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Tiger Tracks

See what’s up with your fellow alums

- 1960s Earl Waters (’62) taught English for 34 years in Colorado and Kansas, first in junior high and then in junior college. He has a master’s degree from the University of Northern Colorado in Greely. The Memorial Student Union at ECU was his favorite place to hang out, and in particular, The Corral, which was a room off to the side that had booths and a small dance floor. They would drink coffee and smoke lots of cigarettes (everybody did then), engage in endless discussions, listen to the juke box, and, if a few game girls should amble in, they might even do a bit of dancing. Waters met his wife Frieta at ECU.

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- 1970s Ralph Turner (‘71) is proud to be an ECU graduate. The business education major has many positive memories of people including Dr. Bill Tillman, Dan Marker and his Pi Kappa Alpha house mother Mom Anderson and places like Pizza Hut, LaFraqua, Oak Hills DriveIn, Folgers and the ZTA, Alpha Gam and Chi O lounges. Homecoming was always a fun time working on floats and participating in the homecoming parade. “It has been almost 40 years, since I graduated from ECSC and I consider those years in Ada, among the most fun years in my life.”

Rodney Gray (’72) became the 52nd inductee into the Oklahoma Accounting Hall of Fame during the Oklahoma Society of Certified Public Accountants’ annual awards ceremony. Gray is a principle/shareholder with Gray Blodgett & Company PLLC in Norman. He passed the CPA exam in July 1974, joined the OSCPA within three months and has been actively serving since then. Gray has served on the OSCPA’s Taxation Committee for 12 years and has chaired it for three years. He also has served on the Personal Financial Planning, Government Relations, Peer Review and Planning Committees, chaired the Insurance Committee and is currently the bylaws chair. Gray also has served three terms on the OSCPA’s Board of Directors. He’s a past president of the OSCPA and of the OSCPA Norman Chapter, which named him its 2003 Distinguished CPA. Dr. Betsy Ballard (’73) retired at the end of this school year after dedicating 36 years of her life to teaching. She taught English, speech, drama and debate at Norman High School. Ballard won the Medal for Excellence in Secondary Teaching from the Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence. Ballard is a National Board Certified teacher who has won numerous national honors, including the National Forensic League’s Five Diamond Coach Award.

Pam Deering (’73) is the new superintendent of Mid-Del Public Schools. Deering has worked for the district since 1995, most recently serving as deputy superintendent of fiscal services and human services. She has also worked at Moore and Oklahoma City Public Schools and the State Department of Education. She is married to Maj. Gen. Myles Deering, the adjutant general for the Oklahoma National Guard. Born in Pauls Valley, Deering graduated from Elmore City High School and earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from ECU. She received a master of education in supervision and special education from Texas Woman’s University and a doctor of philosophy in education administration-curriculum and instruction from the University of Oklahoma.

Earlier this year President Barack Obama welcomed the 1985 Chicago Bears, including Clifford Thrift (’79), to the White House to celebrate the 25th anniversary of their Super Bowl XX championship. They never got the opportunity to visit the White House because the space shuttle Challenger tragedy occured two days after Super Bowl XX. For Thrift it was an honor and privilege to meet the President while enjoying an entire day at the White House. He said Obama was a gracious and friendly guy who seemed as excited to meet the Bears as they were to meet him.

- 1980s Paula Tooman (’81), principal of Paoli Elementary School retired at the end of the school year after working for more than three decades in education. Other than going to college to earn her degrees from ECU and the University of Oklahoma, and four years as a teacher at Whitebead, she hasn’t spent too many years away from Paoli. Her favorite subjects to teach were science and math. Tooman plans to enjoy all the time she can with her grandchildren Ruett and Sophie. She’ll also continue to volunteer at the First Baptist Church where she sings in the choir and plays the piano.

