Alumni News

Deborah B. Barnes (JD ’83), a judge on the Oklahoma Court of Civil Appeals, is a finalist for a vacant seat on the Oklahoma Supreme Court.

A letter to the editor by Nathaniel Batchelder (BA Biology ’73) published in the Tulsa World about threats to the environment mentions his OCU degree.

The Houston Chronicle ran a feature Q&A story on Elisabeth Brodt (BM Music Education ’99), principal of a new junior high school in Katy, Texas.

The Gilmer Mirror in Texas posted a story about Kyle Dillingham (BM Instrumental Performance ’02).

Susangrace DuBose (BA English Secondary Education ’95) will be the facilitator of the Queen Anne’s County Public Schools new Virtual Learning Academy in Maryland.

A story about a Black Box production of Disney’s “Frozen” in Massachusetts mentions cast member Ali Funkhouser’s (BM Music Theater ’18) alma mater, OCU.

The National Association of Former United States Attorneys posted a story about Barry Grissom (JD ’81), who announced his campaign for the United States Senate from the State of Kansas.

Rebekah Gudim (BPA Dance ’13), a swing in a production of “42nd Street” in St. Paul, Minnesota, was featured in a news story.

Life & Style magazine posted a story about Chris Harrison (BA Mass Communications ’93; HDFA ’15) headlined “The Most ~Dramatic~ Transformation Yet! Chris Harrison Has Been Hosting ‘The Bachelor’ for 18 Years”.

The Oklahoman’s business section ran a Q&A feature on Brice Heinen (BS Kinesiology & Exercise Studies ’10), physical therapist and certified ergonomic assessment specialist, and owner of Heinen Physical Therapy.

The Oklahoman weekend section ran a feature story about Bat-or Kalo (BM Guitar Performance ’06

Jane Keehn Clark (ME Early Childhood Montessori ’15), New Mexico Highlands campus visit specialist, received the Conference Footprint Award during the 26th Annual National Collegiate Information and Visitors Services Association conference in June.

Eryn LeCroy (BM Vocal Performance ’14) is in the current cast of the Broadway production of “The Phantom of the Opera."

The Kev’s Best blog lists Dr. James Longton (BS Biology ’97) as one of the Best Podiatrists in Phoenix.

Seth Adam Lynn (BA Music ’16) is performing with the The Ruckus Trio on harp Saturday in St. Petersburg, Florida.

The Celeb Center entertainment website posted a bio on Lakshmi Manchu (BA Theatre ’02).

John Nalley (JD ’12) joined the Colorado Springs office of Cordell & Cordell as a litigation attorney.

Anita Reynolds Howard (JD ’05), a prosecutor in Georgia, announced her candidacy for district attorney for the Macon Judicial Circuit.

Benjamin Rivera (BPA Dance Performance ‘14) is in the ensemble in Broadway's “Moulin Rouge!”.

The Norman Transcript ran a feature story about Brian Ruttman (BSB Marketing ’01), superintendent of the Moore Norman Technology Center.

OCU and Noel White (MBA ’82), CEO of Tyson Foods, were listed in CEOWORLD magazine’s “31 Powerful CEOs On The Fortune 500 With MBA Degrees."

KOCO ran a story about Shannon Wrights (BS Dance Management ’93) and her studio Aspiring Attitudes, which helps dance students with special needs.

50 Most Powerful Oklahomans:

President Martha Burger was named one of the “50 Most Powerful Oklahomans” by the OKC Friday newspaper. Others on the list from OCU include David Holt (JD ’09) (6); business school Executive in Residence Sue Ann Arnall (9); and trustees Tricia Everest (3), Meg Salyer (35), and Ron Norick (41). Law Dean Jim Roth and film studies professor James Cooper (MFA Creative Writing ’15) were named to the “Next Generation of Most Powerful Oklahomans” list.

Charles Adair (MBA ’96) was promoted to vice president and Norman Alameda banking center manager at First Bank & Trust Co..

Lori Allen Walke (JD ’09) received The Oklahoman’s Hall of Fame Award during the Best of OKC Metro All-City Preps banquet in June.

A letter to the editor by Nathaniel Batchelder (BA Biology ’73) published in the Tulsa World about threats to the environment mentions his OCU degree.

The Houston Chronicle ran a feature Q&A story on Elisabeth Brodt (BM Music Education ’99), principal of a new junior high school in Katy, Texas.

Cornell College posted a testimonial story from Mikael Bryant (JD ’17).

Philip (MLA ’12) and Heather Busey (ME Behavioral Studies ’11) had their home featured in the Historic District Lifestyle magazine.

The Daily Mail in England, the Tulsa World, and Yahoo! posted stories about Kristin Chenoweth (BM Musical Theatre ’91, MM ’93, DHL ’13) in recognition of her birthday Wednesday.

The University of Richmond Law Review published an article by Michael Conklin (MBA ’04) titled “Can You Truly Be Happy in Law School? An Analysis of Law School Advice”.

