Message from the President
Dear Alumni and Friends:
Welcome to the Spring 2025 edition of Cameron Magazine.
Cameron University employees and students continue to strive to meet our Core Values – student learning; excellence in teaching, scholarship, service and mentoring; community leadership; shared governance; diversity; and responsible stewardship of resources. As Cameron supporters, you help us realize these values in real-time as we endeavor to be a driving force in the cultural and economic development of the region.
Featured in this edition is a celebration of the newest members of the Cameron Athletics Hall of Fame and the recipients of this year’s Alumni Association Awards. Please pay special attention to the newest Outstanding Aggies of Tomorrow, as I am certain they will be making headlines for many years to come.
I am also pleased to share in these pages the newest inductee into the Oklahoma Higher Education Hall of Fame, former Cameron President Dr. John McArthur. President McArthur joined ten other inductees named to join the HoF during a ceremony held in November 2024, where he emphasized the importance of mentorship to his career path and encouraged others to support higher education in Oklahoma.
We also celebrate recent donations which are already being put to work supporting the mission of the university. Your gifts provide important resources supporting the academic progress of our student body, giving them the skills and knowledge that they share as leaders in our local communities. Two new endowments were added this year that will provide benefits for education majors and support graduating art students with expenses related to their Senior Art Show. Additionally, we celebrate a generous donation which will allow us to do some much needed remodeling of an underused campus building to create a space dedicated to supporting our Cameron Alumni.
Whether it be via a traditional classroom setting, hybrid learning models, or exclusively online offerings, Cameron University continues to deliver exceptional student learning opportunities with highly qualified faculty and staff at an outstanding value. This summer I am pleased to be handing the reins over to Cameron’s 18th President, Dr. C. Shane Hunt. I believe the entire CU community will join me in providing a warm welcome to him when he joins Cameron this summer.
Sincerely,
Jari Askins President
Inside This ISSUE
President Jari Askins
Director of Development and Alumni Relations
Julie Cunningham
Senior Director of Public Affairs
Keith Mitchell
Managing Editor
Janet E. Williams
Graphic Designers
Alex Zakharchenko
Photographers
John Kindred
Keith Mitchell
Janet E. Williams
Alex Zakharchenko
Cameron Magazine is published by Cameron University’s offices of Public Affairs and Alumni Relations. For more information, call (580) 5812211 or (580) 581-2988, or email publicaffairs@cameron.edu.
All contents © 2025 Cameron University.
This publication, printed by Paragon Press, is issued by Cameron University. 2,400 copies have been prepared and distributed at a cost of $1.38 each to the taxpayers of the State of Oklahoma. This institution, in compliance with all applicable Federal and State laws and regulations, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, age, religion, disability, political beliefs, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices or procedures. This includes but is not limited to admissions, employment, housing, financial aid, and educational services. Accommodations on the basis of disability are available by contacting the Office of Student Development at (580) 581-2209 or by e-mail at student_development@cameron.edu. (4/2025)
Campus Update
Student awarded scholarships by state, international CPA groups
Senior Nevaeh West was awarded scholarships by the American Institute of Certified Professional Accountants (AICPA) and the Oklahoma Society of CPAs (OSCPA). West, a resident of Lawton, is pursuing a Bachelor of Accounting degree. She received the AICPA Foundation Two-Year Transfer Scholarship, which was awarded to just 40 accounting students across the country. OSCPA awarded West the Thomas Fund Memorial Scholarship. She is one of 39 accounting students in Oklahoma to be selected for a scholarship by the organization.
Cameron student takes top prize for Oral Presentation at STEM symposium
Lorena Ponce de Leon Nieves took top honors in Oral Presentation at the recent OK-LSAMP Symposium, sponsored by the Oklahoma Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation program. The consortium is an alliance-based program consisting of 12 Oklahoma institutions of higher education working together to promote minority participation in STEM fields of study. Ponce de Leon Nieves, a senior biology major from Lawton, was recognized for exceptional research skills and presentation ability. Her research explores how certain plant extracts, like basil and spearmint, can help fight drug-resistant bacteria. The study focused on extracting chemicals from plants using a microwave-based method. Ponce de Leon Nieves tested plant extracts like spearmint and basil to see if they could boost the effectiveness of antibiotics against bacteria that had become resistant.
CU student examined public health disparities among Native populations during summer internship program
Sociology major Camille Lena was selected to participate in the Tribal Health Experiential Internship Seminar. Lena studied Native American culture and resilience, as well as various aspects of public health, including epidemiology and research. During the intensive internship, Lena was mentored by Dr. Emily Burke and Miranda Bosse from the Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health. Lena’s research poster, titled “American Indian and Alaska Native Master Public Health Graduates Needed to Bridge the Gap in Tribal Public Health Inequities,” examined health inequities that impact American Indian and Alaska Native populations
Grant received from Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics
When the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics (ODAA) announced the recipients of almost $2 million in grants at its August meeting, CU was on the list. CU’s annual Applied Mathematics and Aerospace Engineering Summer Academy has received funding from ODAA for the seventh year.
“We’re so grateful that the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics continues to recognize the importance of this summer academy,” says Dr. Ann Nalley, professor of chemistry and coordinator of the academy. “Receiving this grant from ODAA’s Competitive Aerospace and Aviation Education program allows us to continue our efforts to introduce middle school girls to STEM disciplines.”
Biology Club takes top spot during Wichita Mountain Wildlife Refuge BioBlitz
CU’s Biology Club emerged on top of the Wichita Mountain Wildlife Refuge’s 2024 BioBlitz, held on National Public Lands Day. During the clean-up event, participants were challenged to record and identify as many plants and animal species as possible with the help of INaturalist, an app designed to assist users to identify plants and animals while generating date for science and conservation. Not only did club members pick up 16 pounds of trash and more than 6 pounds of recyclable materials, they observed and identified 44 distinct animal and plant species.
CU degree program and alcohol and drug counseling certificate included in national listing
CU’s Master of Arts in Mental Health (Counseling option) and embedded certificate in alcohol and drug counseling have been included in the list of Top Picks for the Best Master’s Degrees and Graduate Certificates in Substance Abuse Counseling. The list of 17 universities was compiled by SubstanceAbuseCounselor.org, a website devoted to providing educational resources and information for aspiring substance abuse counselors.The listing noted CU’s small class sizes, which ensure a personalized learning environment; the availability of faculty-student research opportunities; and the Cameron Psychology Clinic.
Chemistry Club honored with two awards
The Chemistry Club, a student chapter of the American Chemical Society (ACS), has been recognized by the organization with the ACS Student Communities Award and the Green Chemistry Student Chapter Award for the 2023-2024 academic year. CU’s Chemistry Club was one of only 25 student chapters across the nation to be honored with both awards. Dr. Ann Nalley and Dr. KD Priyasantha serve as faculty advisors for the club, which boasts 25 members.
Crouch Artwork accepted to national competition for 4th consecutive year
For the fourth consecutive year, artwork by assistant professor of art Jack Crouch was selected for inclusion in the annual Center for Contemporary Arts National Juried Competition and Exhibition. His conte drawing on hand-toned Fabriano paper titled “Perspective,” was chosen for the prestigious exhibition.
“This drawing is a page from my sketchbook, which I keep to practice technique at home during the evenings and on weekends,” Crouch says. “I often go through and tone pages in different colors so that I may draw using shades of conte crayons, using the tone of the paper as a halftone, and building up the form with the inclusion of white.”
Vitense named ACS Fellow
Dr. Keith Vitense, a professor emeritus who currently serves as the university’s EOO Officer/ Title IX Co-Coordinator, was named an ACS Fellow by the American Chemical Society. Vitense, who retired in June 2020 as a professor in the Department of Chemistry, Physics and Engineering, was a member of the CU faculty for more than 30 years. Vitense was recognized for his commitment to the academic success of students and student-athletes and for decades of teaching, mentoring, and service at Cameron University. The designation also recognizes his dedication to championing the importance of ethics for professional chemists as well as for years of leadership at the local, regional and national levels of ACS governance.
