HE LEADS ME
DAY 1: WEDNESDAY
• Travel Day
• Bill Clinton Presidential Library
DAY 2: THURSDAY
• Elvis Presley’s Graceland
• Grand Ole Opry
*Schedule is subject to change.
APRIL 23-29, 2025 Cost
DAY 3: FRIDAY
• The Parthenon & Centennial Park
• Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage
• Country Music Hall of Fame
DAY 4: SATURDAY
• Travel Day
• Biltmore Estate
DAY 5: SUNDAY
• Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
• North Carolina Arboretum
DAY 6: MONDAY
• Travel Day
• Dollywood
DAY 7: TUESDAY
• Travel Day
$1575 per person (includes lodging, transportation, most meals, entertainment) REGISTER ONLINE
$250 (reserves a seat on bus and trip)
OVERALL COST
AFENI RUBIO
PRE-OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY, SENIOR
Why did you choose to attend SNU?
Coming to SNU allowed me to stay close to my family. Also, when I came for a visit, I liked seeing Bible verses everywhere. It was so encouraging to walk everywhere on campus and see positive messages. I also love that there’s such a welcoming atmosphere here. Everybody is so kind and I love that about SNU.
JILL PENSE
BIOLOGY, SOPHOMORE
Do you receive any scholarships to attend SNU?
Yes, one of the scholarships I receive allows me to give tours on campus and connect with people who are prospective students. I wouldn’t be able to do that without this scholarship, and it’s one of my favorite things that I’m involved in.
CHASE TURBYFILL
COMPUTER SCIENCE, SENIOR
What would you say to someone who is thinking of giving to SNU?
If you’re thinking about giving to SNU, just know that you would be giving to a community that develops students into real Christlike followers who are trying to help each other and help their community grow.
SNU MAGAZINE
A PUBLICATION OF SOUTHERN NAZARENE UNIVERSITY FALL 2024
PRESIDENT Dr. Keith Newman, MA ‘94
VICE PRESIDENT OF UNIVERSITY RELATIONS
Larry Morris, ‘90
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF ALUMNI RELATIONS
Todd Brant, '94
ASSOCIATE VP OF ADVANCEMENT
Heather Fairbanks
ENDOWMENT DEVELOPMENT & DONOR STEWARDSHIP MANAGER
Vanette Bell
DIRECTOR OF ADVANCEMENT SERVICES
Dustin Cornell ‘08
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Patrick Marston, '08
PHOTOGRAPHERS/DESIGN
Todd Brant, ‘94; Olivia Lindsly, ‘21; Hailee Thompson, ‘21; Branlty Thompson
CONTRIBUTORS
Anna Derbyshire, ‘90; Grace Eades, ‘23; Dr. Kimberly Eades; Heather Fairbanks, Cyndi Lamb, ‘74; Tollya Spindle, ‘92
TELEPHONE: 405-491-6312
WEBSITE: www.snu.edu/alumni
EMAIL: alumni@snu.edu
TO UPDATE YOUR ADDRESS www.snu.edu/update-your-information 405-491-6312
SHARE YOUR NEWS www.snu.edu/alumni/share-your-news
REFER A STUDENT www.snu.edu/alumni/refer-a-student
KEY NUMBERS
Alumni Relations 405-491-6312
University Relations 405-491-6311
Traditional Undergrad Admissions 405-491-6324 Professional & Graduate Studies 405-491-6332
Campus Main Number 405-789-6400
SNU MAGAZINE IS PUBLISHED by Southern Nazarene University
The views and opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the editors or the official policies of SNU.
POSTMASTER
Send address changes to: Office of Alumni Relations
SNU 1899 Magazine 6729 NW 39th Expressway
Bethany, OK 73008
View all issues of SNU Magazine online at www.snu.edu/alumni
Jolie Nantze
Psychology Major, Senior Oklahoma City, OK
Herschel Hepler (‘11)
10 THE SPIRITUAL AND CREATIVE JOURNEY OF CHERYL CROUCH (‘91)
16 FACULTY SPOTLIGHT: DR. STEVE JOHNSON (‘93)
18 STUDENT SPOTLIGHT: AMBER EVANS (‘27)
19 FACULTY SPOTLIGHT: DR. JOEL FREES (’14)
21 STUDENT SPOTLIGHT: LANI WESTMORELAND (‘24)
22 FROM ADULT LEARNER TO THE PATH OF MENTAL HEALTH: CARRIE SLATTON-HODGES (‘88)
26 LEADING BY EXAMPLETHE POWER OF ACTION TO INFLUENCE OTHERS: DELILAH JOINER MARTIN (‘81)
28 STUDENT SPOTLIGHT: LATONYA HOKE (‘25)
31 ALUMNI NEWS & UPDATES
“I CAN TESTIFY THAT GOD WAS LEADING ME, AND HE STILL LEADS ME TODAY.”
HE LEADS ME.
COLLECTING STORIES HAS BEEN A HOBBY of mine for decades, and in recent years, I have been especially blessed to hear how women and men have made their way to Bethany Peniel, Bethany Nazarene, and now Southern Nazarene University. Each story is unique, and they range from hitching a ride in a Volkswagen Beetle with a suitcase in her lap to opportunities to play basketball anywhere in the country, and would have, except for a mom praying for her son to choose a Christ-centered, which he did. Quite often I hear words like this, “I didn’t know it or understand it at the time, but I am certain God was leading me, and it has made all the difference in my life.”
DO YOU HAVE A SIMILAR STORY?
A youth pastor loaded up a van of teens and brought them to campus for Extravaganza during my sophomore year of high school. I give thanks for those youth sponsors and pastors and parents who still make the pilgrimage to Bethany for this important annual event. When I made my first visit to campus, college was not on my mind. No one in my family had ever earned an undergraduate degree, and my big interest at the time was trying to win a basketball tournament. Those were the days before the Webster Commons, the Marchant Alumni Center, the Sawyer Center, the West Science Building, or Chick Fil A! Though I enjoyed my time in Bethany, I never dreamed I would return again, and again, and again. But like others, I can testify that God was leading me, and He still leads me today.