The Gilmer Mirror in Texas posted a story about Kyle Dillingham (BM Instrumental Performance ’02).

Horseshoe Road, featuring Kyle Dillingham (BM Instrumental Performance ’02) and Peter Markes (BM Instrumental Education ’01), will make their debut as guest artists on the Grand Ole Opry on Wednesday. They will be introduced by Country Music Hall of Fame members the Oak Ridge Boys. The Oklahoman ran a feature story about the concert.

The Tulsa World included a story about filmmaker Josh Downing’s (BFA Film Production ’15) “All We Have is Now” in a story about the Circle Cinema Film Festival beginning Thursday.

Conrad Dudderar (BA Mass Communications ’91), senior staff writer for the Yukon Progress, mentioned his OCU attendance in a column.

The Wicked Local Plainville in Massachusetts ran a story about the Black Box production of “I Only Wanna Laugh,” starring Ali Funkhouser (BM Music Theater ’18).

Ali Funkhouser (BM Music Theater ’18) will sing the role of Anna in the Black Box concert production of songs from Disney's “Frozen” in Massachusetts.

Fight Book MMA featured Kristi Garr (BS Biology ’14), who competed in the Lights Out 4 tournament in Michigan.

Barry Grissom (JD ’81), former U.S. attorney for Kansas, launched his campaign for the U.S. Senate.

Rebekah Gudim (BPA Dance ’13), a swing in a production of “42nd Street” in St. Paul, Minnesota, was featured in a news story.

Michelle Haché (MM '00) was appointed as artistic director of Opera and Musical Theatre at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, where she will serve as assistant professor of voice in the Department of Music.

Keith Hines (BM Musical Theater ’07), who performed in the Muny's production of “1776” in St. Louis, did an Instagram Story takeover for BroadwayWorld.

The Crystal Bridge in the Myriad Botanical Gardens will host an opening reception for David J. Holland’s (BA Art ’83) exhibit “Capturing Clouds” Aug.8

Ronnie K. Irani (MBA ’90) joined the Oklahoma City Community Foundation board of trustees, chaired by Meinders School of Business Dean Steven C. Agee.

Law360 posted an interview with Nona Lee (JD ’95), chief legal officer of the Arizona Diamondbacks.

The Celeb Center entertainment website posted a bio on Lakshmi Manchu (BA Theatre ’02).

Brennan Martinez (BM Vocal Performance ’17) is performing in an adaptation of Bizet's masterpiece, “The Tragedy of Carmen,” at the Hawaii Performing Arts Festival.

Jan Millington (JD ’85) was promoted to deputy city attorney for Springfield, Missouri.

The Oklahoma Nursing Times ran a feature story about Whitney Moseley (BS Nursing ’12).

Alumnus Luke North (BA Music ’13) and former vocal performance major Chris Mosz (2011-15) are a part of the Central City Opera 2019 season in Colorado. North is performing in the auxiliary chorus for Benjamin Britten's “Billy Budd.” Mosz is covering Squeak and The Novice in "Billy Budd." He earned the 2018 Iris Henwood Richards Memorial Award and will be moving to London soon to attend The Royal College of Music.

Amarillo Police Department hosted a dedication ceremony for the new Chief Jerry Neal (BA ’73; MS Criminal Justice ’75) Classroom in April.

The Oklahoman ran a feature story about Rayshon Payton (BA Political Science ’10), a former OCU golfer and current legislative director for U.S. Rep. Kendra Horn, who credits the sport with helping him achieve his goal of becoming a lawyer.

Clayton Puckett (BBA Economics/Finance ’14) was promoted to assurance senior by the HoganTaylor LLP public accounting firm.

Anita Reynolds Howard (JD ’05), a prosecutor in Georgia, announced her candidacy for district attorney for the Macon Judicial Circuit.

Benjamin Rivera (BPA Dance Performance ‘14) is in the ensemble in Broadway's “Moulin Rouge!”

The Norman Transcript ran a feature story about Brian Ruttman (BSB Marketing ’01), superintendent of the Moore Norman Technology Center.

Import Bank of Thailand appointed Apirat Saengtathongthong (MBA ’96) as director of export promotion and investment promotion.

The Oklahoman ran a Q&A story with Blair Schoeb (BA ’79), CEO of Areawide Aging Agency. Schoeb complimented OCU in the story.

Bert Seaborn (’63; DHL ‘97) will serve as this year’s juror for the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma’s Seven-States Biennial art exhibition.

Connie Seabourn’s (’71) art is featured in the latest exhibit “New Works” at the Owens Arts Place Museum in Guthrie.

Joe Slack (BFA Studio Art ’01) was the selected artist for a public art project sponsored by OKC Beautiful for Classen Boulevard in honor of the organization’s 50th anniversary.

The Lawton Constitution ran a first-person story of Phillip (Van) Hatton Slayden (listed as unknown, BA ’36) headlined “Memoirs Of A P-47 Fighter-Bomber Pilot In WWII”.

