SEPTEMBER 2019

OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF OKLAHOMA PANHANDLE STATE UNIVERSITY

OPSU.edu

FOSTERING CHAMPIONS OF EXCELLENCE Vice President of Academic and Student / CAMPUS/ Affairs, Dr. Julie Dinger, (left) and University President, Dr. Tim Faltyn, (right) address the STATE OF THE faculty and staff on August 14. UNIVERSITY ADDRESS Released by Panhandle State Campus Communications

The faculty and staff gathered in the the room was shown a drone fly-over and in turn, with the great faculty, staff student union ballroom on Wednesday, video of the progression of construction. and students that make up Panhandle August 14, as they prepared for the Dr. Faltyn continued by revisiting State. Further signifying this ideal, it was annual State of the University Address the many accomplishments over the announced that the university had been by university president, Dr. Tim Faltyn. past year, from athletics post-season ranked No. 28 by U.S. News and World Prior to the president’s speech, the appearances by every team for the Report in the 2019 Best Colleges, Regional room was treated to a delicious breakfast first time in school history, to Beau Universities West division. A roaring provided by Great Western Dining and Peterson’s CNFR National Champion clap echoed through the room as the sponsored by the members of Anchor D title, to the awarding of the Panhandle news excited all the faculty and staff and Bank. The presentation then began with Promise scholarship to its’ first five fortified all their hard work. a letter from Dr. Faltyn to the Oklahoma recipients. He also spoke on the broader A&M Board of Regents. In the letter’s aspects of more behind-the-scenes opening statement was the sentence, accomplishments as he addressed the “The people I work with are making the budget, master plan, and strategic plan difference for this university.” As it was for the university. Then, seemingly read aloud, the room took a moment a mistake, a photo of the Spirit Rider to let the words sink in, and Dr. Faltyn brandishing her flag emblazoned with announced this declaration was the the P logo, riding across Carl Wooten influence behind the theme of the Field appeared on the projection screen. presentation: where we were, where we Dr. Faltyn commented on how great of “The people I work are now, and where we are going. a photo it was, then moved on to speak First, Dr. Faltyn reminisced on the about the dorm renovations and the with are making the 2018-19 school year, and what strides newly-approved funds for the student difference for this forward had been made since. He spoke union building. of the numerous facility improvements The presentation continued and university.” all across campus, from the newly-turfed every few slides, a photo exhibiting the — Dr. Tim Faltyn, Carl Wooten Field at Anchor D Stadium, P logo would appear again. Dr. Faltyn University President to the student-focused refurbishments then stopped, and explained that he of the Academic Resource Center, to had hoped to really show how far the the brand new furniture each of the university’s re-branding initiative had classrooms had been bestowed. He come, and soon enough, the slides of continued with the announcement that the presentation were splashed with the university was on trend to welcome the notably celebrated logo-from the largest freshman class for the third stickers on the back of car windows, to year in a row, and that enrollment students donning hats and t-shirts, to management had been a key point of various signs peppered around campus, continued success for the fastest growing to the numerous billboards lining university in the region. The shooting the highways. The logo has become sports facility was an enlivened topic, as synonymous with the university,

2 PANHANDLE STATE CONTENTS

Panhandle Magazine — SEPTEMBER 2019

4 — MOVE-IN DAY 2019

7 — ENROLLMENT INCREASE FOR FALL 2019

14 — BEAU PETERSON, 2019 CNFR NATIONAL CHAMPION

15 — OPSU DEBUTS MEN’S AND WOMEN’S SOCCER

4 7 14

On the cover: Beau Peterson, CNFR National Champion, Goat Tying Back Cover: Panhandle State University was ranked as No. 26 by U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges 2019, Regional Universities West division.