The Bible I carried in those days was called The Way, and it was the Living Bible paraphrase. Though I didn’t know it at the time, I would learn a few years later that the earlier followers of Christ were known as the People of the Way. Still later I would discover that Scripture speaks often of the path and the way and promises that when we commit our way and trust Him with all our heart, He will lead. As you read the pages that follow, I know you will be inspired and give thanks for people of the way. May we continue to allow God to lead SNU “in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.” (Psalm 23:3)
Dr. Keith Newman President
AN UNLIKELY PATH:
FROM SNU TO CURATOR AT THE MUSEUM OF THE BIBLE
By Cyndi Lamb (‘74)
AS A BOY HERSCHEL HEPLER (‘11) loved gymnastics, playing outdoors and baseball. Especially baseball. Living in Texas he was able to play year round. What he did not love was reading. But that changed when he was 12-years-old and Peter Jackson delivered his first installment of the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Knowing how badly her son wanted to see the movie, Hepler’s mom told him she’d buy him a ticket, if he read the book first. He devoured The Fellowship of the Ring, then went on to read books two and three which opened his eyes to a new world - reading.
Growing up in the Nazarene church, Hepler was always interested in the Bible, especially the Old Testament. He was drawn to the breadth and depth of these rich, historical stories. So when he came to SNU on a baseball scholarship, he had no trouble declaring a major. He knew he wanted to study theology. Professors such as Dr. Marty Michaelson and Dr. Brint Montgomery challenged him, and he became part of the ministerial internship program and developed a close relationship with Professor Doug Samples.
“Besides such stellar professors, I was surrounded by brilliant classmates who were serious about their studies. I’ve always been drawn to people smarter than me, and I found that in both the faculty and my peers at SNU.”
While in college, he spent summers working at Pine Cove - a Christian camp based in Texas. Before his senior year he was sent to work at a new location in Lima, Peru. Following that, Pine Cove offered him a full-time position after graduation. Unfortunately, while in South America he became ill. The illness played havoc on his body taking him
Hepler Family: Hershel (’11) & Jordan (’13)
Herschel, Museum of the Bible CEO Dr. Carlos Campo; Ambassador Deborah Lipstadt, Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism; Ambassador Adela Raz, former Ambassador of Afghanistan to the United Nations and United States; Professor Mark V. Vlasic posing for a picture.
“THE BEST PART OF MY JOB IS THE CLOSE PROXIMITY I HAVE TO SACRED THINGS.”
months to recover. So, for health reasons, he had to decline the camp’s offer. With that door shut, Hepler decided to continue his studies at SNU and pursue his master’s degree.
During Hepler’s program, Prof. Michaelson was invited by the newly formed Museum of the Bible (MOTB) to do a research project and to bring some of his top students with him. Hepler was one of them. After the project was over, the museum offered the grad student a summer internship.
The next year as his master’s work was ending, a church contacted Hepler regarding an opening. Thinking this seemed like the natural next step, he applied. Yet, things stalled when the church quit responding. Before he could feel too discouraged, Museum of the Bible reached out, offering him a permanent position.
Working at a museum was not where I expected to land when I came to SNU six years earlier. I’m a first generation college student and I didn’t know all the things I could do with my degree. The idea that I was going to be around rare, medieval books - some of which were super famous - was really cool.”
In January, 2013 Hepler became a full time employee of Museum of the Bible.
He started as Curatorial Assistant then shortly moved up to Assistant Curator. In 2016, he was promoted to Associate Curator of Hebrew Manuscripts, the role he now fills.
“As a curator I’m attempting to know and understand everything under my care,” explains Hepler. “I research each particular manuscript which includes the text, history of the object, and history of ownership. Before there is ever a display in the museum, there’s a ton of research, writing, design and prep. In my particular area, I curate all Jewish manuscripts - which means any of the museum’s holdings that are handwritten, not printed, but bound like a book before the year 1600.”
The newest exhibit to open at MOTB in September, 2024 is called Sacred Words - Revealing the Earliest Hebrew Book. Visitors to the museum will see the oldest-known Hebrew book which contains Sabbath prayers, liturgical poems, and the oldest known Haggadah - a Jewish text that sets forth the order of the Passover Seder.
This exhibit is the culmination of the research that Hepler and other scholars have been working on for the last eight years and it has involved a bit of historical sleuthing. For example,
scholars originally thought the book was discovered in Egypt. But Hepler found photos and video proof of its earlier discovery in Afghanistan. This led to a remarkable collaboration between the museum, Afghan Jews in the US, and officials in Afghanistan.
In addition, when the museum acquired the book that is the center of the newest exhibit - the Afghan Liturgical Quire - they had the manuscript carbon-dated. Most of the earliest Hebrew books date back to the AD 900s. This manuscript dates to the 700’s making it the oldest Hebrew book in the world!
“The best part of my job is the close proximity I have to sacred things. I’m getting to share the space - through these manuscripts - across time with some unbelievable people beginning with Jewish travelers on the Silk Roads in the 700s of Afghanistan who first created it... up to the modern Afghan Jewish community who celebrates the discovery of such a rare Jewish book.”
The irony of a boy not liking to read growing up to become a curator of Hebrew manuscripts is not lost on Hepler. He spends most of his time reading now. It was not a job or a path he could have predicted for himself.
Hepler showing guests the Washington Pentateuch, a Torah codex from circa 1000.
LEADERSHIP CHANGES
SNU President, Dr. Keith Newman announced a new senior leadership team for the coming 2024-25 school year.