Lyra (Precise) Sprenger (BPA Dance ’03), owner of Skin Confidence Coach, was named one of the Springfield, Missouri-based 417 magazine’s “10 Most Beautiful Women.”

Courtney Tennent (BS Nursing ’02) joined Variety Care as a pediatric provider.

Tynia A. Watson (JD ’11) has been named a director in Crowe & Dunlevy’s Oklahoma City office.

Jeffrey White (JD ’86), a lawyer at the R. Paul Elliott, Attorney at Law, P.C. firm in Texas, was recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Lawyers for dedication, achievements, and leadership in the field of family, real estate, wills-trusts, and probate law.

Darius Wright (BM Music Theater ’14) is a member of the ensemble for “Pretty Woman,” which is set to become the longest-running new musical of the 2018-2019 Broadway season.

Richard Yoder (BPA Dance ’06) played Cosmo Brown in the Lyric Theatre production of “Singin’ in the Rain”.

Donalyn Alexander (BSN-DNP ’16) was named dean of the Patty Hanks Shelton School of Nursing in Abilene, Texas.

Katie Alsup (BS History/Education ‘13) was a finalist for the Oklahoma City Public Schools 2019 Teacher of the Year.

John M. Andrews (BS Business ’49), who was in the Army Air Corp during World War II and contributed stories to a history book, was in a feature story in The Lawton Constitution.

Annie Oakley, a band featuring Joanna (Jo) Babb (BA Journalism ‘19) and Sophia Babb (BA Journalism ‘19), performed for the inaugural edition of City Hall Sessions. Mayor David Holt (JD ’09) introduced the series and the band in the performance held in his City Hall office

David Briscoe (BM Piano Pedagogy ’93, MM Vocal Performance ’99) is coordinating a community choir for a patriotic concert in Duncan.

Kayla Cawood (JD ’16) is an attorney in the Robben Law firm, specializing in estate planning and corporate transactions.

Kristin Chenoweth (BM Musical Theatre ’91, MM ’93, DHL ’13) was granted the key to Oklahoma City during her “Love Letter to Oklahoma” at the Civic Center. The OKC Friday ran a recap story of Chenoweth’s benefit concert for Allied Arts.

Nathan Cockroft (BM Musical Theater ’13) is playing Jonathan Waltham in the Meadow Brook Theatre production of “It Girl” in Michigan.

Peyton Crim (BM Vocal Performance ’09), who is part of the first national touring company of “The Play That Goes Wrong,” was in a Q&A story in TheaterJones, which covers north Texas performing arts news.

Chris Cummings (JD ’17) was hired as chief legal officer for Valir Health, a healthcare organization based in Oklahoma City.

Kyle Dillingham (BM Instrumental Performance ’02) is coordinating a FREE charitable music concert and festival in honor of the homeless. The concert will be from 6 to 9 p.m. on June 12 in the Myriad Botanical Gardens downtown. The concert will also feature fellow alumnus and Horseshoe Road bandmate Peter Markes (BM Instrumental Education ’01). Other performers include Will Carl Gaines, The Odds, Jabee, and Jynxx. The festival will collect donations for the 405 Center, a 501(c)3 non-profit community outreach organization, will serve as the festival’s primary beneficiary for donations, although admission to the family-friendly festival is free. The event is also requesting volunteers to help serve plated dinners to the homeless, and food truck vendors will be on site for the general public. Volunteer registration can be made on the event SignUpGenius page. For more information, read a full release online.

Laura Eastes Akers (MA Nonprofit Leadership ’18) was named executive director of the Grace Center of Southern Oklahoma in Ardmore.

Katharin Evans (BS Elementary Education ’17) was named to the first annual 20 Under 2 list of promising new Oklahoma teachers by the Teaching & Leading Initiative of Oklahoma. Evans is a fourth grade teacher for Deer Creek Public Schools. Across the state, principals, veteran teachers, and district leaders submitted their top novice teachers for consideration. Each nomination from principals and colleagues was reviewed and scored by a panel of education professionals.

Trustee Tricia Everest (Hon. Doctorate Humanities), Rep. Jon Echols (JD ’05), and Robert Ravitz (JD ’76) were named to the governor’s Criminal Justice Reentry, Supervision, Treatment and Opportunity Reform (RESTORE) Task Force.

Kent A. Gilliland (JD ’87) was elected as a new member of the Hall Estill firm’s executive committee

Brent Greenwood (BFA Studio Art ’97), director of the Chickasaw Summer Art Academy, will present his work in the first of a series of annual exhibitions titled “Holisso Pisachi” at East Central University this summer.

Nicholas Harroz III (JD ’09) is a senior wealth advisor for Mariner Wealth Advisors.

Elizabeth A. Hayden (JD ’79) was appointed to serve on the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishop’s national review board for the Protection of Children and Young People committee.

Monica Hiller (BS Elementary Education ’18) received a scholarship from the Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence to attend the Colonial Williamsburg Teacher Institute in June.