/ADMINISTRATION/ Dr. Tim Faltyn — President Dr. Julie Dinger — Vice President of Academic & Student Affairs Benny Dain — Vice President of Fiscal Affairs Dr. Ryan Blanton — Vice President of Outreach

/PANHANDLE MAGAZINE/ Alyssa Fox —Campus Communications P.O. Box 430 Goodwell, OK 73939 Dave Beyer —Sports Information Director Tel: 580-349-2611 / Toll Free: 1-800-664-OPSU

Fax: 580-349-2302 /PHOTOGRAPHERS/ Alyssa Fox — Taylor Jacobsen— Lauren Lagow Sam Ortiz — Rylee Higgins

3 AGGIES / CAMPUS/ MOVE-IN DAY AUGUST 2019

4 PANHANDLE STATE 5 AGGIES The 2019 Future Business Leaders of America- Phi Beta Lambda (PBL) Team.

/EDUCATION/ STUDENT SUCCESS AT 2019 PBL NATIONAL LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE Released by Panhandle State Campus Communications

Students of Future Business Leaders of national level. The OPSU PBL Chapter America-Phi Beta Lambda, or PBL, had an continues to set the bar when it comes to excellent turnout as they competed at excellence.” the 2019 National Leadership Conference Students from Panhandle State over June 24-27 in San Antonio, Texas. placed in the Top 10 in six different The four-day FBLA-PBL national events throughout the conference. conference helps students prepare for Earning 5th place in the Social Media “We are so incredibly careers in business and technology by Challenge was the team of Lupita proud of all of their focusing on academic competitions Jimenez, Amanda Blanton and Kaley and leadership development and also Conner. Conner also took 6th place in achievements.” provides a great place for students to Business Communications. Taking 8th — Dr. Sarah Hitch, network. in the category of Network Designs Department Chair and Associate Professor and Department was the team of Cameron Branch and Associate Professor of Chair of Business Administration, Dr. Sara Hayden Ukens. Branch also placed 10th Business Administration Hitch, Dean of Business and Technology, in Networking Concepts. Jasmine Puebla Davin Winger, and Accounting Instructor/ took 9th place in Financial Concepts, Department Chair of Accounting, Robyn and the team of Puebla and John Polston Harris, accompanied fourteen students placed 9th in Financial Services. to the conference, and Vice President of Dr. Sara Hitch commented, “This was Academic and Student Affairs, Dr. Julie one of the younger groups we’ve taken to Dinger, also made the trip to cheer them NLC. In fact, of our 14 participants, only 1 on. had attended NLC previously (last year). “It was an absolute privilege to join We were so incredibly proud of all of their our students and advisors for the Awards achievements. We also are very excited of Excellence Program in San Antonio,” for the upcoming years as most will be said Dr. Dinger, “I am so impressed by able to qualify again next year. the work our advisors and students put in to compete effectively at the state and

6 PANHANDLE STATE /EDUCATION/ ENROLLMENT INCREASE FOR FALL 2019 Released by Panhandle State Campus Communications

The 2019-20 school year has begun, and This team centered approach, focusing Oklahoma Panhandle State University on individual students interacting with “The whole Aggie family has welcomed its largest freshman class recruiters, faculty, staff, coaches, and worked together to for the third year in a row. Deans, has proven to be successful. Panhandle State has established itself Panhandle State University’s work bring the class of 2023 as the fastest growing university in on enrollment management initiative, the region, with enrollment numbers coupled with the dedicated hard work to campus, now we continuing to trend upward for the fall of the faculty and staff, as well as the are moving out focus of 2019 semester. For the preliminary numerous campus-wide academic and count this fall, the university grew 2% in facility improvements to benefit both to connecting these headcount and 4% in credit hours from students has led to Panhandle State students to experiences Fall 2018. This is a 12% increase since 2017. University being ranked No. 26 by U.S. Online applications have also increased News and World Report in the Best and programs that will markedly this semester by a solid ten Colleges of 2020, Regional Universities improve their success.” percent. West division after being unranked by — Dr. Julie Dinger, “Our success has been a total team more than a decade. Vice President of Academic effort,” said Vice President of Academic “We have continued our move to and Student Affairs and Student Affairs, Dr. Julie Dinger. sustainability by being steadfast in our She continued, “The whole Aggie family mission of meeting people where they worked together to bring the class of are in life, helping them go where they 2023 to campus, now we are moving want to go, and be who they want to be,” our focus to connecting these students said University President, Dr. Tim Faltyn. to experiences and programs that will “This ranking says that people are more improve their success. It is an honor to and more interested in our story. I can’t serve our students with these people.” wait to work with our team to write the Panhandle State University has next chapter of our success.” been working hard the past three years on redeveloping an enrollment management system that is adaptive to the changing ways in which students engage with colleges and universities.

