklahoma Women in Higher Education.

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Page 3 OSCPA PRESENTS SCHOLARSHIPS TO ECU STUDENTS The Oklahoma Society of Certified Public Accountants Foundation recently awarded $15,150 to ECU accounting students within the Harland C. Stonecipher School of Business. Of the 32 total scholarships awarded statewide, 12 were presented to ECU students and the dollar figure accounted for 47.12 % of all the scholarship money handed out. Five of the six named scholarships went to ECU students as well. Those receiving scholarships were Yashna Khadgi (Rick Kells Scholarship), Heather Swan (Ruthann Fairbairn Scholarship), Jennifer Davis (Retha Duggan Scholarship), Chloe Hull (Beale Family Scholarship), Jon Schwake (Thomas Fund Scholarship), Brandie Horton, Cullen Edens, Jessica Rue, Cejay Bonner, Landon Wheelock, Jose Chavez and Rachel Huff.

REUNIONS SET FOR OKC, TULSA ECU Alumni Reunions are set for both the Oklahoma City and Tulsa areas in June. The Oklahoma City reunion is set for Friday, June 14, at the Jones Assembly T-Room at 901 W. Sheridan from 5 p.m.-7 p.m. and the Tulsa reunion is set for the Elgin Park Brewery, 325 E. Matthew B. Brady Street, from 6 p.m.-9 p.m.

Registration is available online by hitting the events button on the ECU Alumni Association website.

ECU SUMMER ENROLLMENT OPEN ECU summer enrollment for four-week classes is open until Wednesday, June 5, and for eightweek classes Friday, June 7. Enroll today!

Page 4 ECU BASKETBALL CAMPS HELD More than 60 youth participated in ECU’s Basketball Shooting Camp on May 21 and 23. The youth learned shooting skills from Tiger men’s basketball coaches, players and former players during the two-day event. The Elite Basketball School was also held for boys entering the 9th-12th grades on May 22 and May 29. Other camps are planned this summer.

HANKINS RECIPIENT OF THREE SOFTBALL AWARDS ECU third baseman and senior Sable Hankins was named to the 2019 D2CCA All-Central Region Second Team, 2019 All-Great American Conference Softball First Team and was also named GAC Newcomer of the Year. Hankins batted .408 with 15 homers, 12 doubles and 49 RBIs with a .769 slugging percentage. She was twice named GAC Player of the Week.

Two other Tigers – sophomore Tarah Hilton and junior Kaytlyn Kizarr were honorable mentions.

TIGERS HONORED FOR ACADEMICS Tiger softball seniors Breecia Crawford and Mariah Ewy were named GAC Elite Scholars.

Both had 4.0 GPAs with Crawford earning the award for the third straight year and Ewy nabbing for the honor for the second straight year. Teammates Ellanee Allison, a senior, and Caitlin Kneblik, a junior, also received GAC Distinguished Scholar-Athlete awards for high GPAs.

Campus Update May 2019 FILER, EWY SCHOLAR-ATHLETES OF THE YEAR FOR 2018-19 ECU senior cross country and track runner Larry Filer and senior softball player Mariah Ewy were named Scholar-Athletes of the Year for ECU while excelling both in the classroom and on the athletic field. They received recognition at the annual Roary Awards, presented by Vision Bank and conducted the ECU Student-Athlete Advisory Committee on April 29. Filer was a GAC Runner of the Year and All-GAC First Team honoree as well as being selected as a GAC Elite Scholar-Athlete. Additionally, Filer was named to the Google Cloud Academic All-District 7 Team. Ewy was a GAC Elite Scholar Athlete as well while earning CoSIDA Google Cloud Academic All-District 7 honors. It was the third straight year in which Ewy earned that particularly Academic All-District Award.

MORA EARNS USTFCCCA ALL-CENTRAL REGION AWARD ECU redshirt junior Anna Mora claimed her second United States Track and Field Cross Country Coaches Association All-Central Region honor for the 2018-19 season, earning a spot in the 10,000 meters. The El Paso, Texas, native claimed All-Central Region honors in cross country earlier this year after becoming the first Tiger female runner to compete in the NCAA Division II National Championships. Mora also had a runner-up finish in the 10,000 meters at the Great American Conference Championships.

Enrollment for Summer Classes Open Until June 7 www.ecok.edu

Campus Update May 2019

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THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AND CONGRATULATIONS!!!

