Collected posts from Blogs at the University of Central Oklahoma
Fall 2021
With more than 30 years of experience ranging from development to external relations, Art Cotton has taken the reins of the University of Central Oklahoma Office for Advancement. The enigmatic leader has a passion for higher education and the drive to elevate Central’s clout. The Tulsa native spent his early days playing basketball and enjoyed . . .
Throughout her life, Gloria Torres created her own pathway to success. A tireless advocate for her community and passionate about education, she is proudly serving as the first Latina elected to the Oklahoma City Public Schools (OKCPS) Board.
When Torres’ daughter Sarah Miller thinks of her mother, two words come to mind: strong and determined.
“Her . . .
Born and raised in Pakistan, Kashif Rathore’s first glimpse of the United States was at UCO. Despite being slightly out of his element, he was determined to accomplish one thing: success.
Already holding a bachelor’s degree from the University of the Punjab, he soon earned his degree at Central and set out to make the health care industry better . . .
Madhu Krishnamurthy’s passion for journalism began while growing up in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, by watching CNN coverage of the Persian Gulf War. That passion brought her to UCO where she pursued a bachelor’s degree in newspaper journalism.
During her time at UCO, she interned at The Oklahoman and the Edmond Sun. Following her graduation, . . .
Renowned civic leader Peggy Kates has made a name for herself in the community. At her core, education has always been something important to her and is what drew her to Central. She graduated from Central State University in 1972 with a double major in biology and chemistry.
Following her graduation, she worked as an academic adviser on campus and . . .
Sheila and Preston strive each day to make Oklahoma the best it can be. Since meeting after their college days at Central, the pair has made an impact on the greater Oklahoma City community. At Central, Sheila earned a Bachelor of Science in criminal justice graduating magna cum laude, while
. . .
Since graduating from Central, Erin Clemons has worked hard to make a name for herself. An accomplished actor and singer, Clemons harnessed what she learned in UCO’s School of Music and has continued to shine. Former professor at Central and close friend, Greg White, Ph.D., says Clemons is “lit from within.”
“When Erin Clemons arrived at UCO, . . .
Each year during homecoming week, the UCO Alumni Association honors some of its most outstanding alumni with the Distinguished Alumni Award. This prestigious award recognizes alumni who have become world-class ambassadors of UCO. Award recipients have demonstrated distinctive and notable accomplishments in their careers and professional lives, as . . .
UCO alumnus and former Central staff member, Francis Baxter, commonly referred to as ‘coach,’ died Sept. 9, 2021. He attended Central State College, now UCO, and played basketball, baseball and track. Upon graduating with a degree in mathematics, he took up tennis and devoted his life to the sport. He taught math and coached . . .
Sarah (B.A. ’11, M.Ed. ‘18) and Bradley Ward (B.A. ’13, MPA ‘17) welcomed their second child, Liam Matthew, June 17, 2021. Liam is full of smiles and giggles and is smitten with his big sister, Ryleigh.
Deirdre Steiner (MPA ‘19) welcomed her second son, Taylor Rex, with Jason Graham (B.A. ‘96) Nov. 19, 2021.
Brittany (B.A. . . .