ISC Pageant on Page 4.
Tuesday, Feb.
Nash wins mayoral race
Charlie Shackelford Reporter
After Tuesday’s final election, Mark Nash was elected Edmond mayor, winning the race against former city councilman Tom Robins.
Nash’s upcoming plans as mayor reflect what his campaign was most focused on: fiscal transparency. Since he joined the race in November, he has voiced his concerns about how the city currently handles its budget. Nash criticized how difficult the budget is for the public to understand. He emphasized how important fiscal transparency is for the city’s budget and deciding how best to utilize the money. With the financial background he gained from working for state agencies, he says he
has the experience the city needs to fix the issue. His main goal is to build trust with the public by making the budget easier to understand so they can know where their money is going. Edmond residents are also relying on their new mayor to help solve the city’s ongoing traffic issue. Nash says he wants to figure out the budget before handling big projects, but he does have a solution. He says widening Covell and Danforth into four-lane roads will help take the traffic off of 15th Street, Edmond’s busiest road. Although he has acknowledged the challenges that will come with this work, he says it is a crucial first step in solving the issue.
In a statement released Tuesday night,
Nash thanked voters for believing in him.
“Today’s win is the first step in a united effort to bring greater transparency and accountability to Edmond city finances and planning. Edmond voters have spoken with an undeniable clarity that there is work to be done, and they’ve entrusted me to do exactly what I’ve said. To every person who cast a ballot, donated, and volunteered to make phone calls, put out signs, and knock on doors, thank you for believing in me and in the importance of the work ahead.”
Nash will be sworn in on May 5, along with two new council members: Preston Watterson in Ward 3 and Phillip Fraim in Ward 4.
Dorrell arrested on DUI suspicion
Jake Ramsey Editor-In-Chief
The University of Central Oklahoma Football Head Coach
Adam Dorrell was arrested Thursday under suspicion of driving under the influence (DUI) after a witness reported to the Edmond Police Department that Dorrell was erratically driving a blue Ford Bronco.
After pulling over the vehicle, the Edmond PD Officer describes in the police report that Dorrell had slurred speech, difficulty explaining where he was and why he was there. The officer also described the smell of alcohol coming from the vehicle.
Dorrell admitted to having been drinking in the body-cam footage, released by the
Edmond PD.
“Due to A-Dorrell’s behavior and demeanor, his admission to consuming alcohol, and his driving behavior, I did not believe he was safe to operate a motor vehicle,” read the arresting officer’s report.
In response to the
arrest, UCO Vice President for Communications and Public Affairs Adrienne Nobles said, “We are evaluating options to hold Coach Dorrell accountable in this situation. His actions
are not consistent with the standards and expectations we have for members of the Broncho community. He has expressed regret and is taking responsibility for his actions, and we are assisting him with getting the help he needs. For the time being, Associate Head Coach James Curlee will lead the football program.”
There has been no word on whether Dorrell will be with the team for the upcoming spring game on April 17 against Southern Nazarene University, upon print. UCO Football is currently the reigning MIAA champ, after an 11-2 season in 2024. The Vista will continue to follow the situation as it develops.
President Trump signs executive order targeting the Smithsonian
Ella Spurlock Managing Editor
On March 27, 2025, President Trump signed an executive order (EO) titled “Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History.” This order has since gone into effect and will directly target the Smithsonian Institution, its museums and its education and research center for promoting “narratives that portray American and Western values as inherently harmful and oppressive.”
This EO will specifically target The National Museum of African American History and Culture, the forthcoming American Women’s History Museum, The Smithsonian American Art Museum and the National Zoo.
The order will give Vice President JD Vance, who is a member of the Smithsonian Board of Regents, oversight into determining what is considered “anti-American.” While this term, and many others, were thrown around excessively within the EO, there is currently no criteria into what will be considered “anti-American,” but here is what we currently know.
The National Museum of African American History and Culture is specifically being singled out for “com[ing] under the influence of a divisive, race-centered ideology.”
When asked about the terms “anti-American” and “race-centered ideology” being used to oppose The National Museum of African American History and Culture, UCO History professor, Marc Goulding, said that these terms are harmful to the history being shared and taught by the Smithsonian.
Goulding also stated, “As someone who teach-
es American history… to say that recognizing that our country has struggled with racism, with xenophobia, and all of that, and then one recogniz[ing] that one is somehow being un-American because of it, well I think that’s ludicrous.”
Dr. Goulding holds a Ph.D. with a major concentration in African Diaspora and a minor
concentration in U.S. history. Dr. Goulding put an emphasis on although something is not talked about, taught, recognized, etc., does not mean that it didn’t happen or that it isn’t happening. Many historians share the same view-point as Dr. Goulding.
Continued on Page 3.
Student Activity Fee allocations broken down
Jake Ramsey Editor-in-Chief
A question many students have when it comes to tuition and fees is what exactly the money is used for.
While tuition is spent on a multitude of things across the university, fees is another payment that may raise questions to students on what exactly it is used for.
Student Activity Fees (SAF) Budget Manager Janna Montgomery broke down the allocations, and explained exactly how the money is dispersed across campus.
“Student activity fees are totally dependent on enrollment,” said Montgomery. “Right now it’s $15.50 per credit hour.”