Teaching Excellence Awards

New Professors

Physical Plant Quarterly Awards; Blaine Rose Employee of the Year

New Assistant Professors

New Associate Professors 10 years of service to ECU

5 years of service to ECU

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Employees Recognized for Securing External Funding

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Campus Update May 2019

Spring 2019 Commencement

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CAMPUS UPDATE Pierson’s Perceptions Communication is a focus of the Shared Horizons 2019 – 2024 strategic plan. The Office of Communication & Marketing is rolling out monthly updates as a means to keep us apprised of activities on campus as well as share the successes of our students, staff and faculty. The university has a great deal of talent that we would like to tout.

However, we need your help knowing where that success is occurring. When you, your colleagues and co-workers, or your students have completed unique research, won an award, earned a certification, been hired by a Fortune 500 company please tell ecuinfo@ ecok.edu about it. Sharing your good news also helps the Admissions Office and others tell the University’s story when they are with prospects, their parents or the public in general.

The conversation generally starts with “did you know,” and then those great statistics are rattled off. People are genuinely impressed when they hear what is happening across campus with our students.

Sharing information will help us achieve our shared goals.

Dr. Katricia Pierson President East Central University

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July 2019

NEW VIDEO SCOREBOARD INSTALLED AT STADIUM When the ECU Tigers kick off the 2019 football season this fall, fans will enjoy a new and magnificent state-of-the-art video scoreboard affixed to the south end of Norris Field at Koi Ishto Stadium. With the efforts of ECU President Dr. Katricia G. Pierson and Ada Coca-Cola Bottling Company, fans attending will enjoy a new $310,000-plus video scoreboard. Pictured with Pierson is Tom Crabtree, ECU alum and president of Ada Coca-Cola Bottling.

STUDENTS LEARN BUSINESS CONCEPTS AT 2019 OBW Students in grades 9-12 got to experience Oklahoma Business Week in June. OBW is a summer camp in which students gained first-hand experience in the world of business. The event included business simulations, competitions, prizes and the opportunity to obtain college scholarships.

HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS EXPERIENCE MEDICAL SCHOOL ECU touted its relationship with the Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences in Tulsa and the Chickasaw Nation by hosting high school students for Operation Orange in the Chickasaw Business and Conference Center.

ECU, SEMINOLE STATE TO SHARE ENGLISH INSTRUCTOR ECU and Seminole State College have announced a partnership to share the employment of a full-time English instructor. According to ECU President Katricia G. Pierson and SSC President Lana Reynolds, the shared employee is an example of a partnership created to better utilize resources allocated by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education and the Oklahoma Legislature. Beginning in August, Jamie Worthley will start working as a full-time English instructor for both SSC and ECU.

www.ecok.edu

Page 2 BENCH DEDICATION HONORS DR. JACK PASCHALL A bench dedication was conducted for ECU Professor Emeritus Dr. Jack Paschall, who worked in the ECU Department of Education, during festivities on June 25 at the Frank Crabtree Sr. Honor Plaza, located in front of Science Hall. Paschall received the Distinguished Former Faculty Award from ECU in 2014 and was an Adolph Linsheid Teaching Professor. An education scholarship was also established in his name through the ECU Foundation, Inc. ECU ALUMS INDUCTED INTO OGBCA HALL OF FAME It was only fitting that two ECU alums, state high school championship coaches and longtime friends were recently inducted at the same time into the Oklahoma Girls Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame. Darlean Calip and Annette Kennedy, who both played for ECU in the 1980s, were two of five new members added to the OGBCA Hall of Fame in late May. ALUMS RECEIVE TOP TEACHING AWARDS ECU alums Sara Mote and Austin Wood were honored as two of the 20 top novice teachers in the state in the First 20 Under 2 List conducted by the Teaching & Leading Initiative of Oklahoma (TLI). Mote is an elementary teacher for Springer Public Schools and Wood is an elementary teacher in the Paoli Public Schools System.

Across the state, principals, veteran teachers, and district leaders submitted their top novice teachers for consideration.

Campus Update July 2019 ALUM JACKSON NAMED ASSISTANT AT ARKANSAS STATE ECU alumnus and former Tiger assistant football coach Rashad Jackson was recently named tight ends coach at NCAA Division I Arkansas State University.

Jackson was an all-conference tight end for the Tigers and had served as the team’s offensive coordinator as late as 2017.

He most recently served as offensive coordinator at Trinity Valley (Texas) Community College in 2018.

ECU GRAD STUDENT CRAWFORD EARNS ALPHA CHI FELLOWSHIP ECU graduate student Wil Crawford was named the recipient of the H.Y. Benedict Fellowship by the National Alpha Chi National College Honor Society for 2019-20. The $3,000 will be awarded for Crawford’s first year of graduate or professional study. Alpha Chi members must rank in the top 10 percent of their junior, senior or graduate classes.