SENIOR LEADERSHIP TEAM
1. Dr. Keith Newman PRESIDENT
2. Mrs. Tollya Spindle DIRECTOR OF ADMINISTRATION AND COMMUNICATIONS
3. Mr. Gary Cummings VICE PRESIDENT FOR BUSINESS AND FINANCE, CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
4. Rev. Larry Morris VICE PRESIDENT FOR UNIVERSITY RELATIONS (ADVANCEMENT, ALUMNI, CHURCH RELATIONS, COMMUNITY & GOVERNMENT RELATIONS)
5. Dr. Mark Winslow SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT AND CHIEF ACADEMIC OFFICER
6. Dr. Melissa Lewis VICE PRESIDENT FOR THE COLLEGE OF PROFESSIONAL AND GRADUATE STUDIES
7. Dr. Steve Betts VICE PRESIDENT FOR ENROLLMENT (TRADITIONAL) AND STUDENT SUCCESS
8. Dr. Michael Redwine EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT (ATHLETICS, SPIRITUAL LIFE, STUDENT LIFE, TITLE IX)
ATHLETIC SUCCESS FROM 2023-2024
The SNU Softball team claimed their first GAC Tournament Title and earned the program’s first trip to the Central Regional Finals. The Storm also claimed the program’s first 40-win season in the DII era.
The Men’s Soccer team clinched back-toback GAC Tournament Titles.
SNU Men’s Bowling team finished 27th in the nation after an incredible inaugural season! The Storm finished 7th at ITC Sectionals to finish the year as well.
For the third year in a row, SNU’s Volleyball team earned the American Volleyball Coaches Association Academic Award.
SNU’s Women’s Basketball team won back-to-back GAC regular season titles and won the No. 1 seed in the Central Region Tournament. This is also the first time that the Storm has hosted the tournament. The ladies earned the program’s first trip to the Regional Final.
The SNU Men’s Golf team also earned four GCAA All-America Scholar Awards.
Both SNU Rugby teams had successful 2023-24 seasons. SNU Women’s Rugby team claimed back-to-back LoneStar Conference Championships and finished the year ranked 6th nationally. The SNU Men’s Rugby team made their second bowl game appearance in the Lonestar Bowl and qualified for the 7s Championship to end a great season.
To learn more about SNU Athletics, visit snuathletics.com.
THE SPIRITUAL AND CREATIVE JOURNEY OF CHERYL CROUCH
By Anna Derbyshire ‘90
“Those who read her books will find that they are not just books but vessels of God’s love and guidance.”
SOUTHERN NAZARENE UNIVERSITY alum Cheryl Crouch (‘91) is a living testament to the theme, He Leads Me. From her inspirational books that touch the lives of many to her heartfelt dedication to mission work, Cheryl embodies a journey of faith that resonates deeply with the wisdom of Psalm 23. Her experiences as a missionary, author, and educator are a testament to the power of faith in navigating the unknown, the impact of storytelling in shaping young minds, and the enduring legacy of a life dedicated to serving and glorifying God. Cheryl began her journey on the mission fields of Papua New Guinea, a surprise detour, where her faith was tested and strengthened immeasurably. Facing cerebral malaria, an affliction that veiled the severity of her condition from her own understanding, she found comfort in the steadfast belief that God’s plan was at work and that He was leading her through the darkest valleys with unwavering faithfulness.
Inspired by her missionary experiences, Cheryl transformed her English major from SNU into a conduit for divine storytelling. Her books are journeys of faith, hope, and love for young minds, including a stack of NMI children’s missionary stories, the celebrated Chosen Girls as well as two I Can Read series, Rainforest Friends and Super Ace. Those who read her books will find that they are not just books but vessels of God’s love and guidance, reaching out to touch readers’ hearts with the gospel’s transformative power.
Today, Cheryl’s impact reverberates beyond her written work. She is truly passionate about Christian education and is an ambassador of truth for the next generation. As an educator, she imparts wisdom and a passion for learning, seeing it as a treasure for students to explore their faith and the calling God has placed on their lives. Her advice guides those navigating the confluence of passion and service: relentlessly pursuing God’s leading and trusting in His greater plan.
Through her experiences, Cheryl exemplifies the essence of spiritual leadership and creative expression, affirming that regardless of the path we choose, it is underpinned by God’s guidance, love, and providence. The remarkable journey that she has been on of faith, creativity, and service not only enriches our understanding of “He leads me” but also illuminates the path for us to follow - a path marked by trust, dedication, and the unwavering belief in the journey God has ordained for each of us.
Like so many on their pilgrimage through the halls of SNU, she was introduced to her soulmate and husband Jeff (‘91). Cheryl’s story of faith and hope would be incomplete without mentioning her “biggest joy” and greatest legacy, her children Byron (‘17), Bradley (‘19), his wife Sadie (‘19), Brookelyn Nelson (‘20) her husband Zach Nelson (‘18) and Bethany who will graduate from SNU, 2026. They have always and still inspire her daily to walk, talk, and teach Jesus.
Reflecting on her journey, Cheryl testifies that as an impressionable young adult, SNU helped her realize the power of “purposefully different” Christian education and hopes her legacy, rooted in literature and teaching, continues to sow seeds of faith, inspiring current and future generations to explore and express their spirituality through their unique gifts and callings.
Cheryl (Chamberlain) Crouch (’91)
Beginning of School
WELCOMING STUDENTS FOR 2024-2025
A freshman moving into the dorm.
Alumni & Friends handing out water on a hot day during New Student Institute
SNU Students and Luggage Luggers find ways to get furniture to the dorm rooms.
Students participating in the New Student Institute Fair in front of the Webster Commons.
Resident Advisors from Snowbarger Hall posing for a picture in the lobby as they wait for students.
One of our long standing traditions - The Candle Lighting Ceremony which happens on Saturday evening. Chase Matson, S.A.L.T. President takes a flame from the Lamp of Learning to fan the flame to all new students.
Tug of War between two teams at the Siren during NSI.
Seniors Class gathers for a group picture at a tradition called the Senior Sunrise which happens on the first day of school.
Pictures taken on the first day of class.
FACULTY SPOTLIGHT: DR. STEVE JOHNSON
By Dr. Kimberly Eades
MEET DR. STEVE JOHNSON, a 1993 graduate of SNU. Steve’s path to SNU as a faculty member might seem straightforward, but in actuality it is the story of a long journey which led him back SNU.