7 AGGIES PANHANDLE STATE AGGIE FAMILY

/ STAFF/ / STUDENT/ HANNAH HAMMACK SAMANTHA DAVIS

Hannah Hammack is a familiar face around the Panhandle Samantha Davis didn’t have to travel far to find her new home State campus. She was a part of the 2019 graduating class and at Panhandle State. The Swink, Oklahoma native declared that earned her Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science and Nutrition she had two things in mind when seeking out a place with just the right fit to continue her education after graduating high with a minor in Chemistry. Upon her graduation, Hammack school. was also the recipient of the prestigious J.R.P. Sewell Award. “The first thing was that I wanted to play college basketball, Each year, this accolade is awarded to a graduating senior it had been a dream of mine since I was a little girl,” said Davis. who has completed all of his or her coursework at Panhandle “The second was that I really wanted a university that was State, and who ranks highest in scholarship, leadership and deeply rooted in agriculture. Panhandle State gave me both of citizenship. the things I truly desired.” Davis has already continued to make both those aspects of While attending the university, Hammack rode competitively her vision come to life as she enters into her sophomore year, for the equestrian team and was also highly involved in many currently majoring in Animal Science and Biology and sports facets of campus. She was a member of collegiate FFA- or the #25 as a forward on the women’s basketball team . Future Farmers of America organization- a member of Block As generational attendee of the university, Davis is enjoying and Bridle, the Student Ambassador Program and Student being able to further family traditions rooted in the school. “In Senate. She also served as Head RA of Holter Hall. the 1970’s, some of my family members went to this college This year, Hammack returns to campus as an Admissions and were members of the rodeo team.” She reminisced, “They used to tell me stories about the people at the university and Counselor and head coach for the Panhandle State Equestrian in the community, and that even though they were so far from Team. “What brought me to Panhandle State was the small their homes they didn’t mind because here everyone is family. rural feel to the community, along with the equestrian team,” It is a tradition that has never changed and our family just said Hammack, who comes full circle as a previous four-year continued to grow.” member of the team now serving as coach. “My favorite thing An involved student-athlete on campus and in the classroom, about the university has been the Panhandle State family,” Davis is also a member of Women in Ag, has graced both the President’s and Dean’s honor rolls, is a member of Chi Alpha Hammack continued, “I moved six hours away from home to Sigma and is also the Head RA at the on-campus apartments. go to school and in the end I earned a whole new family. The Davis equates her hometown to the town of Goodwell, opportunities I have been given here are once in a lifetime saying, “The schools are the heart of these small towns and their experiences that have truly helped me grow into the individual communities.” She continued, “I have a passion to help people I am today.” and animals and I hope to continue my education by applying Hammack is looking forward to both of her new roles on to Veterinary school in the near future. I am only in my third year, but I am a senior in the classroom and could graduate campus. “Not only do I get to recruit students and help them to with two bachelor’s degrees in May.” In the meantime, Davis gain a higher education, but I also get to teach students how to enjoys putting her skills to work at Sea World in San Antonio, ride a horse,” expresses Hammack. “I am so excited to be able to TX, where she has worked over the past several years, assisting give back to this community after all it has given me over the in caring for killer wales, beluga wales, dolphins, walruses, and past four years.” her favorite- penguins.