Lieutenant Colonel Michael Simpson (‘87) is a career officer in the U.S. Army having served primarily in Europe in his 24 years of duty. He is currently working as the Chief of Plans, Programs and Policy for USARAF G1 which is the Human Resources function and has been assigned to Italy for two years with one more year to complete. He and his wife Kimberly have been married 24 years and are both from Stroud. They have one son, Miles age 13, and an Irish terrier named Jimmy. While at ECU Simpson enjoyed participating in ROTC and taking classes from Dr. Bill Zellner, who always made him think and influenced him to major in sociology.

- 1990s -

Latricia Trammell (’92) has been tapped to be the head coach for the Oklahoma City University women’s basketball team. She served as an assistant coach for the Stars from 2005 to 2007. Trammell returns to Oklahoma City after serving as Western State’s head coach the past five seasons. She led her teams to a 170-121 record. Trammell led Western State to five consecutive Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference Shootout appearances, including the championship game this past season. She majored in biology at ECU.

Jayme Karrel Jackson (’97) and Jeff Murray exchanged wedding vows July 23, 2011, at the Morris Memorial Baptist Church. Jayme is a 1992 graduate of Latta High School and graduated from ECU in 1997. Jeff graduated in 1988 from Campus High School in Wichita, Kan., in 1993 from the University of Louisiana-Monroe, and in 2009 from Webster University-St. Louis, Mo.

Holly Stuart (’98) is a vice president/accounting officer for Vision Bank in Ada. The certified internal auditor said her most significant business achievement was obtaining her CPA. She said her most significant personal achievements are “marrying the man of my dreams and taking care of my two wonderful boys.” Stuart is a volunteer for the House of Hope, a member of Young Professionals of Ada and is a board member of Big Brothers / Big Sisters of Ada. She is also a member of Trinity Baptist Church where she serves as a greeter, nursery worker and a preschool aide. Stuart is a graduate of the Graduate School of Banking at Colorado. She was named a Trailblazer by the Oklahoma Society of Certified Public Accountants which honors the innovation, professional dedication and community commitment of the OSCPA’s New CPAs, defined as members who are under 40 or have five or fewer years of CPA experience.

- 2000s -

Hillary Farrell (‘00) has been named co-president of Ackerman McQueen advertising agency. An eleven-year veteran of Ackerman McQueen, Farrell had served as the firm’s chief operating officer since 2009. Farrell began her career with the agency in broadcast production and has rapidly advanced through a series of positions with increased responsibility. Active in the Oklahoma City community, Farrell currently holds leadership positions with a number of community organizations, including the Junior League of Oklahoma City, United Way of Central Oklahoma and Allied Arts and serves on the board of the Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition. She is former president of the ECU Alumni Association Board of Directors. She was a mass communications major and George Nigh Scholar at ECU.

Brad Lucas (‘00) teaches history and coaches baseball at Purcell High School. He is a Wayne High School graduate and HPER major at ECU. Lucas and his wife, Shelby, have two children, Tinley and Presley.

Matthew Cole Frye (‘01) and Sarah Anne Adams were united in marriage on Sept. 10, 2011, at the Ada Central Church of Christ. Sarah is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma, Norman. She is self-employed as an Oil & Gas Landman and also manages online and retail sales for her family’s pecan business. Matthew is a graduate of ECU with a degree in business administration finance. He is a businessman and entrepreneur. He, along with his two brothers, founded, own and operate Frye Brother’s Construction Inc., headquartered in Ada.

Jennifer Hudson (’02) and Chris Covington (’11) exchanged wedding vows Aug. 6, 2011, at the Ada Church of Christ. Jennifer is a 1998 graduate of Byng High School and graduated in 2002 from ECU with a degree in family and consumer science. She is employed by Hudson Furniture and Ada Energy Services. Chris graduated from Bray Doyle High School in 1999 and 2011 from ECU with a degree in accounting. He is employed at Walmart Distribution in Pauls Valley.

Sara Lynn Harris and Steven Kyle Lee (‘04) exchanged wedding vows March 17, 2012, at the First Baptist Church in Wilson. Sara graduated from Wilson High School and Murray State College where she earned her associate degree in nursing. She currently works as a perianesthesia registered nurse at Mercy Memorial Health Center in Ardmore. Steven graduated from Wilson High School and ECU in 2004 where he earned his bachelor’s in education. He currently works as a teacher/ coach for Lone Grove Public Schools.

