East Central University Campus Updates
Oklahoma Representative Ronny Johns (second from left) and RUSO Regent Connie Reilly (center) join ECU officials at the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education tour in January.
ECU President Wendell Godwin is all smiles at his first commencement ceremonies as president. More than 300 Tigers walked across the stage in December 2022.
Hundreds of basketball fans “Packed the
for Chickasaw Appreciation Night and to watch the ECU Tigers take on Southeastern Oklahoma State University.
Chickasaw Appreciation Night
Dome”
ECU Tigers for the win at the Fun Town RV Heritage Bowl in Corsicana, Texas, capping off the season with a 9-3 record.
Monday, Feb. 6
11 a.m. Paws & Relax Linscheid Library
7 p.m. ....................... Greek Recruitment: Vision Board/Craft Night ZTA Lounge
Wednesday, Feb. 8
8 a.m. Growth Mindset Escape Room Linscheid Library
Thursday, Feb. 9
8 a.m......East Central Oklahoma Regional Science & Engineering Fair CBCC
10 a.m. Blood Drive Regent's Room
Friday, Feb. 10
7 p.m. .............. ECU Athletic Hall of Fame CBCC
Tuesday, Feb. 14
3:30 p.m. Recruiting Tigers to Teach Lanoy Education Building, room 201
4 p.m. ......................................... Stickball McBride Gym
5:15 p.m. ............................ Paws & Relax Linscheid Library
Upcoming Events
Wednesday, Feb. 15
7 p.m. Greek Recruitment: Tie Dye Night ZTA Lounge
Thursday, Feb. 16
7 p.m. Valentine's Penny Prom Stanley P. Wagner Ballroom
Friday, Feb. 17
6 p.m. Talent Show Ataloa Theatre
Monday, Feb. 20
6 p.m. ..............Black Alumni Association Presents: Dr. Mautra Jones CBCC
Wednesday, Feb. 22
1 p.m. Paws & Relax Linscheid Library
Thursday, Feb. 23
4 p.m. ................................ Destiny Green Gallery Talk & Reception Pogue Art Gallery
7:30 p.m. ........... Aquila Theatre Presents Pride and Prejudice Ataloa Theatre
Please note that all fall athletic dates can be found on page 5.
For complete list of events, see the ECU Calendar at ecok.edu/calendar
Junior Day at ECU is scheduled for Wednesday, March 1 from 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Hundreds of high school juniors will flock to ECU for a glimpse into life as an ECU Tiger. For more information or to RSVP, visit ecok.edu/juniorday.
Alumni
Black Alumni Association presents program for Black History Month
ADA – In celebration of Black History Month, the East Central University Black Alumni Association is proud to present Dr. Mautra Staley Jones, the first woman and the first person of color to serve as the president of Oklahoma City Community College.
The Feb. 20 event will include a dinner at 6 p.m., followed by the program at 6:45 p.m. in the ECU Chickasaw Business and Conference Center. The event is free and open to the public. Guests must RSVP by 3 p.m. Feb. 13.
Jones was named the 11th president of OCCC on March 1, 2022. Her appointment as
president also made Oklahoma history as she is the first African American woman to hold that position of any institution of higher education in Oklahoma that is not a Historically Black College and University.
Beyond her professional life, she is an active and engaged member of the community, providing leadership to various corporate, civic and charitable organizations, and received numerous awards.
Visit ecok.edu or call 580-5595725 for more information.
Lacy Soward Grammer, current ECU Alumni Association President, and family dedicated a bench in honor of her late father Mickey Soward. A memorial scholarship has also been established in his name at the ECU Foundation.
The annual Dicus Memorial Golf Tournament raised almost $12,000 in 2022 and is matched by the ECU Foundation for the Mike & Leslie Dicus Memorial Accounting Scholarship. Total donations to the fund since inception $880,524.
ECU calls for 2023 Distinguished Award nominations
ECU is seeking nominations for awards to be handed out at its traditional “Evening of Honors and Recognition” set for Friday, May 5, in ECU Foundation Hall of the Chickasaw Business and Conference Center.
Among the list of awards are: Distinguished Family, Distinguished Former Faculty,
Distinguished Service, and Distinguished Alumni.
For a full list of requirements or to make a nomination visit ecok.edu/2023Nominations.
For more information, contact the ECU Office of Alumni Relations at 580-559-5725 or email alumni@ecok.edu.
Around Campus
December and January were lively across campus at ECU. Are you smarter than an ECU professor?
Party in Pesagi Keeping the Dream Alive
Tiger Athletics
ECU Powerlifting wins six medals in second ever competition
The inaugural ECU Tigers Powerlifting Team competed Brewhouse Barbell in Oklahoma City on Jan. 21st in its second-ever meet sanctioned by the United States of America Powerlifting (USAPL).
