VOLUME VII OCTOBER NUMBER 9 EDITION 2019 NORTHEASTERN A&M COLLEGE

Steve Dixon, Ryan Orcutt, and Hollie Snyder were selected to receive OACC Outstanding Employee Awards. Not pictured: Ryan Orcutt

Being crowned the 2019 Homecoming Queen has struck “up a whirlwind of emotions. I feel incredibly blessed, honored, and grateful for this opportunity. Sidany Hilburn, an Agriculture Business major from Quapaw, Okla. ”

I am so honored and excited to have been selected“ as the 2019 NEO Homecoming King. Reagan Alsbaugh, a Psychology major from Miami”

Top row from left: Interim President Dr. Mark Rasor, 2019 Homecoming Queen Sidany Hilburn, 2019 Homecoming King Reagan Alsbaugh. Bottom row: Teagan Becker, Gia Grover, Hayden Kellogg, and Nathan Lasiter. NEO Crowns 2019 Homecoming Royalty NEO crowned Sidany Hilburn Hilburn, an Agriculture Business major Psychology major from Miami. “NEO is such and Reagan Alsbaugh as the 2019 from Quapaw, Okla. “I look forward to a an excellent college and I look forward to Homecoming Queen and King during year full of service to the college and to the representing its tradition of personal and NEO’s “HOMEcoming on the Range.” The community. Go, Go, NEO and God bless academic success.” coronation ceremony took place on the NEO A & M College!” King and Queen Honorees were afternoon before the “Showdown at the Hilburn represented the Center for selected by a panel of judges based on their OK Corral” Homecoming football game, Academic Success and Advising and is the references, electronic portfolios (LinkedIn which saw the Golden Norsemen defeat daughter of Vic and Laura Hurley and Doug profiles), and pageant performance. This Blinn College 42 to 12. Child attendants to and Ashley Hilburn. She was joined by King year, judges were 1990 Homecoming Queen the Homecoming Court were Gia Grover, Reagan Alsbaugh, the son of Aaron and Mrs. Delaina Brown, NEO Development Taegan Becker, Hayden Kellogg, and Courtney Alsbaugh, who represented the Foundation Vice Chair Mr. Tommy Dodson, Nathan Lasiter. Native American Student Association. and Two-time NEO Homecoming Court “Being crowned the 2019 Homecoming “I am so honored and excited to Member Mr. Daniel Hocker. Queen has struck up a whirlwind of have been selected as the 2019 NEO CONTINUED ON PAGE 3 emotions. I feel incredibly blessed, honored, Homecoming King,” said Alsbaugh, a | and grateful for this opportunity,” said

NEO RODEO EARNS EIGHT TOP-TEN FINISHES IN HOMECOMING 2019 FIRST SEASON RODEO NEO TO HOST ‘AN EVENING AT THE DERBY’ ON 12 2-3 8 THURSDAY, NOV. 7, 2019 NEO LIVESTOCK JUDGING NAMED RESERVE OUTSTANDING ALUMNI 2019 CHAMPION AT TULSA STATE FAIR NEO’S PHI THETA KAPPA HONOR SOCIETY 13 NEO LIVESTOCK JUDGING OPENS SEASON 4-5 WITH TOP-TEN FINISH ARVEST BANK FOUNDATION PRESENTS $7,500 GIFT TO 9 INDUCTS 33 STUDENTS THE NEO BUSINESS DEPARTMENT NEO HOSTS CHIEF GLENNA WALLACE FOR NEO UNVEILS CENTENNIAL TRIBAL MONUMENT NEO HONORS FOUR AT MILITARY APPRECIATION 6 NIGHT CONSTITUTION DAY LECTURE 10 ON INDIGENOUS PEOPLES’ DAY 14-15 NEO WELCOMES NEW FACULTY TO CAMPUS NEO CHOIRS PERFORM WITH FOUR-TIME NEO WELCOMES NEW GROVE CENTER NEO A&M COLLEGE JOINS ‘DEGREES WHEN DUE’ DEGREE GRAMMY NOMINEE 16 COORDINATOR 7 COMPLETION INITIATIVE 11 SHAKESPEAR ON THE STEPS - 2 - NEO Crowns 2019 Homecoming Royalty | CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 As part of their responsibility as Queen and King, Hilburn and Alsbaugh will represent the College by attending important events held on campus and sponsored by the college throughout the year. They also both received a $250 Foundation scholarship. First runner-up for King was Malachi Walton, a Criminal Justice major from Lawton, Okla., representing the Students Striving for Success. Samantha Thompson, a Business Administration major from Caney, Kan., was selected as first runner-up for Queen. She represented the Phi Beta Lambda. Second runners up were Roy Stovall, an Agriculture Business major from Wyandotte, Okla., representing the Aggie Society, and Alex Miers, a Business Administration major from Vinita, Okla., representing Phi Theta Kappa. Mr. and Ms. Norse Spirit were selected by student body popular vote. The winners were Roberto Bravo Jr. and Hannah Tweed. Mr. and Ms. Congeniality were voted on by the royalty candidates and announced during Thursday evening’s pageant. Colben Dodson received the Mr. Congeniality Award and Samantha Thompson received the Ms. Congeniality Award. The runners-up and Norse Spirit honorees were each awarded $100 Foundation scholarships.