Per credit hour of each student, $15.50 is charged. This money is allocated across campus from the UCO Budget Office through various means.
From the Budget Office, 57% of the money is sent to athletics. 43% goes to student activities, which is where it crosses Montgomery’s desk.
Through this 43% given to activities, a lot is covered under that umbrella including office support, student workers salaries, supplementary choir and dance funding, etc.
Of the 43%, 35% goes to the UCO Student Association, which allocates funds to various student organizations across campus.
“So that is 15% of the whole big pot,” said Montogmery. “At this point we’re down to $2.33 per hour, once we get to the UCOSA portion.”
That amount is then split into two categories: annual budgets and sponsorship funding.
Of the 35%, 85% goes to annual budgets, with 15% going to the sponsorship funding.
Annual funding is what student organizations
apply for, for the academic year.
“That’s your funding for the next school year,” said Associate Vice President of Student Affairs Cole Stanley.
“Sponsorship funding you apply for, for the year in which the funding will be used,” said Montgomery. “This is mainly supplemental funding.”
Groups may use sponsorship funding typically for a specific event or trip.
“The money that’s not used goes back into the pot to be used for something else,” said Montgomery.
Sponsorship funds can be applied for during times when UCOSA is meeting in the fall and spring semesters. Annual budgets are applied for early in the calendar year, and are filed and completed for the next academic year.
President Donald Trump signed an executive order targeting the Smithsonian. (PROVIDED/ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Adam Dorrell mugshot. (PROVIDEDED)
Editorial: UCOSA President responds
Jake Ramsey Editor-In-Chief
The Vista published an article on March 5, with the headline ‘Your money, their budget: How UCOSA uses allocations from tuition,’ which has since found scrutiny from the University of Central Oklahoma Student Association (UCOSA) President Cooper Autry.
On March 14, Autry emailed Editor-In-Chief Jake Ramsey, Managing Editor and reporter of the original story Ella Spurlock, The Vista’s Advisor Erika Williams, Assistant Chair of Mass Communication Mark Zimmerman and Communications Professor Sherri Ward. CC’d in the email was UCOSA Vice President Reda Errahmouni, UCOSA Advisors Cole Stanley and Nicole Doherty, Student Activity Fees Budget Manager Janna Montgomery and UCOSA member Sydney Chionio.
The email from Autry sought a meeting amongst those aforementioned members of the UCO community.
An initial meeting was set for March 26. In that meeting, Autry raised concerns over the story. Present in the meeting was Autry, Stanley, Doherty, Errahmouni, Montgomery, Ramsey, Spurlock, Williams and Zimmerman. Handing out printed copies of the online edition of the story, along with text exchanges between the president and Spurlock, Autry discussed his main categories of concerns.
“There were many statements in there that we found to be inaccurate and false,” said Autry.
Highlighted on the printed copies included statements such as:
“How UCOSA uses allocations from tuition.”
“Managing student organizations and clubs.”
“The 2024-2025 UCOSA administration belongs to the Student Body President, Cooper Autry, and the Vice Student Body President Reda Errahmouni.”
“Communication from the administration has been choppy with the student body.”
“Autry is not seemingly able to answer questions openly.”
“Whoever may be seeking information about the Autry Administration, or about what UCOSA does, will more than likely be redirected to a different source for information.”
“The student body president oversees 84% of these appropriations and yet, Autry could not directly answer any interview questions asked by The Vista pertaining to these appropriations.”
UCOSA allocations come from a Student Activity Fee (SAF) which is charged to a
students Bursar independent of tuition
UCOSA manages a student orgs funding through its allocated funds from the SAF, which is broken down to a significantly smaller amount once it reaches UCOSA. The Ways and Means Committee assists in breaking down these allocations for student organizations that request funding.
Autry ceremoniously said the administration did not belong to him, it belonged to the students, however Autry is still the president, he is the leading member of the administration.
Communication with Autry is difficult and spotty, with it taking several requests in between messages between The Vista and Autry, as shown in the messages Autry printed and brought to the meeting.
Autry did not answer many of the questions, instead redirecting the reporter, despite members of UCOSA reporting to The Vista that they would willingly collect the information for him.
Members of the organization have also reported that Autry is overly reluctant to use funding from the high impact budget stifling potential UCOSA funded activities.
Despite having limited time in office left, Autry has turned his attention away from crafting a meaningful academic year as UCOSA president and instead set his sights on complaining about The Vista.
UCOSA President Cooper Autry speaks at a meeting with The Vista on Wednesday, April 2. (VICTOR LOPEZ/THE VISTA)
UCOSA President Cooper Autry reads off a copy of the original article in a meeting with The Vista on Wednesday, April 2. (VICTOR LOPEZ/THE VISTA)
Photo Spotlight
Dykota Williamson performs at ACM on Monday, March 31, 2025 (ANDREA VASQUEZ/THE VISTA)
Tuesday, April 8,
Smithsonian on Trump’s radar
Continued from Page 1.
The belief that the history being delivered from the perspective of a marginalized community is discouraging to current and future generations that may have experienced oppression throughout their life-time living in America.