Jericho Byrd (‘04) and Josh Allen exchanged wedding vows Sept. 3, 2011, at Fossil Creek Ranch. Jericho graduated from Allen High School in 1999 and ECU in 2004 with a degree in human services counseling. She is employed by Healing Touch as a certified massage therapist. Josh is a 2003 graduate of Roff High School and employed by Nomac Drilling.

Jessica Sparks and Curtis Alexander (‘04) exchanged wedding vows Dec. 17, 2011, in Las Vegas. Jessica graduated from Davis High School and earned her Bachelor of Science degree in education from Oklahoma State University. She earned her master’s degree in education/school counseling from the University of the Southwest in Hobbs, N.M. She is currently employed as a child welfare specialist at the Department of Human Services in Stillwater. Curtis graduated from Maysville High School and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in criminal justice from ECU in 2004. From 2005-2008, he served in the Army Military Intelligence with the XVIII Airborne Corps and JSOC. He is currently employed as a criminal intelligence analyst at the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics in Tulsa.

Jessica Dyan Mueller (‘07) and Steve Michael Tilley (‘05) were united in marriage on Sept. 10, 2011, at the First Christian Church in Sulphur. Jessica graduated in 2003 from Sulphur High School and in 2007 from ECU with a Bachelor of Art degree in history. She is employed at Sulphur Middle School as a sixth-grade teacher. Steve graduated in 2001 from Byng High School and in 2005 from ECU with a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting. He is employed at Vision Bank as an assistant branch manager at the Arlington location in Ada.

Edna Elizabeth Brown and David Shannon McKaughan (‘06) exchanged wedding vows Nov. 11, 2011. Edna graduated from Eufaula High School in 1999 and from Wellesley College in Wellesley, Mass., in 2003 with a Bachelor in Anthropology. She is currently employed as a secretary for Kiamichi Technology Centers. David graduated form Savanna High School in 2000 and from ECU in 2006 with a degree in Biology. He is currently employed as a lab technician for the Warren Clinic.

Janessa Jean Long (‘07) and Joshua Michael Lawrence exchanged wedding vows June 16, 2012, at Fort Caswell in Oak Island, N.C. Janessa is a 2003 graduate of Ada High School. In 2007 she graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from ECU in family and consumer sciences education and later received a Master of Science degree in counselor education from East Carolina University in 2010. Joshua is a 2005 graduate of South Brunswick High School and received a Bachelor of Arts in biology in 2009 from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He is studying toward a Masters of Divinity from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. He is employed at Reach UNC, a Christian ministry on the campus of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Emily Cook (‘08) and Chris Dodge exchanged w e d d i n g vows April 28, 2012, at the Emmanuel Baptist church in Ardmore. Emily graduated from Ardmore High School and earned her Bachelor of Science degree in family and consumer sciences from ECU in 2008. She currently works as an administrative assistant at Oklahoma State University in Ardmore. Chris graduated from Plainview High School and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in safety and environmental sciences from the University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond. He currently works as a pump runner/ well site safety leader for Halliburton Energy Services, Inc., in Duncan.

Tori Petete (’08) works for Devon Energy and is a current member of the ECU Alumni Association Board of Directors. Shown congratulating Tori on becoming a CPA are her sister Kamberly Skoch (’05) and mother Vicky Petete (’11).

Heather Pruett (’08) and Shawn Mullens exchanged wedding vows Feb. 4, 2012, in Broken Bow. Heather is a 2003 graduate of Pauls Valley High School and a 2008 graduate of ECU with a degree in environmental health science. She currently works for The State Bank of Wynnewood as a loan documentation specialist. Shawn is a 2001 graduate of Pauls Valley High School and currently works for Haliburton Energy Services as a Logging and Perforating Engineer.