Steve grew up in Edmond, OK not far from the SNU campus. He attended Waterloo Church of the Nazarene where his family was very involved. It was during a revival with Rev. Gary Hanes that Steve felt a call to ministry. He was 18 and had already started college, but was struggling to know what direction to go. He knew he wanted to teach but felt like a degree in Education was just not right. When he felt his call, everything clicked, and he ended up pursuing a degree in pastoral ministry.
He graduated from SNU in 1993 and went to Nazarene Theological Seminary where he earned an MDIV in 1997. While working on his graduate program, he was also serving as a pastor. It was during his time pastoring in Indiana that God revealed that He had a different plan for him. After receiving this “second” call, Steve and his family moved to Waco, TX where he served for 10 years and enrolled in Historical Theology from the University of Manchester where he would eventually earn his Ph.D.
After completing the doctoral program, Steve started doing adjunct teaching as he waited and prayed to see what his next step would be. It was during his time serving as pastor in Kansas City, that Steve realized what he had known years before, he wanted to teach. He applied and was accepted as a faculty member at SNU, and though a difficult move, he knew this was what God wanted. A culmination of a 20 year process led him right back to where it started, Southern Nazarene University and Oklahoma. As he moved into his office at SNU, it was not lost on him that he was following in the steps of many theological giants.
“THE CHURCH IS A BEAUTIFUL PLACE THAT GOD HAS CREATED FOR US, TO GROW IN GRACE AND BE NURTURED. WHAT WE DO IN THE CHURCH MATTERS. UNDERSTANDING WHAT THE CHURCH IS CAN ONLY BE DONE THROUGH THEOLOGY.”
Dr. Steve Johnson (‘93)
Dr. Steve Johnson instructing Systematic Theology class.
Although teaching is different from pastoring, one thing that hasn’t changed is his love of working with young pastors and people with calls to ministry. He stated, “I love the church. I love working with students who have a call to the church. I love theology.”
One of the ways that he has used his love of helping people with a call to ministry was by establishing Equip, a three day event at SNU during the summer where high school students with a call to ministry can be a part of learning more about what that call may mean. As Steve suggests, “(Ministry is) not just equipping senior pastors anymore. Calls to ministry are very diverse.” Today, those calls can be to open a coffee shop, start an urban farm, as well as a wide variety of pastoral positions. He wants to make sure that SNU is equipping students for whatever it is that God is calling them to do.
So as a professor in the School of Theology and Ministry department there are two goals that Steve has for his students. The first is to help students understand why theology matters. “I want our students to experience and leave with a passion for understanding that theology really does matter. That the pictures that we have in our head about who God is; the things that we believe about the Father, Son and Holy Spirit; and even the way we believe and practice in the church has everything to do with what kinds of theologians we are.”
The second goal is for SNU students to fall in love with the church. “The church is a beautiful place that God has created for us, to grow in grace and be nurtured. What we do in the church matters. Understanding what the church is can only be done through theology.”
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT: AMBER EVANS
Current Class: Sophomore, Class of 2027
Major: Pastoral Ministry
Hometown: Houston, TX
Why did you choose SNU? Coming to SNU was truly a God thing. I came up for a visit in February 2023, and I had a list of questions ready to ask Dr. Fitzgerald, the head chairman of the Theology department. I asked him one question and that was it. He answered the direct question that followed on my list and every question after that. That was a confirmation for me from God that SNU was truly where I was meant to be.
What has made the most impact on you as a student? I think that my professors have made the greatest impact on me as a student so far. As I am navigating through a call to ministry that I wake up and say “yes” to everyday and becoming my own person with my own beliefs, the mentorship I have received from each professor has been truly amazing.
How have you grown in your faith while you are here at SNU?
Since being at SNU, my faith has grown into my own. I always believed that my relationship with God was mine, but when I got here, I quickly realized that God wasn’t just in SNU because it was a Christian school, and my relationship with him wasn’t magically perfect because I was surrounded by other Christians. I am growing into a faith that is my own. I am stepping into a relationship with God where effort is put forth by me and my choices. I am really looking forward to the growth that takes place in my faith during my time as a student at SNU.
What are some of your favorite parts of being a student at SNU?
One of my favorite things about being a student at SNU is the community. You are constantly being poured into by peers, mentors, and professors. It is such a welcoming space and I have loved getting the chance to be a part of the community here that is pouring into others.
FACULTY SPOTLIGHT: DR. JOEL FREES
By Grace Eades (‘23)
AFTER HAVING SPENT his younger years in Colorado, Dr. Joel Frees (‘14) moved with his family to Ponca City, Oklahoma at the end of elementary school. His two older brothers attended SNU, one of them double majoring in Athletic Training and Pre-Physical Therapy. As Frees prepared to follow in his brothers’ footsteps in attending SNU, he was inspired by the complimentary way in which his older brother discussed both programs.
“Each weekend or holiday he would come home, he raved about the classes he was taking, the department, and the professions,” Dr. Frees explained. “In a step of faith, I declared the same major and fell in love with the fulfillment of helping others achieve their goals and walking with them through really dark, difficult times in their lives.”
To Joel, the program was the perfect marriage of two of his greatest passions–getting to be involved with athletics and getting to serve others. However, he wouldn’t know the exact direction he’d be taking with his degree until he encountered Dr. Mark Winslow’s Physics class in his senior year, a subject many students dreaded.
“I AM PRIVILEGED TO GIVE BACK BY TRYING TO IMPACT OTHERS IN THE SAME WAY I HAVE BEEN IMPACTED. SERVING IN THIS ROLE GIVES ME AN AVENUE TO HONOR THOSE WHO HAVE LOVED ME SO WELL.”
Dr. Joel Frees (‘14)
“A class that brought anxiety and despair to many became the class that sparked intrigue and fueled my love of learning. Through this class, and the many hours spent outside of the classroom learning through trial and error, I started imagining myself trying to stoke these same flames for students in the future. The way the material was brought to life by an individual who simultaneously loved his discipline, and the material, and deeply cared for and loved his students was inspiring. By the end of my senior year at SNU, I was committed to entering the field of academia at some point in my career.”