8 PANHANDLE STATE PANHANDLE STATE AGGIE FAMILY

/ FACULTY/ / ALUMNI/ SYDNEY WILKINSON AMADA ALVIDREZ

Colorado native, Sydney Wilkinson, joins the Aggie family this Panhandle State University alum Amada Alvidrez has called year as the new Instructor of Animal Science, coach of the the communities of Goodwell and Guymon home, though her Livestock Judging Team, and a Women in Ag sponsor. Wilkinson true roots lie in her home country of Mexico. hails from the quaint town of Model, Colorado, where she “I consider Guymon to be my hometown,” said Alvidrez. “I grew up on a ranch and was able to first begin working with graduated from Guymon High School and I wanted to stay livestock and spark a passion she would continue to grow later close to home.” Alvidrez graduated from GHS with a 4.0 grade in life. point average and took the stage as Valedictorian of her class. She attended Hoehne High School, near Trinidad, Colorado, where she also partook in FFA, or the Future Farmers of She made the natural choice to attend Panhandle State and America, a youth organization geared toward preparing graduated magna cum laude in 2000 with a Bachelor’s degree young community members for careers in the business and in English Education and minors in Spanish and Computer technology of agriculture. Information Systems. Wilkinson then spent her college days at Texas A&M “My favorite thing about Panhandle State was the fact that University where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in they have an amazing faculty,” expressed Alvidrez. “I could not Animal Science in 2011, and received her Master’s in Animal have gotten a better education!” Alvidrez has chosen to remain Breeding and Genetics in 2013. Following that, she set her local, taking up permanent residence in Guymon, where she sights on teaching at Kim High School in Colorado where she is currently the Market President for Equity Bank. In 2016, would also serve as the FFA advisor. This year, she joins the Alvidrez became the first Panhandle resident, as well as the Panhandle State family in an exciting role. first Hispanic member, to serve on the Government Relations “After teaching high school for three years, this position felt like it was almost written for me,” said Wilkinson. “Being Council for the Oklahoma Bankers Association. able to teach students about livestock at the collegiate level She also remains avid in staying up to date with alumni is truly a dream.” She expanded, “I am also excited about the events on and around campus. Panhandle has always taken opportunity to re-energize the Livestock Judging Team and great Pride in producing gradutes who feel a sense a famliy to help with the various herds at the farm.” the University and who welcome the opportunitiy to remain On her experience at Panhandle State so far, Wilkinson says involved as alumni, and Alvidrez is a true example of those she especially loves the family-feel. “From the administration ideals. Alumni Relations Director, Natasha Edison, revealed to the students, you can tell each and every person cares about that Alvidrez is the first-ever Platinum Aggie Alumni Members, the university and the success of its’ students,” she expressed. which is the highest Panhandle Alumni membership currently Wilkinson is excited at the prospect of new ventures with the available. farm and the livestock team, saying, “There is an incredible opportunity to build them both into great things. It isn’t often As an alumnus, if she were to offer any advice to current or that you’re presented with an opportunity like this one, and future Panhandle State students, Alvidrez said, “Get involved! I’m just so impressed at the university’s passion for constant Panhandle State has so many amazing activities going on, I improvement and success.” still wish I could have participated in more!”

9 AGGIES Dr. Tim Faltyn, the Goodwell Public School Board, and OSSBA are presented with the 2019 Barbara Lynch Community Partner Award for Oklahoma Panhandle State University’s and Goodwell Public School’s partership.