Dakota Cole (‘08) is proof that a career as a CPA can lead you anywhere. The director of Management Reporting for the Chickasaw Nation in Ada, he is also the owner of Cole Brothers Cattle. After high school, Cole decided to follow in his family’s footsteps and build an elite cow herd with the intention of becoming a premier breeder in the seed stock sector of the U.S. beef industry. He plans to start an agricultural financial service firm that provides farmers and ranchers with the services they need to be successful in today’s economy. He intends to combine his experiences within the industry along with his education to create a regionally recognized financial institution known for value-added services. Cole is a member of Citizens Academy – Oklahoma Community Institute, assists the Tishomingo FFA and volunteers for the Oklahoma City Regional Food Bank. He was named a Trailblazer by the Oklahoma Society of Certified Public Accountants which honors the innovation, professional dedication and community commitment of the OSCPA’s New CPAs, defined as members who are under 40 or have five or fewer years of CPA experience.

Breanne Elizabeth Yott (’08) and Matthew James Dean (‘11) exchanged wedding vows July 30, 2011, at the First United Methodist Church of Ada. Breanne is a 2004 graduate of Konawa High School and graduated in 2008 from ECU with a degree in early childhood education. She is employed by Tecumseh Public Schools. Mathew graduated from Ada High School in 2004 and from ECU with a degree in business in 2011. He is employed by Landmark Bank of Ada.

Megan Nicole Shultz (‘08) and Jesse Ray Murray (‘12), exchanged wedding vows Oct. 1, 2011, in Prague. Megan is a 2004 graduate of Prague High School and 2008 graduate of ECU with a Bachelor of Science. She is employed at Valley View Outpatient Physical Therapy. Jesse is a 2004 graduate of Byng High School and a 2012 graduate of ECU with a degree in environmental health science.

Melissa Byers (‘09) and Joshua Benson exchanged wedding vows Nov. 19, 2011, at the Thunderbird Chapel in Norman. Melissa is a 2002 graduate of Roff High School and a 2009 graduate of ECU with a degree in general studies. She is employed by Kal Drilling Inc. located in Oklahoma City. Joshua is a 2004 graduate of Noble High School; he is employed by the Chickasaw Nation, Norman.

After five years at Charles Evans Elementary, Ellen Patty (’09) is returning home to become the principal of Lincoln Elementary in Ardmore. She taught at Lincoln for 13 years before serving as the Title I coordinator and literacy coach at Charles Evans. She received her bachelor’s degree from Southeastern Oklahoma State University and her master’s degree from ECU. While Patty has always worked at Ardmore City Schools, this is her first time as an administrator.

Sam Caton (‘09) has joined the Lindsay Public School system as the assistant high school boys’ basketball coach, junior high softball coach, junior high basketball coach and high school history teacher. Sam is married to Catie (Parker) Caton (’08 & ’12), Special Events Coordinator for ECU. He is a current member of the ECU Alumni Association Board of Directors and just completed his master’s degree in secondary school administration.

Barbara Miller (’09) is now the Director of Business Development and Marketing at Valley View Regional Hospital in Ada. She graduated with a major in business administration marketing and is a current member of the ECU Alumni Association Board of Directors.

- 2010s -

Lauren Hayley Anderson (‘10) and Robert Daniel Bulen exchanged wedding vows Sept. 17, 2011, at The Arbuckle Wedding Chapel in Davis. Lauren graduated from Stonewall High School in 2003 and ECU in 2010. She is employed at Rhynes and Rhodes Furniture, Ada. Robert is a 2008 graduate of Allen High School and is employed by R & R Pipeline.

Rae Ann Henderson (’10) and Landon Cash Greathouse, exchanged wedding vows Oct. 1, 2011, at the Deer Creek Lodge in Davis. Rae Ann graduated from Plainview High School and ECU in 2010 where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in education. She is currently working on her master’s degree in secondary education. Landon graduated from Plainview High School and the University of Oklahoma and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in petroleum engineering. He is currently employed as a petroleum engineer at Mewbourne Oil Company in Perryton, Texas.