After graduating with his bachelors in Pre-Physical Therapy, Dr. Frees attended the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, where he earned his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree. He spent time working in the field, primarily in the area of outpatient orthopedics, before God opened doors for him to return to SNU to teach.
In teaching at a private Christian institution, Dr. Frees knew that it would allow him to emphasize what had made physical therapy such an appealing career for him: as an avenue through which to exert Christ-like empathy to those who need it most.
“In some ways, I almost think it would be more difficult to separate out the practice of rehabilitative professions and Kingdom work,” said Dr. Frees. “Every aspect of developing relationships with patients, striving for excellence in clinical decision making and working towards the best possible outcome, showing compassion for others, and working to restore and improve one’s quality of life is a calling. Getting to teach at SNU not only allows me to infuse this into the curriculum but encourages me to do so.”
However, Dr. Frees had a second and more personal reason for returning to SNU, his meaningful connections and had roots within the university. “I come from a family with longstanding Nazarene roots and credit so much of who I am to countless individuals throughout my life who have poured into me and my family through this heritage,” Dr. Frees explained. “I am privileged to give back by trying to impact others in the same way I have been impacted. Serving in this role gives me an avenue to honor those who have loved me so well.”
Dr. Frees currently teaches multiple classes at SNU in the School of Kinesiology. Of all the things that excites Dr. Frees about his role as a professor, his passion for inspiring students in the same way his professors did for him cannot be overstated.
“I hope students see the deep care I have for them.” I want them to not only learn, but to love learning. I want them to know I also care about their spiritual lives, relationships, successes and failures, and futures. I hope they look back and know they were deeply loved and cared for. I hope to inspire them to love others in the same way.”
Outside of teaching, Dr. Frees continues his early work in orthopedic physical therapy on a weekly basis to positively impact patients and stay informed as an instructor. He also golfing and playing pickup basketball. He also attends and is involved in his church, the 8th Street Church of the Nazarene. And perhaps most importantly, he and his wife Corbyn are the proud parents of two children, Finley (6) and Phoenix (3).
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT: LANI WESTMORELAND
Class and Graduation Year: Senior, December 2024
Major: Pre-Occupational Therapy
Hometown: Burleson Texas
Why did you choose SNU?
I decided to transfer to SNU because I was looking for a smaller campus with a close-knit community centered around Christ.
What has made the most impact on you as a student?
What has made the biggest impact on me as a student is the professors at SNU. Before SNU, I was at a state school with very large class sizes and I never once had a conversation with any of my professors. At SNU, the smaller class sizes have allowed me to build relationships with my professors and feel comfortable asking for help with classwork.
How have you grown in your faith while you are here at SNU?
SNU has helped me grow in my faith because I am surrounded by people who have the same values as me and always lead me back to God.
What are some of your favorite parts of being a student at SNU?
My favorite part of being a student at SNU is the events that are put on throughout the year! Some of my favorite events have been Howdy Homecoming, Heart Pal, and Roller Rag.
What are your plans for the future?
After graduation, I plan to attend graduate school where I will get my OTD and pursue becoming a pediatric occupational therapist.
MORE ABOUT PRE-OT AT SNU.
FROM ADULT LEARNER TO THE PATH OF MENTAL HEALTH
By Grace Eades ‘23
WHILE SOME PEOPLE SPEND YEARS searching for their callings, others are drawn to lifelong careers of service early on. The latter is the case of Carrie Slatton-Hodges ‘88, the former commissioner of the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (ODMHSAS), who claims to have known from an early age that she was destined for a career in behavioral health.
Carrie began her very successful career by attending Southern Nazarene
University, in the brand new (at the time) adult learning program. Having already obtained an associates degree, she was able to complete her studies in human resource management by attending weekly night classes, a relatively novel concept at the time. “It was one of the first adult learning programs in the state,” she recalled. It was through SNU’s adult learning program that Carrie was able to develop and refine the skills that she would later utilize throughout her career, such as
Carrie Slatton-Hodges ‘88
“HAVING THE FAITH THAT I DO IS WHAT GIVES BACK TO ME AND STRENGTHENS ME ON A DAILY BASIS TO DO THE WORK.”
critical thinking and collaboration. “I look back on everything really fondly. I feel like it really prepared me for moving into a career and a world in the future. It was a fantastic program.”
After graduating from SNU, she went on to obtain her masters degree in applied psychology, and served as a clinician. However, the skills she had honed in her bachelors degree became incredibly helpful in shaping the trajectory of her developing career.
“One of the things that I learned pretty quickly is that I have a relatively good business brain, and so with that I was able to see areas of need and make a business plan for those for the agency I worked for and then develop new programming,” she explained. Twelve years in, she became the chief of operations for the largest community mental health center in Oklahoma.
From there, Carrie set about working with the state, involving herself with the policy side of mental health. She served as deputy-commissioner of ODMHSAS for ten years, before being promoted to the commissioner of ODMHSAS, a
position she held for four years.
There are many things that Slatton-Hodges was able to accomplish as commissioner that she remains proud of, including setting up a robust crisis system consisting of a three-digit statewide mental health hotline, developing a statewide 24/7 call center as well as a series of urgent recovery centers, and renovating and refurbishing Oklahoma’s psychiatric state hospital, Griffin Memorial Hospital.
Before retiring in November of last year, Carrie made sure to create, in her words, “a strong backbone” for the behavioral health systems Oklahoma had in place.
“At one point in time, as we continued to have state budget cuts and reductions, I felt like there was really a risk in Oklahoma of [behavioral health funding] going away,” she said. “And so really putting in place a series of instrumental steps to ensure that we not only had that system, but that that system could really thrive and do amazing things and serve even more people.”
After retiring from her position as commissioner, Carrie now works with the National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors, a non-profit that gives assistance to behavioral health commissioners in all 50 states.
When reflecting on how her faith has influenced her career path and the ways in which God has led her, Carrie believes its significance cannot be overstated.