- 3 - (NOT PICTURED) Dr. Paul Kroutter – Outstanding Alumnus for the School of Liberal Arts

Dr. Paul Kroutter is the Criminal Justice Department Head at the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith and graduated from NEO in 1974 with a criminal justice degree. Following NEO, he worked as a welder to support his family before graduating in the first class

Jerold Graham

Chad Davis Dr. Brian Arnall

Jerold Graham – Chad Davis – Dr. Brian Arnall – Outstanding Retired Outstanding Young Outstanding Young Faculty Alumnus Alumnus

Mr. Jerold Graham served as an NEO A Picher native, Chad Davis is the Dr. Arnall is a Professor in the OSU faculty member for twenty years in Director of Athletics for Miami Public Department of Plant and Soil Science. the Fine Arts and Communications Schools. Attending NEO out of high He graduated from NEO in 2000 with a Department, teaching theatre and school, he transferred to Pittsburg State degree in agriculture. Following NEO, constructing theatre sets. A Tulsa native, University where he earned a Master he completed his B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. Graham graduated from the University of Science in Sports Management and in soil fertility. Dr. Arnall also serves of Tulsa before joining the Army in 1958. Leisure Service. Starting in 2009, Davis as an Extension Precision Nutrient Following his military service, Graham served as a Golden Norsemen Assistant Management Specialist. As an extension spent the next 8 years at McLain High Football Coach and SAC Coordinator. specialist, he is tasked with delivering School. After the construction of the Davis became the Director of Athletics research outcomes to area farmers to NEO Fine Arts Center, Graham joined in 2017. He is also active in regional improve the quality and yield of their the NEO Division of Communications. athletics and served as the vice-chair crop. Since being named an associate Throughout his life, Graham has worked of the Wardog Legend Committee as professor in 2014, Dr. Arnall has also with Camp Chippewa in Cass Lake, well as the Game Day Manager for the increased research output. He has Minnesota. He owns a cabin on a ten- Midwest Classic Bowl. He was inducted published over 50 academic journal acre island in Canada and spends his into the Oklahoma Eight Man Football articles, written four book chapters, summers woodcarving and volunteering Coaches Association Hall of Fame in created nearly 200 extension tools, and with the camp. 2014. taught over 1,200 students.

- 4 - of the Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice program at Northeastern State University in 1981. Over the next several years, Dr. Kroutter held a variety of positions with the Broken Arrow Police Department. During his tenure, he completed his Ph.D. in Education from OSU. Dr. Kroutter is nationally recognized for his work in virtual reality and simulation learning in a variety of public service and health occupations.

Sondra Holt

Dr. Brian Renegar Charlene Leubecker

Charlene Leubecker – Dr. Brian Renegar – Outstanding Alumna Outstanding Alumnus for from the School of the School of Agriculture Human Environmental Sondra Holt – and Natural Sciences Science Award of Merit

Ms. Charlene Leubecker is the Chief Holt grew up in Miami and graduated Dr. Brian Renegar is a retired veterinarian Clandestine Information Technology from Miami High School in 1967. and Oklahoma representative and Officer for the CIA and graduated from Following graduation, Holt went to currently splits his time between NEO in 1984 with a degree in Computer work for AT&T in Miami and worked operating a mobile vet clinic based out Science. Following NEO, she transferred for twenty-nine years in five locations of Angel Fire, NM, and doing surgery at to OSU to continue her pursuit of a during her AT&T career. She took a local humane society. He attended computer science degree. During her advantage of a tuition payment plan to NEO in 1969 before transferring to NSU. program, the CIA attended a recruiting complete her bachelor’s and master’s Following his graduation from OSU with fair on campus and Leubecker won an degrees. She then transitioned to the a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine, Dr. interview. For over three decades, she energy sector for the next fifteen years. Renegar purchased and operated a has been dedicated to the protection Holt joined the NEO Development practice in McAlester, Okla., for nearly of the CIA’s internal computer systems Foundation Board in 2017. Holt currently four decades. In 2007, Dr. Renegar and was named one of Washington is an Adjunct Professor at NSU Broken decided to run for state and over the D.C.’s Top Women in Technology in 2015. Arrow teaching management courses, is next 12 years, served as the District 17 Leubecker is motivated by the positive an avid OU fan, and serves as a mentor Representative to the Oklahoma House mission impact she is able to make and for the Street School program through of Representatives. enjoys working with an array of talented Tulsa Public Schools. individuals.