ALUM ACHIEVES PRESTIGIOUS LAW SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIP ECU alum Gavin Burl, a student at the University of Tulsa Law, has been awarded Crowe and Dunlevy’s Diversity Scholars Program Scholarship. The honor is given annually to an outstanding TU Law candidate who qualifies based on academic achievement, financial need and commitment to the law. Burl is a 2018 graduate of ECU.

Fall Classes Begin on Aug. 19 www.ecok.edu

Campus Update July 2019 RECENT ECU GRAD RECOGNIZED BY KIOWA TRIBE Matthew Komalty, Jr., who recently received his master’s degree in Sports Administration from ECU, was recognized as Student of the Year by the Kiowa Tribe during a Kiowa Higher Education Ceremony. Komalty is from Anadarko.

STUDENTS NAB GOLD AT INTERNATIONAL PITCH COMPETITION Kinsey Archer and Yashna Arnold claimed first place in the ACBPS International Pitch Competition held in Houston.

The pair pitched “The Hairy Hotel,” a luxury pet boarding business that solves the dilemma of where to leave a pet when going on vacation or business trip by offering a setting in which pets stay in a comfortable room with individual attention and group play time.

MAURER COMPLETES STUDY ABROAD IN WALES Allison Maurer, representing ECU and the Stonecipher School of Business, completed her semester-long study abroad experience at Swansea University in Swansea, Wales, United Kingdom. Maurer was the recipient of the Brad Henry International Scholarship which funded the trip. Maurer posed with other Brad Henry Scholars from around the state of Oklahoma in this photo.

She is third from the left in orange. Maurer is also a part of the ECU Business Scholars Program.

Page 3 ECU REPRESENTED AT OSCPA MEETING ECU students, alumni and faculty were involved in the Oklahoma Society of Certified Public Accountants’ 101st Annual Members Meeting in Broken Arrow in June. Students were recognized for outstanding academic achievements with the receiving of scholarship funds. Alumni earned recognition awards for years of OSCPA membership and faculty presented at educator sessions.

RUE, ELSTON ATTEND LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE IN D.C. ECU StudentCPT Officers Jessica Rue and Amber Elston, along with faculty sponsor Vicky Petete, CPA, represented ECU at the 2019 Leadership Conference in Washington D.C. In this intensive two-day training, participants increased their knowledge and exposure to ethical leadership and take their experiences back home to apply on campus and in future endeavors. They also learned about conflict management, personal accountability, strategic networking and best practices for running their StudentCPT chapters.

ELSTON ONE OF ONLY TWO STUDENTS TO PRESENT AT NASBA WESTERN MEETING ECU student Amber Elston was one of only two students from across the country to make a presentation at the NASBA Western Region Meeting in Salt Lake City, Utah. Elston, a Business Scholar Leader, made her presentation in front of 150 NASBA members and seasoned professionals. She spoke on Generation Z in Accounting.

Mark Your Calendars: 2019 Homecoming Weekend Set For Sept. 20-21

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Page 4 COP STUDENTS POSE FOR PHOTO Those involved in ECU’s COP (Collegiate Officer Program) posed for photos in front of the Tiger Fountain on campus. These law enforcement students, through participation in COP, are able to acquire the academic as well as the practical skills required for certification by the Oklahoma Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training (CLEET).

ECU STUDENTS TAKE 19-DAY TOUR TO RUSSIA A group of 11 ECU students and a community member enjoyed a 19-day study abroad tour of Russia. For the first time, the student group included two ECU international students from Nepal. The group spent 12 days in Moscow, four days in St. Petersburg and two days in Nizhniy Novgorod, a historic city on the Volga River. In Moscow, the contingent was hosted by ECU sister university Stata University of Management (SUM).

COMMUNICATIONS AND MARKETING OFFICE CAPTURES SIX AWARDS The ECU Office of Communications and Marketing captured six awards during the Oklahoma College Public Relation Association’s 2019 Conference held at the WinStar Resort in Thackerville in July. ECU earned one grand award, one excellence award, two achievement awards and two honorable mentions. The conference was the 50th annual event.

Campus Update July 2019 TIGER MEN’S BASKETBALL TEAM RECOGNIZED FOR ACADEMICS The ECU men’s basketball team received the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) 2018-19 Team Academic Excellence Award, which recognizes outstanding academic achievement by a team with a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 or better for the 2018-19 season.

Ja Havens is head coach of the Tigers and is assisted by Kyle Hankins.

