Watson crowned 'Mr. USAO'

Among a field of nine competitors, Matthew Watson of Tuttle was crowned “Mr. USAO” on Nov. 19 as part of Family Weekend at the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma.

Watson, a senior economics major, came out on top in a competition that tested each participant in four key areas: brains, brawn, talent and interview skills.

The event was held in Te Ata Memorial Auditorium and featured a Greek theme, complete with a backdrop designed to look like the Parthenon and participants dressed in historical costumes.

Watson is vice president of USAO’s Phi Lamda Chi social fraternity, a senator with the Student Government Association and serves as chairman for the Student Activities Board dance and homecoming committees.

In addition to bragging rights, Watson received a $200 certificate to the USAO Bookstore and a special Mr. USAO cape handmade by Judy Hanson, overseer of mail services at the Lawson Court residential facility.

The other participants were Dexter Nelson, a sophomore history major from Bridge Creek; Drake King, a freshman psychology major from Fort Towson; Dewayne Delaney, a freshman psychology major from Lexington; Mitchell Spaulding, a junior from Norman pursuing double majors in bio/chemistry and business; Alan Field, a senior history major from Oklahoma City; Christopher Albrecht, a sophomore elementary education major from Flemington, N.J.; Tanner Dick, a freshman music major from Houston, Texas and Jeremy Kari Kari, a senior art major from London, England.

This year’s Mr. USAO competition was the second in the university’s history. Last year’s winner was Kieran Brennan, a sophomore physical education major from Windsor, UK.

Mr. USAO was held this year in conjunction with Family Weekend. Designed to give family members a glimpse into the life of the average USAO student, participants were treated to a variety of events including a reception at the Stevens Alumni House, a performance by the USAO Show Band and a volunteerism project in Shannon Springs Park.

Monica Park, manager of Lawson Court and co-coordinator of the weekend’s events said that Family Weekend was “tons of fun” but also served an important function for student and parent alike.

“The weekend provided us opportunities beyond introductions to really get to know our students’ families,” Park said.