-- 55 -- Arvest Bank Foundation Presents $7,500 Gift to the NEO Business Department NEO received a check for $7,500 from the Arvest Foundation on Wednesday, Sept. 18, continuing their long-time commitment to business education at NEO. "We are very thankful for our ongoing partnership with Arvest,” said Joy Bauer, Chair of the Business and Technology Department. “These funds allow us to provide scholarships and extend leadership opportunities to our business and technology students." The Arvest Foundation is an outreach program that seeks to improve the life in local communities. Serving as the charitable arm of Arvest Bank, the Arvest Foundation provides local branches in the four-state area the opportunity to support local organizations. This We celebrate Independence Day, but year’s donation marks the eighth year Arvest Bank of the Constitution evokes the uniqueness Miami has supported NEO business students. “of the American experiment and needs to be celebrated as well. In an era of fluctuating state Tom Callan, NEO Government Instructor “appropriations, we are always looking ” for ways to establish and celebrate NEO Hosts Chief Glenna Wallace local partnerships. We are honored for Constitution Day Lecture by this gift and are excited for all the Dr. Glenna Wallace, Chief of the Eastern Shawnee good that it will do within our business Tribe of Oklahoma delivered a lecture on the department. intersection of Native American sovereign nations and the U.S. Constitution during NEO’s Constitution Day Dr. Mark Rasor, NEO Interim President ” Celebration. In addition to the check presentation, the NEO Business “Wallace discussed the relationship between Department shared updates on behalf of the accounting club, Indian Tribes and the federal Government,” said Tom Phi Beta Lambda business club, and the Love’s Cup business Callan, NEO Government Instructor. “We celebrate competition team. Independence Day, but the Constitution evokes the For more information on the Department of Business uniqueness of the American experiment and needs to and Technology at NEO, contact Misty Rhinehart at misty. be celebrated as well.” [email protected]. Dr. Wallace has served as the Chief of the Eastern Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma since 2006. Prior to her service as chief, Dr. Wallace spent nearly four decades at Crowder College, serving as the Interim Academic Dean, Division Chair of Communications – Fine Arts/ Design, and Department Chair of Communications. In 2007, she was honored as the Woman Tribal Leader of the Year by Engage Life. In accordance with federal law, all institutions of higher education commemorate the anniversary of the signing of the Constitution, which originally took place in Philadelphia, Pa., at the Constitutional Convention on Sept. 17, 1787.

- 6 - They bring a wide variety of experience to support our students, both in the classroom “ and through outside activities them throughout the school year and beyond. Dr. Bethene Fahnestock, Vice President ” for Academic Affairs

Photo from left: Klay Bridges, Kevin Pool, Michelle Bussell, Dr. Mary Booth, Kalyn McAlister, Josi Reed