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL TEAM CAPTURES SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD The Great American Conference recently announced that the ECU women’s basketball team, of head coach Matt Cole and assistants Heather Robben and Jeff McGaha, had earned the 2018-19 Women’s Basketball Sportsmanship Award, marking the second straight season in which the Tigers earned the honor. The winning teams in each sport are chosen by league officials and coaches.

EWY SELECTED AS GAC SCHOLAR ATHLETE OF THE YEAR ECU softball player Mariah Ewy, who wrapped up her playing career this past spring, was named 2018-19 Great American Conference Female Scholar-Athlete of the Year. She became the third ECU softball student-athlete to earn the honor, joining Autumn Suydam (2015-16) and Emily Kennemer (2011-12). Ewy, who had a 4.00 GPA, was also named 2019 Google Cloud (CoSIDA) Academic All-America Second Team earlier this summer.

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Page 5 FILER ACADEMIC ALL-AMERICAN ECU cross country and track runner Larry Filer was named to the 2018-19 Google Cloud (CoSIDA) Academic All-America First Team, it was announced on June 26. Filer, a recent graduate with a degree in biology, maintained a perfect 4.00 grade-point average throughout his academic career.

He won the 5,000 meters and 3,000-meter steeplechase while taking second in the 1,500 meters at the 2019 Great American Conference Championships this past spring.

Filer was a Second Team honoree in 2017-18.

TIGER FOOTBALL PLAYERS VOLUNTEER TIME, MUSCLES Members of the ECU football team volunteered their time and muscles on July 18 to help the Matthew 25 Mission at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church and distribute food to more than 100 needy families in Pontotoc County.

This mission distributes food once a month as numerous ECU athletes have participated in the past. It was the second time for members of the football team to help out. Members of the Tiger baseball team have frequently helped out.

Pictured left to right are: Moses Williams, Ryan Mora, Malik Moore, Trenton Valle and Ki’john McCoy. SKILLS LEARNED AT TIGER BASKETBALL SCHOOL The ECU men’s basketball program hosted Tiger Basketball School, July 15-17, in the Kerr Activities Center. Boys, in grades 2-9, learned basketball skills from Tiger coaches and players.

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Campus Update July 2019 CAMPUS CALENDAR Sunday, Aug. 4 1 p.m. - 2019 Elite Hoops Clinic at Kerr Activities Center Thursday, Aug. 8 10 a.m. - ECU Retirees Brunch in Regents Room Sunday, Aug. 11 5:30 p.m. - Elite Basketball School at Kerr Activities Center Saturday, Aug. 17 Welcome Orientation Kicks Off 9 a.m. - Residence Hall Check-in 1:30 - Tiger WOW Check-in at Kerr Activities Center 2 p.m. - New Student Convocation at Kerr Center 3 p.m. - Meet Your Major & Faculty, site TBA 4 p.m. - Snow Cones & Football at Koi Ishto Stadium 6 p.m. - Welcome Bash at University Center Sunday, Aug. 18 1 p.m. - Honors Kickoff in Regents Room 2 p.m. - Stickball hosted by NASNTI on University Lawn 4 p.m. - Board Games, Therapy Dogs in Linscheid Library 6 p.m. - Welcome Week Block Party on Centennial Plaza Monday, Aug. 19 Fall Classes Begin 10 a.m. - Howdy Fair on UC Lawn until 1 p.m.

Tuesday, Aug. 20 6 p.m. - Carnival Party on UC Lawn Wednesday, Aug. 21 9 a.m. - Eye of the Tigers - interact with baby cubs at Linscheid Library Thursday, Aug. 22 4 p.m. - Honors Convocation in Ataloa Theatre 6:30 p.m. - Silent Disco in Chalmers Theatre Friday, Aug. 23 11 a.m. - Frisbee Spin Art on UC Lawn Monday, Sept. 2 Campus Closed for Labor Day Tuesday, Sept. 3 6:30 p.m. - ECU SCREENS presents “All About Eve” in Estep Multimedia Center Thursday, Sept. 5 2 p.m. - ECU soccer hosts Eastern New Mexico at Tiger Field 6 p.m. - ECU football hosts Northwestern Oklahoma State at Koi Ishto Stadium Monday, Sept. 9 6 p.m. - Honors Sorting Hat Ceremony in Regents Room

Campus Update July 2019

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Fall Sports Schedules 2019 Tiger Football Schedule Sept. 5 Northwestern Oklahoma, 6 p.m.

Sept. 14 at Southwestern Oklahoma, 6 p.m. in Weatherford Sept. 21 Southern Nazarene (HC), 6 p.m.