The Smithsonian American Art Museum (SAAM) was the next museum of the Smithsonian Institution to be singled out. The SAAM is not the only art institution that has been attacked by Trump. Last month, Trump became chairman of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, and made Vance a board member, after firing the long term president Deborah Rutter.
While the Kennedy Center didn’t face any insulting comments, the SAAM was said to be “divisive” and have the same “race-centered ideologies” as The National Museum of African American History and Culture. This is because of an exhibit titled “The Shape of Power: Stories of Race and American Sculpture.” The exhibit is meant to examine “the role of sculptures in understanding and constructing the concept of race in the United States.”
The concept that race is only a social construct due to several factors such as ethnicity and culture, and is not a biological reality, is widely accepted by science and scientists around the
world, but not by the Trump Administration.
Seemingly, Trump and his administration disagree with scientific reason and see race as a biological reality instead of a social construct.
While the Smithsonian Institution is under fire, the EO will also provide sufficient funding to Independence Hall to improve its infrastructure before July 4, 2026, which is the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Finally, the EO will direct attention to restoring and reinstating pre-existing monuments, statues, memorials and markers that may have been removed or changed since January 1, 2020.
College of Liberal Arts hosts annual student symposium
Madison Dedmon Reporter
On Wednesday, April 2nd, the University of Central Oklahoma’s College of Liberal Arts held its annual Liberal Arts Symposium, giving students the chance to showcase their best academic and creative work.
The event encouraged intellectual exploration and sparked meaningful conversations as students presented research, creative projects and ideas. It provided an opportunity for students to engage with each other’s work, deepen their understanding of various topics and contribute to the larger academic dialogue.
This year’s symposium centered on the theme of “clarity” as it connected the present to the future. Through scholarly research and creative activities, students demonstrated how their work illuminated the path ahead, offering insights that
could inspire hope and resilience in both challenging and optimistic times.
The event highlighted the role of students as they shared their light and leadership, guiding others into the future.
Submissions were organized into five categories: paper, presentation, roundtable discussion, poster or object display and video. In paper presentations, students read academic papers aloud, while presentations included visual aids like slideshows. Roundtable discussions featured group conversations about research or creative work. Posters and objects were displayed in the Liberal Arts Building throughout the day and video presentations were shown at scheduled times, followed by a Q&A with the creator.
The symposium had Edurne Pineda, the Consul of Mexico in Oklahoma City, as the keynote speaker. With 25 years of experience in consular
affairs, Pineda brings a wealth of knowledge to her role.
Mexico and the U.S. share a vital relationship, with strong ties in trade, culture and diplomacy. Edurne Pineda, as Consul of Mexico in Oklahoma City, helps students understand these connections with her presentation on issues like immigration, security and economic cooperation. Through her leadership, she highlighted how cultural exchange and mutual respect strengthen the bond between the two countries, offering students valuable insight into the broader global context.
The symposium once again highlighted the talent and hard work of UCO’s students, offering the campus community a chance to engage with a wide range of academic and creative projects.
ASA host Afro Fusion Echos of Africa Fashion Show
Jake Ramsey Editor-in-Chief
Ella Spurlock Managing Editor
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Bradie Gray Sports Editor
Callie Turley Reporter
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Jessey Kollie Cartoonist
Andrea Vasquez Photographer
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Arriana Charqueño Photographer
Ben Kwadu performs at Afro Fusion. (ARRIANA CHARQUEÑO/THE VISTA)
Wilson Odimba performs at Afro Fusion. (ARRIANA CHARQUEÑO/THE VISTA)
Treasure Collins performs at Afro Fusion. (ARRIANA CHARQUEÑO/ THE VISTA)
UCO completes three-game sweep
Cannon Chugon Reporter
Game One:
Central Oklahoma extended its winning streak with a 6-1 victory over Arkansas-Fort Smith in the first game of the series Friday night.
The Bronchos improved to 28-8 overall and 16-6 in MIAA play, while Fort Smith dropped to 10-22 and 5-17 in the conference. The series, originally scheduled to take place in Fort Smith, Arkansas, was moved to Edmond due to weather concerns.
Sophomore right-hander Brett Pense was dominant on the mound for UCO, striking out nine batters over eight innings. He allowed just five hits and one run, improving to 4-0 on the season. Brody Berlowitz closed out the game by striking out the side in the ninth.
In the seventh inning Ty Hammack and Orlando Gonzalez each singled, setting the stage for Carson Carpenter, who hit a two-run triple to right-center, giving UCO a 2-1 lead. Matt Baughn followed with an RBI-fielder’s choice to extend the lead to 3-1.
Game Two:
On Saturday, UCO secured another MIAA series win, with only one game remaining in the series.
Danny Satterlee pitched six innings, allowing one unearned run on three hits while striking out two. He improved to 3-3 on the season. Brady Gilmore, Preston Giltner and Valek Cisneros each pitched one inning of relief, combining to allow three runs (two earned) on four hits while striking out three.
In the second inning, Joe Ricchio led off with a one-out double to left-center and Carson Carpenter followed with an RBI-single. After Drake Lee reached on a fielder’s choice, Aiden Proctor doubled down the right-field line, placing two runners in scoring position. Grant Randall then delivered a two-out RBI-single to left, and an error by the left fielder allowed Proctor to score, giving UCO a 3-0 lead.