NEO Welcomes New Faculty to Campus NEO A&M College Joins ‘Degrees When Due’ Degree Completion Initiative NEO began the new semester by welcoming six new full-time faculty members. Along with two new Agriculture faculty and an NEO has been selected to join ‘Degrees When Due,’ a Agriculture Department Chair, NEO filled positions in the Nursing national initiative of the Institute for Higher Education Policy Department, the Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Program, and (IHEP), with the goal of assisting students with some college the English Department. With the additions, NEO maintains a full- credit to complete their degrees. time faculty of 54, offering dozens of associate degree programs As one of eight colleges and universities selected from and options. Oklahoma, NEO will participate in best practices in degree In the Agriculture Department, administrators selected Dr. reclamation and will provide targeted support while re- Mary Booth as the new Department Chair; Dr. Booth earned engaging students who have paused or stopped out of their her Ph.D. from South Dakota State University. Originally from studies. NEO’s participation in the initiative is facilitated through Minnesota, she has extensive experience in education, business the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education. Oklahoma is management, and agriculture finance. Josi Reed, who was formerly one of 20 states participating in the nationwide initiative. the assistant coach for the Equestrian and Horse Judging teams, “We all know the value of a college degree. We also joins Dr. Booth. Hailing from Illinois, Reed earned a Master’s Degree know people who, for whatever reason, ended their pursuit from West Texas A&M University and will teach agriculture courses of a college degree prematurely. Many of these individuals and serve as the Equestrian Head Coach. Finally in the Agriculture are not aware of the educational options available to them,” Department is Kevin Pool, from Coffeyville, Kansas, who will take said Dr. Mark Rasor, Interim President of NEO. “The resources over as the Equine Judging Head Coach. Pool earned his Master’s provided through ‘Degrees When Due’ will help us reconnect Degree from Kansas State University. with those individuals and restart their journey toward a college In the Department of Allied Health, Nursing, & Physical degree. We’ll have access to a variety of resources to assist Education, NEO added instructors in both the Nursing and PTA with auditing students’ previously earned credits in order to Programs. Michelle Bussell from Tulsa joins the Nursing Faculty. determine the students’ most efficient pathway to graduation. She earned her Master of Science in Nursing Education from The program will benefit the many Oklahomans identified as Southern Nazarene University. Klay Bridges has joined the PTA having some college credit but no degree.” program faculty to teach in-class sections and coordinate clinicals. “Our Degrees When Due institutional and state partners are Originally from Claremore, Okla., he earned His Master’s from building a strong pathway to degree attainment for all students, Pittsburg State University. including by providing an on-ramp for those who have paused Finally, NEO added a new English faculty member. Kalyn their studies or ‘stopped-out,’” said IHEP President Michelle McAlister comes to Miami from Edmond, Okla. She earned her Asha Cooper, Ph.D. “IHEP enthusiastically welcome the selected Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from the University of institutions and states to this effort. Through this initiative, they . will increase student success, serve as a diverse set of student “We are pleased to welcome six new full-time faculty populations, and join us in addressing on of higher education’s members to NEO,” said Dr. Bethene Fahnestock, Vice President most pressing challenges: degree completion.” for Academic Affairs. “They bring a wide variety of experience to Other Oklahoma institutions participating in the initiative support our students, both in the classroom and through outside include Connors State College, Murray State College, activities. I look forward to working with each of them throughout Northeastern State University, Community the school year and beyond.” College, State University, Redlands Community College and the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma.

- 7 - NEO to Host ‘An Evening at the Derby’ on Thursday, Nov. 7, 2019 The NEO Development Foundation will host “An Evening This year’s gala will again feature mobile bidding powered at the Derby” for its 18th annual fundraiser on Thursday, Nov. 7 by GiveSmart. This technology allowed those who aren’t able to at 6:30 p.m., in the Calcagno Family Ballroom of the Bruce G. attend the gala a chance to bid on items in real time throughout Carter Student Union on the NEO campus. Doors will open at the evening. Last year’s introduction of mobile bidding led to NEO 5:30 p.m. and individual tickets are available for $100 and can be setting a new silent auction record of $17,000, bringing the night’s purchased at the NEO Foundation Office in Dyer Hall. auction total to nearly $70,000. The NEO Development Foundation raises money to provide “With the mobile bidding technology, guests will receive a scholarships to students and support the mission of the NEO text notification once they have been outbid,” added Walker. “This Foundation. This year, the Foundation will distribute nearly will allow guests the opportunity to mingle with friends and enjoy $150,000 in scholarships, largely thanks to the proceeds from last the entertainment without constantly getting up to check the bid year’s fundraising gala. sheets of items they are hoping to win.” “This year’s theme is sure to be a hit with our guests,” said Businesses and supporters of the college have donated Jennifer Walker, executive director of the NEO Development dozens of items for the auctions. Among the live auction items Foundation. “We’ve even added a contest with great prizes for are 24 hours of NEO tuition, a Kentucky Derby vacation package, the best dressed Kentucky Derby attire.” the original Centennial Painting of Shipley Hall by Jessica Stout, Each year, the NEO Foundation Gala raises funds for a and a Traeger Grill just to name a few. special project. This year, the gala will raise funds for the NEO Tickets to the event must be purchased in advance. Table Agriculture Department to build an Agriculture Research sponsorships are also available to accommodate area businesses Greenhouse at Synar Farm to support the recently established and groups. For more information, or to purchase tickets, please Agronomy Program. call the NEO Development Foundation at (918) 540-6115.