Sept. 28 at Oklahoma Baptist, 1 p.m. in Shawnee Oct. 5 at Arkansas-Monticello, 3 p.m. in Monticello, Arkansas Oct. 12 Ouachita Baptist, 3 p.m.

Oct. 19 at Henderson State, 2 p.m. in Arkadelphia, Arkansas Oct. 26 Southern Arkansas, 3 p.m.

Nov. 2 at Harding, 2 p.m. in Searcy, Arkansas Nov. 9 Arkansas Tech, 3 p.m.

Nov. 16 at Southeastern Oklahoma, 2 p.m. in Durant Games in bold are at home, (HC) designates homecoming 2019 Tiger Soccer Schedule Sept. 5 Eastern New Mexico, 2 p.m.

Sept. 8 at Texas Woman’s, 7 p.m. in Denton, Texas Sept. 10 at Oklahoma Christian, 6 p.m. in Edmond Sept. 15 at Missouri Southern State, 1 p.m. in Joplin Sept. 18 at Central Oklahoma, 7 p.m. in Edmond Sept. 21 Texas A&M-Commerce, 1 p.m.

Oct. 2 Southwestern Oklahoma, 4 p.m.

Oct. 5 Northwestern Oklahoma, 11 a.m.

Oct. 10 Southern Nazarene, 4 p.m.

Oct. 12 at Oklahoma Baptist, 6 p.m. in Shawnee Oct. 17 at Harding, 7 p.m. in Searcy, Arkansas Oct. 19 at Ouachita Baptist, 11 a.m. in Arkadelphia, Arkansas Oct. 24 at Northwestern Oklahoma, 6 p.m. in Alva Oct. 26 at Southwestern Oklahoma, 10 a.m. in Durant Oct. 31 Oklahoma Baptist, 3 p.m.

Nov. 2 at Southern Nazarene, 3:30 p.m. in Bethany Nov. 7 Ouachita Baptist, 2 p.m.

Nov. 9 Harding, 11 a.m.

Matches in bold are at home

2019 Tiger Volleyball Schedule At Pittsburg State Gorilla Classic in Pittsburg, Kansas Sept. 5 at Pittsburg State, 4 p.m.

Sept. 6 vs. Missouri Western, 11:30 a.m.

Sept. 6 vs. Southwest Baptist, 7 p.m.

Sept. 7 vs. Western Colorado, 11:30 a.m.

Sept. 10

at Dallas Baptist, 6 p.m.

At South Central Classic in Durant Sept. 13 vs. Central Oklahoma, 11 a.m.

Sept. 13 vs. Union (Tenn.), 3 p.m.

Sept. 14 vs. Texas-Tyler, 1 p.m.

Sept. 14 vs. Cameron, 5 p.m.

Sept. 17

at Northwestern Oklahoma, 7 p.m.

At SNU/OBU Crossover in Shawnee Sept. 20 vs. SW Baptist, 11 a.m.

Sept. 20 vs. William Jewell, 2 p.m.

Sept. 21 vs. Randall, 11 a.m.

Sept. 21 v s. Drury, 2 p.m.

Sept. 24 Sept. 26 Oct. 1 Oct. 3 Oct. 8 Oct. 11 Oct. 12 Oct. 15 Oct. 17 Oct. 18 Oct. 25 Oct. 26 Oct. 31 Nov. 5 Nov. 7 Nov. 12 Nov. 14

at Southwestern Oklahoma, 7 p.m. in Weatherford Oklahoma Baptist, 6:30 p.m.

Southeastern Oklahoma, 6:30 p.m. at Southern Nazarene, 7 p.m. in Bethany at Cameron, 6 p.m. in Lawton Harding, 6:30 p.m.

Arkansas Tech, Noon at Randall, 6:30 p.m. in Moore at Ouachita Baptist, 6 p.m. in Arkadelphia, Arkansas at Henderson State, 4:30 p.m. in Arkadelphia Arkansas Arkansas-Monticello, 5 p.m.

Southern Arkansas, Noon Southern Nazarene, 7 p.m. at Oklahoma Baptist, 7 p.m. in Shawnee at Southeastern Oklahoma, 6:30 p.m. in Durant Northwestern Oklahoma, 6:30 p.m.

Southwestern Oklahoma, 6:30 p.m.

Matches in bold are at home

2019 Tiger Cross Country Schedule Sept. 7 at Central Oklahoma Land Run in Edmond Sept. 22` at Missouri Southern Stampede in Joplin, Missouri Oct. 5 at Arkansas Chile Pepper in Fayetteville, Arkansas Oct. 12 at Oklahoma Baptist Invitational in Shawnee Oct. 12 at Fort Hays State Tiger Open in Hays, Kansas Oct. 26 at Great American Conference Championships in Arkadelphia, Arkansas Nov. 9 NCAA Division II Region Championship in Joplin, Missouri Dec. 1 NCAA Division II National Championship in Sacramento, California

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CAMPUS UPDATE Pierson’s Perceptions

There is something joyous and comfortable in the phrase “welcome home.”