/ EDUCATION/ PARTNERING FOR THE FUTURE WITH GOODWELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS Submitted by Panhandle State Campus Communications

Panhandle State has always been an The animal housing space is at a The Barbara Lynch Community Partner advocate for community partnerships, central location, and allows the students award was presented to Panhandle State and over the past several years, the opportunities to work with and exercise University for their amazing work on this university has partnered with Goodwell their animals. partnership. Public Schools to create a union with The most visible partnership is in The award recognizes ongoing, amazing benefits for both. athletics, with the building of a shared collaborative processes to build One of the main partnerships is multiuse turf field for football and soccer understanding, guidance and active the Panhandle Future afterschool at Anchor D Stadium. Anchor D Arena also involvement in the eduation of children in care program. The main goal of serves as host to the Goodwell basketball the community, and is named in honor of Panhandle Future is to provide exellent teams for both practice and home games, Barbara Lynch, w ho served on the Tulsa afterschool care and an exceptional and the athletic programs and physical Technology Center Board of Education learning experience for the children education classes make ready use of the as well as the Oklahoma State Schools of Goodwell Public Schools. Panhandle Noble Center on campus. Boards Association Board of Directors, State Elementary Education students, The most beneficial part of the and was avidly involved in community supervised by a certified employee of partnerships is the Early College High service and engagment. Goodwell Public School run the program School Dual Credit program. This at the OPSU campus, providing quality program gives high school students afterschool care for the community. the opportunity to begin college-level Another goal of the partnership is to coursework as a high school sophomore. collaborate to create a Special Education The student still gain the complete high Program for the Pre-K to 12th Grade school experience while being able students of Goodwell Public Schools. The to work toward graduating with an program would also allow for the training Associate of Science degree in General of Special Education individuals through Studies with a focus in Education, STEM “We truly are stronger the University, as well as the sharing of or Business. together than we could a certified Special Education teacher at “I am very proud of the partnership both schools. between Panhandle State and Goodwell ever be apart.” With both schools deeply rooted in Public Schools,” said OPSU President, Dr. — Dr. Tim Faltyn, agriculture, the University saw the value Tim Faltyn. “Our people have worked University President in offering to house, free of charge, the veryhard to build and sustain these Goodwell students’ FFA and 4H show programs. We truly are stronger together animals, such as cattle, sheep, hogs and than we could ever be apart.” goats.

10 PANHANDLE STATE / CAMPUS/ CAMPUS CLASSROOMS SEE STUDENT-DRIVEN RENOVATIONS Released by Panhandle State Campus Communcations

As an institution that prides itself on The art labs were overhauled with continuously making strides forward, new drafting tables, stools and storage Panhandle State University has recently furniture like lockers and shelving undergone a vast series of campus-wide cubbies. “We have needed an update, and Classroom desks are now renovations to improve its’ environment the new classroom furniture, lockers, and equipped with built in USB for faculty, staff and students alike. Once additional storage are amazing,” said plug-ins, and new tables and the project is completed, funding will Brent Shoulders, Associate Professor of charis have been added to the library. have allowed for $900,000 worth of Art and Chair of the Art Department. new furniture. This cost is split between The athletics building also saw $600,000 of classroom furniture with refurbishments in the form of a team a better functionality for students, and meeting room furnished with theater- $300,000 worth of co-curricular furniture. style seating. Panhandle State Comptroller, Liz In addition, campus dorm rooms have McMurphy, has been instrumental in also been undergoing renovations, with the renovations, citing a multitude of 82 rooms completed thus far, with new revamps all across campus. furniture. All classrooms now come equipped As part of the 2019 ‘Best Colleges to with chairs and tables with USB power Work For’ survery, Panhandle State took capabilities, as well as a lectern for faculty the initiative on revamping the furniture use. Areas of classroom buildings and the and clasroom spaces to excel in the library have now been re-designed as category of ‘Teaching Envrionment,’ as designated lounge spaces fit with sofas, the university continues to work toward chairs and coffee tables to help provide its’ goal of making the national list of an inviting atmosphere. recognized institutions.

Before (left) and after (right) of the newly refurbished classroom furniture in Hamilton Hall.

11 AGGIES Freshman Beau Peterson competes in the Goat Tying event at the 2019 CNFR (left) and poses with her championship belt buckle after the win (below).