Morren honored by national organization
Dr. Christian Morren, associate professor of music and director of voice, was honored with the 2024 Clifton Ware Group-Voice Pedagogy Encouragement Award. The honor was presented by the National Association of Teachers of Singing. The award highlights the concept of “Class Voice” and its potential impact for singers through offerings in community, independent, and academic settings.
Morren plans to use the financial award to purchase group voice class materials for the free classes she teaches for people in the community regardless of their socio-economic status.
Campus Update
Kingsley now Vice President for Academic Affairs
Prior to the start of the Fall 2024 semester, Dr. Marge Kingsley was named vice president for academic affairs. A member of the Cameron faculty since 1994, Kingsley served as interim vice president for academic affairs since January 2024. A former academic department chair, she was previously associate vice president for academic affairs, overseeing numerous CU resources and units that directly impact student success.
Argyros co-authors mathematics textbook; research provided by math students
Dr. Ioannis Argyros, professor of mathematics, is the co-author of “Contemporary Algorithms: Theory and Applications Volume IV,” a new edition to the Mathematics Research Developments Series published by Nova Science Publishers. Argyros wrote the textbook with Dr. Santhosh George, professor of mathematical and computational sciences at the National Institute of Technology in Karnataka, India.
Staff members honored with Cameron University Pickaxe Award
Francesca Morris and Christina Willoughby are the recipients of the 2024 Pickaxe Awards. Morris is the community resource coordinator in the Student Enrichment Center, and Willoughby is a coordinator in the Department of Student Housing and Residence Life.
Morris was honored for her steadfast commitment to the Cameron University community. “She is one of the most resourceful and dedicated individuals I have had the pleasure to work with,” one nominator wrote, adding, “She is dedicated and enthusiastic about serving and meeting the needs of our students. Her tireless efforts have connected many at-risk students to a wide variety of resources that has enabled them to persist in pursuing their academic goals.”
Willoughby was praised for “connecting with students and making them feel known and loved.” She was also recognized for her willingness to take on additional duties when the department was short-staffed. One nominator mentioned Willoughby’s commitment to providing resident assistant training, which resulted in workdays that often exceeded 10 hours.
Bost appointed Environmental Health and Safety Officer
Former faculty member Jason Bost has been appointed environmental health and safety officer. Bost was previously an assistant professor in the George D. Keathley Department of Military Science. Prior to his retirement from the U.S. Army in late 2024, under the Department of Defense’s Skillbridge program, he served an internship at CU where he undertook the responsibilities of the university’s environmental health and safety officer as the position was vacant.
Looi named Director of Institutional Effectiveness
Yuan Ling (Elene) Looi has joined the staff as Director of Institutional Effectiveness. As the chief data officer for the university, Looi ensures the integrity of data and information released in reports and studies. She provides leadership for and manages all necessary functions relating to the collection, organization, maintenance, sharing, analysis and interpretation of data for both internal and external constituencies. Looi was previously Director of Institutional Research at Blackburn College in Carlinville, Ill. She earned a Master of Arts in Social Psychology from the University of Northern Iowa and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Bemidji State University. She offers expertise in numerous research and data applications as well as in both qualitative and quantitative research methods.
Craig leads student wellness center
CU alumna Tessa Craig is now director of the Student Wellness Center, which provides services that enhance the physical and mental health of CU students. Craig earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree with a concentration in Marketing and a Master of Science degree in Behavioral Sciences with a concentration in General Psychology from Cameron. She is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor. Craig is certified as a Master Addiction Counselor and as a Substance Abuse Counselor. Craig has an extensive background as a therapist, which includes serving as a counseling psychologist for the Department of Defense for more than a decade.
Anderson-Majors joins Cameron staff
Tyler Anderson-Majors joined the CU staff as director of student housing and residence life, heading the office that serves as the hub for students who choose to live on-campus in one of two housing options: traditional residence hall-style and apartment-style. Anderson-Majors comes to CU from Reinhardt University, a private institution in Waleska, Ga., where he served as director of residence life and community standards. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the University of North Texas at Dallas and a Master of Science degree in Intelligence and Security Studies from Lebanon Valley College.
Dalman joins staff as director of sponsored programs
Autumn Dalman has joined the staff as director of sponsored programs. Her responsibilities include ensuring federal compliance for all federally funded units, including Student Support Services (TRIO), Talent Search/Upward Bound (TRIO) and the Student Enrichment Center. She will also provide oversight of distance learning, ensuring compliance of distance education programs including licensure programs and overseeing the process for quality control and distance education course work. She was previously director of the Native American Serving NonTribal Institutions Grant Program at the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma.
Evans named director of Eugene D. McMahon Library
Jennifer Evans is the new director of the Eugene D. McMahon Library. In this role, she oversees all library operations, including staffing and training, budgeting, acquisitions and collection develop, technical services, the Tutoring Center, and more. Evans joined the Cameron staff as a staff librarian in 2021 and most recently served as acting assistant director. She earned a Master of Library Science from the University of North Texas and also holds Bachelor of Arts degrees in English and History from Midwestern State University.
A lifetime of service to higher education – a significant part of which took place at Cameron University – was recognized in early November with the induction of Dr. John McArthur into the Oklahoma Higher Education Hall of Fame. McArthur was one of 11 inductees into the Hall of Fame, which is sponsored by the Oklahoma Higher Education Heritage Society.
McArthur and his wife, former Cameron professor Karla Oty, returned from their new home in Colorado to attend the ceremony, which was held in Edmond. Inducted alongside McArthur were John Barthell of the University of Central Oklahoma; Joe Harroz Jr. of the University of Oklahoma; former Oklahoma State
– Keith Mitchell Regents Ann Holloway and Russell Vaught; Clyde Montgomery Jr. of Langston University; Marion Paden from Oklahoma City Community College; Larry D. Rice from Rogers State University; and James Halligan, Ann Halligan and Robert Spurrier Jr., all from Oklahoma State University.
In accepting his honor, McArthur was quick to share credit with a number of individuals who helped him as he navigated his career through higher education leadership.
“These people were mentors for me,” McArthur said. “They identified opportunities or nudged me through a
President Emeritus John M. McArthur (second from left) accepts a certificate and medallion during his induction into the Oklahoma Higher Education Hall of Fame. Pictured with him are (left to right) Phil Moss, president of the Oklahoma Higher Education Heritage Society; Allison Garrett, thenChancellor of Higher Education; and Dennis Casey, chairman of the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education.
door,” sometimes gently and sometimes more directly. He encouraged others in the audience to use their ability and experience to become mentors to others working at colleges and universities.
“I encourage you to keep it up,” he said. “Get off the fence; support higher education and its leaders. Our students are worth it.”
His induction into the Higher Education Hall of Fame places McArthur in an elite group with ties to Cameron University. It includes former presidents Don Davis and Cynthia Ross; former State Regent and alumnus Bill W. Burgess Jr.; alumni Ned Hockman and Joe Kinzer Jr.; faculty Tony Allison, E. Ann Nalley and Valree F. Wynn; and administrator B. Don Sullivan.
McArthur retired as president of Cameron University in July, bringing to an end 40 years in the world of higher education. Half of it was spent serving Cameron and its students.
After holding faculty appointments at Southeastern Oklahoma State University and Colorado State University-Pueblo, McArthur came to Cameron in 2004 to take a position as dean of the School of Science and Technology. In 2006, he was appointed vice president for academic affairs and provost before he assumed the mantle of president in 2013.
Succeeding Cynthia Ross after her retirement, McArthur guided Cameron through one of the
McArthur’s induction into the Higher Education Hall of Fame were previous Cameron inductees (left to
most challenging periods in its history – successfully navigating a decrease in legislative appropriations, a nationwide downturn in college enrollment and the Covid-19 pandemic – while at the same time gaining renewal of the university’s accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission.
A longtime advocate for accessible and affordable opportunities for students, McArthur worked to maintain affordable tuition and fees while increasing scholarship opportunities. Student participation in distance learning and concurrent enrollment dramatically increased during his tenure. He was a strong supporter of undergraduate research and professional development opportunities for faculty.