ECU took six athletes to compete, and five out of the six medaled in their weight class.
Byron Cox, Seeker Samara, Myles Branson, Caden Pickens, Briana Perez and Amree Wingfield competed.
All together as a team, the Tigers had three National qualifiers: Jacob Smith, who qualified at the first meet, Amree Wingfield, and Seeker Samara.
"Next year we hope to not just double this number but triple and possibly get some AllAmericans in the mix," Head Powerlifting Coach Allison Nally said.
"ECU Powerlifting will continue to do great things as we continue to get stronger!"
Feb. 2 vs. Arkansas Tech
Feb. 4 vs Harding
Feb. 9 vs. Univ. of Ark. Monticello
Feb. 11 vs. Southern Arkansas
Feb. 13 vs. Southeastern
Feb. 16 vs. Ouachita Baptist
Feb. 18 vs. Henderson State
Feb. 23 vs. Southwestern Feb. 25 vs. Oklahoma Baptist
*Home games in orange.
Tiger Athletics
East Central University Campus Updates
Higher Education Day at the Oklahoma State Capitol saw many ECU representatives and students emphasizing the importance of Higher Education in Oklahoma. OSRHE Chancellor Allison Garrett, Representative Ronny Johns, Senator Greg McCortney, RUSO Regent Connie Reilly and many others met with ECU representatives.
ECU officials visited with legislators at the RUSO Legislative Dinner.
Dr. Mautra Jones spoke at an event hosted by the ECU Black Alumni Association in celebration of Black History Month on Feb. 20. Dr. Jones is the first woman and the first person of color to serve as president of Oklahoma City Community College.
Liv Cummins, student athlete and ECU Political Science and Legal Studies double major, was admitted to the University of Oklahoma College of Law for the Fall 2023 semester. The Pontotoc County Bar Association sponsored the team’s game Feb. 23. Many local attorneys attended the game including Pontotoc County Bar Association President Nick Thurman. Dean Kathleen Guzman of OU’s College of Law attended to honor a future student. Executive director of Development at OU Foundation came as well.
Basketball Tournament
March 2-5, 2023
Firelake Arena, Shawnee, OK
Awards Banquet: 7 p.m.
March 1
Women: Noon, March 2
Men: 5:45 p.m., March 3
Tiger Athletics
Basketball senior athletes honored
The ECU men's basketball team won its fifth straight win for seniors' last game in the Kerr Activities Center with a 87-76 win over Southwestern Oklahoma State University Thursday night.
The women's basketball won its senior night game with a 67-52 victory over SWOSU.
After the women's game, the women's team honored its three seniors – Emma Epperly, Gabby Cummins and Izzy Cummins. Before the men's game, the Tigers
five seniors –Leonard Dixon, Barron Tanner, Jr., Luke Harper, Romello Wilbert and Jakeem
Athletic Hall of Fame at ECU honored many well-deserving athletes, coaches and contributors to ECU's athletic successes. The 2011 Men's Cross Country Team, Emily Kennemer-Nine, Skip Griese, John O'Dell, and Dr. Gerald Williamson all received honors. For more details, visit ecutigers.com.
honored
Acres. Spirit squad senior, Derrick Stevens, was recognized as he has portrayed Roary.
GAC Bracket
Around Campus
Dr. Mara Sukholutskaya received the annual 2022 American Council of Teachers of Russian Distinguished Service Award. ACTR promotes the study and teaching of the Russian language, literature and culture and represents Russian language teachers in all educational settings.
Dr. Ken Hada's essay is included in "Solastalgia: An Anthology Of Emotion In A Disappearing World" edited by Paul Bogard. The anthology contains personal essays responding to ecological concerns and the human emotion associated with loss.
Kateryna Tkalenko is attending ECU from Ukraine on a special scholarship. RUSO Universities announced a scholarship for a student from Ukraine that was severely impacted or displaced by the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Kate, as she prefers to go by, found the scholarship by searching online. As of now, her major is undecided, but she is considering Biology or Business. While she worries about her family at home, Kate says her father is thankful she is safe. For more on Kate, visit ecok.edu.
ECU Percussion Ensemble performed at the 2023 Oklahoma Music Educators Association Conference at the Cox Convention Center in Tulsa. The ensemble was chosen as one of the Honor groups to perform at the event.
ECU Foundation Night was held the last home basketball game night of the season on Feb. 23. The ECU Foundation reminded students they are with them "every step of the way" giving away more than 200 pairs of ECU socks. Drawings for ECU prizes (including a huge tiger) were held, along with people shooting basketballs for cash and bookstore gift certificates.
Alumni Mark your calendars!!