/ATHLETICS/ BEAU PETERSON TAKES NATIONAL TITLE IN 2019 CNFR Released by Panhandle State Sports Information

Oklahoma Panhandle State University that left Peterson and Manzanares, a “I’’ve had so many freshman Beau Peterson (Council Grove, senior and defending national champion Kan.) etched her name in the Aggies’ in Goat Tying, as co-national champions people support me, Rodeo history book by winning the Goat in 2019. Tying national championship at the “Watching Beau achieve her goal of it just made it more 2019 College National Finals Rodeo at the becoming a National Champion was special.” Casper Events Center. In all, OPSU had four something I will never forget,” said — Beau Peterson, team members competing in Saturday’s Shelbie Rose, Assistant Women’s Rodeo 2019 CNFR National finale of the week-long competition. Coach. “Beau is a great competitor and Champion “It’s a great feeling,” Peterson said after she plays a vital role in this program. finishing as the co-champ at the CNFR I can’t wait to see what the rest of her finale. “Just to have my hard work pay off! career has to hold.” I’ve had so many people support me, it In the final team standings, the Aggie just made it more special.” men finished seventh. The OPSU women In Saturday’s short round in the finale were 10th. Peterson is OPSU’s 19th of the CNFR, Peterson entered the round individual CNFR event champion in the in third place overall, one full second program’s history. Peterson’s title is also behind the leader in the average. Needing the first-ever in Goat Tying in the long a great effort to overcome the deficit, and storied history of Panhandle State Peterson provided just that. Her time of Rodeo. 5.9 seconds matched her best round of the “Beau has had a tremendous year,” said competition and vaulted her to the top of Oklahoma Panhandle State University the leaderboard with a 25.1 average with President, Dr. Tim Faltyn. “Her competitive two cowgirls still to compete. spirit and talent earned her this National The very next competitor, Mia Championship, but it is her composure, Manzanares from NCAA I McNeese State, teamwork, and positive attitude she had posted what ended up being the low time inside and outside the arena that I am of the short round – 5.8 seconds – to place proudest of.” her in a deadlock with Peterson. Weber Beau is currently entering into her State’s Emma Hodson, the leader entering sophomore year at Panhandle State and Saturday’s final, posted a time of 6.3 and is working toward earning her degree in Biology.

12 PANHANDLE STATE Junior defender Marybel Garcia plays in the inaugural Panhandle State soccer game on August 24 at Anchor D Stadium.

/ATHLETICS/ OPSU DEBUTS MEN’S AND WOMEN’S SOCCER Released by Panhandle State Sports Information

The world’s most popular sport – and the women’s team. Carolina ODP Staff. one of the oldest – will be brand new Misuraca came to OPSU after “Expectations are the seeds to success to the Oklahoma Panhandle State spending the previous two seasons as an and I have high expectations for both University campus come fall of 2019. It assistant at the University of Houston- these men because I believe they are is then that intercollegiate men’s and Victoria. During his first season at UHV, going to do great things.” He continued, women’s soccer teams will make their he helped lead the men’s team to the “We’ve done a lot in the last 36 months to debut on the Goodwell, Okla., campus, Red River Athletic Conference regular give people reasons to choose and support bringing the number of athletic program season title, conference tournament this university...this will give people offerings by the Aggies to 16 teams. championship, and appearance in the reasons not just to come here, but to be a “The addition of men’s and women’s NAIA national tournament. Prior to part of this family now, in the future and soccer to our athletics profile goes UHV, Misuraca spent three years as the for generations to come... we are going to way beyond on-field competition,” assistant men’s coach at the University give them the best experience they ever Panhandle State President Dr. Tim of the Cumberlands in Williamsburg, Ky. had.” Both teams will play their first home Faltyn explained. “We have a diverse The Patriots made three appearances in games on Saturday, August 24 (women- 6 campus and community. Soccer will the Mid-South Conference Tournament, p.m./men- 8 p.m.) versus Texas College. offer opportunities for athletes, as well twice advancing to the semifinals. That will be the first official competition as an activity that crosses many cultures Prior to OPSU, Coach Rosso was for the Aggies’ men, while the women’s already living in our region. Anytime you the Head Women’s Soccer Coach at squad has its first official match at Adams can both bolster our athletics program, Northeast Texas Community College. State (Colo.) University on August 18. while also serving a broad segment of In his first season he led the women’s OPSU’s teams will play their games our region, it’s a win-win situation.” team to a winning regular season record on the turf of beautiful Carl Wooten The reins of guiding the Aggies’ first- and a semifinal berth in the Region Field at Anchor D Stadium, also home of ever soccer programs have been handed XIV conference tournament. Prior to the Aggies’ football team. Community to two very capable coaches. Brandon arriving at NTCC he was the Assistant engagement was a major factor in the Misuraca will be leading the Panhandle Women’s Soccer Coach at Francis Marion decision to bring both women’s and men’s squad and Mike Rosso will head University. He also served on the South men’s soccer to OPSU.