Timothy Hunsaker (JD ’07) is an associate with the Rosenblum Schwartz & Fry firm in St. Louis, Missouri.

This year’s Journal Record Achievers Under 40 list include four OCU alumni: Tim Gallegly (BSB Finance ’03; JD ’13), Meghan Dunn Gordon (BS Dance Management ’04), Collin Walke (JD ’08), Erick Worrell (BA Public Relations ’07).

Todd Lamb (JD ’05) will replace Kirk Humphreys on KFOR’s “Flash Point” political discussion show.

Joel Linares (JD ’07) officially took over as Moab city manager in Utah.

The Glamsham entertainment news website in India posted a story and photos of Lakshmi Manchu (BA Theatre ’02) meeting fellow Bollywood star Ranveer Singh.

Lam Q. Nguyen (MBA ’07; JD ’12) is an attorney in the Graft & Walraven firm.

Kelli O’Hara (BM Vocal Performance ‘98, Honorary DHL ‘15):

• ...was featured in the New York Times Magazine as part of its “A Star is Made” artist profiles.
• ...was featured in an update story about the Tony Awards show in The Oklahoman.

Robert Ravitz (JD ’76), an Oklahoma County public defender, was named to the state’s RESTORE task force to reduce the state’s incarceration rate.

Tony A. Scott (JD ’91) received East Central University’s Distinguished Alumni Award.

Dr. George Selby (BS Biology ’74) and his work to bring a cancer treatment called CAR T to Oklahoma was featured in The Oklahoman and other regional media outlets ran feature stories. Selby is the director of the Stem Cell and Cellular Transplant Program at the Stephenson Cancer Center.

Belinda Allyn (BM Music Theater ’12) is starring as Belle in the Paper Mill Playhouse production of “Beauty and the Beast” in New Jersey.

Cedric Bond (BA History ’14, JD ’17) is an attorney for the Federman & Sherwood firm.

Ali Bradley (BFA Acting ’17) was crowned Miss Greenville County in South Carolina.

Kristin Chenoweth (BM Musical Theatre ’91, MM ’93, DHL ’13):

• ...was featured in a feature story in The Oklahoman about her May 14th concert at the Civic Center.
• ...was included in a Times Connection story headlined “10 celebrities you didn’t know were adopted”.

Paul M. Doolittle (JD ‘87) of Jacksonville, FL, now mediates Longshore as well as Defense Base Act cases, full time, throughout the U.S.

Laura L. (Simpson) Drumb (BA ‘70) has self-published her debut novel, available in both e-book and paperback formats. An award-winning Christian historical romance, From Now Until Forever is set in 1853 Indian Territory and tells the story of the impact of one woman’s faith on the Kiowa warrior who takes her captive. The second novel in the Forever series, Together We Stand Forever, will be released later in 2019, with the third one due out early next year.

The Jerusalem Post ran a story about Drew Feldman (BFA Acting ’13) and the video production company he co-founded, Cinemad Productions. In a quote, he called OCU “one of the jewels of the South in terms of their performing arts program”.

Melissa Ford (BPA Dance ’04) joined MTH Theater at Crown Center in as director of development.

Ronald C. Griffin (JD '99) was appointed United States magistrate judge in the Midland/Odessa division of the United States District Court for the Western District of Texas.

Ben Rogers Hilfiger (MS Energy Legal Studies ’15) graduated from Loyola University Law School at New Orleans.

Andrea MacMullin (BM Instrumental Performance ’88) will present Morning Music on Saturday in the downstairs museum of the Arcadia Round Barn.

Tabbatha Mays (non-degree, ’01), founder and executive director of Spirits Landing after-school program, was in a Q&A story posted in Thrive Global.

Kelli O'Hara (BM Vocal Performance ‘98, Honorary DHL ‘15):

• ...earned her seventh career Tony Award nomination with a Best Performance by an Actress nomination for her role in “Kiss Me, Kate.”
• O’Hara appeared on NBC’s "Today" show Tuesday for an interview and cast performance.
• The Hollywood Reporter featured her in a story and podcast.
• ...was included in Playbill's story, "Schools of the Stars: Where the 2019 Tony Nominees Went to College".

Chip Morgan (MBA ’87) is executive vice president and chief operating officer of OMRF.

Peter Markes (BM Instrumental Education ’01) was pictured performing at the Festival of the Arts in a photo page in The Oklahoman.

Barbara McAlister (BA Music ’64) will give a presentation Thursday for the Muskogee County Historical Society.

Bob Ravitz (JD ’76) received the Journal Record Award during the Oklahoma County Bar Association’s annual Law Day luncheon.

Brian Ruttman (BBA Marketing ’01) was named the new superintendent of the Moore Norman Technology Center.

Karen Scott (BA Mass Comm/Broadcast ’12) was the subject of a Muskogee Phoenix Health Spotlight.

Tony A. Scott (JD ’91) will be honored with a Distinguished Alumni Award from East Central University in Ada in May.

Herbert Sim (BA Liberal Studies ’10) was named chief marketing officer at Cryptology Exchange.