East Central University Campus Updates
ECU's Evening of Honors and Recognition will celebrate Distinguished Alumni Tom Darter (1973), Paula Kedy (1976), Randy Nail (1984), and Steve Williamson (1982). The W.B. Buster and Leona Bea Barrick Family will be recognized as the 2023 Distinguished Family. Distinguished Former Faculty Dr. Rahmona Thompson will be honored as well as Vicky Petete as Distinguished Service Award recipient. The event will be Friday, May 5, with registration beginning at 5:30 p.m. and the program beginning at 6 p.m. For more details on sponsorships or tickets, please visit ecok.edu/2023EOH.
Honorary Degree
The Oka’ Institute Executive Director Duane Smith received an honorary degree from Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology Charter in Bondo, Kenya. Smith traveled to the JOOUST graduation ceremony March 3 for the honorary doctorate of science.
Founders Day
The celebration marked ECU's 114th birthday on March 24. Employees gathered for fun and games while First United Bank of Ada provided hotdogs to celebrate. Students gathered for a Jungle Boogie dance in the Pesagi Residence Hall Lobby.
Chickasaw Nation Gov. Bill Anoatubby presented the 2023 Boswell Lecture on March 31. Gov. Anoatubby, an ECU alumni, discussed his journey from Tishomingo High School, to ECU, then to serving in government for the Chickasaw Nation. He is the longest serving governor in Chickasaw Nation history, from 1987 to present.
Tom Darter
Paula Kedy
Randy Nail Steve Williamson
Vicky Petete
Dr. Rahmona Thompson
W.B. Buster and Leona Bea Barrick Family
Enrollment begins at ECU
New ECU students have already began signing up for group enrollment events to plan their fall classes. The events –dubbed “Tiger Enrollment Days” – give new students a chance to get to know ECU before arriving on campus in August.
Those dates are as follows:
• Saturday, April 15
• Friday, April 28
• Friday, May 19
• Thursday, June 1
• Thursday, June 8
• Thursday, June 22
• Thursday, July 27
New Tigers can sign up for group enrollment at www.ecok.edu/asc or contact the Academic Success Center at 580-559-5696 with any questions.
ECU Recruitment hosted hundreds of future Tigers on campus in March through group and individual tours. Visit ecok.edu/take-a-tour to schedule a visit to campus for your future Tiger!
Around Campus
Alpha Chi Induction
Nineteen ECU students were inducted into the Oklahoma Gamma Chapter of the Alpha Chi National Honor Society at ECU on March 9. Alpha Chi is comprised of the top 10 percent of juniors and seniors at ECU across all academic disciplines.
High School Junior Day
Junior Day at ECU was an event for high school juniors. Future Tigers had an opportunity to interact with ECU faculty, staff and current students.
Military Dining Out
The GOLD Program at ECU hosted a Military Dining Out event in the Stanley P. Wagner Ballroom on March 24. The formal event honored those who have made outstanding contributions to the service.
'Almost, Maine'
ECU Theatre students brought to life "Almost, Maine." The play is about a remote, mythical town of Almost, Maine, where all is not quite what it seems. Almost's residents find themselves falling in and out of love in unexpected and often hilarious ways.
Upcoming Events
April 4
April 6-8
April 20-22
Around Campus
"Covid and Relationships"
A reading of "Covid and Relationships"capped off ECU Theatre student Jessica Zwermann's senior project. The play was originally submitted as a thesis for the Honors Program. ECU Theatre students read the play which explores relationships during the time of Covid.
ASA Hosts Festival
The Holi Festival was hosted by the ECU International Student Connection Club and the Asian Student Association. The Festival of Colors included a color war, dancing and snacks.
ECU Health Fair
Kinesiology students and faculty held the ECU Health Fair in March. Activities included information, fitness testing and door prizes.
Greek Week
ECU's Greek organizations – Chi Omega, Zeta Tau Alpha, Sigma Gamma Rho, Phi Kappa Tau, and Pi Kappa Alpha – took part in many activities for Greek Week including kickball, chariot racing, lip sync battles and more!
News from Track and Field
ECU's Michael Iyali was named the Great American Conference Men's Track & Field Athlete of the Week for track on March 15. Iyali led the Tigers in the 3000-meter steeplechase at the Hendrix College Alumni Invite, claiming first place with a time of 9:37.86. His time ranks as the seventh fastest in the country.
Tiger Athletics
ECU Senior Jaclyn Robertson competed in the triple jump at the Oklahoma Baptist University Invitational in Shawnee. She placed 10th with 9.71m. For full results on the OBU Invitational, visit ecutigers.com.
Tiger baseball and softball are in full swing this spring season. For full schedules, visit ecutigers.com.
ECU
Intramural sports basketball concluded while the football teams kicked off.
East Central University Campus Updates
George Nigh Award winner announced; over 500 graduate
Graduating senior Bethany Bengs – a math and biology major – was named the winner of the 2023 George Nigh Award at ECU's commencement ceremonies on Saturday, May 5. More than 500 graduates walked across the stage to receive their diplomas.