“A lot of this work can be really hard. You can experience trauma vicariously by being around other peoples’ trauma, and there are times that you can become disheartened or sad, or have situations of people that you’ve gotten to know and really care about that don’t always turn out like you would want. Having the faith that I do is what gives back to me and strengthens me on a daily basis to do the work. Whenever I go to make a decision, especially big decisions around career changes and things of that nature, I try to put those things into God’s hands and say, ‘If this is what you want me to do, lead me down this path.’”
Carrie with Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt
Weekend Schedule
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7
6:00 pm SNU Women’s Volleyball vs OBU
7:00 pm Little Women (School of Music)
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 8
9:00 am Chat with Execs (Business)
10:00 am Preview Day (Admissions)
11:00 am Coronation Chapel
12:00 pm Missionary Luncheon (Theology)
12:00 pm Homecoming Registration
12:00 pm Party on the Block
2:00 pm RENEW Counseling Open House
2:30 pm VET Center Open House/Reception
2:30 pm Academic Open Houses/Receptions
3:00 pm Catalyst Reception (Sciences)
4:15 pm Storm Pep Rally on College Ave
5:00 pm SNU Networking Event @ Serve Coffee
5:30 pm Reunion Gatherings @ Bball Games
5:30 pm Women’s Basketball Game
5:30 pm Athletic Alumni Reunion @ Bball Games
7:00 pm Little Women (School of Music)
7:30 pm Men’s Basketball Game
9:00 pm Storm BonFire
9:00 pm Hymn Sing
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 9
8:00 am SNU Crimson Cakes & Run
8:00 am School of Education Alumni Breakfast
8:00 am Athletic Alumni Come & Go Reception
9:00 am A Day with the Band (Marching Band)
9:30 am Joy Walk @ University Mall
10:00 am Women’s Rugby Match vs Texas A&M
10:00 am Class Reunion Connections
10:00 am Softball Alumni Event
11:30 am 1974 NCCAA National Championship Basketball Team Luncheon
12:00 pm Men’s Rugby Match vs UNT
12:00 pm Tailgating at Football Stadium
2:00 pm Men’s Football vs SE OK ST
2:30 pm Catalyst Luncheon
2:00 pm Little Women (School of Music)
5:30 pm Women’s Soccer vs NWOSU
6:30 pm The Main Event
7:30 pm Men’s Soccer vs Newman Univ.
www.snu.edu/homecoming 1974(50th), 1984(40th), 1994(30th), 1999(25th), 2004(20th), 2014(10th), 2019(5th)
Dr. Delilah Joiner Martin with recent May graduates from the Family Studies and Gerontology (FSG) program in Bethany (Group 96) and Tulsa FSG (56).
LEADING BY EXAMPLE: THE POWER OF ACTION TO INFLUENCE OTHERS
By Dr. Kimberly Eades
As the Program Director for Family Studies and Gerontology, Dr. Delilah Joiner Martin is not new to SNU. For 41 years, Delilah has been part of the school as a student (class of 1981), graduate and employee. Her choosing SNU as a student was providential. As she explained, “I believe with all of my being that it was the leading of the Holy Spirit who brought me here as a student through a faculty connection and a traveling university singing group and then kept me here as an employee.”
It is not hard to believe that it was God who led her to SNU. Her dedication to helping others, especially students, is what endears her to so many people at SNU and in the Oklahoma City Community.
Dr. Joiner Martin’s path has not been an easy one. In 2014, Delilah’s daughter, Kaytie ‘08, was preparing for her wedding when she collapsed after running a half marathon. She did not survive. Heartbroken, Delilah wanted to do something to celebrate her daughter’s life. She, along with help from family and friends, decided to make gift baskets to give to new parents of babies born on Kaytie’s birthday, July 22, at Mercy Hospital. Her passion for this project has led her to continue the tradition each year since. The impact of her selfless act is one of the reasons she was nominated for and received Oklahoma’s Mother of the Year award in March 2024.
“THESE ARE SOME OF THE MOST EXTRAORDINARY HUMAN BEINGS THAT I’VE EVER MET. THE PEOPLE WHO ARE CALLED TO COMPLETE THIS DEGREE ARE THE ONES WHO FEEL CALLED TO HELP AND SERVE.”
Dr. Joiner Martin gives that same commitment to the students of the Family Studies and Gerontology (FSG) program. “The SNU Family Studies and Gerontology program students are primarily adult women, and many are mothers. In our studies, as the program director, I have the privilege of impacting mothers and future mothers in very practical ways. They are equipped and can take what they are learning immediately into their personal lives with real-world applications. It is an honor to work in higher education as an extension of the church.”
FSG graduate Ellyn Marsh ’68 gave a glimpse of the deep care Dr. Joiner Martin extends to each student, describing her experience with the program as life changing. Ellyn originally enrolled at SNU in 1964 but didn’t finish. However, she found her way back to SNU as an adult. “The practical skills that you gain in FSG helped change me. I had no confidence; I had no knowledge; I had no skills of communicating, and it just really changed me. It just changed the path of my life completely.” She and Delilah are close friends today.
David Odle, a 2012 FSG alumnus, shared an idea that Dr. Joiner Martin instilled in him as a student.
“You’ve got a full tank of gas, everything’s going great, but when the tank is empty, you stop.
Dr. Delilah Joiner Martin ‘81
And so learning to refill your tank and how to do that is so important. I can only imagine the impact that you’re having with that. People need to take care of themselves.”
Ask any FSG student and they will tell you story after story about how the program and Dr. Joiner Martin has impacted their lives. Some of those stories include how Deliah gave money to students to pay for rent, gas, bills, and other necessities so that the student could keep pursuing their education. These acts of kindness and generosity seem to be in Delilah’s DNA. She is a champion for her students, for the FSG program, and for SNU.
“These are some of the most extraordinary human beings that I’ve ever met. The people who are called to complete this degree are the ones who feel called to help and serve. Issues in our world that others look away from, these degree seekers kneel to pray, stand to face, and then walk toward those, believing that they, with God’s help, can and will make a difference.”