During his tenure, Cameron added new degree and certificate programs and 29 micro-credentials. The university also added an experiential portfolio so that students could record their service, awards and work experiences to complement their academic transcripts.
Dozens of physical improvements were made to Cameron’s Lawton and Duncan campuses during his time as president, including new science labs, a pair of greenhouses, a teaching art gallery and a major renovation of the university’s library. The Cameron Psychology Clinic was established, as was an enrichment center to provide students with academic coaching, financial literacy counseling, career mentoring and internship placement.
The university added three new intercollegiate sports while McArthur was president, renovated sports facilities, added an eSports program and celebrated four academic festivals. Under his leadership, a dozen endowed faculty positions and 88 endowed scholarships were established.
In recognition of decades of stewardship over CU, the university’s governing board bestowed the title of president emeritus on McArthur upon his retirement.
In looking back on his career, McArthur had this reflection: “For me, Cameron University and Lawton have been the best possible places to spend almost half my academic career. This community has allowed me to play a role, no matter how minor, in helping thousands of people of all ages and all walks of life as they worked to fulfill their dreams, and to make their lives and the lives of their families better.
“For those of you who are current or past Aggies, thank you for allowing me to be part of your academic journey. It has been an honor.”
President Emeritus Cynthia S. Ross, Provost Emeritus B. Don Sullivan, Dr. Ann Nalley and President Emeritus Don Davis. – Keith Mitchell
Celebrating
right)
Last spring, Jari Askins was making plans to retire.
She was wrapping up four decades as a public servant – a career that included working in all three branches of state government. Askins had been a special district judge, served as executive director of the Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board, and was deputy general counsel to Gov. David Walters during his administration and a special advisor to Gov. Mary Fallin during hers. She had been a state representative for a dozen years and served as House minority leader. And, she was Oklahoma’s lieutenant governor from 2007-2011.
Askins was in her final weeks as Administrative Officer of the Courts, a role in which she coordinated judicial operations and personnel for the Oklahoma Supreme Court. She was looking forward to a well-deserved retirement at the end of June.
But in April, the Board of Regents for the University of Oklahoma, Cameron University and Rogers State University reached out and asked if she was up for one more challenge. Dr. John McArthur had announced his retirement as Cameron’s president after 11 years, and the governing board wondered if she had an interest in serving in an interim role while it conducted a national search for CU’s next leader.
“I was totally surprised when the call came,” Askins said. “I had not expected it, but the more I thought about it, the better I liked the idea. I’ve always enjoyed being around college students, learning what’s on their minds and listening to their stories.
“Being president was an opportunity to give back, and to pay it forward at the same time. It was a chance to work with our future leaders and CEOs and impact the next generation.”
It was also a chance to continue McArthur’s work.
“John had poured his heart and soul into Cameron for so many years,” Askins said. “You can’t create new visions without a solid past. His work brought CU to a point that we can see how far we’ve come … and look ahead to how far we can go. So, for me, serving as interim is a way to make sure that things continue on that road.”
The governing board doesn’t want to rush the process to get CU’s 18th president in place, said Askins, who noted that she isn’t planning on this
President Askins welcomed State Senator Spencer Kern to campus in November.
being a permanent role for her. She agrees that it is important to take the time to find the right person to lead Cameron into the future.
Serving in an interim capacity is something that Askins has done before, so she knows what is expected of her, and what needs to be done. That, combined with her experience in state government, gives her an understanding of the state’s budgeting process, how the legislature works, and the impact that both of those have on higher education … especially Cameron. She knows how to manage financial appropriations, and she knows how to communicate with legislators.
She’s also a native of Duncan, so she’s very familiar with Cameron’s branch campus and the impact that it has had on that community since it began as the Duncan Higher Education Center in 1994 and then transitioned to CU-Duncan a decade later. Cameron has been a partner in the community, providing coursework for employees of Halliburton and other industries who needed additional adult education opportunities.
Askins settled into her office at Cameron on July 22. In her new role leading the university, Askins feels that her job is to make sure that CU continues to be a leading education and economic engine for southwest Oklahoma.
“Our mission is based on student-centered learning,” she noted. “The success of our students is critical – not only for the future of Cameron, but also for the future of Oklahoma. It’s no secret that the state needs more college graduates in career fields that will help move our economy forward.”
One of her goals is to create an environment that attracts students to Cameron, give them good experiences so that they come back for more, and then go out to tell others that Cameron is a great place to come to learn.
“I want to see the campus busy day and night, whether it’s with classes, sports or special events,” Askins said.
She expects her interim role to continue through the remainder of this academic year. When the day comes that her time leading Cameron is over, what will her legacy here be?
“I hope the faculty and staff know that I listened to them and engaged with them, and that I did what I could to move CU forward,” Askins said. “I want to be remembered for building relationships, and I want our students to know that I recognized that they are the strength and future of this university. And I hope I help the community better understand the value that Cameron adds to it, whether economically or culturally.
Ole Kim and President Askins were front and center at the annual tree lighting ceremonies in Lawton and Duncan.
“And if you’re alumni, I hope that you are proud of how we helped the next generation learn to work hard, dream big, have faith and care deeply about their communities.”
– Keith Mitchell
Pres. Askins happily accepted an invitation to address CU’s Student Government Association.
President's Partners
Heritage Society Memorial Gifts Endowed Scholarships
1908
Aggie funds
Securities/Property Transfers
THE CAMERON UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION
THE GIFT THAT KEEPS ON GIVING
For more than 40 years, the Cameron University Foundation has been the repository for gifts and endowments presented by generous donors for the benefit and continuing support of Cameron University. A nonprofit (501) (c)(3) organization, the Foundation collects, administers and disburses funds earmarked for scholarships, endowed faculty positions and more.
“The Cameron University Foundation plays a vital role in the university’s ability to fulfill its mission of providing access to quality educational opportunities,” says Albert Johnson Jr., Vice President for University Advancement. “We are indebted to the thousands of donors who have provided funding for countless programs and initiatives since the Foundation was established in 1972. It’s a pleasure to highlight some of our most recent donations.”
TODD AND CINDY SANNER ALUMNI CENTER
(l to r) Ed Goeas, CU President Jari Askins, Todd Sanner, Barbara Braught, Cindy Sanner and Wayne Andrews celebrate the naming of the Todd and Cindy Sanner Alumni Center.
CU graduates will soon have a facility devoted to alumni activities, thanks to a gift of $385,000 from alumni Todd and Cindy Sanner. The funds, along with a $55,000 donation from alumnus Ed Goeas, have provided the means to renovate the former Cameron Exchange, which is becoming The Todd and Cindy Sanner Alumni Center.
During that an appreciation ceremony last November, Barbara Braught, then-chair of the CU Foundation Board of Directors, and Wayne Andrews, vice president of the CU Alumni Association Board of Directors, joined President Jari Askins in expressing their gratitude for the donations.
The revitalized building is evolving from a seldom-used space into a vibrant hub of connectivity, providing a venue for events that foster ongoing relationships among alumni and facilitate meaningful engagement with current students, preparing them to navigate the transition to graduation.
With this gift, Duncan residents Todd and Cindy Sanner have provided donations totaling more than $500,000 to the Cameron University Foundation. In addition to being members of President’s Partners, they established the Todd and Cindy Sanner Endowed Lectureship in Chemistry in 2006.
JANE GODLOVE ART CAREER DEVELOPMENT AWARD
Thanks to a $10,000 gift from the Leslie Powell Foundation, the Cameron University Foundation has established the Jane Godlove Art Career Development Award. The endowment will fund a scholarship award to assist deserving full-time Cameron art students who must frame their work for CU’s Senior Art Show and other art.
The endowment is named for former faculty member Jane Godlove, a former member of the Leslie Powell Foundation Board of Directors. Godlove is a CU alumna who earned a Master of Science degree in behavioral sciences. She retired as director of CU’s Language Learning Center following 15 years of service to the university. Godlove has extensive ties to the arts community in southwest Oklahoma. In 1983, she was named Citizen of the Arts by the City of Lawton and the Lawton Arts and Humanities Council.