ECU Alums go bananas ECU Alumni were able to attend the Tulsa and Oklahoma City baseball games featuring the Savannah Bananas and the Party Animals. The Bananas head baseball coach, Tyler Gillum is a graduate of ECU and even an assistant baseball coach at ECU prior to joining the Bananas. Banana pitcher Mat Wolf is also an ECU alum.
Tiger Prep ECU is gearing up to welcome new freshmen students to campus Aug. 1118. Tiger Prep is designed to introduce freshmen to campus before the first day of class, giving them an opportunity to find classrooms, meet faculty, move-in, and meet fellow freshmen. Fall classes begin Aug. 14. To apply, visit ecok.edu/ apply
New $3,500 Scholarship
The City of Ada and ECU will provide 50 new ECU students up to $3,500 in scholarships the next school year. The City of Ada will provide $1,000 and ECU will provide a $750 housing waiver each semester. Students must be a full time student, live on campus, work a minimum of 10 hours per week in Ada, and complete an application. For more information, visit ecok.edu/jobsinada.
Congratsyouron retirement!
Dr. Scott Barton
Dr. Michael Bay
Billy Boyd
Jerry Branscum
Jaime Elliott
Dr. Usha Fountain
Rhonda Hibbard
Dr. Eril Hughes
Dr. Charlie Jones
Dr. Dwight Myers
Dr. Charles Peaden
Dr. Marc Petrowsky
Viki Saidleman
Dr. Guy Sewell
Dr. Steven Walker
Jill Williamson
Summer Camps
Oklahoma Business Week – June 4-8
A summer program that offers students in high school first-hand experience in the world of business with a focus on technology, innovation and entrepreneurship.
Mapping Water Stories – June 5-9
This summer academy provides hands-on learning opportunities about water from scientific, environmental, and other cultural perspectives.
Robotics Camp June 11-15
Explorations in Computer Science and Robotics summer academy engages participants in the exciting imagination-stretching, logic-building, fun world of computer science.
See Athletics camps on page 3
Around Campus
15 years
Tommy Carotenuti, Dr. Brad Clampitt, Bill Cowling, Whitney Gifford, Susan Ingram, Dr. Marc Klippenstine, Dr. Jennifer McMahon, Dr. Robin Murphy, Wanda Pierce, Steve Sawyer, Chet Standridge, Kerry Sutton and Mary Weddle
10 years
Nathan Hobbs, Alisha Hughes, Mary LaMack, Lisa Letellier, Rudy Lupinski, Wendy McKibben, Jerry Meek, Stephanie Moss, Darryl Overstreet, Dr. Sarah Peters, Dr. Shelli Sharber, Tiffany Smith, Dr. Jennifer Snell and Bethany Walling.
Five years
MaxAaron Abrego, Roberta Armstrong, John Balch, Curtis Baldinger, Dr. Douglas Bryhan, Tanner Capps, Dr. Leah Dudley, John Engel, Michelle Green, Megan Hasler, Vencent Johnson, Dr. Amanda Young , Dr. Kate Lang, John Linton, John Litrenta, Leena Rudolph, Brian Tessman and Dwaine Turner
Dr. Shirley Mixon 44 years
Dr. Steve Walker 39 years
Becky Isaacs 38 years
Dr. Karen Williams 35 years
Dr. Mark Walling 35 years
Dr. Mara Sukholutskaya 31 years
Dr. Marc Petrowsky 31 years
Melissa Price 20 years
ECU employees honored for years of service to the University
Not pictured for 20+ years of service: Dr. Charlie Jones, 36 years; Fleta Milner, 32 years; Bert Miller, 20 years; and Dr. Guy Sewell, 20 years.
Around Campus
June 12-14
Upcoming Events
Highest Award
National Guard Col. Kevin Roland presented Director of ECU Veterans Upward Bound Mary Meeks with the highest award presented to a civilian: Oklahoma Thunderbird Medal for Outstanding Service, at the ECU Veterans & Military Appreciation Day.
VP for Enrollment Management
Dr. Denver Stickrod will take the reins in June as VP for Enrollment Management, a new role to ECU.
Stickrod brings 20 years of experience in admissions and recruitment with higher education with him to ECU. Stickrod is a first-generation student and connects with students who may come from similar backgrounds. For more information, visit ecok.edu/news
Once a Tiger, Always a Tiger Scholarship
ECU offers scholarships to Oklahoma resident students whose high school mascot was a tiger. This gives the student an opportunity to keep their stripes as an ECU Tiger. For more information, visit ecok.edu/otat
Enrollment begins at ECU
New Freshmen ECU students have already began signing up for group enrollment events to plan their fall classes. The events – dubbed “Tiger Enrollment Days” – give new freshmen a chance to get to know ECU before arriving on campus in August.