Lyndy Franklin Smith (BPA Dance ’02) and Jeromy Smith (BS Dance Management), co-founders of the Lexington Theatre Company’s summer season, were in a story in The Lexington Herald.

Ramona Tumblin-Rucker (MBA ‘90) was hired as director of Design/Build & Construction Management for M Property Services in Georgia.

Kathryn Wayne-Spindler (JD ’94) was featured in a business profile story in The Spinal Column newspaper in Michigan.

Bryson Williams (JD ’15) is a shareholder in the Munson McMillin firm in Edmond.

Belinda Allyn (BM Music Theater ’12) is in the Paper Mill Playhouse production of “Benny & Joon” in New Jersey.

A column in the Pawhuska Journal-Capital by Patti Beth Anderson (Speech Theatre ’84) mentions her chance encounter with fellow OCU alumnus in China.

Kristin Chenoweth (BM Musical Theatre ’91, MM ’93, DHL ’13):

• Chenoweth is performing a concert in Idaho Falls in October.
• Chenoweth received the Philanthropist Award during Tuesday’s GRAMMYs on the Hill Awards in Washington, D.C.

Allison Cowan, M.D. (BM '02) will be promoted to the rank of Associate Professor at the Boonshoft School of Medicine at Wright State University in July of 2019.

Sara Edwards (BPA Dance ’04) returned to campus earlier this month to talk with students about her success as a performer and career as an associate choreographer. Edwards has extensive performance experience and has worked on numerous Broadway productions and national tours with high profile talent. As an associate choreographer, she prepared Bette Midler, David Hyde Pierce, Bernadette Peters, Victor Garber and Donna Murphy for Broadway’s “Hello, Dolly!” She went on to re-stage the production for the national tour. Before that, she was resident director/choreographer on Broadway’s “After Midnight,” which won the Tony Award for Best Choreography.

Stephanie Francis (BM Music Education ’18) was accepted into the Peace Corps and will depart for Vanuatu on April 28 to begin training as an education volunteer.

Brintha Gardner (MBA ’04) will be returning to Oklahoma City next month for an author showcase event for her children’s book "The Amazing Adventures of Little Right Sock." The Barnes & Noble bookstore near Quail Springs mall is hosting the event from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 4.

Keith Hines Jr. (MA Musical Theatre ’07) is playing Thomas Jefferson in the Muny production of “1776” in St. Louis.

Sasha Hutchings (BPA ’11) played a dancer in the season premiere of the FX series “Fosse/Verdon,” which was broadcast Tuesday.

Ken Jacome (BS Physical Education ’91) was featured in a story about coaching baseball for the Pima College Aztecs in The Arizona Daily Star in Tucson.

Tanisha LaRaye (BA Theatre Performance ’08; MLA ’10) acted in and co-directed the historical documentary film “Voices of the Golden Ghosts”.

Peter Markes (BM Instrumental Education ’01) will play three shows at this year’s Festival of the Arts, starting with a solo performance at 11 a.m. today. He will join fellow OCU alumnus Kyle Dillingham (BM Instrumental Performance ’02) & Horseshoe Road for a show at 7:30 p.m. tonight, and will play a second solo session from 2 to 4 p.m. on the festival closing day Sunday. The Oklahoman ran a front-page story about Markes today.

Jason Martinek (Prior Learning & University Studies ’97; MBA ’01) was hired as senior vice president in the commercial loan department at First State Bank.

Elliott Mattox (MA Musical Theater ’14) is in the ensemble of a Broadway production of "Beetlejuice."

Barbara McAlister (BA Music ’64) was featured in The Muskogee Phoenix about receiving the Governor’s Arts Award.

The Amarillo Police Department dedicated a classroom to its former Chief Jerry Neal (deceased ‘18; Arts & Sciences ’73 & ’75).

Kelli O'Hara (BM Vocal Performance ‘98, Honorary DHL ‘15) was featured in a story in the Mansion Global, "Kelly O'Hara and Her Five Favorite Items,” which includes a photo of her with voice professor Florence Birdwell as one of her treasures.

The Oklahoman ran a story about Tuesday’s Governor’s Arts Awards, mentioning dance Chair Jo Rowan and alumna Barbara McAlister (BA Music ’64) as honorees, Sarah Coburn (MM Vocal Performance ’01) as a featured performer, and including a photo of OCU dance students in attendance.

Emma J. Payne (JD ’16), a trial lawyer and former federal judicial clerk, joined the McAfee & Taft firm.

Steven D. Powell (BS Nursing ’14) was named one of the Top 150 Nurses for this year’s Houston Chronicle Salute to Nurses.

Tara Roberts (MS Energy Legal Studies ’17) was appointed vice president of business development for Foothills Exploration, an independent oil and gas exploration company engaged in properties in the Rockies.

Dusty Reasons Thomas (MA Theater ’07) is directing the North Texas Performing Arts Repertory Theatre production of “Steel Magnolias.”

