Although there’s no such thing as a typical Oklahoma City University student, many have shared a passion for going above and beyond their regular class schedules in leadership roles through community and campus involvement.
The following recent graduates have been particularly impactful in areas of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion. Here they share some of their insights and advice for future students. (Some responses were edited for brevity.)
Tyra Terry (BS Human Performance, Biology minor)
Tyra served as president of the Black Student Association, was an active member of the OCU NAACP chapter and a resident advisor. She was part of the OCU Cheer team and showcased her strategic thinking as a member of the Chess Club.
Tyra plans to apply to OCU’s Physician Assistant program.
Proud achievement
“Winning a cheerleading national championship and earning the title of all-American.”
Staff members who made an impact on you
“Jewellia Simpson and Darius Morris (from Housing and Residence Life). They have both played a significant role in my growth, always offering encouragement and pushing me to be my best.”
Advice for incoming students
“For incoming freshmen, my biggest piece of advice is to take advantage of the opportunities available on campus. Getting involved is a great way to meet new people and make the most of your college experience.”
Tatianna Barnes (BS Chemistry, Biology minor)
Tatianna served as president of the Hispanic Student Association and was a resident advisor. She was a member of Alpha Chi Omega, a student professional with Disability and Access Services and a member of the OCU Chess Club.
Tatianna will continue her academic journey at the University of Colorado Boulder to pursue a doctoral degree in chemical engineering.
Proud achievement
“I am the proudest of who I am as a person leaving OCU. I am incredibly driven, confident and ready to make the world my oyster.”
Faculty member who made an impact on you
“Dr. (John) Nail is the reason I am a chemistry major and attending grad school so soon. He made me realize my love for the subject and I can’t thank him enough for it!”
Advice for incoming students
“Don’t be afraid of getting outside of your comfort zone. To me, this included talking with people you never would have, joining organizations that you didn’t know existed and taking advantage of any opportunity put in front of you.”
Melody Para (JD candidate)
Melody served as the Student Bar Association (SBA) 1L representative for FITE (Fighting for Innocence Through Exoneration) Club, secretary of the Hispanic Law Students Association (HLLSA) in her 2L year and became HLLSA president in her 3L year. She was a member of the Dean’s Disciplinary Tribunal and served as secretary for the Alternative Dispute Resolution organization. Melody was a member of the Black Law Students Association, OUTLaws and Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity.
Melody will begin studying for the Oklahoma Bar Exam. She plans to pursue a career in criminal law and hopes to continue working alongside OCU Law alumni and fellow Hispanic/Latino attorneys to strengthen professional networks and support minority students pursuing careers in law.
Proud achievement
“It was an honor to serve as the president of the HLLSA. My goal was to foster community among the Latino students and to help them succeed during their first year. While I still have room to grow as a leader, I know I made an impact with our 1L students because several 1Ls stepped up to serve on the HLLSA executive board.”
Faculty member who made an impact on you
“Professor Andrea Miller, the director of the Oklahoma Innocence Project. She is knowledgeable but discerning, hardworking and humble. In the Innocence Clinic, she emboldens students as legal advocates by pushing them to seek justice through truth while ingraining the importance of relying on factual evidence. Professor Miller has set the bar for the type of attorney I aim to be.”
Advice for incoming students
“It doesn’t get easier, you get better. Law school is difficult and exhausting — your first year will make you question why you are pursuing this career. But you will make it through your most difficult days, and you will have victories. You will have glimmers that remind you why all the stress and sleepless nights were worth it.”
Indya King (BS Entertainment Business)
Indya began her involvement with the Students of Arts Management (SAM) as a first-year representative, later serving as banquet chair in her junior year and culminating her leadership as SAM president during her senior year.
Indya performed with Project 21 as a freshman and returned in her senior year as co-student liaison. She also served as a student director, choreographer and performer for the OCU Pep Team. With the Star Dance Company, Indya was fall 2024 deputy while also performing in various productions. She worked as the performing arts ticket office manager and as a production room assistant.
Proud achievement
“Planning the end-of-year awards banquet for the Ann Lacy School called the SAMMY’s. I was given the opportunity to create a formal event for all the students, faculty, and staff and watch it come to life. However, I would not have been able to do it without the help of the Students of Arts Management executive board, volunteers and friends.”
Faculty member who made an impact on you
“(Dance professor) Alana Martin. Alana has taught me how to go through life with a kind and humble spirit, while also being a cheerleader for others. No matter what obstacles I may face, Alana is there with encouraging words of wisdom and a comforting smile. Alana Martin is one of the hardest working people I know, and I am so grateful that we got to experience our love for dance together!”
Advice for incoming students
“Don’t jump into everything all at one. You have time.”
Kel Pinkston (BS Mass Communications - Strategic Communications)
Kel was a member of the Black Student Association, served as president of the OCU NAACP chapter and participated in the Student Government Association. He also contributed to the Student Civic Engagement Committee, Student Publications and served as a new student orientation leader. Kel was a member of Lambda Chi fraternity.
Kel will continue his work with the Southern Plains Tribal Health Board while pursuing a graduate degree at Oklahoma State University.