With the mobile bidding technology, guests will receive a text notification once they have been outbid. This will allow guests the opportunity to mingle with friends and enjoy the entertainment “ without constantly getting up to check the bid sheets of items they are hoping to win. Jennifer Walker, executive director of the NEO Development Foundation ”

- 8 - Photo: New PTK inductees along with LaShawna Powers (PTK Sponsor), Dr. Bethene Fahnestock (VP for Academic Affairs), Calvin Becker (Keynote Speaker), Dr. Mark Rasor (Interim President) and current PTK officers.

NEO’s Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society Inducts 33 Students NEO's Mu chapter of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) inducted a JT Allen, Jessica Alumbaugh, Emily Browning, Chelsea Bunce, new class into the prestigious international honor society. The Carter Christman, Stephanie Cooper, Guy Davis, Nijel Delmez, ceremony took place Sept. 23, The keynote speaker for the Caley Eslick, Brandon Fraser, Charlcie Gatewood, William Glazier, evening was NEO Business Instructor Calvin Becker. Nicholas Harrison, Vanessa Hernandez, Samantha Kons, Alexis “You have all taken different paths to achieve this success,” Lawellin, Qimeng Li, Starla Martin, Dusty Mitchell, Margaret Osborn, said Becker during his keynote. “But I encourage you to enjoy Trevor Pendergraft, Deborah Satterwhite, Tanner Sellers, Hailee every moment as you strive for greater heights. Each semester, Sherrod, Kiyah Sisco, Jillian Swanger, Cody Teal, Caden Tinsley, each class, each assignment is a step on your journey. Learn from Sydney Tynon, Emma Wall, LauraLee Willcox, Kirstie Williams, and all these moments and be a leader to others.” Michael Wilson. To gain admittance into PTK, students must complete at least 12 hours of courses and maintain a 3.5 grade point average. Through their membership in PTK, students will have access to scholarships and service opportunities. You have all taken different paths to achieve this success. But I encourage you to enjoy every The Mu chapter at NEO is very involved in campus activities. “ They are committed to serve the campus by sponsoring events moment as you strive for greater heights. Each like Food-4-Finals, a tutoring session and meal held every semester, each class, each assignment is a step semester during finals week. The Mu chapter of PTK was the first on your journey. Learn from all these moments established outside of Missouri. and be a leader to others. Students who accepted membership: Calvin Becker, NEO Business Instructor”

- 9 - We wanted to highlight our partnership between NEO and the 10 Area Tribes and “ Nations. This monument illustrates the partnership we have had in the past, but also our continued efforts to improve the lives of Native students. Hannah Berryman, AICE Mentor”

Group photo from left: Chief Billy Friend, Wyandotte Nation; Representative Ben Loring; Chief Craig Harper, Peoria Tribe; Troy L. LittleAxe, Jr., Tribal Admin. Modoc Nation; Chief Sparkmen, Shawnee Tribe; Victoria Vasquez, Cherokee Nation Council; Chairman John Berrey, Quapaw Nation; Chief Glenna Wallace, Eastern Shawnee Tribe; Chief Douglas Lankford, Miami Nation; Senator Micheal Bergstrom; Dr. Mark Rasor, NEO Interim President; Hannah Berryman, AICE Mentor.

NEO Unveils Centennial Tribal Monument on Indigenous Peoples’ Day NEO unveiled the Centennial Tribal Monument as part Chair Ryan Orcutt developed the project and led a $60,000 of its celebration of Indigenous Peoples’ Day on October 14, fundraising effort. 2019. During the event, NEO Interim President Dr. Mark Rasor Dr. Rasor’s proclamation decreed the second Monday in and Ottawa Tribe of Oklahoma Chief Ethel Cook both gave October Indigenous Peoples’ Day at NEO and highlighted the proclamations celebrating the occasion. important role the NEO plays in Native student education. “We wanted to highlight our partnership between NEO and NEO is consistently ranked among the top associate degree the 10 Area Tribes and Nations,” said Hannah Berryman, AICE producers in the nation for Native students, with Native Mentor. “This monument illustrates the partnership we have students making up 20% of the student body. had in the past, but also our continued efforts to improve the Following the unveiling, a panel featuring Chief Ethel lives of Native students.” Cook of the Ottawa Tribe, Chief Billy Friend of the Wyandotte The Centennial Tribal Monument features 10 steel Nation, and Chief Craig Harper of the Peoria Tribe, moderated feathers in a circle, nearly a dozen feet tall, representing the by University of North Carolina Field Scholar David Dry nine member tribes of the Intertribal Council, as well as the discussed termination of federal recognition and the later Cherokee Nation. Each feather weighs over 200 pounds and reversal of termination legislation. NEO English Instructor was constructed by students at Northeast Tech in Afton, Okla. Kalyn McAlister later presented works from her collection Neece Concrete, Allen Sign Studio, and the NEO Physical called Polk’s Continental Nation. Plant all contributed to the construction the monument. The For more information and photos of the event, visit monument was part of a series of initiatives to celebrate Facebook.com/gogoneo. NEO's centennial Year. Berryman and Centennial Campaign