Fort Smith mounted a late rally, scoring four runs, but UCO held on to win.
Game Three:
The Bronchos completed the sweep on Sunday with a 4-1 victory, extending their now double-digit winning streak.
“We hit it well, but right to them, a lot today,” said UCO head coach John Martin.
“We got a good performance from our pitching staff all weekend. We had a few bumps, but we found a way to get three wins, and that was big. But we have to move on and get ready for the next one.”
Dax Sharp earned his second win of the weekend, pitching six innings and allowing just one run on five hits and two walks while striking out four. The run, scored in the second inning, was the second Sharp has allowed this season and the first in his last 18.2 innings.
Chase Yarger entered in relief and retired six of the next seven batters without allowing a hit, keeping Fort Smith scoreless.
UCO took a 3-1 lead in the third when Ty Hammack led off with a single and Orlando Gonzalez followed with a two-run homer to left.
The Bronchos added an insurance run in the eighth. Caden Robertson singled to right and moved to second on a throwing error by the UAFS pitcher. Gonzalez reached on the error and Joe Ricchio was hit by a pitch to load the bases. Carson Carpenter then hit a deep fly ball to center, allowing Robertson to score and seal the 4-1 win.
UCO finished with nine hits in the game. Grant Randall went 2-for-5, and Gonzalez was 2-for-4. Chapman, Robertson, Hammack, Carpenter and Proctor each had one hit.
UCO will look to extend its 12-game winning streak when it faces Northeastern State in a midweek MIAA matchup Wednesday before traveling to face No. 1 Central Missouri next weekend.
UCO softball sweeps double-header
The Bronchos softball team showed out in their weekend doubleheader, defeating Emporia State Sunday afternoon. The Bronchos improved their record to 33-6 and 12-2 in MIAA play, remaining in first place in the conference.
Game one would be a breeze as Terin Ritz would hit a first inning two-run homer into left center, providing the Bronchos a lead they would hold onto for the rest of the game. Ritz would throw six innings as well. Two fielder’s choices in the second inning by the Bronchos would double the score and an Ariah Mitchell single would make it a 5-1 lead after just two innings
of play. Brooklyn Ryan would hit an RBI-triple in the fourth and Mitchell would hit another RBI-single to seal game one 7-1.
Game two was much closer. The Hornets struck first off of a single plus an error and then a home run from Brynley Smith in the first two innings. Central struck back in the third with a Kennedy Clark RBI-groundout and a Terin Ritz double down the right field line. But the Hornets buzzed back in the same inning, making the score 4-2. A rough outing by Sydney Ward brought in Jordyn Pipkin in the third, shutting down the Hornets in two and a third innings with four strikeouts. Terin Ritz would hit another home run, which would bring the lead back to
the Bronchos. Rylee Lemos would hit a two-RBI single to increase their lead to three. Emporia State would make it a 7-6 game, but Terin Ritz would stop the damage in two innings of play, earning her first save of the season. Insurance runs from a Lemos fielder’s choice, Makenzie Fithian’s two-RBI double and a Kennedy Clark RBI-groundout would finish the game with UCO winning 11-6.
The Bronchos will play their final six home games this Friday against Nebraska-Kearney, Saturday vs. Fort Hays State (which is also Senior Day) and next Tuesday against Southern Nazarene
Hannah Moeller named new UCO WBB Coach
Four weeks after firing their women’s basketball coach, UCO has officially announced the hiring of Mid America Christian University head coach Hannah Moeller to be the new leader of the program.
Moeller spent the last nine seasons at NAIA’s MACU in Oklahoma City where she led the program to a 302-105 record, reaching the 20+ win threshold in all but one season (the shortened 2020-21 season where MACU went 9-3).
“She’s won at an impressive clip, year in and
year out,” UCO Vice President for Athletics Stan Wagnon said. “Hannah is a go-getter, and she goes about her business in the right way. Hannah will be a constant role model for young women and children, both on campus and in the community. She will be a tremendous ambassador for not only the UCO women’s basketball program, but our entire campus, city and beyond. I have every confidence the same qualities and approach that made Hannah successful at MACU will help her to absolutely shine at
UCO.” Moeller will get her first chance to talk to the UCO community in her introductory press conference Thursday at 11 a.m. on campus.
Ian Nikkel Reporter
UCO’s baseball Garrett Long (8) infielder gives a thumbs up in a game agaisnt Northeastern State. Wednesday, March 26, 2025 in Edmond. The UCO baseball team won 128. (TROY ISBELL/THE VISTA)
Ian Nikkel Reporter
Andrew Frazier Reporter
With many teams across the country canceling their spring games, UCO is one of the few continuing the tradition, offering fans a chance to see some action before the season officially begins.
UCO football will host their spring game on April 17 at 6 p.m. at Chad Richison Stadium, where they will face Southern Nazarene University. This will be the first meeting between the two teams since UCO won 30-26 in a closely contested 2021 exhibition. The game is made possible by a new NCAA rule that allows schools to schedule a spring game against a non-conference opponent, providing both teams with an opportunity to compete in a real game setting before the season officially begins.