Freshman midfielder Francisco Ramirez helps his team notch the first win in the record books on August 27.

13 AGGIES / ATHLETICS/ MULCAHY PROMOTED TO FULL-TIME ATHLETIC DIRECTOR Released by Panhandle State Sports Information

Oklahoma Panhandle State University In 2018-19, every NAIA-sponsored team is proud to announce the promotion for the Aggies either played in a Sooner of Meghan Mulcahy as the university’s Athletic post-season competition or full-time Athletic Director. Previously, played in a game to decide the SAC title. Mulcahy had served as both the Athletic As she steps into the full-time role of Director and the head softball coach. Athletic Director, the university will begin University President, Dr. Tim Faltyn, a search for a new head softball coach to announced Mulcahy’s new role, continue the standard of success Mulcahy commenting, “I am pleased to now have has already put into place. Mulcahy took Meghan leading our athletics program over the softball program in 2012 and on full-time basis.” He continued, lead OPSU to its first-ever winning season “Since taking the reins as the interim in 2019, and garnered her 100th career- Athletic Director in April of 2017, she has coaching win during this campaign. Her demonstrated a vision and leadership Aggies also reached the SAC tournament ability that will continue to take in both 2018 and 2019, producing Panhandle State athletics to new heights.” Panhandle’s first-ever NFCA All-American Mulcahy has exhibited her expertise in in 2018 (Jewell Lee) in the process.“There many facets of athletics, including guiding is no doubt that filling Meghan’s shoes the program through its transition into as a softball coach is a big task,” said Dr. the NAIA and Sooner Athletic Conference. Faltyn. “But I have complete confidence Under her leadership as director, in the that we will find a coach on the diamond classroom, nine of the Panhandle State that maintains the high bar she has set for teams were recognized with SAC Scholar our program.” Team awards, accruing a 3.0 team GPA in Mulcahy commented, “I would like conference-sponsored sports. In all, 196 to thank Dr. Faltyn for this opportunity. student-athletes have earned a spot on Since day one it has been my goal to put the SAC Commissioner’s Honor Roll (3.0 Aggie Athletics on the map and now I am GPA or better) in the last two years. able to spend even more time carrying out Furthering her hand in team success, that mission for Panhandle State.” OPSU has seen big strides in achievement

/ ATHLETICS/ Oklahoma Panhandle State University excellence.” Bartley helped the Panhandle Athletics has announced that Shelby squad to its first-ever conference post- BARTLEY Bartley – the Aggies’ assistant volleyball season play on record in 2018. The team coach in 2018 – has been named as the ended their regular season with an overall TO HEAD interim head volleyball coach for the record of 9-20 and going 7-13 in conference, upcoming season. accruing the most wins in a season as far VOLLEYBALL “I am impressed with Coach Bartley’s back as records date. Released by Panhandle State confidence and character as she steps up Bartley reflected, “I look forward in Sports Information the head coach position,” OPSU President continuing the building process of this Dr. Tim Faltyn said. “I’m told she was a program and compete to represent major part of the leadership that made Panhandle Volleyball with pride and history last season and I am so grateful confidence. “ that she is committed toour current Mulcahy commented, “Our main players, our recruits and the Panhandle focus is providing our student-athletes State Family. The future is bright for and program with the best possible volleyball at Panhandle. I’m looking environment for success this season. With forward to joining our fans, boosters and Shelby guiding the program, I think we alumni as we support this program of have accomplished that.”