- 10 - We were fortunate to get the opportunity of working“ and performing with a well established artist such as Steve Green. The students did a wonderful job as shown and Steve Green’s team asked to work with us again whenever they are in the area. Dr. Tatiana Taylor, director of NEO Choirs ”

Julius Caesar Cast & Crew: NEO Choirs Perform Eric Mahurin – Marcus Brutus with Four-Time Grammy Dylan Stackle – Caius Cassius Nominee Logan DeVore – Mark Antony NEO Choirs were recently selected SHAKESPEAR ON THE STEPS Johnathan Boyd – Caesar, Ghost to perform back-up vocals for Gospel Anna Seat – Casca, Fourth Plebeian, Music Association Hall of Fame Honoree The NEO Theatre Experience performed the inaugural Messenger Steve Green. The four-time Grammy “Shakespeare on the Steps,” and selected William Mackenzie Stackle – Portia nominee and seven-time Dove Awards Shakespeare’s, “The Tragedy of Julius Caesar” for the first Heather Moss – Decius Brutus, First recipient performed on September 21 in production. Held on the steps of the NEO Fine Arts building Plebeian, Pindarus Rogers, Ark. portico, guests were invited to sit around the fountain and Ryland Asher – Octavius, Cinna the up close to the cast. In addition, food was provided for Poet, Popilius, A Carpenter “We were fortunate to get the attendees. In spite of the rain, the performance was well Tyler Lloyd – Messala, Marullus, Cinna opportunity of working and performing attended, with over 200 community members present. Kaeli Maxwell – Lucius, Young Cato with a well established artist such as Trinity Pruitt – Servant to Caesar Steve Green,” said Dr. Tatiana Taylor, Set in Rome in 44 BC, the play depicts the moral dilemma of Brutus as he joins a conspiracy led by Cassius to Gray Wellman – Lucilius, Artemidorus, director of NEO Choirs. “The students Titinius did a wonderful job as shown and Steve murder Julius Caesar to prevent him from becoming dictator of Rome. Following Caesar's death, Rome is thrust into a Matthew Johnstone, Jr. – Flavius, Green’s team asked to work with us Second Soldier again whenever they are in the area.” period of civil war, and the republic the conspirators sought to preserve is lost forever. Morgan Labatt – Calphurnia, The opportunity provided Sabrina Mott-Jenkins – Third Plebeian With three productions left in the academic year, NEO students the chance to perform with a Phillip Shamblin – Metellus Cimber, Theatre Experience Season Passes are still available and professionally touring artist. Students Director hold special benefits, such as unlimited attendance. Pass were also able to experience working Aaron Smith – A Soothsayer, Director holders are also essential to the success of the NEO Theatre with professional recording engineers, Nick Nienhuser – First Soldier Experience. musicians, and event personnel. Alexandria Griffin – Cicero, Publius, To view the performances, NEO Theatre’s next show is, “The Lion, the Witch and Clitus visit facebook.com/NEO- the Wardrobe,” part of the series, “The Chronicles of Narnia,” Isaac Anariba-Reyes – Trebonius, Choirs-576515902751420/ or for more by C. S. Lewis. See it in the Fine Arts center November 14-16 Lepidus, Another Poet, Volumnius information on NEO Choirs, contact Dr. at 7:30pm and November 17 at 2:30pm. Annamaria Thomas – Caius Ligarius, Taylor at [email protected]. To purchase an NEO Theatre Experience Season Pass, Strato, Claudius visit theatre.neo.edu/tickets. Dustin Warner – A Cobbler, Third Soldier - 11 - This was an awesome way to start our season. Having eight qualify for the finals, and four or five others just missing “Sunday’s finals, gives us a great start and good momentum moving forward into our next rodeo at Durant. Kolby Ungeheuer, Head Rodeo Coach ”