Mary Barnes and Jacob Castleberry (‘10) exchanged wedding vows Nov. 11, 2011, at the First Baptist Church of Union Valley. Mary graduated in 2002 from Tishomingo High School and is a public safety dispatcher in Ada. Jacob is a 2006 graduate of Ada High School and a 2010 graduate from ECU with a degree in criminal justice. He is a deputy for the Pontotoc County Sheriff’s office.

Carmen Mondejar (’10) and Justin Carter (‘10) exchanged wedding vows Dec. 10, 2011, at the Thunderbird Chapel in Norman. Carmen is a 2010 graduate of ECU with a Bachelor of Science Degree in mass communication and a Bachelor of Science Degree in sociology. Justin graduated in 2010 from ECU with a Bachelor of Science Degree in sociology.

Vicky Petete (’11) became the 53rd inductee into the Oklahoma Accounting Hall of Fame during the Oklahoma Society of Certified Public Accountants’ annual awards ceremony. Petete, the executive vice president and CFO with Vision Bank in Ada, became the newest member of an elite class of Oklahoma CPAs. An OSCPA member since 1980, she has spent most of her career working for and with Bill Horne, Sr. at Horne & Company P.C. and at Vision Bank. Petete worked with the faculty at ECU to develop a 150-hour master’s of accounting degree. She was instrumental in bringing CPAs throughout the state into the classroom to discuss regulatory reporting for each of their respective industries. For more than 25 years, she has assisted ECU students pursuing their accounting degrees. Throughout the years, she has been an advisor to the Accounting Club, as well as a presenter at their meetings. She is now an ECU financial literacy adjunct instructor.

Jessica Dianne Pruitt (’11) and Chasen Cole Bennett (‘10) exchanged wedding vows Nov. 5, 2011, at Trinity Baptist Church in Ada. Jessica is a 2007 graduate of VelmaAlma High School and a 2011 graduate from ECU with a degree in nursing. She is employed at Valley View Regional Hospital, Ada, as a registered nurse. Chasen graduated in 2005 from Latta High School and from ECU in 2010 with a degree in cartography. He is employed by Bennett Construction.

Joanna Firebaugh and Darren Briley (’11) exchanged wedding vows July 16, 2011 in Blacklick, Ohio. Joanna is a 2007 graduate of Houston High School and a 2011 Graduate of Oklahoma Baptist University, Shawnee, with a degree in early childhood-elementary education. Darren is a 2007 graduate of Ada High School and a 2011 graduate of ECU with a degree in criminal justice law enforcement.

Kristi Wood (’11) and Scotty Maxwell, exchanged wedding vows Sept. 17, 2011, at the Garden Center in Ardmore. Kristi graduated from Plainview High School and ECU in 2011 earning her Master of Science degree in psychological services. She is employed as a children’s therapist at LifeSkills in Glasgow, Ky. Scotty graduated from Guymon High School and Oklahoma State University, earning his Bachelor of Science in advertising. He is employed as general manager of the Glasgow Daily Times.

Tiffani Shepherd (’11) completed her first year of teaching in 2011-2012 as an intermediate teacher at Purcell Schools. She is a graduate of Dibble High School. She is married to Kyle.

Dustie Butner (’11) and Jordan Baker announced their upcoming wedding Sept. 29, 2012, in Shawnee. Dustie earned her bachelor’s degree in agricultural communications from Oklahoma State University in 2005 and her master’s degree in human resources in administration from ECU in 2011. She is employed with Seminole State College as the coordinator of media relations. Jordan is employed by major league baseball as a Triple A minor league umpire.

Crystal Brooke Martin and Eldon Trent Gentry II (‘11), were united in marriage on Oct. 1, 2011, at the First Baptist Church in Paden. Crystal is a 2007 graduate of Paden High School. She received a Bachelor of Science degree in radiation therapy at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center in May 2011. She is currently employed at Deaconess Radiation Oncology Center in Oklahoma City. Eldon is a 2007 graduate of Earlsboro High School. Eldon received a Bachelor of Science degree in education at ECU in May 2011. He is currently teaching in the Oklahoma City Public Schools District.