“Because Jane still carries a great love for Cameron, the members of the Leslie Powell Foundation board of directors are happy to pay tribute to her,” says Paige Michener, chair. “We are proud to honor her dedication to art through her involvement with the Leslie Powell Foundation board and other arts-related activities in southwest Oklahoma.”
Michener was joined by Leslie Powell Foundation board members John Kennedy II, Cathy Ross and Edna McMillan, who is also a professor of art at CU. Matthew D. Hughes, executive director and curator of the Leslie Powell Gallery, which hosts Cameron’s Senior Art Show each year, was also in attendance.
Celebrating the establishment of the Jane Godlove Art Careeer Development Award are (l to r) John Kennedy II, CU President Jari Askins, Paige Michener, CU Foundation president Jennifer Meason, Matthew D. Hughes, Cathy Ross and Edna McMillan.
DR. RONNA VANDERSLICE ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP
IN EDUCATION
When former Vice President for Academic Affairs Ronna Vanderslice left Cameron University in December 2023 for a post at Oklahoma State University, she maintained her fondness for Cameron and its dedication to student success. With a $62,500 contribution to the Cameron University Foundation, Vanderslice returned to CU in February to celebrate the establishment of the Dr. Ronna Vanderslice Endowed Scholarship in Education to signify her continuing desire to impact the lives of Cameron students. The scholarship will be awarded to elementary education or early childhood education majors who have selected the special education option.
“Not only will the benefits of this endowment be ongoing, it establishes Ronna’s legacy at Cameron University,” said President Jari Askins. “Her generosity can be likened to a proverbial pebble – well, really more of a rock – where the ripples keep spreading farther than anyone can imagine. Throughout her 16 year tenure, she was actively involved in the success of CU students. That involvement continues with this wonderful endowment. What a great opportunity for our students!”
“I love this place,” said Vanderslice, who understands the need for qualified special education teachers in Oklahoma. “If you look at who’s teaching special education today, there are very few people who have gone through a specialized preparation program. If we can draw in people who want that preparation, it will be a great thing for any community they end up serving. Each one of Oklahoma’s school children deserves the best teachers, and Cameron has always been at the forefront of teacher education. The special education option provides in-depth training for those who have a calling to teach our state’s more vulnerable students whose varied learning styles require more in-depth and specialized instruction.”
Jennifer Meason, president of the Cameron University Foundation, expressed the gratitude of the Foundation board of directors by saying, “We are so grateful to Dr. Vanderslice’s continued involvement with Cameron and her dedication to our students. This endowed scholarship will impact Cameron students as well as school children across the state for generations.”
Interested in impacting Cameron students in perpetuity? Consider making a gift to the Cameron University Foundation. For information, call the Office of University Advancement at 580-581-2999 or email foundation@cameron.edu.
Dr. Ronna Vanderslice signs the agreement establishing an endowed scholarship in education in her name.
President Jari Askins thanks donor Ronna Vanderslice for her gift.
“It’s truly a great day to be an Aggie!” With those welcoming words Cameron Director of Athletics Lou Izzi kicked off the 2025 induction ceremony for the Cameron Athletics Hall of Fame. This year, the prestigious Hall welcomed three standout athletes, a former volleyball coach and athletic administrator, a pair of ardent Aggie Athletics supporters, and the first Aggie team to be selected for the honor.
During CU's annual Homecoming activities in February, Aggie athletes Carrie Harvey Martin, Kelsi Bond Musick and Pat Hartline, former coach and athletics administrator Kim Vinson, dedicated Aggie supporters Erika Moore and her late husband Dennis, and the 1987 NAIA National Championship Football Team were officially inducted into the AHOF.
CU President Jari Askins welcomed those in attendance by referencing a saying that she believes epitomizes success in the field of athletics: “Do not strive to be the best on the team. Strive to be the best FOR the team.” Askins acknowledged the 2025 inductees by saying, “Those we honor tonight did their best FOR the team no matter what was needed.”
Carrie Harvey Martin was a dominant pitcher for the Cameron softball team from 2009 to 2012. She finished her illustrious career ranked first in CU history 73 career complete games, 694 career innings pitched, 699 career strikeouts and 18 career shutouts. She also set season records with 278 strikeouts and 10 shutouts. In 2009, Martin was named Lone Star Conference Freshman of the Year and 1st Team AllConference. During her rookie season, she pitched the second perfect game in CU softball history. She was later named an NFCA Academic All-American and the CU Female Athlete of the Year. She also served as president of the Student Athlete Advisory Committee.
Martin said that learning of her inclusion in the Hall of Fame was “one of those occasions that is nostalgic and takes you back to those moments in college.” She added that it the ceremony gave her the opportunity to return to CU and to tie herself to the university in a more enduring manner.”
For more than 40 years, Erika Moore and her late husband Dennis enthusiastically supported Cameron teams through fellowship, volunteer tutoring, financial support and attendance at home and away games. As exceptionally loyal supporters, the Moores displayed a true dedication, commitment and complete love for Cameron, the athletics program and CU’s students and athletes.
Although Dennis passed away in 2023, you’ll still find Erika supporting the Aggies. In fact, she hosted the 1987 football team at her home prior to the induction ceremony. The impact that the Moores had on countless student-athletes resonates today, as she shared that many still call her and come visit her whenever possible.
AHOF honoree Erika Moore celebrates her induction with friends (l t r) Robert Groot, Terry Jones and Carlos Mayes.
Director of Athletics Lou Izzi presents former Aggie star pitcher Carrie Harvey Martin with a commemorative plaque.
A four-year starting point guard for the Aggie women’s basketball team from 1998 through 2002, Kelsi (Bond) Musick set school records for career three-point average and career assists. Prior to her arrival, the team had not had a winning season for 20 years. As a senior, Musick led the team to a school-record 25 wins, a top 25 national ranking and the team’s first-event appearance in the NCAA Division II national tournament. She is now an outstanding college coach, leading Southwestern Oklahoma State University to the NCAA Division II tournament nine times, including a second-place finish in 2019. After three seasons at Oral Roberts University, she is now the head coach at the University of Arkansas.
“I’m so blessed and grateful,” Musick said. “It’s such an honor to be able to play basketball and now to do what I love – coach basketball.”
Her tenure as an Aggie player introduced her to a mantra that she still follows today: “If you want something you’ve never had, you have to do something you’ve never done.” Musick said it was gratifying to know she made an impact “when no one expected us to do anything and what we ended up doing.” She shared that the ability to turn the program around and to make the national championship tournament inspire her in her coaching career today.
Kelsi Bond Musick talks about her love of coaching college basketball.
Kim Vinson dedicated 35 years of her professional career to Cameron Athletics, serving as head volleyball coach from 1990 to 2005 and head softball coach from 1990 to 1996, then taking the reins as the department's associate director of athletics, senior woman administrator and director of NCAA compliance. In 15 seasons leading the Cameron volleyball team, Vinson won 271 matches and posted 12 winning seasons. She led the volleyball team to four Lone Star Conference North Division titles 10 LSC appearances and the 1998 LSC conference championship, and the 1998 and 2001 NCAA Division II Southwest Regional tournament. Vinson was named Lone Star Conference Coach of the Year four times.
Although she retired from CU in October 2024, Vinson will always be a dedicated supporter of Aggie Athletics.
“When Lou told me three weeks before I retired that I was selected for the Athletics Hall of Fame, I said, ‘You can’t do that!’,” Vinson said. “This is an incredible honor.”
Vinson reflected that as a coach, “It was always about the kids – to have fun and push to be the best they can be. You don’t think about winning – you think about the process.”
She shared one of her most memorable coaching moments. “We were hosting the NCAA Conference championship game, and the ticket line was all around the building. It’s definitely I moment I won’t forget.”
As well it should be, as the Aggies topped the West Texas A&M to win the championship.
A member of the Cameron football team from 1984 through 1987, Pat Hartline was a force as an end on the number one ranked defense in the country that went on to capture the 1987 NAIA National Championship. He set the team record for most starts, most sacks and most tackles for a loss and was named a 1st Team NAIA All-American in 1987. A resident of Ohio, Hartline was unable to attend the ceremony, but his sister Laurie Applekamp was on hand to accept the honor on his behalf.