UCO enters this spring game following a successful 2024 season that boasted an 11-2 record and an
MIAA Championship. The Bronchos also made a deep run in the NCAA Division II playoffs, defeating Ouachita Baptist in overtime before falling to the eventual national champion Ferris State in the semifinals. It is worth noting that, last year, SNU earned its first win of the season against GAC Champion Ouachita Baptist, the same team UCO defeated in overtime. SNU finished 3-8 last season and is hoping to bounce back after its rough year. Despite its slow start, the team rattled off a three-game win streak to close its season and will be looking to build on that heading into the new season.
UCO signed 45 new players over the offseason, including 33 high school recruits and 12 transfers, and this spring game will be a chance for fans to see them in action for the first time. Alongside the newcomers, returning players will be working to build on their progress from last season. The Bronchos are looking to keep up the momen-
tum this year after one of the most successful seasons in the school’s history.
Florida, Houston set for championship clash after Final Four comeback wins
Andrew Frazier Reporter
Florida and Houston will meet Monday night for the national championship after each pulled off late-game comebacks in the Final Four.
For Florida, it was once again Walter Clayton, Jr. carrying the offense when it mattered most. The senior guard scored 34 points in the win over Auburn, becoming the first player since Larry Bird in 1979 to record back-to-back 30-point games in the Elite Eight and national semifinals. Florida trailed by nine early in the second half, but Clayton sparked a turnaround, scoring
13 points in the closing stretch. A late three-point play helped the Gators pull away and reach their first title game since 2007. Houston’s path looked different, but the result was the same. The Cougars trailed Duke by 14 points with 8:17 remaining, but held the Blue Devils to just eight points the rest of the way. J’Wan Roberts knocked down two free throws with 19 seconds left to give Houston the lead and L.J. Cryer added two more to close out the 70–67 win. Cryer led the team with 26 points. Joseph Tugler added a key dunk late and Houston’s defense forced missed shots on Duke’s final two possessions.
The Cougars have leaned on their physicality all tournament. Former longtime Oklahoma head coach Kelvin Sampson, now in his 10th season at Houston, has built the program’s identity around defense and toughness and it showed again in the second half. Houston wore Duke down across 40 minutes and closed with the type of pressure expected from a championship-caliber team.
This will be Houston’s third appearance in the national title game and its first since 1984. For Florida, it is a return to the March Madness finale for the first time since backto-back championships in 2006 and 2007. The two programs have faced
each other only twice before, both in the 1970s.
Florida has relied heavily on Clayton throughout its run, while Houston’s defense has been the most consistent force in the tournament. Monday night will be a test of whether one player can break through a system built to stop this exact kind of momentum.
MLB, say hello to the “Torpedo Bat”
Dylan hibbard-Scott Reporter
The Major League Baseball season started just over a week ago, and the biggest story of the season so far is the new “torpedo bat.”
The bats first got noticed last Saturday when the New York Yankees were facing the Milwaukee Brewers. During a Jazz Chisolm, Jr. at bat, the television broadcast showed an up-close view of his bat. This showed the barrel of the bat further down the bat, more towards the handle. This caused lots of speculation and rumors asking if these bats are legal. The bat was provided to the Yankees through an MIT Specialist who found that certain players would be better with
the barrel closer to the handle of the bat.
According to MLB official rule book, rule 3.02A states “the bat shall be a smooth, round stick not more than 2.61 inches in diameter at the thickest part and not more than 42 inches in length. The bat shall be one piece of solid wood.” Every bat that gets used for games has to be certified by MLB before hitters can use them in games.
Rob Manfred, MLB commissioner, says the bats are “absolutely good” for baseball and approved by the league. Still, many fans around the league don’t like them, saying they are “cheating” and “unethical.” Many people also believed it had something to do with the Yankees scoring 36 runs in the first three games and hitting a record 25 home runs through the first eight games.
Now with more information about the bats and people using it, players have come out and said they are using it as well. This list includes players like Anthony Volpe, Cody Bellinger, Franciso Lindor, Elly De La Cruz, Adley Rutschman, and many others. Teams like the Atlanta Braves and Philadelphia Phillies have put in orders for them to receive the bats and use them in the near future. Will these bats provide more home runs and offense? Or will hitting a baseball still prove to be the hardest thing to do in sports? Only time will tell, and we will see what happens with this 2025 season.
UCO running back William Mason (22), in Edmond. (ANDREA VASQUEZ/THE VISTA)
The villains of 9 to 5 speak on the show
Mikaila Kraus Contributing Writer
The UCO Department of Musical Theatre will be presenting 9 to 5, the 2009 musical about three female office workers overcoming a sexist work environment featuring music and lyrics by country singer Dolly Parton, April 1013 on the main stage of Mitchell Hall Theatre. Peyton Ward, who plays Franklin Hart Jr, referred to as “Mr. Hart” in the show, said 9 to 5 has strong themes of female camaraderie and empowerment.
“The story is basically about the women finding out about all the really nasty things that my character has done,” Ward said. “In the show, they call him a sexist, hypocritical, lying, egotistical bigot, and that’s truly what he is. He’s a man that thinks he’s in the right because that is how he was raised. And he just drinks scotch and goes out and plays golf all the time while the real work is being done at the office. So he is just a high class bad guy who is a terrible person.”