Gabrielle Ruiz (BPA ’07) was in a feature Q&A story in the Texas Monthly, and she was quoted as stating being accepted to OCU “was the best thing that ever happened to me”.

Nathan Sammons (BS Biology ’99) was awarded Louisiana State University-Alexandria’s Bolton Award for teaching excellence for 2018-19. Sammons is a professor in the Department of Biological Sciences and was the recipient of LSUA’s Teaching Innovation Award last year

Matthew Schultz (BA Music Theater Performance ’09) was named president of the Stuhr Museum Foundation in Grand Island, Nebraska.

Misti Shaw (BM '01) has been awarded tenure at the Cook Music Library at Indiana University after three years in her position as Head of Music Library Public Services and Outreach at the rank of Associate Professor.

Christopher Smith (JD ’98), a 19th Judicial District Court judge, was in a feature story in The Collegian, the Southwestern College student newspaper in Winfield, Kansas.

The Journal Record ran a photo of state Rep. Collin Walke (JD ’08) giving the Law Firm of Distinction award during a ceremony at the law school.

Buzz Williams (BS Physical Education ’94) was named men’s basketball coach for the Texas A&M Aggies. Additional stories about Williams’ coaching position were in the CBB Today and the Dallas Morning News SportsDay.

John K. Williams (JD ’73) joined the law firm of Fellers Snider.

Bill Boudreau (MBA ’84) donated to the Seminole State College Language Arts and Humanities Division’s Howlers and Yawpers Creativity Symposium.

Heather Botts (Musical Theatre ’12) is in the Lincoln Center Theater production of “My Fair Lady.”

Kristin Chenoweth (BM Musical Theatre ’91, MM ’93, DHL ’13) is performing at the McCallum Theatre in Palm Desert, California, March 22.

Melinda Coburn (BM Vocal Performance ’07), a kindergarten volunteer in Colorado, was the topic of the “Left Hand Laurel” series in the Left Hand Valley Courier newspaper.

Christina Melton Crain (JD ’91) was appointed to the University of Texas System Board of Regents.

Brandon Creighton (JD ’98) is a Republican state senator for Conroe, Texas.

Kyle Dillingham (Music Instrumental Performance ‘02) performed in Thailand, reprising his role in the stage production of “Lilit Phra Lor.”

Harold L. Dump II (JD ’10) became an associate circuit judge of Henry County in Missouri.

A panel discussion at this year’s annual meeting of the Association of American Law Schools on political polarization included two OCU law alumni ─ former Oklahoma Congressman and Harvard professor Mickey Edwards (JD ’74), and former speaker of the Oklahoma House of Representatives and current trustee T.W. Shannon (JD ’04).

Nicole Mikala Ferguson (BM Musical Theater ’11) is part of Fiasco Theater's off-Broadway production of “Merrily We Roll Along.”

Michael A. Ferrara (Music ’09-’10) is conducting the New American Songbook Orchestra's inaugural performance in New York City on Sunday.

Joe Gappa (JD ’91) was named general counsel of the Oklahoma Tax Commission.

Katie Goffman (Musical Theatre ’09) was featured in the world premiere of “Clueless the Musical.”

The Oklahoman ran a story about the Governor’s Arts Awards, which will honor dance Chairwoman Jo Rowan and alumni Barbara McAlister (BA Music ’64) and Juanita Pahdopony (MEd ’90).

Oklahoma City University will host a reading and book signing for author and alumnus Brandon Hobson (BA English ’92) at 7 p.m. March 20 in the University Center Great Hall. Hobson was a finalist for the 2018 National Book Award for his novel “Where the Dead Sit Talking.” The book, set in rural Oklahoma during the late 1980s, follows two Native American teens’ experiences in the foster care system as they try to navigate relationships and their own emotional scars. The book reached number one on Oklahoma’s Bestseller List, and it made the best book lists for 2018 from NPR’s “Code Switch,” Kirkus Reviews, and Southern Living magazine.

Kari Hoffhines (JD ’10), a director at Crowe & Dunley and member of the firm’s Real Estate and Banking & Financial Institutions Practice Groups, was featured in The Edmond Sun's “Someone You Should Know” series.

Theresa Hottel (BA English '15) recently completed her MFA in creative writing at Columbia University and has just been named one of nine artists-in-residence at the National Homestead Monument of America in Nebraska. She will live at the restored prairie National Parks site while working on her novel that explores human relationships with the environment.

Ronnie Irani (MBA ’90) joined the Seven Generations Energy board of directors.

Jane Jayroe Gamble (BM '69):

• The Oklahoman ran a feature story about her new book, "Practice: Unleashing the Power of Faith."
• OCU alumna and trustee was featured in a story in 405 magazine about Jackie Cooper, whose family founded the Oklahoma AIDS Care Fund and its Red Tie Night fundraiser. Cooper, who opened the “Cooperville” complex of car dealerships, loaned cars to Jayroe Gamble for her statewide tours as Miss America 1967.