We were able to say that to many alumni who returned to campus for homecoming.

For some it is an annual event and it was good to visit with them and catch up on what has been happening in their lives. For some it was the first time in 40, 50, even 60 years since they had been back on campus. They were astonished at the beauty of the campus, satisfied with the improvements we have made over the years and pleased with our family spirit.

In a juxtaposition, we had football recruits interacting with our alumni during tailgating before the football game. Those potential new students and their families also said they felt they were among family. Our alumni were sharing stories about the ways ECU set them on the professional path.

The ECU family stretches across the nation, indeed, around the globe. Our spirit as a family unites us in seeing that the university continues to thrive. Together, we are ECU.

September 2019

HOMECOMING A ROARING SUCCESS Capped off with an exciting 45-7 Tiger football victory over Southern Nazarene, ECU Homecoming 2019 was a roaring success, from a festive, spirited campus to alumni welcomed home. The parade also displayed aspects of the Pixar 3D theme to the delight of children and adults alike. The alumni band performed before the game with the current Pride of Tigerland. For more highlights of Homecoming 2019, see below and the photo collage on page 4.

“GOLDEN TIGERS” WELCOMED BACK WITH BRUNCH ECU welcomed back its “Golden Tigers” for Homecoming 2019 with a brunch on Saturday, Sept. 21, in ECU Foundation Hall. “Golden Tigers” are those who graduated from or attended ECU 50 years ago or longer. This year’s focus was particularly on the Class of 1969 with its 50th anniversary. It’s one of the most popular events during homecoming weekend as “Golden Tigers” wear or receive medallions, commemorating their time at ECU. SCALES PRESENTED WITH 2019 MILAM AWARD Dr. Jimmy Scales was presented with the 2019 Milam Award at halftime of ECU’s homecoming game with Southern Nazarene on Sept. 21. The award, presented at homecoming each year, goes to a former Tiger football player who has distinguished himself in his chosen profession. Scales is a nationally-recognized educator, social leader and a former superintendent of schools and was named as a 2016 Distinguished Alumni at ECU. He was one of the first two African-American football players for the Tigers.

Dr. Katricia Pierson President East Central University

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Campus Update September 2019

OKA’ INSTITUTE CONFERENCE SET FOR OCT. 8-9 ECU’s Oka’ Institute is hosting the Fourth Annual Water Sustainability Conference, Oct. 8-9, in ECU Foundation Hall of the Chickasaw Business and Conference Center. The conference brings together leaders in science, oil and gas, agriculture, public policy and more as they gain new strategies for sustainable water resources management and discover how strong scientific data and public perceptions influence policy decisions.

Activities begin at 11 a.m. on Oct. 8 and 7:30 a.m. on Oct. 9.

CAMPUS COMMUNITY COMES FACE-TO-FACE In an effort to improve internal communications across campus, ECU conducted its first Face-to-Face Campus Connections monthly event on Sept. 10 in the Estep Multimedia Center. Rick Haight, Kim Rogers and Wendell Godwin were the first to present about their offices and departments. The next Face-to-Face meeting will be Thursday, Oct. 10, at 2 p.m.

ROTHBAUM LECTURE FEATURES HISTORY, POLITICAL VIDEOGRAPHER The annual Rothbaum Lecture featured Richard Hall, who specializes in videos on history and politics and has produced content for C-SPAN. The lecture, held in the Estep Multimedia Center, was part of Constitution Day. The Rothbaum Lecture is funded through an endowment established by the late Julian Rothbaum with a $25,000 gift to the ECU Foundation, Inc., that was matched by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education.

SEPTEMBER POETRY SERIES HELD Dr. Joey Brown and Paul Bowers were the featured poets as the annual September Poetry Series was held on Sept. 17 in the Estep Multimedia Center. The annual event is presented by the ECU Department of English and Languages and sponsored by the ECU Foundation, Inc. and Vision Bank.

HONORS STUDENTS PARTICIPATE IN SORTING HAT CEREMONY Students from the ECU Honors Program participated in the annual Sorting Hat Ceremony on Sept. 9 in the Stanley Wagner Ballroom. This annual ritual is where the magical Honors Sorting Hat determines Honors students’ houses and their fates.

Honors House Games followed.

