Meet Deborah Moorad: The STEM Trailblazer Driving Innovation in Oklahoma

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Deborah Moorad, Founding CEO at Jax XII Holdings, UCO College of Business Alum.

Discover the incredible story of Deborah Moorad: a visionary entrepreneur, unstoppable CEO, and a driving force behind the advancement of STEM in Oklahoma. From her early days as a science enthusiast to her time as CEO of Nature Technology Corporation (NTC) and a graduate of the University of Central Oklahoma’s College of Business, Moorad has dedicated her career to driving progress in biotech and beyond.

 

Tell me about your journey from the University of Central Oklahoma (UCO) to your biotech industries.

I was doing biotech and science before I attended UCO. The route I was going to take was to be a cardiovascular surgeon, but I always wanted to do research. I volunteered with my grandfather growing up during elementary school to help with children who had muscular dystrophy. He did a lot of stuff with Shriners Hospital, growing up. So, it’s just embedded, but research, that’s where my heart was. Right before attending UCO, I talked with some of my advisors and mentors in my life who educated me on intellectual property and patents and how to move forward with medical research. It was like this light bulb went off!
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Using Your Power and Helping Others Reach Their Potential

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“When I see people struggling and I think they’ve got talent and a lot to contribute, I reach out to them.”

Natalie Wolfsen, CEO of AssetMark, shares her passion for empowering more women and people of color to take an interest in financial services. The goal, she says, is to help others lean in and stand out using the talents they have but may not know how to utilize.

Wolfsen mentors many professional women, helping them become leaders in the workplace as well as guiding them to the next step in their career path.

“I always make sure the feedback is candid. And I tell the folks, I’m going to tell you what people are saying about you when you’re not there. The good and the bad.”

Wolfsen says one of a leader’s responsibilities is to recognize potential and help others reach it.
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Dean's Advocacy Board

Meet the Dean’s Advocacy Board

The UCO College of Business Advocacy Board serves as the professional advisory group to the dean of College of Business in strategic planning efforts, advocates for the college, provides business expertise, supports college events and development, and promotes the interests of the college in the regional, national and global communities.

If you are interested in becoming involved in this invaluable group of advocates and supporters, contact Jeremy Oller, Ph.D.  More →

Chris Cline Headshot

Dean’s Advocacy Board: Meet Chris Cline

Chris Cline, Owner and Operator, Cline Construction OK LLC

Chris Cline was born in Shawnee, Oklahoma, in April of 1981. Cline’s parents are Jerry and Patsy Cline and have been married for 47 years as of 2022. Cline has two brothers, one older brother, Matt Cline, and one twin brother, Marc Cline. Marc and Chris are identical twins. After moving to Katy, Texas, at four years old, the Clines moved to Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, in 1989. Cline graduated from Broken Arrow High School in 2000 and received a scholarship to wrestle at UCO.

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Lance LaGere

Dean’s Advocacy Board: Meet Lance LaGere

Lance LaGere, President and Chief Operating Officer, National American Insurance Company (NAICO)

As president and chief operating officer, Lance LeGere serves as a key member of the senior management team for National American Insurance Company (NAICO) where he directs business operations and oversees the development of the company’s goals for future growth.

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Jay Evans

Dean’s Advocacy Board: Meet Jay Evans

Jay Evans, Managing Partner, Two Structures Homes

Jay Evans is the founder of Two Structures LLC, a new home building company located in Edmond, Oklahoma. Two Structures is a partnership between Evans and his wife, Tricia Evans. The pair also owns JTE Properties LLC, which invest in rental real estate. Additionally, Evans is the majority partner in Kaleidoscope Paint LLC, a painting contractor founded in May 2014, as well as partnerships with other investors.

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Keith Kersten Headshot

Dean’s Advocacy Board: Meet Keith Kersten

Keith Kersten, Executive Vice President and Chief Lending Officer, First Enterprise Bank

Keith Kersten serves in the roles of executive vice president and chief lending officer for First Enterprise Bank in Oklahoma City. First Enterprise Bank (“FEB”) is a community bank that was established in 1907 that continues to deliver personal, friendly hometown service by “Building Meaningful Relationships by Investing in Others.”

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Dan Ross

Dean’s Advocacy Board: Meet Dan Ross

Dan Ross, Vice President of Private Sector, GovSourcing

Dan Ross is the vice president of Public Sector for GovSourcing, one of the country’s elite public consulting firms specializing in contracting and operations. Based out of Washington D.C., Ross spends much of his time focused on how to better improve partnerships between the public and private sector.  More →

UCO Alumni Establish Scholarships for Business Students

UCO Alumni Establish Scholarships for Business Students

In our 2021-22 College of Business annual report, we selected three of our business alumni to spotlight for their leadership and commitment to our students, programs, college and university. Please join us in thanking Keith Kersten, executive vice president and chief lending officer at First Enterprise Bank; Chris Cline, owner and operator of Cline Construction, Handmade Homes, NewCon Flooring, JDC Development, ABC Title and NewCon Siding; and, Jason Clark, President and CEO at CompSource Mutual Insurance Company, for their outstanding contributions to the UCO College of Business. More →

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