The remaining dates are as follows:
• Thursday, June 8
• Thursday, June 22
• Thursday, July 27
New freshmen can sign up for group enrollment at www.ecok.edu/asc or contact the Academic Success Center at 580-559-5696 with any questions.
Alumni Events
Around Campus
Criminal Justice Award
City of Ada Police Officer Vernon Langley recently received the ECU Department of Criminal Justice Distinguished Alumni Award. The honor was presented during the ECU Professional Programs in Human Services awards banquet.
50th graduate from WRPM
On Saturday, May 6, Stacie MacCollister became the 50th graduate of the Water Resource Policy and Management (WRPM) Master of Science program at ECU. For more information on the WRPM at ECU, visit ecok.edu/wrpm
Dance Recitals
ECU was happy to host Central Oklahoma Dance Center and Dance Dynamics spring recitals at the Hallie Brown Ford Fine Arts Center.
Prom Season
ECU campus provided a backdrop for proms and promenades as local high schools held their annual events.
U.S. Rep Tom Cole visits Ada
Director of ECU’s Collegiate Officer Program Thom Parr, left, U.S. Rep. Tom Cole, center, and Preston Draper, right, alongside ECU students from the Introduction to Law Enforcement class recently at a town hall event sponsored by Ada Chamber of Commerce.
East Central University is now offering a Pathway for LPNs
ECU now offers a pathway for LPN's to become an RN through an agreement with five reputable technology centers. Mid-America Technology Center in Wayne, Southern Technology Center in Ardmore, Pontotoc Technology Center in Ada, Gordon Cooper Technology Center in Shawnee, and Wes Watkins Technology Center in Wetumka To learn more, visit ecok.edu/lpnpathways.
ECU Sports Administration master’s degree ranked as a top program in the nation
The Master of Education in Sports Administration at East Central University has been recognized nationally as one of the top online master's programs in the country. The program’s popularity continues to grow, producing highly successful graduates, while tailoring to students all over the world. The program was featured on several top lists. Those rankings include Best Online Master’s Degrees in Sports Management (#19) by onlinemastersdegrees.org, Best Online Master’s in Sports Management (#24) by academic influence.com, Best Online Master’s in Sports Management (#8) by zdnet.com, and Most Affordable Top-Ranked Schools for Masters in Sports Management Degree Programs (#2) by sports-management-degrees.com
Upcoming Events
September 5 - Volleyball vs. Langston, 7 p.m. - HOME
September 7 - Football vs. Southern Arkansas, 6 p.m. HOME
September 9 - Step out of Darkness, 9:30 a.m.
ECU awards $10,000 scholarship to one lucky student
Recently, an Ada High School graduate, Gentry Brown, was the winner of a $10,000 scholarship to ECU. Brown, pictured with President Godwin, entered a contest where she posted a video and explained why she wanted the scholarship.
Soccer vs. UT-Tyler, 1 p.m. HOME
September 11 - Area Wide College Fair, 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m., Chickasaw Business & Conference Center
September 12 - Volleyball vs. Southern Nazarene, 7 p.m. HOME
September 13
- ECU Tiger Esports Open House -Blood Drive, 10 a.m. Regents Room -Paint and Pawsitive Action, 2 p.m. Regents Room
September 14 - Gathering Place, OU MFA Student Exhibit, Artists' Talk and Reception, 4 p.m. Pogue Art Gallery
ECU sends historic class to Law School
East Central University recently announced that nine outstanding Political Science and Legal Studies majors will enter law school this fall. This remarkable group of students represents the largest and most diverse class to date produced by the Department of Politics, Law and Society. To learn more, visit ecok.edu/news
PACT Act Resource Fair Coming to ECU
Belcher to lead the Oklahoma Library Association
As of July 1, Dana Belcher (ECU Alum and Lincheid Library Director) is now the president of the OLA. East Central University hosted the annual OLA leadership retreat for state-wide librarians.
Caring, Trustworthy & Committed to Excellence
Upcoming Events
September 15 - Volleyball vs. USAO, 2 p.m, vs. Huston-Tillotson, 6 p.m. HOME
September 18 - The Marriage of Figaro, 7 p.m., Atloa Theatre
September 19 - Volleyball vs. SWOSU, 6 p.m.
September 20 - Rothbaum Lecture: The Articles of Confederation, 7 p.m., University Center
September 22
-Alumni Golf Tourn, 7:30 a.m. - Alumni Gala, 6:30 p.m. CBCC
September 23 HOMECOMING
- Pancake Breakfast, 9:30 a.m., Perfect Blend
- Soccer vs. Harding, 11 a.m. HOME
- Parade, noon on Main Street
- Activities on Main, 1-4 p.m.
