June 2019

Semester ends with Massey honored for service as regent Spring Commencement State Regent John Massey was recognized as a state regent emeritus during the April 24 meeting of the Okla- homa State Regents for Higher Education. Massey com- pleted his third nine- year term on the board in May, making him the first consecutive three-term State Regent in history, with 27 years of Chief Gary Batton, at left, was the com- service. mencement speaker. “Regent Massey is known for his tireless dedication to student success and community engagement,” said State Chief Gary Batton of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma was the Regents’ chair Jay Helm. “His contribu- speaker at Southeastern Oklahoma State University’s Spring Commence- tions have advanced the work of the State ment. Regents and our colleges and universi- Two ceremonies were held May 11 in Bloomer Sullivan Arena. ties at every level. We congratulate and The graduating class included students from 27 states and 14 coun- sincerely thank him for his many years of tries; 57 percent were first-generation college graduates. exceptional service to Oklahoma public Chief Batton is a 1989 graduate of Southeastern and received the higher education.” Distinguished Alumnus Award from the University in 2013. Appointed as an Oklahoma State Also attending the ceremony and offering welcoming remarks were Regent by Gov. David Walters in May Chancellor Glen D. Johnson of the Oklahoma State System for Higher Edu- 1992 to serve a nine-year term, he was cation and a former Southeastern president, and Regent Amy Anne Ford of reappointed by Gov. for a the Regional University System of Oklahoma Board of Regents. second nine-year term in May 2001. In May 2010, he was reappointed by Gov. for a third nine-year term. “When Regent Massey speaks to students, business leaders and state poli- cy leaders, he always stresses the impor- tance of higher education. He has been a champion for the GEAR UP program, the Oklahoma’s Promise scholarship and degree completion initiatives throughout his service as a state regent,” said Chan- Among the dignitaries participating in Dr. Bryon Clark, acting cellor Glen D. Johnson. “His commit- commencement were Chancellor Glen D. president of Southeastern, ment to quality and access in higher Johnson, Regent Amy Anne Ford, Chief offers congratulations to a education has made him an invaluable Gary Batton, and acting president Dr. graduate. member of the State Regents for Bryon Clark. see Regent Massey,page 4

www.SE.edu In brief Dr. Golden assumes The award was presented at the association’s annual conference role of Associate VP in Atlanta. In addition, Reid recently received the Southeastern Faculty Southeastern Oklaho- Senate Lifetime Achievement Award. ma State University has Reid also serves as coordina- announced the appoint- tor of the clinical mental health coun- ment of Dr. Teresa seling program at Southeastern, where Golden as Associate he has been a faculty member since Vice President for As- 1993. He holds a Ph.D. from Texas sessment and Accredi- Woman’s University, a master’s from tation, effective June 1, OU coach addresses Southwestern Theological Seminary, 2019. and a bachelor’s from Midwestern Tri-County honorees Golden has served as a pro- State University in his hometown of assis- fessor in the Department of Biological Wichita Falls, Texas. tant football coach Brian Odom was Sciences at Southeastern since 2006, the keynote speaker April 30 at the and more recently as chair of the de- Tri-County Honors Program. partment. First United Bank is corporate She holds a Ph.D. and master’s sponsor and Southeastern Oklahoma degree from the University of Roch- State University is the Education spon- ester, and her bachelor’s from State sor for the annual event, which honors University of New York at Albany. area high school students and is held in “We believe Dr. Golden will the Visual & Performing Arts Center. be a valuable addition to the Office of A total of 91 students repre- Academic Affairs and look forward to senting 16 schools were honored at the her contributions in this new role,’’ said Native American grad event. Dr. Bryon Clark, acting president at First United CEO Greg Massey Southeastern. event held on May 8 presided, with Southeastern acting Dr. Diane Dixon will replace Justin Wilson, director of president Dr. Bryon Clark offering Golden as chair of Biological Sciences, investments at Choctaw Global, was welcoming remarks, and vice president according to Clark. the keynote speaker at the Native for university advancement Dr. Kyle American Graduation & Reception Stafford assisting with introductions. on May 8. Odom was named inside Southeastern Oklahoma linebackers coach by OU head coach State University Native American Dr. Reid receives Lincoln Riley in January of this year. graduates and their families were He is a 2004 graduate of Southeastern national award honored at the annual event, held in and a former Savage running back. the Hallie McKinney Ballroom. An all-state high school player Dr. Jon Reid, Also on the program were in his hometown of Ada, Odom was a professor of psychol- Southeastern acting president Dr. named the Oklahoma High School ogy and counseling at Bryon Clark, Native American In- Player of the Year in 1999 by The Tulsa Southeastern Oklahoma stitute executive director Dr. Marlin World. He attended OU for two years State University, has Blankenship, Master of Science in and was a redshirt on the Sooners’ received the Associa- Native American Leadership coordi- 2000 national championship team. tion for Death Educa- nator Dr. Brad Ludrick, and Choctaw He later transferred to South- tion and Counseling Nation of Oklahoma School of Choc- eastern, where he was a three-year (ADEC) Service Award for 2019. taw Language instructor Chantelle starter at tailback, earning first-team The award is in recognition of Standefer. Lone Star All-Conference honors as a Reid’s accomplishments and dedication Wilson joined Choctaw senior. to the field of thanatology -- death and Global in 2017. He is a graduate of Odom spent the last two sea- dying. He has been a member of ADEC Oklahoma State University, Wright sons at Missouri as the Tigers’ outside since 1995 and served in a number of City High School, and a member of linebackers coach, where his brother leadership capacities. the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. Barry is the head coach.