Louise Goldberg (MM Piano Performance ’78) is performing a concert May 10 at the UCO Jazz Lab.

Jeffry Grogan, Orchestral Activities Director was named to the Yamaha Artist Services Indianapolis Master Educator Program.

This year’s Achievers Under 40 list in The Journal Record newspaper include three OCU alumni:

• Tim Gallegly (Finance ’03, JD ’13) of the Crowe & Dunlevy law firm
• Collin Walke (JD ’08) of the Walke Law Firm, and
• Erick Worrell (BA Public Relations ’07) of the ghost marketing firm.

John Kennedy (BA History ’76) was appointed to the Teachers Retirement System of Oklahoma board of trustees.

Hannah Leffler (BA Instrumental Performance ’09) is performing at Adams State University in Colorado as part of the Woodwired duo.

Jeff Luke's (Music ’87) arrangements are featured on the award-winning debut studio CD by Seraph Brass.

Kris Woolly Markes (MBAM ’01) was appointed interim executive director of the Oklahoma City Philharmonic. A longtime member of the Philharmonic's leadership team, she joined the organization as an intern in 2001, working her way up to general manager.

Elliott Mattox (Musical Theatre ’14) returned to Broadway in “Beetlejuice The Musical.” Previews begin March 28 before a scheduled April 25 opening.

Alyson Morse (BS Human Performance ’18) presented a research poster titled “Energy Expenditure Between Bicep Curl Set Configuration” at the annual Northwest Chapter meeting of the American College of Sports Medicine in Bend, Oregon. Morse completed the research before graduating last spring.

Nida Nadir (JD ’07) was promoted to managing attorney of The Gibson Law Group.

Mary Beth Nelson (BM Vocal Performance ’14) made her Bronx Opera debut as the Secretary in Menotti’s “The Consul.”

Minami Okamura (Music ’09) was cast as Milo Davenport in the Japanese-language version of “An American in Paris” with the Shiki Theatre Company.

Kelli O’Hara (BM Vocal Performance ‘98, Honorary DHL ‘15):

• Sang the role of Fiona in Ghostlight Records' New York City Center cast recording of “Brigadoon.”
• Earned her first nomination for the Olivier Awards, honoring outstanding achievements in London theater, in the Best Actress in a Musical category for her role in "The King and I” on London's West End. The West End reprise of her Tony-winning performance as Anna Leonowens in “The King and I” is now available via BroadwayHD.
• Will receive the Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theater Award during the Drama League Awards in New York City on May 17.

Luke S. Pitman (MBA ’11) was promoted to vice president and lending officer of NBC Oklahoma.

Gabrielle Ruiz (BPA ’07) was featured in a Forbes Q&A story about her career and her time on “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend."

Molly Rushing (Musical Theatre ’12) was a cast member of “Anastasia” on Broadway.

Sarasota Opera's February production of Puccini's Turandot features three alumni singers: mezzo-soprano apprentice artist Liz Wasson (Vocal Performance ’17) was a member of the chorus, while studio artist Samuel Schlievert (Opera Performance ’17), tenor, sang the role of Pang, and studio artist Caitlin Crabill (Opera Performance ’16), soprano, covered the title role.

Jay Wadley (Music Composition ’05), past president of OCU’s Project 21 and co-founder of NYC-based Found Objects Music Productions, is scoring the new Netflix series “Tales of the City.” He also recently scored the indie drama “Adam,” which makes its debut at the 2019 Sundance Film Festival, and the indie comedy “Olympic Dreams,” premiering this month at the SXSW Film Festival.

Robert Watson’s (Vocal Performance ’11) continues to receive rave reviews for his debut as the title character in “Les Contes d'Hoffmann” at Deutsche Oper Berlin. Critic Aka Imamura noted: "tenor Robert Watson in the title role had a handsome stage presence, with muscular and ringing voice...his inexhaustible stamina served him well." He performed as Cavaradossi in Tosca before making his Kennedy Center debut in the role May 11-25 at Washington National Opera.

Manjia “Coco” Zhao (MBMK ’02) was appointed to serve as a member of the board and as secretary of Moregain Pictures.

Belinda Allyn (BA Music Theater ’12) is a standby for the character of Joon in the Paper Mill Playhouse production of “Benny & Joon” in New Jersey.

Rachel Caid (M.Ed. in Early Childhood/Montessori ’18) received the Golden Apple award as a first-year teacher at Emerson Public Montessori School in Tulsa.

James Cooper (MFA Creative Writing ’15), alumnus and film studies professor, won the election Tuesday for Oklahoma City’s Ward 2 city council seat.

Peyton Crim (BA Vocal Performance ’09) is playing one of the actors in “The Play That Goes Wrong” in Tulsa and was featured in a story in the Tulsa World.

Suvir Dhar (JD ’07), a Simmons Hanly Conroy firm shareholder focusing on mesothelioma litigation, was named to the St. Louis Business Journal’s 40 Under Forty list for 2019.