“We come from a football family,” Applekamp said. “Dad played at Lawton High and coached at MacArthur. Pat was always so passionate about football. I’m so proud that he’s being honored tonight – it’s well-deserved recognition for his unbelievable accomplishments on the field.”
Former CU Director of Athletics Jim Jackson congratulates Kim Vinson on her induction into the Cameron University Athletics Hall of Fame.
The first team to be inducted into the Cameron Athletics Hall of Fame, the 1987 football squad captured the NAIA Division I National Championship, bringing immense pride to Cameron and capturing the hearts of the people throughout the community. Led by the nation's top-rated defense, the team resoundingly defeating Carson-Newman, 30-2, in front of a home crowd of more than 8,000 fans at Cameron Stadium, claiming the Dwight D. Eisenhower Trophy from the National Football Foundation Hall of Fame. Aggies Pat Hartline, Thomas O’Kelly, Mike Lorenzen, Wes Cox and Charles Washington were named NAIA Division I All-Americans, and Coach Brian Naber received Oklahoma's prestigious Headliner Special Award.
Robert Whitman was one of the team members who spoke. “It took every one of us – EVERY ONE – to get this done,” he reflected on the national championship. “That’s part of being a teammate.”
He also gave a nod to the coaches. “They played us hard, but they didn’t stop there. They made us better men, better people.”
For many of the team members, last week marked their first return visit to Cameron in decades. Joe Watkins said, “We believed in each other and the talent we had and in our coaches.”
As the evening concluded, one thing was clear. It truly was a great day to be a Cameron Aggie!
Members of the 1987 NAIA National Championship football team celebrated the team’s induction.
The Cameron University Alumni Association honors six recipients with awards.
The Cameron University Alumni Association has honored six recipients with awards. Stephen Reagan and Richard Storm have been named Distinguished Alumni, Josh Mindemann and Audrey Shifflet have been honored as Outstanding Young Alumni, and Dr. Ioannis Argyros and Dr. Sarah Eppler Janda are the newest members of the Faculty Hall of Fame.
The Distinguished Alumni Award and the Outstanding Young Alumni Award are presented to former Cameron students who have made significant contributions to society and whose accomplishments have brought credit to Cameron by distinguishing themselves in their careers, in service to their communities or through continued support of Cameron University. The Distinguished Alumni Award is presented to Cameron alumni who received their degree from Cameron more than 10 years ago. The Outstanding Young Alumni Award is presented to Cameron alumni who received their last degree from Cameron no more than 10 years ago.
STEPHEN REAGAN
Class of 1966
Stephen Reagan has led a multi-faceted life earmarked by individual accomplishment, military service, dedication to his community and continued support of Cameron. Reagan excelled as a student-athlete as a member of the Aggie team that reached the NJCAA Baseball World Series in 1966. That same year, he earned recognition as the Most Valuable Graduating Sophomore Athlete. Reagan was inducted into the CU Athletics Hall of Fame last year. He remains an ardent supporter of the university.
After earning an Associate in Arts degree in Engineering, Reagan earned a baccalaureate degree at the University of Arkansas and a master’s degree at Midwestern State University. After joining the U.S. Air Force, he earned a dental degree from the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry, then completed additional dental training at USAF Medical Centers. Reagan retired from the Air Force as a lieutenant colonel.
He then became a dental educator, ultimately joining the faculty of the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry, where he served as director of the Advanced General Dentistry Program. He retired as Professor Emeritus in 2012.
Since 2014, Reagan and his wife Alice have volunteered more than 30 hours per week at the Dale K. Graham Veterans Foundation. The Reagans were honored with the Veteran Family of the Year Award by the Oklahoma Veterans Council in 2024. He serves on the board of directors for the Oklahoma Military Heritage Foundation, which sponsors the Oklahoma Military Hall of Fame, and raised funding to honor WWII Medal of Honor recipient Ernest E. Evans with busts that were placed in Evans’ hometown of Muskogee and at the US Naval Academy.
When Richard Storm enrolled at Cameron in the 1970s, he was a Vietnam veteran in the U.S. Army who was twice honored with the Distinguished Flying Cross for heroism. He was inducted into the Indiana Military Hall of Fame in 2017.
As an Aggie, Storm was instrumental in the establishment of CU’s Phi Kappa Phi chapter. He subsequently served as a chapter officer. A member of President’s Partners, Storm continues to support CU as a valued donor.
After graduating in 1975 with a Bachelor of Science degree in natural science and completing the Field Artillery Officers Career Course at Fort Sill, he attended Indiana University Medical School under the Army Medical Scholarship Program.
After completing dermatology training at Brooke Army Medical Center, he was assigned to Ireland Army Hospital at Fort Knox. He retired as a lieutenant colonel in 1987, returning to Indianapolis to practice medicine and serving as a clinical instructor for Indiana University Department of Dermatology for almost 20 years. He was honored with the Indiana University School of Medicine’s Governor Otis R. Bowen, M.D. Distinguished Leadership Award in 2006.
Participation in humanitarian projects and community service has played a significant role in Storm’s life. He has travelled internationally on medical missions and served on the board of directors of a humanitarian corporation doing service projects in Uzbekistan. He currently serves on the board of directors for Ariel Ministries and is a former member of the Board of Regents for Midwestern Theological Seminary.
RICHARD STORM
Class of 1975
When Lawton native Audrey Shifflet graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in strategic communications and a minor in military science; she also commissioned as a field artillery officer through CU’s U.S. Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps. As a cadet in the Comanche Battalion, Shifflet was recognized with the Sgt. York Award, the Cadet of the Year Award, and the National Society of the United States Daughters of 1812 Award.
Selected to become the executive officer at 428th Field Artillery Brigade at Fort Sill after completing the Field Artillery Basic Officer Leadership Course, she was subsequently selected as the TRADOC Hero of the Battlefield across all posts in the U.S. Army. The designation commended Shifflet’s optimistic demeanor, eagerness to learn and help others, and her outstanding attributes such as physical fitness, teamwork and resiliency. Shifflet then moved to 1-14 Field Artillery Regiment as platoon leader. Deployed to Europe for 10 months, she instructed foreign partners how to defend their nations against near peer threats. She next served as the executive officer for the Fires Center of Excellence, Headquarters Detachment, where she provided oversight and assistance for over 940 soldiers, contractors, and civilians. Shifflet is currently attending the Field Artillery Captains Career Course.
As a full-time caregiver for her mother, who suffers from dementia, she actively advocates for awareness of this devastating disease. Juggling graduate studies at the University of Oklahoma, multiple military courses, personal commitments and professional responsibilities, her unwavering determination to excel academically, professionally and personally is unparalleled.
JOSH MINDEMANN
Class of 2019
CAPTAIN AUDREY SHIFFLET
A graduate of Boone-Apache High School, Josh Mindemann chose Cameron for his higher education for several reasons. Affordability certainly played a role, as did the proximity to his hometown. But more importantly, Mindemann chose Cameron because of the university’s flexible scheduling options. This allowed the father of newborn twins to balance his family responsibilities with his academic goals. Mindemann graduated in 2019 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in art.
Mindemann’s creative endeavors have been honored with numerous accolades. His short films have been recognized with awards by the OklaHomies Short Film Content. In 2019, he won first place in the Wichita Falls Regional Art Battle. His graphic design work has also been awarded. He was the winner of the OLA Sequoyah Book Award Re-Design Contest, and his poster for “The Hit” was named Best Poster for the OKC 48 Hour Film Competition 2017.
In 2022, Mindemann joined the football media department at the University of Arkansas, where he is the senior graphic designer for the Arkansas Razorbacks. In addition to creating graphics for the team’s social media channels, he plays a vital role in recruiting, where his personalized graphics are eye-catching while presenting a positive message about the football program. His workload allows him to utilize his creative skills across a variety of platforms: graphic design, photography, video and more. His creativity has received national recognition from industry peers and has helped catapult the Razorbacks brand into one of the industry leaders for graphic design and motion graphic creation.