- Football vs. Oklahoma Baptist, 6 p.m. HOME
- Black Alumni Assoc Mixer, 9 p.m. Football Parking Lot
Bret D. Eisenhower Scholarship
ECU student Kanon Springer (left), of Durant, was presented with the Bret D. Isenhower Scholarship by President Wendell Godwin. The scholarship is awarded each year to those who, by virtue of their commitments and actions, live up to Bret’s example.
ECU set to host College Fair
Future college students are encouraged to attend the Ada Area Wide College Fair on Sept. 11 from 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. in the Chickasaw Business and Conference Center. This will be an opportunity for future students to explore colleges and universities from all over our state. For more information call 580-559-5628.
ECU student interns at Mt. Vernon
East Central University student and Ada resident Cas Northcutt was selected for the 10-week Historic Trades Internship at Mount Vernon – George Washington’s home in Virginia. Northcutt is a history and political science major, so this opportunity was the perfect fit. Read more at ecok.edu/news.
ECU students provide grant support
Students in ECU's Department of Biological and Environmental Services partnered with Chickasaw Nation Environmental Services to support a grant which included a stream bioassessment at a site on the Blue River as part of their water quality monitoring efforts throughout the Chickasaw Nation.
Summer Time at ECU PLC Retreat, Alumni Reunions, Sports Camps, Robotics Camp and more made campus feel ALIVE this summer.
ECU Receives $7 Million for Nursing Program
Thanks to Oklahoma’s American Rescue Plan Act, ECU will be receiving $7 million in funding which will go towards the construction of a new building that will allow ECU to expand the School of Nursing even further. The new building will house ECU’s Nursing and STEM programs. For more information, visit ecok.edu/news.
SPRING 2024
Priority Enrollment
Begins November 6
Golden Tigers Honored
ECU’s Golden Tiger, those who graduated 50 years ago or longer, were honored this Homecoming season. Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby was among those presented with the Golden Tiger medallion by ECU President Wendell Godwin.
Upcoming Events
October 3
- Study Abroad Fair, 9 a.m.
- Go Global, 11 a.m.
October 5
- Grounded: Chalk Art Festival, 8:30 a.m.
- Watkins Lecture, 12:30 p.m.
- Over the River and Through the Woods, 7:30 p.m.
October 6 & 7
- Over the River and Through the Woods, 7:30 p.m.
October 9
- Indigenous Peoples Day
- Gathering Place, OU MFA Student Exhibit Ends
October 12 & 13 - Fall Break
October 16
- 69th Annual ECU Faculty Exhibit Begins
- Residence Hall Building Wide Events
ECU Athletics Hall of Fame
The 2024 class features Mike and Karen Smith (distinguished service), Scott Linn (distinguished coach), Calvin Prince (distinguished athletic alumni), Robert Dudley (distinguished athletic alumni), and Teresa Jones-Benson (student-athlete). ECU will also welcome into the Hall of Fame of Tiger greats the 1993 NAIA National Championship Football team
ECU Athletes Recognized
Aspel Kiprob was named Great American Conference Runner of the Week after winning in the individual title and a firstplace team finish at the Missouri Southern Stampede.
Sydney Roshek was named Great American Conference Volleyball Defensive Player of the Week for the week of September 11-16.
ECU Alumni Speaks to Students
Levi Phillipe, an ECU Alumnus and current representative for NBC Sports International, spoke to ECU’s Mass Communication students in the Hallie Brown Ford Fine Arts Center.
Caring, Trustworthy & Committed to Excellence
Upcoming Events
October 19
- QPR Suicide Prevention Training, 3 p.m.
October 21
- Preview Day, 8 a.m.
October 25
- Talk Saves Lives: An Introduction to Suicide Prevention, 3 p.m.
October 27
- Soccer vs SWOSU, 3 p.m.
October 28
- Football vs ATU, 2 p.m.
ECU’s Online Kinesiology
Bachelor’s program has been ranked a top 10 program by University HQ. University HQ factors in a wide range of information to offer the most up to date facts and guidance on selecting the right university and program for prospective students.
For more information on ECU's Kinesiology ranking visit, ecok.edu/news.
Step Out of the Darkness
Hundreds of people gathered for a day of prevention and recovery for the 2023 "Step Out of the Darkness" event to shed light on the truths about drug addiction and dependency. The event is sponsored by the Brandon Whitten Institute for Addiction and Recovery at ECU and the Pontotoc County Drug Free Coalition.
Mozart’s Marriage of Figaro…on the Ranch
The Garvin County Choral Society & Sinfonietta, in collaboration with ECU, brought their own twist to Mozart's world-renowed opera to the Ataloa Theatre in September.
Dr. Brad Clampitt presented the annual Rothbaum Lecture
In recognition of Constitution Day, Dr. Clampitt discussed "The Articles of Confederation" before a packed crowd in the Estep Multimedia Center.