The three protagonists of 9 to 5 are Doralee, Violet and Judy, employees of Mr. Hart’s company Consolidated. Ward said that his character oversexualizes and harasses Doralee, his personal secretary, throughout the show.
“This is one of the hardest roles that I’ve ever had to get into because naturally, I’m a sweet guy,” Ward said. “I don’t tend to be aggressive and rude, and I am a very consensual heavy guy with everything I do, like I don’t want to,
I never want to make somebody feel uncomfortable. So doing this, I really had to look deep into the character to realize that what he’s doing, he doesn’t think is wrong.”
Mr. Hart does not act alone during 9 to 5. Roz, played by Katelynn Pannell, is directly referred to as Hart’s “flunky” in the musical.
“She’s kind of in charge of overseeing everyone in the office and making sure that they’re following Hart’s rules, and so she’s very uptight about that and she’s definitely the comedic relief,” Pannell said. “Hart is the villain and she’s his little sidekick.”
Roz is also secretly in love with Mr. Hart.
“Roz is the only person in the office that actually wants Mr. Hart, but he doesn’t want her at the end of the day,” Ward said.
Pannell said she has consciously chosen to portray Roz as being something of a stalker, while still playing up the character’s comedic nature.
“I’ll just randomly get all serious and focus on one spot and say something very serious be like “I love you,” but in the most deadpan serious face you can imagine,” Pannell said. “I give her a little bit of an annoying voice. I kind of shuffle to have a little goofy walk,” Pannell said.
Twenty-nine students make up the cast of 9 to 5, with the three main leads being alternated over the four-day run.
“They’re both amazing in their ways that they do it,” Ward said of both sets of leads. “It’s not like a competition, like how typical double casting is, it’s perfectly balanced between the
two and I absolutely love it.”
Ward and Pannell are both fans of Dolly Parton’s music, which they said has added to their passion for their roles.
“I absolutely adore Dolly Parton. She’s one of my favorite performers of all time, and she’s just an amazing human being all together. Getting to dig deep and get to know her more was absolutely amazing,” Ward said.
Pannell said that her love of Dolly Parton is due to her family, specifically her grandmother.
“So getting cast was like oh my God. I get to do this for my family and I get to sing Dolly Parton music for them,” Pannell said.
Pannell said that the role of Roz requires her to embarrass herself onstage, but that the experience has been rewarding all the same.
“It’s been so fun,” Pannell said. “I’m in it with literally all of my friends. So I just get to do what I love but also do it with the people that I love. And that makes it so much better and makes me feel better about what I’m doing. Because again, this role requires me to embarrass myself. And I feel so comfortable around these people,even though there’s so many of them, I love them all,” Pannell said.
9 to 5 will be performed from April 10-13 at Mitchell Hall Theatre. The performances from the 10 through the 12 will be at 7:30 p.m. and the performance on the 13 will be at 2 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online or over the phone at 405–974-3375. UCO students can receive one free ticket by presenting their student ID in person at the box office.
UCO students participate in Big Event
Ella Spurlock
Managing Editor
Big Event is the largest student run community service project on campus. Two events are put on by the Big Event committee. The first community service event is called Little Event, which takes place in the fall, and the second is called
Big Event, which takes place in the spring.
When asked why students should participate in Big Event, director of marketing Gwyneth Duncan said “It gives you service hours and also you’re helping your community, you’re meeting new people, you go to fun sites and it’s really fun.”
Over 500 students
participated in helping the community on Saturday, April 5 and the Big Event committee hopes to grow this number next spring.
Jordan Patterson (left), Lealon Rogers (right), Jose Eaddy (back) remove a stump from their volunteer site for Big Event, Saturday, April 5, 2025 in Oklahoma City. (VICTOR LOPEZ/THE VISTA)
Members of UCO fraternity Pike pick up and move furniture at their volunteer site for Big Event, Saturday, April 5, 2025 in Oklahoma City. (VICTOR LOPEZ/THE VISTA)
Sydney Duerr holds stump limbfor Big Event, Saturday, April 5, 2025 in Oklahoma City. (VICTOR LOPEZ/THE VISTA)
The First Oklahoma Teen Film Festival Took Place Last Saturday
Callie Turley Reporter
Students and Professors of UCO helped create and put on the Oklahoma Teen Film Festival, one of the only teen film festivals in Oklahoma Saturday, April 5, in the Mass Communication Building. The Oklahoma Teen Film Festival was an idea Strategic and Digital Communication Assistant Professor Megan Cox created with some of her students. Cox said last summer during the high school film camp at UCO, she came up with the idea because the highschoolers were so passionate about their projects. She talked to some of the professors in the Mass Communications building and said they had never heard of any teen film festivals in Oklahoma. She then reached out to the people at deadCenter, one of
UCO Melton Gallery
Karla Brizuela Contributing Writer
The Melton Gallery at UCO presented its first-ever “Art in Bloom” event, featuring floral arrangements by Brianne Bibb, a UCO alumna and owner of Felicity Flower Company.
The event, held on April 3 and 4, featured three custom floral arrangements inspired by works in the “Expanding Expectations” exhibition. It allowed attendees to engage with art in a more unique way with the floral designs complimenting and enhancing the works in the exhibition.