2 www.SE.edu Update Staff Association presents annual awards at luncheon The Southeastern Oklahoma State University Staff Association (SSA) presented a number of awards during its annual luncheon May 21. Southeastern acting president Dr. Bryon Clark, SSA president Alisha Ridenour, and SSA historian Jennifer Moore made the presentations at the conclusion of the event. Special recognition – the Heart of Southeastern Award – was presented to Penny Bridwell, Office Assistant, Student Health Services. This award is not presented annu- ally, but goes to an individual who has served the SSA and University in an exemplary manner. Bridwell has been em- ployed in various capacities at Southeastern for 20 years and also been active in the SSA. She has also played a key role in establishing and maintaining the Southeastern Care Team. Jennifer Moore, far left, of the SSA and Dr. Bryon Clark, The complete list of award recipients follows: acting president of Southeastern, congratulate the SSA award recipients. From left, Alisha Ridenour, Penny Brid- Storm Rookie of the Year – Marti Phillips, Assistant Vice well, Jannista Wood, and James Reed. Not pictured, Marti President for Business Affairs Phillips and Mike Davis.

Outstanding Non-Exempt Employee – Jannista Wood, Ad- duct, Rights & Responsibilities ministrative Assistant to Vice President for Student Affairs Outstanding SSA Member – Alisha Ridenour, Assistant Outstanding Exempt Employee – Mike Davis, Director of Director\Instructional Designer CIDT the Office of Compliance and Safety and Title IX coordinator Heart of Southeastern – Penny Bridwell, Office Assistant, Service to Students – James Reed, Director of Student Con- Student Health Services

Southeastern golfer finishes sixth in NCAA II tourney Southeastern’s Zach James posted a ond year in a row. final round two-under-par 70 to tie for sixth James earned both all-region and place in the individual competition at the All-American honors a year ago. NCAA Division II men’s golf championship. He is a two-time Great American The event was played May 20-24 on the Conference Golfer of the Year and has Cobb Course at The Resort at Glade Springs twice been named Southeastern’s Outstand- in Daniels, West Virginia. ing Male Athlete. James posted a three-day total of 213 (73-70-70) Foster is also a two-time first team all-confer- on the 7,114-yard, par 72 course, which was six strokes ence award winner, while earning all-region recognition behind the individual medalist. It’s the highest individu- for the first time this year. al finish by a Southeastern golfer at the National Finals. James, from Whitesboro, Texas, and Foster, from Meanwhile, teammate Hayden Foster tied for Pottsboro, Texas, both graduated from Southeastern in 44th in the competition with a three-day total of 220 May. (76-73-71). Molly Franks serves as the Southeastern golf Both players were recently named PING coach. All-Central Region, while James is a finalist for the Jack Nicklaus National Player of the Year Award for the sec-

3 www.SE.edu Update Calendar Presidential Golf Classic tees off June 14 June 3 Four-day summer work week begins 9-16 Chickasaw Summer Leadership Academy 14 Presidential Golf Classic July 4 Independence Day holiday 31 -- Aug. 1 Big Blue Experience (stu- dent orientation) August 2 Last day of four-day summer work week 19 First day of fall classes The 2019 Southeastern Presidential Golf Classic is scheduled to tee off September on Friday, June 14, at Chickasaw Pointe Golf Club. The six-person scramble is 2 Labor Day holiday an annual fundraising effort to support the Southeastern Foundation and South- October eastern Oklahoma State University. Registration and the practice range open 25-26 Homecoming at 7:30 a.m., followed by a continental breakfast at 8 a.m. and a shotgun start at 8:30 a.m. Prizes will be awarded to the top three teams, closest-to-the-pin, and November longest drive. For more information, visit www.se.edu/PGC 1 Native American Symposium 25-29 Thanksgiving holidays Regent Massey honored for 27 years of service December continued from page 1 14 Commencement, Bloomer nearly three decades. He will be deeply missed.” Sullivan Arena Massey is chairman of the board of First United Bank and Trust, headquar- tered in Durant. He is also chairman of Durant Enterprises Inc., and serves on the board of directors of the Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence. Update Editor Massey earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Southeastern Oklahoma Alan Burton State University, where he served as student body president. He is the only student Special Assistant to the President - Director of in the history of Southeastern to receive the Outstanding Student Award for three University Communications consecutive years. In 1984, he received the Distinguished Alumnus Award from the university. Massey was elected State Representative in 1960 while a senior in Photography Dan Hoke college and served two terms. In 1964, he was elected to the State Senate. Assistant Director of He served in the U.S. Army from 1954-57 and was a member of the Nation- University Communications al Guard from 1953-54 and 1957-61. During his service, he was nominated by his fellow soldiers at Fort Carson, Colorado Springs, Colo. and Camp Walters, Mineral Southeastern Oklahoma State University, in compliance with Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Wells, Texas with the distinction of Soldier of the Year. Executive Order 11246 as amended, Title IX of the Education Massey is active in several civic and professional organizations and has Amendments of 1972, Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and other federal laws and regulations, does not dis- served on the State Ethics Commission, the Oklahoma Historical Society Board, the criminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, board of the Bank of Oklahoma and the Oklahoma Securities Commission. He was religion, disability, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices, or procedures. This includes but is not limited to awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Durant Kiwanis Club and, in 2001, admissions, employment, financial aid, and educational ser- the Outstanding Alumni Award by Sigma Tau Gamma Fraternity. He was inducted vices.This publication is issued by the Southeastern Oklahoma State University Office of University Communications and into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame in 2002 and the Oklahoma Higher Education Hall was printed by SE Printing Services of Durant, Oklahoma. of Fame in 2004. In 2009, Massey was inducted into the Oklahoma City Community Fifty copies have been prepared for distribution at a cost of College Hall of Fame and received the prestigious Leadership Oklahoma Lifetime $40 to the taxpayers of the State of Oklahoma. Achievement Award in February 2010.

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