Today, her vision for her students and the FSG program continues. Recently, Dr. Joiner Martin worked with SNU’s Office of University Advancement to re-envision a scholarship dedicated to serving students in the FSG program. As she noted, “They will not earn big money in this field of service, and knowing that, I would love to have a scholarship big enough to pay off their educational debt for this program.”
As she nears retirement, Dr. Joiner Martin hopes to raise an additional $25,000 for the scholarship before saying goodbye to her role as program director. This would provide an additional $1,000 per year scholarship to a deserving FSG student, directly reducing loans or tuition payments.
“I believe our work is Holy. I love being entrusted with an opportunity to come alongside a student for a specific season of life, sometimes longer, and knowing that even if I may never know the outcome of that person’s life, I was faithful to my season, always praying, ‘Thy will be done’ over that student, being completely surrendered to the fact that with every human exchange, verbal, written, assignment, greeting, that a Holy spiritual exchange is also being communicated through the work of the Holy Spirit... and in truth, that is the most important aspect of all the work being accomplished at SNU.”
To honor Dr. Delilah Joiner Martin and her Kingdom work at SNU, you can make a gift to the Family Studies and Gerontology HOPE Scholarship Endowment at the link below. For questions about other ways to give, such as through an IRA, Donor Advised Fund, or other special situations, contact Heather Fairbanks, Associate Vice President for Advancement at hfairbanks@snu.edu.
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT: LATONYA HOKE
Class and Graduation Year: 2025
Major: Family Studies and Gerontology
Hometown: Pampa, Texas
Why did you choose SNU?
I chose SNU because I love the fact that it is Christ-centered. I also love the fact that there is one course to study for five weeks. This makes working a full time job and going to school very manageable.
What has made the most impact on you as a student?
I feel the most impact has been the availability of the teachers. They are so encouraging with their words. It makes me feel more confident in myself after speaking with them.
How have you grown in your faith while you are here at SNU?
My faith has grown stronger. I believe it is because with every class, there is a weekly devotional. We are reading scripture and writing on it. The Bible is an excellent source of educational learning and it can change our lives.
What are some of your favorite parts of being a student at SNU?
Although I am only doing online courses, I love that the instructors are available. They have always answered me in a timely manner and are encouraging. I also love that each course is five weeks long so that I only have to study one class at a time.
What are your plans for the future?
I have recently transitioned to a Case Manager Supervisor role, so my goal is to improve on this skill as I continue my education through SNU. I know that the education I receive will allow me to be the best person I can be for my team.
Time To Begin, Again!
Degree Programs
M.A. Applied Psychology
M.A. Administration of Special Education
M.A. Educational Leadership
M.A. Teaching
M.A. Organizational Leadership
M.A. Sport management & Administration
MBA / MBA Healthcare
M.S. Exercise Science
M.S. Physician Assistant Studies
M.S. Counseling Psychology
M.S. Instructional Design and Technology
M.S. Management
Doctor of Education in Administration & Leadership
2024 OUTSTANDING ALUMNI
Kyle Rickner ‘93 OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT
LeEtta Felter ‘89 & ‘24 PUBLIC OFFICIAL
FAITH BASED
HERITAGE AWARD
Dr.
Dr.
Dr. Mark Reighard ‘68
Erin Goodin ‘01 PUBLIC SERVICE
Dr. Delilah Joiner Martin ‘81
MARRIAGES FAMILY ADDITIONS
Damon & Leslie (Ruby) ’20 Malick
March 9, 2024
Matthew & Malori (Minjares) ’20 Sheets
June 18, 2024
Sawyer ’20 & Landry Greenhill
August 8, 2024
& Sadie’19 Crouch
Jacob & Leslie (Hicks) ’04 Shatto
August 10, 2024
Kaleb ’20 & Caroline Dye
September 8, 2024
Cade & Lily (Rhodes) ‘24 Moore
September 24, 2024
Christian & Mary (Siems)’13 Cox
October 6, 2024
Carson ‘21 & Maigen Harding
October 4, 2024
‘17 & Kelsi (Holcomb)’17
Bradley ‘19
Emery Jean Crouch, born March 1, 2024
Cooper & Angie Milford ‘19
Ozzie Milford, born March 12, 2024
Brock
Redwine
Tatum James Redwine, born March 28, 2024
James ’18 & Thokozani Houston
Eliana Houston, born May 16, 2024
Ryan ‘17 & Candis (Whitehead) ‘17 Crosley
Rhodes Dean Crosley, born May 17, 2024
D.J. & Sarai (Abrego) ’19 Donatelli
Benson John Donatelli, born June 9, 2024
Lucas & Caitlyn (Tiede) ’18 Mund
Lincoln Charles Mund, born June 19, 2024
Grayson ’20 & Chloe ’21 Brant
Ellisyn Gray Brant, born July 12, 2024
Tyler ’15 & Josie (Doss) ’18 Lloyd
Violet Mara Louise Lloyd, born August 23, 2024
Omar & Miriam ‘12 Campos