14 PANHANDLE STATE / ATHLETICS/ KERR TO GUIDE AGGIE SOFTBALL Released by Panhandle State Sports Information

Oklahoma Panhandle State University Kerr brings seven seasons as a head over our softball program,” Mulcahy has announced that veteran softball college coach with him to OPSU, as well stated. “He is going to be a person who fits coach Chad Kerr has been named as the as an an additional 12 years of various the upward trend of all of our programs, University’s new Head Softball Coach. softball coaching positions to his credit. but especially for softball. He is highly- Kerr replaces Meghan Mulcahy - who Most recently, Kerr was the head coach at organized and knowledgeable, while also had served as the softball head coach NCAA Division II Lincoln (Mo.) University having strong philosophies and values since 2012 and Athletics Director since from 2016-18, taking 2019 off from which will help our ladies grow as both 2017 - before stepping aside from her college coaching to give private softball players and individuals.” coaching duties after the 2019 season to instruction. “I’m thrilled to have been chosen as the serve full-time as the A.D. in guiding the Additionally, Kerr coached the 2015 next leader of the OPSU Softball program Aggies’ intercollegiate programs. season at NCAA Division II Alderson and to carry on and build upon the terrific “We welcome Coach Kerr to the Aggie Broaddus (WV) University, leading the work Coach Mulcahy has done,” Kerr Family,” Panhandle State President Dr. team to its first winning campaign in explained. “Special thanks to Athletic Tim Faltyn said. “I look forward to him five years. From 2011-14, he was the head Director Meghan Mulcahy, Assistant building on the great foundation for coach for OPSU’s current Sooner Athletic A.D. Vic Esparza, the rest of the search success established by Coach Mulcahy Conference mates Central Christian committee, along with OPSU President Dr. in the softball program. His philosophy University, moving the needle by taking Tim Faltyn, for giving me this opportunity. of ‘academics first’ and creating a great a program with single-digit win totals I knew immediately during my on campus experience for our student-athletes is to 16 wins in 2014 and amassing 17 all- interview - meeting the other coaches and what we want as core values for our conference players along the way. some of the players - this was the place for athletic program.” “I am excited to have Coach Kerr take me.”

/ ATHLETICS/ LAIRD LEADS MENS BASKETBALL Released by Panhandle State Sports Information Laird has coached at every four-year Laird said. “I want to thank Dr. Faltyn for collegiate affiliation - NAIA, NCAA I, II and the tremendous example of leadership III and spent three years at the high school and having a clear vision and direction level, as well, during his career. for this campus and community. I would “I am pleased to welcome Coach Laird also like to thank Director of Athletics to the Aggie Family,” Panhandle State Meghan Mulcahy and Assistant A.D. Oklahoma Panhandle State University President Dr. Tim Faltyn said. “While we Victor Esparza for believing in me enough Athletics is pleased to announce that had several highly-qualified candidates to invite me to join this family. As a veteran collegiate coach Mark Laird to guide our men’s basketball program, visitor, I have experienced the growing will be the Aggies’ next Head Men’s Coach Laird rose to the top due to his sense of excitement and pride that Basketball Coach. Laird brings a total of extensive coaching background and there is surrounding the entire athletic 14 years of college coaching expertise to a career commitment to the student- department here in recent years.” Panhandle State, the most recent of which athletes’ academic and personal success. “We will be tough...we will be fun to has been the past two seasons at fellow I believe those factors will ensure the watch...we will hold a high standard of Sooner Athletic Conference-member tradition of excellence and continued excellence in everything we do.” Southwestern Christian University. upward direction of our program.”

15 AGGIES