DUNK A PROFESSOR The Biology and Environmental Sciences (BES) Carnival was conducted on Sept. 4 in front of the Physical and Environmental Science Building. The BES Carnival raised money and awareness about the new department and its clubs. There was also a scholarship fundraising booths in which students had the opportunity to dunk their professors in a water tank and throw pies in their faces.

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Campus Update September 2019

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ECU JAZZ BAND PERFORMS FIRST CONCERT OF THE SEASON The ECU Jazz Band, under the direction of Kirk Palmer, rehearsed for its first concert of the 2019-2020 season. The band performed selections by Sammy Nestico, Count Basie and Neil Hefti, during the performance held Sept. 23 in the Kennedy Band Hall of the Hallie Brown Ford Fine Arts Center.

ECU’S DOUGLAS NAMED GAC OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK Tiger redshirt sophomore Ontario Douglas was named Great American Conference Offensive Player of the Week on Sept. 23, after running for 192 yards on 21 carries and scoring four touchdowns in ECU’s 45-7 homecoming victory over Southern Nazarene University. Douglas also caught two passes for 19 yards.

RESEARCH TOOLS BEING PROVIDED IN PSYCHOLOGY LAB ECU graduate student Meghan McManners works in ECU’s new Psychological Training Clinic in the basement of the Lanoy Education Building. The lab provides research tools for those who are pursuing doctorate degrees and ultimately being psychologists. The facility is home to Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) and Teacher-Child Interaction Therapy (TCIT) Research Labs. The lab includes a large observation room, three therapy rooms and a state-of-the art video and sound system.

ECU RUNNERS SWEEP FIRST GAC AWARDS Aaliyah Regg-Wajid and Emmanuel Bett swept the first Great American Conference Cross Country Runner of the Week awards of the season for ECU, it was announced on Sept. 11. Redshirt junior Regg-Wajid took first place in the University of Central Oklahoma Land Run (18:54.25 time) in the women’s race and Bett placed fourth (20:44.12) in the first collegiate race of his career on the men’s side.

STUDENT GROUP HELPS HURRICANE RELIEF EFFORTS Members of the African Caribbean Student Association sold non-alcoholic daiquiris during ECU’s first home football game on Sept. 5. The group successfully raised $712 in sales and $333 more in donations to benefit the hurricane relief efforts in the Bahamas.

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TIGER SOCCER PLAYERS NAB AWARDS ECU soccer players Aubrey Leveling and Kariss Dunson were selected as Great American Conference Offensive and Defensive Players of the Week on Sept. 17. Leveling scored the lone goal in a 1-0 victory over Oklahoma Christian and had the first score in the Tigers’ 4-3 double-overtime win at Missouri Southern. Dunson blocked five shots to help ECU secure the victories over Oklahoma Christian and Missouri Southern.

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Campus Update September 2019

Scenes from 2019 ECU Homecoming

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CAMPUS UPDATE Pierson’s Perceptions Remarkable people and strong core values are highlighted this month in our Campus Update. As you look at the articles in the update you will see students, faculty, staff, administration, alumni and friends who are kind and generous, working to provide an exceptional experience to one another and those we serve.

Our people are forwardthinking and look for ways to solve problems. Dr. Anderson served 25 years with distinction, creating new programs and starting successful initiatives. Jan Long organized ECU’s first AgFest to help us understand how our food gets to us. John Sisco, like many veterans with their discipline and honor, serves in multiple roles across campus. And our students generously give of their time and resources to help those who are in need.

With Thanksgiving arriving in a few weeks, we are grateful for the people who are committed to making ECU the first choice among many options!

Dr. Katricia Pierson President East Central University

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October 2019

DR. DUANE ANDERSON INDUCTED INTO HIGHER EDUCATION HALL OF FAME Dr. Duane C. Anderson, who served in multiple administrative roles at ECU, will be inducted into the Oklahoma Higher Education Hall of Fame on Nov. 4 in the Nigh Center on the University of Central Oklahoma campus. Dr. Anderson served at ECU for 25 years and retired from ECU in 2015 as provost emeritus.

CHICKASAW APPRECIATION DAY The Oct. 26 home football game served as “Chickasaw Appreciation Day”. Above left, Chickasaw Gov. Bill Anoatubby, center, accepts a framed, personalized football jersey from ECU President Katricia Pierson. Also pictured is Athletics Director Jeff Williams. Above right, Gov. Anoatubby, who performed the ceremonial coin toss before the game, shakes hands with ECU players as Dr. Pierson looks on.