“I hope people will see flowers as an art form in their own right, they are not just for decoration; they are pieces of art that tell a story and evoke emotions,” Bibb said.
Bibb’s floral pieces were inspired by the works of three contemporary artists: Andy Mattern, Paho Mann and Laurie Frick. Each arrangement was designed to reflect the themes and elements found in the artist’s works, providing a new perspective on the original pieces.
Bibb began her floral business, Felicity Flower Company, after discovering how much she loved creating with color and texture through floristry.
“Working with flowers brought me back to my roots as an artist,” Bibb said. Her participation in “Art in Bloom” demonstrates the diverse career paths art alumni from the university can pursue.
“I feel so honored to be part of this,
the largest film festivals in the state, and they had also not heard about any teen film festivals, but said they would be happy to partner with Cox for the festival, Cox said. She took this idea to her Strat Comm Campaigns class where she asked them if they would like to work on creating the festival and they said yes. From there, about 13 of her students built the festival from the ground up, said Cox. She said several of her students are continuing helping with the festival through an independent study this spring semester. One of those students who is helping with the festival is senior Izzy Baker. Baker is a Strat Comm major with a Visual Media minor. Baker is the Project Manager for the Oklahoma Teen Film Festival. Baker said she worked on filmmaking in high school and has always had a love for it.
Baker said for the festival about 50-60 people are supposed to be in attendance. The festival had workshops on filmmaking techniques like sound, lighting, cinematography. The festival also had panels with different film professionals speaking. Cox said one of the panelists is filmmaker Matt Payne. Cox said the festival included a list of winners and honorable mentions for the different highschool students and teenagers that submitted their work. The festival showed about 20 different films. The process for submitting these films was they submitted their film, for a small fee, to a website called FilmFreeway that deadCenter uses. There were four different categories for the festival: horror/thriller, comedy/romantic comedy, microfilm, drama, said Baker.
hosted its first ever “Art in Bloom” event.
coming back to UCO and having the opportunity to contribute to an event like this is such a special moment in my career,” Bibb said.
The UCO Melton Gallery is always trying to do something new and exciting, constantly bringing fresh ideas to the community.
“Bri’s thoughtfulness in interpreting the pieces was incredible. She truly took the time to understand each work and translated that into something entirely new and exciting. It added another layer to our exhibition by blending the visual with the sensory,” said Keri Smith, the curator of galleries and collections at the University of Central Oklahoma.
“I love how Bri’s arrangements engage with my art in a dynamic way. It feels like they are part of a larger conversation between different art forms,” said Andy Mattern, one of the featured artists in the “Expanding Expectations” exhibit.
The “Expanding Expectations” exhibition is free and open to the public until April 18. It explores the intersection of traditional media and new technologies, featuring works in painting, photography, digital manipulation and data-driven art.
The gallery, located in the UCO Art and Design building, is open Monday to Thursday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., and Friday from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.
UCO International Student Council host yearly Internationl
Brianne Bibb a UCO alumna and owner of Felicity Flower Company in Oklahoma City. (KARLA BRIZUELA/THE VISTA)
Contestant Rasani Shahi is crowned as this years internation royalty at ISC’s International pageant Friday, April 4, 2025, in Edmond. (ARRIANA CHARQUEÑO/ THE VISTA)
Judge watches contestants perform at ISC’s International pageant Friday, April 4, 2025, in Edmond. (ARRIANA CHARQUEÑO/THE VISTA)
Gracy Kual Nem Sung performs at ISC’s International pageant Friday, April 4, 2025, in Edmond. (ARRIANA CHARQUEÑO/THE VISTA)
Opinion: “Hell of a Summer” brings wit to the big screen
Mariah Vanzant Copy Editor
“Hell of a Summer” is a slasher horror comedy about a group of camp counselors getting ready to work at a summer camp. The movie is very reminiscent of “Friday the 13th” with the camp setting, the slasher genre and even the main character being named Jason. The movie is hilarious and cheesy. However, the cheesiness just adds to the film. Everything fit very well in the film. It’s not a gory movie, but audiences will still have a hilariously good time. “Hell of a Summer” has not received much attention, but it has the potential to become a cult classic that hopefully will get discovered by more people.
The movie follows Jason Hochberg, played by Fred Hechinger (“Fear Street”, “White Lotus”), who is still returning to Camp Pineway at 24 years old. The rest of the teenage camp counselors arrive to start getting camp set up. Almost immediately, counselors start getting killed off by a masked killer. The reveal is not particularly shocking, however it does move away from typical horror movie tropes.
Many characters are not necessarily nice or likeable, but the audience will still find themselves enjoying watching these characters fight for their lives and root for them to survive. Finn Wolfhard (“Stranger Things”, “It”, “It Chapter Two) and Billy Bryk stand out in this movie as fantastic actors. They played a best friend duo who mostly argued
the entire movie but were the most entertaining characters in the whole movie. Not only did Wolfhard and Bryk star in the movie but they also both directed it. This was their directorial debut. This was definitely a fantastic movie to be their debut and it really shows how talented this duo really is.
Overall, “Hell of a Summer” is a shockingly entertaining horror movie that anybody can watch. Viewers that are not usually into horror movies should still give this a try. It is very tame and mild as far as scary movies go. Anybody that wants a comedy with a bit of a murder mystery should watch this movie. It definitely has something for everybody.