A professor of mathematics, Ioannis Argyros has been a mainstay on the CU campus since 1990. His teaching philosophy focuses on the concept that mathematics is not just a subject to be studied but is a way of thinking that can be applied to solve real-world problems. He encourages his students to approach mathematics with curiosity and creativity, fostering a lifelong love of learning.
His work has significantly advanced the university’s reputation in mathematics, particularly in computational mathematics and numerical analysis. A key factor in Argyros’ academic career is his dedication to engagement with students and colleagues, which has led to numerous collaborative projects, publications and presentations. He has mentored countless students, guiding them through research projects that have led to national recognition. His mentorship extends beyond academic success, helping students develop critical thinking, problem-solving skills and professional competencies. His guidance has been instrumental in helping students secure research opportunities, scholarships and admission to top graduate programs.
Argyros has an impressive body of scholarly publishing, with more than 1,700 published papers, 33 books and 17 chapters in computational mathematics and iterative methods. His work has been featured in prestigious journals such as the Proceedings of the American Mathematical Society, Mathematics of Computation, Journal of Mathematical Analysis and Applications, and Applied Mathematics and Computation. The number of citations of his works is close to 11,000. In additional he serves on the editorial boards of more than 30 mathematics journals.
A faculty member since 2001, Sarah Eppler Janda is a professor of history in the Department of Social Sciences. For more than two decades, she has demonstrated excellence in teaching and mentorship of students, dedication to the community and leadership within the university.
Janda’s impact on students has been recognized with CU’s highest faculty honor, the Harold and Elizabeth Hackler Award for Teaching Excellence. Her lectures are not only informative, but engaging, entertaining and important to understanding various aspect of U.S. history.
Her body of academic publishing focuses primarily on the history of Oklahoma as it pertains to the state’s female leaders, civil rights and activism. She previously authored “Pride of the Wichita: A History of Cameron University,” celebrating the university’s first 100 years. Janda was inducted into the Oklahoma Historians Hall of Fame in March.
A two-time chair of the Faculty Senate, Janda is dedicated to promoting shared governance. She is a member of CU’s Faculty Advisory Board and is the university’s coordinator of the Oklahoma Scholar-Leadership Enrichment Program. Additional service includes a position on the Faculty Advisory Council of the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education. Within the Department of Social Sciences, Janda is chair of Peer Support Committee, promoting a culture of collegiality, accountability, personal growth and mutual support.
DR. IOANNIS ARGYROS
DR. SARAH
In many ways, Kay (pronounced “Kye”) Brinkmann was a typical Cameron student. A graduate of Lawton High, he took concurrent courses and then enrolled as a freshman for the Fall 1979 semester. The son of an Army officer, he aspired to a career in the military and was actively engaged in CU’s ROTC program. He was also atypical. A native of Korbach, Germany, Kay moved to Lawton when his father, a member of the German army, was assigned to duty as the liaison to Fort Sill.
In September 2024, he returned to Cameron (which he refers to as “a place that I still cherish”) some 43 years after leaving. Now a Brigadier General in the German Army, Brinkmann spoke to members of the Comanche Battalion, toured campus and reminisced about his collegiate experience.
“I didn't know that much about Cameron,” he recalls. “It was the college of Lawton, and since I was looking at a limited time, I said, ‘How can I best use that time to get a good education that I would need to go back to Germany?’ I attended Cameron during my senior year in high school. When I then finally graduated from high school, it was a natural to come to Cameron and identify with it. I loved taking the road from Fort Sill to Cameron University
and attending my classes here. I think I came out of it with a great sense of broadening my education.”
Brinkmann was a member of CU’s ROTC Ranger program. “That was something I thrived upon, and I spent a lot of time beyond the classes and the Ranger activities in Burch Hall sitting with my buddies and exchanging what we could do next. I made it to cadet sergeant. The Rangers required a lot of time, and I dedicated myself to that. Beyond that, I stayed over the lunchtime hours in the community center playing UNO with classmates. That was so satisfying that I said, ‘Okay, my life is great. All is complete.’”
He speaks highly of the late Dr. George Stanley, who “gave me a sense of how to learn a language.” Brinkmann took French for two semesters with Dr. Stanley. “This is one of the things that reflects on the relationship between the professors and the students at Cameron,” he says. “It was so personal. He always followed the principle of ‘speak, speak, speak. Use the vocabulary that you have. Don't worry about the grammar.’”
He also picked up some practical skills in the classroom. “I took a typing class – at that time,
we still had typewriters – and it was a tool that I needed later on. And speech class. That is something that I'd never really learned in Germany, but here, it gave me the mechanisms and the tools to present myself, which is of course for the military of utmost importance. Being a general staff officer, you have many opportunities to speak in different venues. The foundations were laid here.”
Brinkmann states that his military career actually started at Cameron, despite attending for only two years.
“Through the ROTC program, which was not part of my German training, I received basic skills that led me into my career,” he says. “I wouldn't be standing here as a brigadier general of the German Army if it hadn’t been for that time.”
Clearly, his experiences living in America (albeit for just a few years) continue to impact his life.
“What’s so relevant about studying abroad and living here is you get an appreciation for a different culture of thinking and understanding,” he says. “That is something that is extremely relevant in today’s world. Coming here and experiencing this special sense of pride – something I always appreciated about the American people is their pride in their country, the sense of ‘we are proud of what we stand for.’ That is something that I had not learned in Germany. This is one of the aspects that I took away and with that came this sense of, ‘Okay what can I do to continue this sense and what can I do to be productive about it?’
“I say you haven't lived in the United States if you haven't lived in places like Lawton, Oklahoma, and attended places like Cameron University,” Brinkmann says. “This is where the heart of the U.S. is. To reflect upon that and see what you've learned here and to adapt your own thinking to it are key credentials that facilitated my career. In that manner, I think a very important base was laid here that later allowed me to come back to America. I attended the Armor Office Advanced Course, the Command and General Staff College, and the National War College.”
In 2000, Brinkmann wrote “German Observations and Evaluations of the U.S. Civil War: A Study in Lessons Not Learned,” due to his interest in the American Civil War. “Germans were the largest national entity fighting in the Civil War - 500,000 German soldiers fought in the Civil War on the
side of the Union,” he explains. “That is by itself fascinating, so I looked into what was done to take these experiences and transfer them back to Germany, because the Civil War was an enormous war regarding manpower, resources, and effects.
“I found out that Germany had sent a few observers, but that was not really serious and it was slanted. When you study the war, you look at strategic, operational and tactical issues, and you see a lot of developments that later came to bear in the wars in Europe. But nobody had made that connection. That's why it's a study in lessons not learned. I think I was the first one to take that perspective from the German side.”
Brinkmann has enjoyed an illustrious career since joining the German Army in 1982. He has served in leadership positions in numerous branches, including the Federal Ministry of Defense, where he served as branch chief for military policy and operations in the Strategy and Operations Directorate. After his promotion to brigadier general, he was deployed as senior military advisor of the United Nations Assistance Mission Afghanistan and also served as deputy commander to the Armed Forces Office in Bonn, Germany. Prior to his appointment as Chief of Staff at Eurocorps in Strassbourg, France, he served as deputy chief
-Rhonda Young
Brinkmann presented LTC Brian Hayes, chair of the George D. Keathley Department of Military Science, with a commemorative dish from Eurocorps, a multinational military headquarters for the European Union and NATO, where he is Chief of Staff.
of staff for Plans at the Multinational Corps Northeast in Szczecin, Poland.
Brinkmann has some advice for those who aspire to a military career.
“One thing I think that stands out as most important is we're a big team in the NATO Alliance,” he says. “We need to take care that the team functions effectively. And that we talk to each other, that we communicate in order to find out where do we differ in directions, to find common grounds and to go ahead.
“That spirit starts in from the small unit. You need you talk to each other and respect each other. A team works only if you look at the strengths and weaknesses of each individual – and, as you move to the level of the Alliance, of each nation - and put them together into something that as a whole becomes effective.” His advice doesn’t end there.