KEEPING SCORE ECU President Katricia Pierson and Athletics Director Jeff Williams, far right, honored the Crabtree family during the 2019 Homecoming game for their contribution to the new video scoreboard at Koi Ishto Stadium. Accepting are Tom and Adam Crabtree.

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Campus Update October 2019

ECU COACH EARNS NATIONAL VETERANS UPWARD BOUND SCHOLARSHIP ECU football coach John Sisco, center, has been awarded a $1,000 national Veterans Upward Bound scholarship. Mary Meeks, left, and John Engel, right, of the ECU Veterans Upward Bound program nominated Sisco for the award. Sisco, 31, is the tight ends coach for the football team and plans to pursue his Master of Sports Administration degree.

MEDIATION TRAINING AG-CITING EVENT

ECU instructor Eric Howard demonstrates a Geographical Information System to ECU instructor Jan Long at the University’s first-ever AgFest event Oct. 23. Long’s Human Development, Hospitality and Food Service students organized, promoted, and staged the entire event.

ECU’s Early Settlement Mediation staff members had their basic training in Shawnee, Oklahoma, at the Avedis Foundation. Pictured, from left, are Phil Johnson, (state director), Pattie Braun, Ann Borba, Sandra Johnson, Jennifer White, Ahndria Ablett, Rosemary Taylor (ECU student), Jorjia Cash (ECU director), Rain Rehbein (ECU student), Elaine Rhynes, and Judge Emily Mueller.

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Campus Update October 2019

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BIG DAY ON CAMPUS!

November 8 is a big day on campus as visiting high school seniors and on-campus “undecided” majors can begin mapping out their futures!

BAHAMIAN RELIEF EFFORT TOPS $1,000 Shreskar Karki, left, and Suresh Thakur, right, of the Asian Student Association donated money to the Bahamas Hurricane Relief Fund.

Kamden Ferguson received the money on behalf of the African Caribbean Association.

The Human Diversity Committee donated $461 from the Sky Juice Kings fundraiser and the ASA donated $670 from the momo fundraiser.

STUDENTS ENJOY CULTURAL FAIR

The ECU Global Education Committee presented a “Go Global”/Study Abroad Fair in October. Pictured, from left, are ECU students Chance Van Sandt, Allyson Sing, and Josh Morris.

JAZZIN’ IT UP

Dalaan Bassett plays trombone during a recent concert in the Ataloa Theatre on Oct. 14. The Oklahoma Jazz Educators’ Fall Workshop is at ECU on Nov. 4-5.

FIRST ECU HOME BASKETBALL GAME IS NOVEMBER 23!

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Campus Update October 2019

TIGER ATHLETIC ACCOMPLISHMENTS FOR 2018-2019 ACADEMIC YEAR Following are highlights from ECU Tiger Athletics for the 2018-2019 academic year. About 79% of ECU’s 257 student athletes earned academic recognition!

- The men’s Cross Country team won its sixth Great American Conference (GAC) title in eight years (both teams qualified for NCAA Regionals and both had top-10 finishes).

- Anna Mora is the first ECU women’s Cross Country participant in the NCAA Championships.

- The women’s Basketball team broke seven team records and had the first 20-win season in ECU’s NCAA era.

- Softball qualified for its eighth consecutive GAC Tournament.

- Trinity Benson signed an NFL Free Agency contract (Denver Broncos).

- Seven Tiger teams made post-season appearances.

- ECU had 14 GAC Players of the Week.

- 48 ECU athletes earned All-GAC Honors (27 named to a 1st Team).

- One ECU athlete was named GAC Player of the Year (Larry Filer, men’s Cross Country).

- One ECU athlete was named GAC Newcomer of the Year (Sable Hankins, Softball).

- One ECU athlete was named GAC Freshman of the Year (Jakaveon Shaw, men’s Cross Country).

- One ECU coach was named GAC Coach of the Year (Steve Sawyer, Cross Country; he has won this honor for the sixth time in eight years).

- ECU athletes earned four regional or national recognitions and one All-America recognition.

- ECU athletes earned two CoSIDA Academic All-America honors (sixth and seventh in ECU history).

GRAFFITI ARTIST MAKES HIS MARK ECU has a new look along Main Street thanks to Ada resident Sarah Miracle, who sponsored Chicago street artist “Zeb”. His mural, located on the west end of Horace Mann Hall, welcomes visitors to campus.

Students from ECU painting classes assisted him in the project. Main Street, from Mississippi Avenue east to the threshold of campus, is known locally as the “Arts District of Ada” and the new mural adds an eye-catching splash of color to the landscape. ECU students will have opportunities to add finishing touches to Zeb’s creation.

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