Kyle Dillingham (Music Instrumental Performance ‘02) is performing at the Salvation Army Central Oklahoma Women’s Auxiliary annual Celebration of Hope fundraising event on April 10.

Dr. Barbara Gellman-Danley (MBA ’85), president of the Higher Learning Commission in Chicago, Illinois, was named an International Honorary Member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. Fewer than 40 people have received the honor in its 100-year history.

Michael Harker (BA English ’99), a professor at Georgia State University, is co-editor of a new book, “The Archive as Classroom: Pedagogical Approaches to the Digital Archive of Literacy Narratives.”

Allen L. Hutson (JD ’10), attorney for the Crowe & Dunlevy firm, began his second term on the Oklahoma Bar Foundation’s 2019 board of trustees.

Tinasha La Raye (BA Theatre Performance ‘08, MA Liberal Arts ’10) performed a spoken word piece for a Black History Month celebration in California.

John David Luton (JD ’85) was sworn in as the new special judge in Wagoner County.

Kelli O’Hara (BM Vocal Performance ‘98, Honorary DHL ‘15), who is starring in the Roundabout Theatre Company revival of “Kiss Me, Kate” in New York City in March, was featured in a Backstage magazine feature story.

Todd Pauley (JD ’06) was named director of the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Office of Faith Based and Community Initiatives.

Shannon Warren (MLA ’11), CEO and founder of the Oklahoma Business Ethics Consortium, was featured in The Oklahoman’s Executive Q&A series.

Emily Webster (BS Chemistry ’15), former OCU wrestler, was named to the Sedalia Schools Athletic Hall of Fame in Missouri.

Dr. Shakenna K. Williams (MBA ’01) was named director of the Center for Women’s Entrepreneurial Leadership Global Initiative at Babson College.

Travis Barnes (BS Nursing ’09 & JD ’09), RN at the Children’s Center Rehabilitation Hospital in Bethany, was in an Oklahoma’s Nursing Times profile story.

Teri Bibb (BM ’82) will play Abigail Adams in a 2019 California production of the Sherman Edwards and Peter Stone musical "1776" from Jan. 13 through Feb. 3. Bibb was featured in The Oklahoman.

Brian Cowing (BM Musical Theatre ’12) is in the second national tour of “Something Rotten!”

Edgar Cruz (BA ’86) and his performing career as a guitarist was a feature story in The Oklahoman.

Nick Drago (BPA ’03) was featured in the Cross & Crescent, the magazine of the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity.

Dennis Franks (MBA ’84), CEO of Neosho Memorial Regional Medical Center, was in a profile story in the Chanute Tribune in Kansas.

Charles Gass (JD ’81) was appointed special judge for Canadian County.

Daniel Gerber (JD ’13) was featured in The Dallas Business Journal regarding a story about the general counsel of Summit Financial and as a finalist for the 2018 Outstanding Corporate Counsel’s General Counsel of the Year Award for a Small Legal Department.

Paul Kapsner (MBA ’90) was named global vice president of sales for CathWorks, a medical technology company.

Karli McMurray (JD ’11) was in a feature story in The Odessa American in Texas about her efforts to provide clean water to villages in Ghana through the One Love Worldwide charity.

Andrea Nesbitt (M Education ’18), Casady School teacher, was selected for the American Montessori Society Emerging Leaders Fellowship Program. From a national application pool, Nesbitt was one of 14 selected. She will take part in professional development, experience in-depth mentorship, and collaborate monthly with the other fellows through video conferencing and online forums.

Ashton Parrack (BM Vocal Performance ’17) is playing Agent Melody in an Off-Broadway production of "Rhythm Boom Boom” and in the production’s 60-city tour of China.

Steven Powell (BS Nursing ’14) started a two-year appointment this month to the American Nurses Association’s Political Action Committee.

Carman Rainbolt (JD ’03) will become the assistant district attorney for Okmulgee and McIntosh counties this month.

Ariel Richardson (BFA ’16) is making her Northlight Theatre debut as Sephronia in “Nina Simone: Four Women” in Skokie, Illinois.

Benjamin Rivera (BPA ’14) will make his debut Sunday in a major televised production in the live broadcast of the musical “Rent.”

Jerry Steichen (BM ’86) was selected as the next conductor of the Longview Symphony in Texas.

Emma Velez (BA ’13), a former political science and philosophy major and SGA president, published an articleon the Women in Philosophy blog titled “Why the Decolonial Imaginary Matters for Women in Philosophy.” The article is about her experience of visiting liberal arts universities to encourage students of color to consider graduate study in philosophy.

Eric Waltman (BFA Film Production ’13) was named production operator for the Oklahoma Educational Television Authority (OETA).

Alice Wasson (JD ’03) joined the Gilmore & Bell, P.C., firm as lead compliance counsel for its Kansas City office.

Erick Worrell (BA Public Relations ’07) was named vice president of client service and creative strategy for Ghost, an Oklahoma City-based creative agency. Worrell will oversee the agency’s client relationships and copywriting, and will help guide the agency’s positioning and presence in the OKC market.