I’m looking forward to seeing who will rise to the“ top and qualify for the

Photo from left: Ross McGuire, College National Finals Dawson Turner, Kaitlyn Ricke, Rush Hodges, Sam Vallone, Henry Dean, this year for NEO! Jaxson Davis, Alli Masters Kolby Ungeheuer, Head Rodeo” Coach NEO Rodeo Earns Eight Top-Ten Finishes in First Season Rodeo

The NEO Rodeo Team competed in Colby, Kan., seventh in the long go for team roping. Again, freshmen in September for the first regular season National had their say, with Ross McGuire, an Ag Business Intercollegiate Rodeo Association (NIRA) rodeo. Riders major from Webbers Falls, Okla., claiming sixth in steer competed against schools in the Central Plains Region wrestling. He was joined in the top ten by Henry Dean and eight NEO riders earned a top-ten spot. and Jaxson Davis finishing tenth in team roping. Dean is Freshman Alli Masters, an Accounting major from an Ag Business major from Glenwood, Iowa, and Davis Leon, Iowa, led the women’s team claiminig third in is a Construction Management major from Bloomfield, breakaway roping. She was joined by Sam Vallone, a Iowa. freshman Pre-Vet major from Ballston Spa, N.Y., who “This was an awesome way to start our season,” said split 4/5. Adding to the freshman success was Kaitlyn Head Coach Kolby Ungeheuer. Having eight qualify for Ricke, a Business major from Lawton, Iowa, who took the finals, and four or five others just missing Sunday’s sixth in goat tying. Their effort led to the women’s team finals, gives us a great start and good momentum finishing sixth overall and second among two-year moving forward into our next rodeo at Durant. I’m colleges. looking forward to seeing who will rise to the top and The men’s team was led by Sophomore Dawson qualify for the College National Finals this year for NEO!” Turner, fresh off his College National Finals Rodeo bid. For more information on the NEO Rodeo Program, The Ag Business major from Sindey, Ark., claimed fourth contact Gentry Hutchison at [email protected]. overall in calf roping. Sophomore Rush Hodges took

- 12 - NEO Livestock Judging Named NEO Livestock Judging Opens Season with Reserve Champion at Tulsa State Fair Top-Ten Finish The NEO Livestock Judging Team traveled The NEO Livestock Judging in the top 25 overall. She was to Tulsa, Okla., to compete in the Tulsa State Team travelled to Austin, Minn., joined by Sophomore Tanner Fair Junior College Pro Contest. The show is during the first weekend in Walden, an Animal Science the largest two-year college livestock judging September to compete in the major from Tonganoxie, Kan. In contest in the nation. The NEO sophomore NSR National Barrow Show. the team competition, Walden team claimed reserve champion honors Formed in 1994, the National led the team in scoring with 624, during the show and earned second in the sheep/goats division, third in swine, and fifth Swine Registry streamlined followed by Haynes who scored in reasons. The freshman team also finished services to purebred breeders of 623, and Sophomore Animal top-twenty in the Junior College Novice Hampshires, Landrace, Durcos, Science Major Sky Hoot, who Competition. and Yorkshires, which makes scored 622 points. “I’m thankful for the success we were able about nearly 90% of the U.S. “The contest provided to have and we are looking forward to the purebred hog population. The exactly what the team needs at rest of the season,” said Head Coach Taylor annual National Barrow Show this point in the season; reward Graham. “There is still a lot of work to do, but was held at the Mower County for things we're performing I am very proud of our teams and their hard Fairgrounds and the NEO team well at and a renewed focus on work.” claimed eight overall, with necessary improvements,” said Sophomores Mattie Haynes and Tanner Sophomore Mattie Haynes Head Coach Taylor Graham. Walden again led the team. Walden, an Animal finishing second overall in “We'll be working diligently Science major from Tonganoxie, Kan., finished individual reasons. on what needs done, but I'm reserve champion individual and reserve high in sheep/goats. Haynes, an Ag Business major Hayes is an Ag Business certainly proud of our work and from Jay, Okla., finished third overall after major from Jay, Okla. The success this past weekend.” claiming high individual in reason and sheep/ sophomore finished second For more information about goats. Sophomore Paige Millard, a General in reasons, with a total score NEO livestock judging, contact Studies major from Bend, Ore., also made the of 188. Haynes also finished Graham at taylor.graham10@neo. top ten overall after receiving fourth in hogs edu. and top 15 in sheep/goats.