Proud achievement
“The collective experiences that encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone during my time at OCU. Whether it was delivering the land acknowledgement at matriculation convocation or revitalizing the campus chapter of the NAACP, these memories are ones I treasure, as they have strengthened me over the years.”
Faculty/staff members who made an impact on you
“I’ve made several meaningful connections with both staff and faculty, such as Kanika Brown (Career Services director), Janelle Warlick (Arts & Sciences academic operations director), Jewellia Simpson (Housing Operations associate director), Danielle Pullen (Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion director) and many more! Although, if I had to recognize only one person, it would be Dr. Talia Carroll. Since our initial interactions, Dr. Carroll has been instrumental in my educational and personal growth. During my two years working in her office, she instilled some very special core values in me that I’ll be forever grateful for!”
Advice for incoming students
“Be as open-minded as possible, embrace the experience and make new friends along the way! During your time at this institution, you’ll have the opportunity to learn so much outside of the classroom, and you should take advantage of it. Our campus community is very unique, and I believe it prepares us for life in ways we cannot always imagine.”
Jasmine Dawkins (JD candidate)
Jasmine served as an SBA representative, fundraising chair and president of the BLSA. She was also the director of programming for the Southwest Region of the National Black Law Students Association. Jasmine served as historian and later vice president of the Murrah Student Association.
She was a member of the Holloway Inns of Court, an OCU Law admissions ambassador and a Barbri representative.
Jasmine will commission as a Judge Advocate General (JAG) officer in the United States Air Force, where she plans to practice military law.
Proud achievement
“Becoming president of Black Law Students Association. I take pride in leading and inspiring members of my community.”
Faculty member who made an impact on you
“Professor Danne Johnson. Her wisdom, guidance and comforting spirit undoubtedly got me through my entire law school journey. There was never a moment when I couldn’t turn to her for help in any part of my life. I will forever appreciate her!”
Advice for incoming students
“Remember your ‘why’ and use that as your fuel to push through. You will be tested in more ways than you can imagine, but you made it to this very moment. You deserve to be here. You were meant to be here.”
Piper Tully (JD candidate)
Piper was appointed to the dean’s Student Advisory Board and served on the Diversity Council. They held leadership roles as president of OUTLaws and Section 2 representative for the SBA. They were also a member of the Organization for the Advancement of Women in Law, the American Constitution Society and the Energy Law Club.
Piper will continue working at Criterion Legal, a civil litigation firm, where they have been employed for the past two years. They look forward to expanding their practice and exploring areas such as environmental law, estate planning and civil rights.
Proud achievement
“I’m proud to say I’ve stayed true to the convictions that brought me here. In a place where it’s easy to lose yourself amongst grades and statuses, I’ve held firm in my identity and my commitment to what’s right.”
Faculty member who made an impact on you
“(Dean Emeritus and professor) Jim Roth has easily been the most influential person to me during my journey through OCU Law. He looped me into conversations and allowed me to sit at tables I had always hoped to be a part of. He is attentive, wildly caring and the type of advocate I hope to be.”
Advice for incoming students
“Focus on yourself. The person you were yesterday should be the only person you are in competition with.”
Akhila Gundekari (MS Computer Science)
Akhila was a member of the Indian Student Association and served as an international student graduate coordinator forthe Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion.
Proud achievement
“The growth I’ve had — not just academically, but in every part of my life. After I stepped into leadership roles, I built some relationships and connections that will last a lifetime and learned to push past my comfort zone. Each experience has helped shape me into someone ready to enter the legal field with confidence and resilience.”
Faculty member who made an impact on you
“I especially want to thank Dr. Carroll, Danielle Pullen, Dean (Sri) Beldona and (computer science professor) Vinay (Anga). Each of them played a unique and important role in supporting me — offering guidance, encouragement and wisdom when I needed it most. Their guidance helped me through some of the toughest moments.”
Advice for incoming students
“Don’t be afraid to ask for help — you’re not in this alone! Your professors, classmates and mentors all want to see you thrive. Stay on top of things, take care of yourself and enjoy the journey. As an international student, it’s okay to feel a bit overwhelmed at first — everything is new, from the academic system to the culture. But remember, you’re here for a reason, and you absolutely belong.”
Shawna Hudson (JD candidate)
Shawna was an active advocate for Indigenous representation and justice. She served as president and secretary of the Native American Law Student Association, was a member of the FITE Club, and participated in both the American Indian Wills Clinic and the Oklahoma Innocence Project.
Shawna plans to seek employment in the Tulsa area. She hopes to build a career in Indian law, where she can support tribes and tribal members through meaningful legal advocacy and service.
Proud achievement
“The personal growth I’ve experienced through the education I received. My time at OCU has not only deepened my understanding of the law but also helped reshape who I am as a person, for the better.”
Faculty member who made an impact on you
“Professor Jason Glidewell. Professor Glidewell was instrumental in teaching me the foundation of Indian law. His charisma in teaching the subject along with his extensive knowledge grew my curiosity to learn more. He was influential in my decision to pursue the Indian Law certificate.”
Advice for incoming students
“Read the assigned material, show up to class and trust the process!”