Veterans from across the state traveled to ECU to attend the PACT Act Resource Fair on Sept. 14. Veterans received assistance with a variety of VA healthcare services.
PACT Act Resource Fair
ECU and Oka' Welcome Visiting Professor Stephen Agong'
Dr. Stephen Agong’ arrived at ECU as a visiting professor as part of a collaboration between ECU, the Oka' Water Institute and Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST) in Bondo, Kenya. He will research, teach courses, and work on grants.
Oka' Institute Director Duane Smith, who earlier this year received an Honorary Doctorate from JOOUST is excited to welcome Agong’. “I think it is just incredible,” Smith said, “ECU and Oka have an unparalleled opportunity to get grants and build relationships for water sustainability.” Many ECU personnel, including President Wendell Godwin, spent months planning to make the visiting professorship a reality.
Join Us @ ECU Preview Day
At "ECU Preview Day" future students will experience all that our campus has to offer and learn what it's like to be an ECU student. Register today @ apply.ecok.edu/register/previewdayoct21.
"Uniting for Water: A Collaborative Approach to Integrated
This conference aims to bring together experts from various fields to discuss the challenges and opportunities in integrated water resource management. Keynote speakers, panel discussions, and interactive sessions will explore topics such as sustainable water management, innovative technologies, and policy frameworks. By participating in this event, you'll have the opportunity to network with fellow professionals and gain insights into best practices and emerging trends. Registration and a full schedule are available at okainstitute.org/okacon2023
October 5-7 @ 7:30 p.m.
Chalmers Herman Theatre
Hallie Brown Ford Fine Arts Center 920 E. Main Street, Ada, Oklahoma 74820
ECU Alumni Golf Tournament
Parade
2023 Alumni Gala HC Soccer Game
Executive Director of the Oka’ Institute, Duane Smith, characterized the partnership as “the harmonious culmination of our institutional vision, Oka’ and OSU’s focus on practical water solutions using science-based water research”. For more information on this collaboration, visit ecok.edu/news
Recruiting the future Tigers
Begins November 6
The Office of Admissions and Recruitment led two largely successful events on campus last month with more than 400 prospective students and their families experiencing what life is like being a Tiger!
November 2
Upcoming Events
- BES Research Seminar, 12 p.m.
- ECU Showtime Presents: I Want My Mummy, 7:30 p.m.
November 3
- ECU Showtime Presents: I Want My Mummy, 7:30 p.m.
November 4
- ECU Showtime Presents: I want My Mummy, 7:30 p.m.
November 6
- Spring 2024 priority registration (Honors & Student Support Services)
- Indigenous Language Revitalization Workshop - Chickasaw community members, 6 p.m.
November 7
- Spring 2024 priority registration (Graduate Students and Undergraduate Seniors)
- 2023 Interscholastic Meet, 9 a.m.
November 8
- Spring 2024 priority registration (Juniors & Transfer)
- Oka' Conference, 8 a.m.
- SPARC Workshop, 9 a.m.
- Blood Drive, 10 a.m.
- Linscheid LibraryCrafts Night, 12 p.m. - 8 p.m.
- SGA Senate Meeting, 6 p.m.
November 9
- Spring 2024 priority registration (Sophomores)
- Oka' Conference, 8 a.m.
- BES Research Seminar 12 p.m.
- 69th Annual ECU Faculty Exhibit Reception 5 p.m.
ECU Students visit New York City over Fall Break as part of the President's Leadership Class of 2023-24
Stokes Lecture
The 2023 Oklahoma Teacher of the Year, Traci Manuel, delivered the 2023 Marvin Stokes Lecture.
RUSO Regent Connie Reilly, a retired educator, also inspired ECU's future educators.
The Dept. of Education awarded approximately $100,000 in scholarships to current ECU students.
Caring, Trustworthy & Committed to Excellence
Upcoming Events
November 10
- Spring 2024 priority registration (Continuing Freshmen)
- ACT II TheatreThe Play that Goes Wrong, 7 p.m.
November 11 & 12
- ACT II TheatreThe Play that Goes Wrong, 7 p.m.
November 13
- Spring 2024 priority registration (Freshmen & Open Enrollment)
- Indigenous Language ` Revitalization WorkshopPotawatomi Nation, 6 p.m.
November 14
- Spring 2024 priority registration (Concurrent Students by Appt.)
- 69th Annual ECU Faculty Exhibit Ends, 5 p.m.
- ECU Percussion Ensemble, 7:30 p.m.
Cross Country sweeps 2023 GAC Championships
In an impressive feat, the Tigers claimed the individual title for both the men's and women's teams to accomplish a clean sweep.
Director of the EPA, Dr. Saba Tahmassebi, spoke at the 2023 Watkins Lecture. Watkins Lecture
Indigenous Peoples' Day
Students organized an event in honor of Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Speakers from across the state discussed insights, stories and a deeper understanding of Native Nations.