Darci Lynn Williams (’11) and Derek Clayton Bowen were united in marriage on Sept. 10, 2011, at Bella Vista on the Boulevard in Durant. Darci is a 2007 graduate of Silo High School and a 2011 graduate of ECU with a Bachelor of Science in nursing and is currently employed at Texoma Medical Center in Denison, Texas. Derek is a 2006 graduate of Silo High School and is currently employed at Tetrachem Seal Company Inc. in Durant.

Kailee Renee’ Kimrey (‘11) and Bobby Howard Branscum (‘11) exchanged wedding vows March 24, 2012, in Oklahoma City. Kailee is a 2011 graduate of ECU with a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing and is employed as a registered nurse at Valley View Regional Hospital. Bobby is a 2011 graduate of ECU with a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration and is special assistant to the chief human resources officer at the Chickasaw Nation Division of Commerce.

Alisha Marie Loyd and Joshua James Norton (’11), were united in marriage July 23, 2011, at the First Baptist church in Wilson. Alisha graduated from Wilson High School and Southeastern Oklahoma State University in Durant where she obtained her Bachelor of Art in communications. Joshua graduated from Wilson High School and ECU in 2011 and obtained his bachelor’s degree in general studies.

Ashley Jean Branscum (‘12) and Matthew D a v i d Hackler (‘11) exchanged wedding vows on Sept. 10, 2011, at the First Free Will Baptist Church in Checotah. Ashley is a 2006 graduate of Checotah High School and a 2012 graduate of ECU with a degree in

This picture was taken at the Konawa Alumni Reunion in July of 2011. These are all ECU grads or attendees. Submitted by Beth Vezina. Front row left to right: Drew Fallis, Tommy Brewer, Steve McClure, Jay Douthit, Sandra McClure Johnson, Arthur Johnson, Betty Hightower, Shirley Clark Boren, Brenda Akerman, Donna Butler, Anita Courtney, Jan Fallis Hall, Jennifer Ivey and Lori Roulston Hill Back Row left to right: Roger McClure, Joe Shirley, Ronnie Branscum, Beth Blalock Vezina, Charles Branscum, Khoury Kirkwood, Lorie Merrell Patterson, Lori Wilson North, Paula Shaw Gallagher and Don Gallagher.

instrumental music education. Matthew is a 2006 graduate of Tecumseh High School and a 2011 graduate of ECU. Matthew holds a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in kinesiology.

Victoria Kaelin Roberts and Tanner Klein Anderson (‘11) exchanged wedding vows Oct. 15, 2011, at Legacy Ridge Country Club, Bonham, Texas. Victoria is a 2006 graduate of Whitewright High School and 2011 graduate of Grayson County College LVN Program. She is employed by Angels of Care Pediatric Home Healthcare, Howe, Texas. Tanner is a 2006 Graduate of Achille High School, Achille, and a 2011 graduate of ECU with a Bachelor of Science in nursing. He is employed by Texoma Medical Center, Denison, Texas.

Carson & Adison Hawk Son & Daughter of James “Rich” Hawk, 1995 Olivia & Jack Maner Daughter & Son of Jeremy Maner, ‘92 Isabel & Farris Sutteer Daughters of James Sutteer, 1993

We want to send a FREE T-shirt to your child &/or grandchild! Share your photo & we’ll publish it in an upcoming edition of The Columns. alumni@ecok.edu

Katherine Anne Mulder Daughter of Catherine B. Mulder, ’97 & ‘02

Parker Conner Son of Felicia Conner, ‘03

Hadley Kate Elliott Daughter of Lenzi Elliott, ‘04

Firas & Ranya Hussein Son & Daughter of Shadin Ramadan, ‘95 Carlton Keith VanBuskirk Son of Amanda VanBuskirk, ‘07

Corey Carter Son of Christina Carter, attending & Jessika Bailey, ‘10

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EAST CENTRAL UNIVERSITY HOMECOMING Oct. 6, 2012

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