I’m thankful for the success we were able to have“ and we are looking forward to the rest of the season. There is still a lot of work to do, but I am very Overall Results: Reasons Results: proud of our teams and Tanner Walden – 24th Mattie Haynes – 2nd Mattie Haynes – 25th Sky Hoot – 32nd their hard work Sky Hoot – 27th Paige Millard – 36th Ashley Peterson – 39th Tanner Walden – 46th Taylor Graham, Head Coach Tyler Stedje – 67th ” Tyler Stedje – 57th Paige Millard – 73rd Ashley Peterson – 71st Owen Coon – 80th Emily Norris (Alternate) – 80th Reid Lovorn – 86th Owen Coon – 89th For more information about NEO livestock Brandon Fraser (Alternate) – 114th Reid Lovorn (Alternate) – 121st judging, contact Graham at taylor.graham10@ Emily Norris (Alternate) – 126th Brandon Fraser (Alternate) – 123rd neo.edu.

- 13 - NEO HONORS FOUR AT MILITARY APPRECIATION NIGHT also deployed for 7 months in 2008 as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom providing surveillance and early warning for troops operating on the ground. NEO honored four American heroes at the annual Military Appreciation Night football Mr. Jeff Hurst joined the U.S. Navy in 1985 game on Sept. 1. In addition to the recognition, and served aboard the USS Ogden LPD-5, the Oklahoma National Guard conducted which was part of the Amphibious Battle Group. a Black Hawk helicopter flyover during the Hurst made three deployments on the Ogden National Anthem and freshman Gray Wellman before transferring to the USS Semmes DDG- performed “America the Beautiful” following a 18, a guided missile destroyer. Having traveled moment of silence for fallen service members. to over 25 countries during his service, Hurst retired in 1992 with the rank of Petty Office Mr. Sean Graham served in the U.S. Navy Second Class and has worked with the NEO from 1993 to 2013 and attained the rank Maintenance Department for 11 years. of Petty Officer First Class as an Aviation Structural Mechanic. During his two decades of Mr. Zach Lawson joined the U.S. Army in service, Petty Officer Graham was deployed six 2006 and was deployed to Iraq in 2007 and times. This included a tour in the Persian Gulf Afghanistan in 2010. During his service, he was aboard the USS Nimitz aircraft carrier, where awarded the Army Commendation Medal, the he earned the Order of Magellan certificate for Army Achievement Medal, and the Combat completing a circumnavigation of the globe. He Action Badge. Upon returning home, he earned

- 14 - Honoring our veterans and active military personnel is a privilege for NEO Athletics and we sincerely appreciate the sacrifices that these men and women have“ made. They put their lives on the line to protect us and our freedoms every day and they deserve to be recognized for their commitment. Joe Renfro, NEO Athletic Director ” his degree from NEO and currently works All of these individuals have made incredible as a Network Administrator in the NEO IT sacrifices in defense of the United States of Department. America, and NEO shared its appreciation of their Dr. Jeff Birdsong enlisted in the Marine service during the halftime of the NEO football Corps in 1982 after he received his Associate game. Degree in Music from NEO. Dr. Birdsong served “Honoring our veterans and active military as a musician at Camp Lejeune, N.C. and Pearl personnel is a privilege for NEO Athletics and we Harbor, Hawaii, during his four years in the sincerely appreciate the sacrifices that these men Marines. In 1986, he enlisted in the Oklahoma and women have made,” said Joe Renfro, NEO Army National Guard and served in the Signal Athletic Director. “They put their lives on the line Corps in Stillwater until 1991. Dr. Birdsong is the to protect us and our freedoms every day and they Department Chair for the School of Liberal Arts deserve to be recognized for their commitment.” at NEO.

- 15 - SPOTLIGHT

I am looking forward to connecting with people on the NEO campus and helping “to grow the NEO Grove Center. I’m ready to make new memories and continue educating! Shani Snell, Grover Center” Coordinator NEO Welcomes New Grove Center Coordinator NEO recently welcomed “I am looking forward to the new Grove Center connecting with people on the Coordinator Shani Snell. NEO campus and helping to Snell is an NEO alumna and grow the NEO Grove Center,” currently lives in Fairland said Snell. “I’m ready to make with her husband, Scott, her new memories and continue daughter, Edye, and her son, educating!” Max. She earned her Master of When she is not working, Education in Adult Education Snell enjoys taking care of her and Administration from Jones mini farm, reading, and making International University and has custom jewelry. worked in education for nearly three decades. Throughout For more information on her career, Snell has worked the NEO Grove Center, contact with children as young as six Snell at 918-787-5475 or e-mail months old up to adults in [email protected]. their eighties. However, she notes that she has always been drawn to working in a college environment.

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