“A second piece that I think is quite relevant: as officers and Non-commissioned officers we're not just in the role of leaders that make the decisions – for the most part of our careers we're in the role of advisors. Don't shy away from presenting the uncomfortable to those who have to make the decision, because the decisions can only be better if the leader is aware of that. And those are, in my opinion, core essences of our participation.
“Then there is the joy of taking responsibility. As a leader and as an officer, that is something that you cannot value highly enough. I think a lot of young people have to be confronted with that - that taking responsibility is fulfilling. Of course, it takes risks, but there's the saying, ‘no risk, no fun.’ And if you calculate the risk well, the responsibility will be one that is fun to execute.”
- Janet E. Williams
During his visit to CU, Brinkmann spoke to members of the Comanche Battalion, CU’s Army ROTC unit.
Brinkmann observes members of CU’s Comanche Battalion during a field-training exercise.
IN REMEMBRANCE
Cameron University mourns the loss of these former faculty and staff members who impacted the lives of Cameron students for decades.
During Dr. Roy Byrd’s 25-year stay at Cameron, he served as assistant dean of academics and chair of the Department of Technology before retiring as Professor Emeritus. During his tenure, he was instrumental in starting an associate degree program in data processing and law enforcement. He also developed a two-plus-two program enabling graduates with an associate degree to obtain a Bachelor of Science degree in Technology. Byrd was a member of the Oklahoma Higher Education Alumni Association, served on the American Council of Education, North Central Accrediting Association, Oklahoma Retired Educators Association, and the Atoka Retired Educators Association. He passed away on August 3, 2024.
Dr. J. Mickey Cooper, Professor Emeritus, passed away on Friday, September 6. Cooper dedicated 37 years to CU, joining the faculty of Cameron State Agricultural College in 1964. He was responsible for the establishment of Cameron’s herbarium, which has grown throughout the years to include the historic plant collection from the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge and is part of the Texas Oklahoma Regional Consortium of Herbaria. In addition to his classroom responsibilities, Cooper was an active advocate of introducing middle school and high school students to the sciences to encourage them to pursue careers in science, technology and engineering. He retired in 2000. He and his wife Donna established the Dr. Mickey Cooper Endowed Scholarship in Biology through the Cameron University Foundation in 2022.
Although type 1 diabetes robbed Kay Love of her vision, it didn’t take away her desire to help others. A CU alumna who graduated in 1991 with a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology, she joined the CU staff as an academic advisor as part of the TRIO programs. She also earned a master’s degree in social work from the University of Oklahoma. Kay was a valued member of the CU staff for more than 20 years, retiring in 2013. A dedicated member of the Oklahoma Council of the Blind who played a role in establishing the Lawton chapter, she served in leadership roles for both organizations.
ALMA MATTERS
Alumni who received more than one degree are listed by year of most recent degree. Those who attended but did not graduate are listed under the year they would have graduated; or in some cases, the last year they attended. If you have changed your address, have a new job or have other news to share, contact the CU Office of Alumni Relations, 2800 W. Gore Blvd., Lawton OK 73505, 580-581-2988; alumni@cameron.edu; or on the web at www.cameron.edu/alumni.
1970s
Nikki Hibdon (AAS ’71), Talihina, serves as the mayor of Talihina. She previously served as mayor more than 25 years ago. She is also the administrator of Talihina Manor Nursing Home.
Toney Stricklin (BBA ’75), Oklahoma City, serves as vice chief of staff and vice president of aerospace and defense material for Westwin Elements.
1990s
1980s
Chris Deal (BBA, ’90), Duncan, is now the city manager for the City of Duncan. He previously served as president and CEO of the Duncan Chamber of Commerce from January 2011 to January 2024. Deal is a graduate of Leadership Duncan Class XI and a former consultant and business manager.
Dan Lambert (BS, ’94), Navajo, is now the chief executive officer of the Southwest Rural Electric Association. His previous experience includes 27 years as manager of network services for AT&T.
Hope Rampy (BA ’96), Fort Knox, Ky., is now the commander of U.S. Army Human Resources Command at Fort Knox. She is a major general and was previously Director, Military Personnel Management at the Pentagon.
Nicholas Fischer (MS ’96, BS ’94), Duncan, served in the U.S. Army from 1971 through 1992. In 2017, he founded Fischer Properties Investment, LLC. In 2021, he was elected as the Ward 2 City Councilman for the City of Duncan and was appointed as a trustee for Duncan Utilities, Duncan Enhancement Trust Authority and Duncan Economic Foundation. He also serves as a liaison to the local Lakes Commission and is the chairman of Delta Nutrition.
Darcy Reeves (BBA ’96), Duncan, has been honored with the Pathfinder Award by the Duncan Area Arts Hall of Fame. She has served as executive director of the Chisholm Trail Arts Council since 2012.
Melissa Beck (BA ’03), Lawton, is now the executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Lawton Fort Sill. She has served as president of Lawton Community Theatre, a board member for the Lawton Philharmonic Orchestra and a committee member for Arts for All and Lawton Arts and Humanities.
Tessa Craig (MS ’03, BBA ’01), Lawton, is the director of Cameron University’s Student Wellness Center. She is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor. Craig is certified as a Master Addiction Counselor and as a Substance Abuse Counselor. She served as a counseling psychologist for the Department of Defense for more than a decade.
2000s
Cynthia Thomas (MA, ’03), Oneida, Wis., is exhibiting her artwork at the Sioux Indian Museum in Rapid City, South Dakota, through December 16, 2024. The exhibition, “Watahine –She Likes to Travel – features her original pottery creations. Thomas teaches art at the Oneida Nation School System.
Josh Cobble (BA ’05), Lawton, serves as CU’s assistant athletic director for athletic administration. He continues in his role as head coach of the men’s and women’s tennis teams.
Micaela Gehlen (BBA ’05), Reno, Nev., is a professor of military science at the University of Nevada Reno. A graduate of the Comanche Battalion, she was commissioned to the Signal Corps. She is currently a lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army.
Aaron Morris (MBA ’06), Shawnee, serves as the chief financial officer for the State of Oklahoma. He was appointed to the post by Gov. Kevin Stitt. He was previously CFO for the Oklahoma Health Care Authority and is a member of the board of the Rural Heath Association of Oklahoma.
Karim Sifflet (MBA ’08, BBA ’06), Saint Lucia, has been named senior manager for marketing, business development and customer care for the Saint Lucia Air and Sea Port Authority.
Yolanda Allen (BS ’09), Lawton, has been promoted to recreation superintendent for the City of Lawton. She previously served as the activities coordinator for the Patterson Center.
2010s
Chelsea (Robertson) Julian (BA, ’10), Oklahoma City, serves as executive director of media relations in the Marketing and Communication Office at the University of Oklahoma. A graduate of Lawton High School, she was a member of CU’s Presidential Leaders and University Scholars program.
Doris Biegler (BS ’13), Lawton, was recognized as a Siegfried STEM Educator of the Year Finalist by the Tulsa STEM Alliance in August. She serves as STEM coordinator for Lawton Public Schools.
Jim Horinek (BA ’14), Lawton, is the owner of Barbour Creative and the co-owner of Full Scope Marketing. He also serves as marketing director for Pam & Barry’s Team/RE/MAX Professionals.
Stefany McAvoy (MEd ’17), Lawton, has joined the CU faculty as a temporary instructor in the Department of Computing and Mathematical Sciences.
Todd McDaniels (MS ’17), Geronimo, is now a temporary instructor in CU’s Department of Communication, English and Foreign Languages.
Cecilio Ramirez-Cibes (BA ’09), Arlington, Texas, is an assistant vice president/small business banker at Bank of America.
Terri Mitchell (MS ’17, MS ’09, BS ’05), Lawton, is now a counselor at Edison Elementary School. She was previously a kindergarten teacher at Pat Henry Elementary.
Stacy Jo Adams (’18), Duncan, was elected to the Oklahoma House of Representatives District 50. She is the owner of Adams Insurance Agency.
Maribel Ramirez-Pereyra (BS ’18), Fletcher, joined the CU staff as the university’s international student services coordinator.