"Uniting
for Water: A Collaborative Approach to Integrated Water Resources Management.''
This conference aims to bring together experts from various fields to discuss the challenges and opportunities in integrated water resource management. Keynote speakers, panel discussions, and interactive sessions will explore topics such as sustainable water management, innovative technologies, and policy frameworks.
Registration and a full schedule are available at okainstitute.org/okacon2023
Global Integrated Water Resource Management Course
The Oka' Institute is partnering with Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST) from Bondo, Kenya.
Ten Kenyan students and professors were invited to participate and will join approximately ten ECU students.
Applications open
Chickasaw Nation Gift
The Chickasaw Nation and Governor Bill Anoatubby have announced a lead gift of $5 million that will go towards the construction of a new building that will house ECU’s Nursing and STEM programs, and allow ECU to expand the School of Nursing even further. Read more about this gift at ecok.edu/news.
Paula Kedy
More than 300 East Central University students are preparing for graduation with ECU's 2023 Distinguished Alumna, Paula Kedy, serving as the keynote speaker. Commencement will take place Dec. 9 at 10 a.m. in the Kerr Activities Center.
December 2
Upcoming Events
- Women's Basketball vs. Southern Nazarene, 1 p.m.
-Men's Basketball vs. Southern Nazarene, 3 p.m.
December 7
- Ada Public Schools Exhibit Begins & Reception, 5 p.m.
December 8
- Fall Semester (FA23) Ends, 5 p.m.
December 9
- Honors Grad Ceremony, 8 a.m. - Commencement Ceremony, 10 a.m.
- Women's Basketball vs. Southwestern Oklahoma, 5:30 p.m.
- Men's Basketball vs. Southwestern Oklahoma 5:30 p.m.
December 18
- Winter Break - Campus Closed
- Winter Intersession Begins
- Men's Basketball vs John Brown, 3 p.m.
ECU and local institutions join forces to aid
Michelin employess
Institutions of higher education and CareerTech in Southern Oklahoma are partnering to provide career pathways for Michelin employees. For more information, visit ecok.edu/news.
Rick McMurtrey named ECU Entrepreneur of the Year
Rick McMurtrey was recently named East Central University’s 2023 Entrepreneur of the Year and presented the annual Limes Lecture to college and visiting high school students. For more information, visit ecok.edu/news.
Connor saves father's life
Reece Conner (pictured right), a junior Kinesiology major at ECU, saved his father’s life earlier this year, due in large part to what he learned in a class from ECU instructor Matt McGaha (pictured left). For the full story, visit ecok.edu/news.
To see all scholarship opportunities and apply, visit ecok.edu/scholarships.
Winter Break
Campus closed December 18 - January 1
Oka' Con 2023 brings distinguished guests to campus
The Oka' Institute at ECU hosted the annual Oka' Con in November, which was attended by several distinguished alumni, professionals and keynote speakers.
To submit a nomination for the 2024 ECU Distinguished Award, visit ecok.edu/2024Nominations
begin Jan. 16, 2024
John Litrenta
TigerScheduleBasketball
Dec. 2 vs. Southern Nazarene
Dec. 9 vs. Southwestern
Dec. 16 at Oklahoma Baptist
Dec. 18 vs. John Brown (men only)
Jan. 4 at Arkansas Tech
Jan. 6 at Harding
Jan. 11 vs. Arkansas-Monticello
Jan. 13 vs. Southern Arkansas
Jan. 18 at Ouachita Baptist
Jan. 20 at Henderson State
Jan. 25 vs. Southeastern
Jan. 27 at Northwestern
Feb. 1 vs. Harding
Feb. 3 vs. Arkansas Tech
Feb. 18 at Southern Arkansas
Feb. 10 at Arkansas-Monticello
Feb. 15 at Southeastern
Feb. 17 at Southern Nazarene
Feb. 22 vs. Henderson State
Feb. 24 vs. Ouachita Baptist
Feb. 29 at Southwestern
March 2 vs. Oklahoma Baptist
*Home games in orange
For full athletic schedules and game times, visit ecutigers.com
John Litrenta named head football coach
East Central University President Wendell Godwin and Athletic Director Matt Cole announced today the removal of the interim tag from John Litrenta, naming him the 20th head coach in the history of the ECU football program. Read more at ecutigers.com
ECU Cross Country team places 3rd in NCAA Championships
The No. 5 East Central University men's cross country team made history at the 2023 NCAA Division II Championships, placing third for the highest finish in program history.
Devin Roush named Harlon Hill Trophy nominee
East Central University football standout Devon Roush has been selected as a nominee for the prestigious 2023 Harlon Hill Trophy, recognizing the top player in Division II football. Read more at ecutigers.com.