Opinion: “A Minecraft Movie” falls short
Britton Summers Columnist
That might not shock the readers of this article here. The trailers didn’t look very promising and while it’s not the worst thing that’s ever been conceived by Hollywood, it’s definitely something that could have been better. It’s a shame that a movie adapting a game that’s all about raw creativity is so predictable and by the numbers in its story, while having the temerity to say that its message is about embracing your inner creativity. But it’s for kids, one might say. But so was “The Incredibles” and “A Lego Movie,” which this film will likely be compared to, and those films were fun, witty and even insightful films that showed that just because movies are meant for child audiences, it doesn’t mean they should talk down to children or slack when it comes to having things like stakes or a good story or something to make kids think on, because kids are much smarter than you think.
It’s not all bad of course, Jack Black is always fun to watch and it’s clear that he’s having an absolute blast playing this role, but the best part was actually Rachel House as the main villain Malgosha. She brought an energy and hamminess to the character that felt right for this kind of movie and it’s clear that she was giving it her all with this performance. She was one of the few parts of the movie that was consistently enjoyable.
Overall, the film was a massive disappointment. The pacing is nonexistent, the characters aren’t interesting. There are points where it feels like the film is speedrunning through the pacing, like there are moments that were left out of the film. The jokes were forgettable (there were maybe one or two that were actually funny.) It just felt… empty.
It’s films like “A Minecraft Movie” that exposes the increasing soullessness in American cinema. Moviegoers deserve better than this.
ACM Photos: Monday Monthly performance
Andrea Vasquez Photographer
LISTEN UP FOR LIVE MUSIC
April
Neal Francis, April 8, Beer City Music Hall, 1141 NW Second, beercitymusichall.com
Warren Zeiders, April 10, The Criterion, 500 E. Sheridan, criterionokc. com
Annie Dirusso, April 11, Beer City Music Hall, 1141 NW Second, beercitymusichall.com
James “Murr” Murray, April 11-12, Bricktown Comedy Club, 409 E. California, bricktowncomedy.com
Gabriel Iglesias, April 12, Paycom Center, 100 W. Reno, paycomcenter. com
Jim Henson’s Labyrinth, April 12, Tower Theatre, 425 NW 23rd, towertheatreokc.com
Boywithuke, April 16, The Criterion, 500 E. Sheridan, criterionokc.com
James Kennedy, April 18, Tower Theatre, 425 NW 23rd, towertheatreokc. com
The Moss, April 21, Beer City Music Hall, 1141 NW Second, beercitymusichall.com
While She Sleeps & Bury Tomorrow, April 23, Beer City Music Hall, 1141 NW Second, beercitymusichall.com
Corey Kent, April 24, The Criterion, 500 E. Sheridan, criterionokc.com Monet X Change, April 25-26, Bricktown Comedy Club, 409 E. California, bricktowncomedy.com
Nurse John, April 26, The Criterion, 500 E. Sheridan, criterionokc.com
The Day Players, April 26, Bricktown Comedy Club, 409 E. California, bricktowncomedy.com
Kevin James Thorton, April 27, Bricktown Comedy Club, 409 E. California, bricktowncomedy.com
Rocky Dale Davis, April 27, Bricktown Comedy Club, 409 E. California, bricktowncomedy.com
Disturbed, April 28, Paycom Center, 100 W. Reno, paycomcenter.com
“& Juliet,” April 29- May 4, Civic Center, 100 W. Reno, paycomcenter.com Yo La Tengo, April 30, Tower Theatre, 425 NW 23rd, towertheatreokc.com
MAY
David Joechner, May 2-4, Bricktown Comedy Club, 409 E. California, bricktowncomedy.com
Erra, May 6, Diamond Ballroom, 8001 S. Eastern, diamondballroom.com
John Christ, May 9, The Criterion, 500 E. Sheridan, criterionokc.com
Noel Miller, May 9-10, Bricktown Comedy Club, 409 E. California, bricktowncomedy.com
Joshua Ray Walker, May 10, Beer City Music Hall, 1141 NW Second, beercitymusichall.com
Alison Krauss, May 13, The Criterion, 500 E. Sheridan, criterionokc.com
Sir Woman, May 15, Beer City Music Hall, 1141 NW Second, beercitymusichall.com
Shakey Graves, May 15, Tower Theatre, 425 NW 23rd, towertheatreokc. com
Connor Wood, May 16-17, Bricktown Comedy Club, 409 E. California, bricktowncomedy.com
Lee Asher, May 16, Tower Theatre, 425 NW 23rd, towertheatreokc.com
Megan Moroney, May 17, The Criterion, 500 E. Sheridan, criterionokc. com
Jess Hilarious, May 23-24, Bricktown Comedy Club, 409 E. California, bricktowncomedy.com
Chris Porter, May 31, Bricktown Comedy Club, 409 E. California, bricktowncomedy.com
“A Minecraft Movie” came out in theaters on April 4, 2025 (PROVIDED/IMDb)
Dykota Wiliamson performs at Monday Monthly on March 31 at ACM.
Brady Shattan performs at Monday Monthly on March 31 at ACM.