Jonny Christensen (BS ’19), Lansing, Mich., is the sport performance coach of the Lansing Lugnuts, a MLB affiliate of the Athletics. Now in his second year on the staff, Christensen previously served internships with the Boston Red Sox and Milwaukee Brewers.
Candice Giblet (’20), Duncan, has joined Duncan Veterinary Hospital as a staff veterinarian. She graduated from the Oklahoma State College of Veterinary Medicine in May 2024.
Nadine Hanefield (MS ’20, MEd ’15), Lawton, was honored with the Medal of Excellence Award for Secondary Teaching by the Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence. She is a service careers special education instructor at Great Plains Technology Center.
Rachel DiBartolomeo (MBA ’21), Amherst, N.Y., is president and coach of the Amherst Lightning, a travel softball organization made up of 16 teams. She serves as coach of the 12-and-Under team. She also gives lesson and specializes in hitting instruction. She also serves as marketing and events manager at Addys Fine Wine & Spirits.
Spencer Brown (BBA ’22, AS ’21), Yukon, is the chief operating officer at FTG Brown, LLC. He is also a CRE sales associate at Blackstone Commercial Property Advisors.
Mateus Ceolin (MS ’22), Bozeman, Mont., now serves as the men’s tennis head coach at Montana State University. He served as a graduate assistant coach at CU and was nominated as ITA Assistant Coach of the Year for the South Central Region in 2021-22.
IN MEMORIAM
Marsha Ann Andrews (’95), Chambersburg, Pa.
Kenneth Lynn Apple (’61), Marlow
Jenna Baker (’08), Duncan
Mable Adelaide Banks Baker, Lawton
Wyneese Hamilton Barker (’73), Snyder
Wade Bennett, Purcell
Kenneth Mark Bobo (’74), Frederick
Cynthia Ranae Box (’07), Clinton
Jayne Boykin (’93) Oklahoma City
Sharon Olivia Martin Brickman (’62), Norman
Terry Kent Brown, Lawton
Teddy Ray Bullins (’95), Dunn, N.C.
Jerry Richard Burks Sr. (’88), Lawton
Betty Burns (’99), Alpharetta, Ga.
Judith Ann Witt Burton (’93), Grandfield
Jerre Matthews Butler, Lawton
Ronald Edward Cagle (’52), Lawton
Foye Gene Cash, Tecumseh
Mary Dawn Cline, Newkirk
James Stuart Cole (’91), Elgin
Keely Kristine Cox (’94), Lawton
William H. “Bill” Crawford, Goodyear, Ariz.
Susan “Susy” Crowell, Tulsa
Albert Edward “Big Al” Dally II, Lawton
Debra Lynn Daubenspeck (’85), Lawton
Glenn Edwin Davis (’76), Lubbock, Texas
Paula Davis (’96), Duncan
Ronnie James Denham (’57), Medicine Park
Ardeth Ann (Elling) Denney (’64), Lawton
Elizabeth Dillingham (’02), Marlow
Jack H. Dodd (’89), Cache
Ann Dodson (’81), Elgin
Robert Daniel “Danny” Dumos, Velma
Daniel “Dan” Eppler (’86), Lawton
Margaret Ross Fikes (’70), Geronimo
Brian Fink (’02), Lawton
Jan (Morgan) Fischer, Cache
James Randall Gardenhire, Apache
Syed Ahmed, Lawton
Edna Alvillar, Lawton
Roy Derrel Byrd, Atoka
Veda Garrick (’88), Duncan
Steve Charles Gonzalez (’73), Lawton
Laurie M. (Rooney) Gray (’83), Lawton
Pavel “Paul” Grepl (’08), Lawton
William Brent Hancock, Calumet
Aerial Harrell, Lawton
Paula Christine (Henderson) Harrison (’91), Duncan
Steve Harrison, Hobart
Lawrence Ward Hart, Tecumseh
Ardith Jane Haynes (’73), Duncan
Mariano Jason Hoffpauir, Lawton
Matthew Ryan “Matt” Hrnciar, Pakan, Texas
William Ryder Hudson, Lawton
Johnny Louis Igo, Cement
Weldon Robert “Rob” Iverson (’01), Apache
Louis Wayne Jackson, Ennis, Texas
Benjamin David Johnston Jr., Norman
Cheyenne Jordan, Lawton
Herman Kaspereit, Duncan
Brett Kirkhart (’84), Salina, Kan.
Thomas Pabst Kissick (’64), Lawton
Charles E. Kriss (’74), Cache
Leslie Layton, Lawton
Inez Kay Love (’91), Lawton
Gordon Ray “Cotton” Liles Jr., Apache
Vicki Jane Lewis, Apache
Floyd Allen Mace (’68), Mountain View
Rhonda Mahaffey (’88, ’00, ’10), Cache
Lloyd Major (’68), League City, Texas
Wilma Martin (’49), Huntsville, Ark.
Michael “Mike” May (’67), Manassas, Va.
Frances A. McKinney (’94), Indiahoma
Julius Barnard “Bobby” McNair (’92), Lawton
LeMonte Franklin “Monte” Merritt (’76), Lawton
Harriet Morrow (’79), Collinsville
Curtis John Munoz (’96), Lawton
Freda Jo Neighbors, Altus
Nancy Nichols (’78), Frisco, Texas
Garrett Mitchell (MEd ’23, BS ’19), is a special education teacher at MacArthur Middle School.
Colby Gilpen (BS ’24), Faxon, the owner of Colby Gilpen Cattle Company, has joined the American Angus Association, the largest beef breed association in the world.
Colette Highsmith (MS ’24), Lawton, is a student success coach in Cameron’s Student Enrichment Center.
Jaylan Thomas (’24), Tulsa, a stand-out on the Aggie basketball team, has signed a professional contract with BC MOIK Baku in Azerbaijan, a professional league where he will test his skills against international players.
John Stephen Overstreet, Waurika
Emil Palesano (’55), Fort Cobb
Tommy Parker, Lawton
Edward Raymond Paul Jr. (’73), Moore
Margaret “Jean” Pauling (’83), Clinton
Leona Mae “Tonie” Penn (’49), Walters
Ruby Virginia Phillips (’73), Lawton
Tony Wayne Pippin, Orrville, Ohio
Billy Earl Poolaw Jr., Lawton
Glenn H. Prince (’92), Apache
Ernest E. Redbird III, Carnegie
Deena Marie Riad, Ashburnham, Mass.
Nekesha Richards, Lawton
Jimmy Duane Roach (’64), Frederick
Jana Gayle Delk Roberts (’84), Apache
Houston C. Sansome (’72), Walters
Leroy David Schein, Pocasset
Roy Glenn Smith, Lewisville, Texas
Debra Lynn “Debbie” Stein (’02), Walters
KeDorian Jamaine “KD” Sullivan (’18), Lawton
Robert Lewis “Rob” Swanda (’78), Apache H. James Thomas, Oklahoma City
Charles Thomlinson III, Oklahoma City
Jack Tyler (’60), Lawton
Albert John Vardell, Okmulgee
Ray Walker (’56), Frederick Garielle Heinlein Wethern (’96), Lawton
Joyce Margaret West, Lawton
Georgia Jean Williams, Lawton
Roy Williams, Apache
Wendy Wilson (’98), Lawton
Larry Allen White (’76), Eldorado
H. Glenn “Herky” Williams, Lawton
Tim Wilson, Katy, Texas
Goldie Mae Wood (’62), Tuttle
Richard Yeahquo (’79), Carnegie
George Michael Yett, Apache
CU SUPPORTERS, FACULTY AND STAFF
Elizabeth “Betty” Flack, Lawton
Dennis William Furr, Lone Grove
Pat Henry, Lawton
Marlene Virginia Cagle, Lawton
J. Mickey Cooper, Cache
Kay Love, Lawton
Robert “Bob” McGlothin, Duncan
David Henry Miller, Sand Springs
Alice Gennell Mullins, Lawton
Otice Sircy, Arlington, Va.
Dewey L. Parker, Edmond