Zuriel Rivera-Campos, born August 26, 2024
IN MEMORY
Kim (Emmert) Metcalf '08
August 29, 1985 - January 23, 2024
Bethany, OK
Stanley Sowers '66
October 16, 1944 - February 2, 2024
Citrus Heights, CA
Jean (Jackson) Tiemann '68
October 13, 1946 - February 2, 2024
Castle Pines, CO
Carole (Rehfeldt) McAnally '64
April 7, 1942 - February 5, 2024
Bethany, OK
Ed Crouse '65
November 24, 1941 - February 8, 2024
Fargo, OK
Tom Boyd '56
July 4, 1933 - February 13, 2024
Norman, OK
Tommy Hutter '69
June 6, 1946 - February 19, 2024
Yukon, OK
Sue (Fulton) Abney '81
April 21, 1959 - February 22, 2024
Texarkana, TX
Patty (Long) Riggle '98
July 4, 1975 - March 1, 2024
Yukon, OK
James Short '54
July 2, 1932 - March 8, 2024
Bethany, OK
Olvette (Culley) Mahan '51
August 23, 1926 - March 12, 2024
Enid, OK
Rose (Lamar) Patterson '55
March 11, 1933 - March 12, 2024
Arlington, TX
Jesse Blanchard '55
August 29, 1932 - March 16, 2024
Oklahoma City, OK
Carolyn (Diffee) Knippers '50
April 4, 1928 - March 17, 2024
Oklahoma City, OK
Mary Beth (Nutter) Powers '54
July 5, 1933 - March 19, 2024
Gallatin, TN
Ray Bowman '48
October 26, 1926 - March 21, 2024
Olathe, KS
Paula (Coleman) Coleman '88
April 9, 1966 - March 26, 2024
Centerton, AR
Dave O'Bannon '81
September 17, 1958 - March 27, 2024
Yukon, OK
Kenneth Armstrong '48
March 13, 1927 - March 30, 2024
Fort Towson, OK
Pat (Yarbrough) Owens '61
June 11, 1940 - April 1, 2024
Topeka, KS
Thurman Davis '87
September 11, 1948 - April 7, 2024
Oklahoma City, OK
John Gritz '10
September 8, 1979 - April 14, 2024
Mustang, OK
Beth (White) Walker '55
August 3, 1932 - April 16, 2024
Rogers, TX
Toan Tran '96
April 27, 1945 - April 17, 2024
Yukon, OK
Pat Bozeman '65
November 2, 1938 - April 25, 2024
Kirbyville, TX
Doris (Coston) Smith '53
September 18, 1931 - April 27, 2024
Oklahoma City, OK
Ruthelma (White) Hunter '68
January 17, 1946 - April 29, 2024
Norman, OK
Edith (Kersten) Johnson '53
March 22, 1931 - April 30, 2024
New Castle, IN
Stephen Hamrick '21
August 15, 1969 - May 5, 2024
Edmond, OK
James Tapley '54
August 18, 1931 - May 6, 2024
Spokane, WA
B Kaye (White) Stearman '50
March 21, 1928 - May 7, 2024
Oklahoma City, OK
John Abney '79
January 1, 1931 - May 9, 2024
Oklahoma City, OK
Libby (Robertson) Rogers '72
July 3, 1949 - May 10, 2024
Grand Junction, CO
Franlin Hafford '69
May 30, 1939 - May 15, 2024
Ottumwa, IA
George Biggs '56
December 20, 1934 - May 26, 2024
Bethany, OK
Paul Overholt '69
February 29, 1936 - June 18, 2024
Bartlesville, OK
Mike South '71
June 13, 1949 - June 22, 2024
Little Rock, AR
Car
ol (Murray) Hutcheson '95
September 26, 1950 - June 25, 2024
Okarche, OK
Jim Posey '55
June 11, 1934 - June 29, 2024
Piedmont, OK
Stephanie (Ely) Burchette '03
September 10, 1970 - July 3, 2024
Edmond, OK
Don Carley '61
February 27, 1939 - July 5, 2024
Oklahoma City, OK
Kathryn (Nimmo) Foust '63
January 16, 1941 - July 5, 2024
Wichita, KS
Robert Springer '73
January 24, 1939 - July 7, 2024
Oklahoma City, OK
Paul Burnett '78
August 23, 1955 - July 9, 2024
Odessa, TX
Teresa (Ramsey) Sailors '71
March 1, 1949 - July 18, 2024
Owensboro, KY
Rick Stahl '65
June 22, 1938 - July 22, 2024
Oklahoma City, OK
Janet (Jackson) Stinson '70
July 29, 1948 - August 2, 2024
Choctaw, OK
Paul Mounts '59
January 16, 1930 - August 5, 2024
Bandon, OR
Betty Jo (Oxner) Demetre '56
September 25, 1934 - August 10, 2024
Oklahoma City, OK
Iona (Cochran) Neel '67
June 21, 1942 - August 15, 2024
Bethany, OK
Martha (Munhollon) Biddinger '61
January 7, 1941 - August 16, 2024
Westcliffe, CO
Nita (West) West '77
May 24, 1955 - August 16, 2024
Oklahoma City, OK
Danny Biddinger '61
July 10, 1941 - August 18, 2024
Westcliffe, CO
Corinda (Rougeou) King '54
September 7, 1932 - August 18, 2024
Waxahachie, TX
Patrick Bonham '14
March 18, 1992 - August 20, 2024
Yukon, OK
Stephen Vernier '80
April 1, 1957 - August 20, 2024
Yukon, OK
Patricia (Franklin) Gooden '59
October 15, 1934 - August 28, 2024
Littleton, CO
Jim Dunn '69
April 9, 1947 - September 5, 2024
Oklahoma City, OK
Leslie Wilhelm '67
July 17, 1944 - September 9, 2024
Casey, IL
David Glover '03
August 6, 1959 - September 14, 2024
Kingfisher, OK
Randy VanDyke '83
December 13, 1961 - September 23, 2024
Oklahoma City, OK
Dustin Kinard '15
June 10, 1974 - September 25, 2024
Dayton, OH
Gary Howard '93
November 20, 1943 - October 4, 2024
Harrah, OK
THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD, I LACK NOTHING. HE MAKES ME LIE DOWN IN GREEN PASTURES, HE LEADS ME BESIDE QUIET WATERS, HE REFRESHES MY SOUL. HE GUIDES ME ALONG THE RIGHT PATHS FOR HIS NAME’S SAKE. EVEN THOUGH I WALK THROUGH THE DARKEST VALLEY, I WILL FEAR NO EVIL, FOR YOU ARE WITH ME; YOUR ROD AND YOUR STAFF, THEY COMFORT ME.
YOU PREPARE A TABLE BEFORE ME IN THE PRESENCE OF MY ENEMIES.
YOU ANOINT MY HEAD WITH OIL; MY CUP OVERFLOWS.
SURELY YOUR GOODNESS AND LOVE WILL FOLLOW ME ALL THE DAYS OF MY LIFE, AND I WILL DWELL IN THE HOUSE OF THE LORD FOREVER.
PSALM 23 (NIV)
