Board of Directors
Online Application Form | Documents
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Autumn Dalman | University of Science & Arts of Oklahoma, 2012 Autumn Dalman earned her degree in American Indian Studies from USAO in 2012. With a solid background in grant work and management, she brings many years of experience demonstrating a strong commitment to serving students in higher education. During her tenure at USAO, Autumn achieved notable milestones, including leading a grant team to secure a 2.5 million dollar, 5-year Title III NASNTI grant. She also orchestrated the inaugural ITHC culture display in honor of Native American Heritage Month. Recognized for her contributions, she was honored with the Forever Green and Gold 2023 Innovation and Collaboration Award. Autumn is passionate about raising awareness and enhancing efforts, particularly for Native American students, as she continues her dedicated pursuit of supporting all students in higher education. |
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James Greenlee | University of Science & Arts of Oklahoma, 2009 James Greenlee is an Illustrator and Graphic Designer living in the Tulsa Metro area. A classically trained fine artist, Greenlee’s art incorporates elements of his day-to-day life and pop culture influences. His work ranges from acrylics, watercolors, inks, oils, digital illustration and has been showcased by OVAC in 2008, Tulsa United Way in 2020, and most recently TYPROS in 2021, where he shares an art installation at the Tulsa International airport. |
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Charlie Largent | University of Science & Arts of Oklahoma, 2000 Charlie Largent graduated in 2000 from the University of Science & Arts of Oklahoma with a Bachelor of Arts in History and is a lifelong resident of the Chickasha area. Largent began his career in fire protection and emergency management as volunteer fire fighter for the Grady County Fire Service. After obtaining his degree, he worked for OSDMHS and Love County EMS. In 2011 he accepted the position of Fire Chief for the City of Blanchard. He continues to serve the residents of McClain and Grady counties in this position and also serves as the City’s Emergency Management Director. Charlie has a long history of public service through a previous appointment to the Grady County Fire Board. He has also volunteered as a member of the McClain County Board of Health since 2019. Largent has spent the last 26 year serving the citizens of Grady and McClain counties with willingness to assist any community, group, or individual. He resides in Blanchard with his wife Shannon and daughter Sydney. |
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April Lawrence | University of Science & Arts of Oklahoma, 2013 April Lawrence graduated from USAO in 2013, double majoring in Bachelor of Science in Business Administration & Bachelor of Art in Economics. After completing her degrees, Lawrence was hired to work as an Admissions Counselor in the USAO Admissions & Recruitment Office. Today, she is the Director of Admissions & Enrollment. While helping the University increase in student population, she has created processes that help not only students, but also the staff. In Lawrence's spare time, she is either reading or playing with her dog 'Birdie'. She is also a volunteer with Friends Fur Change which is a dog rescue in Chickasha. While she makes a difference in her community, and at the university, she impacts those around her for the better. |
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LaRonda McCarther | University of Science & Arts of Oklahoma, 2000 LaRonda McCarther is a Chickasha native and a graduate from the University of Science & Arts of Oklahoma. McCarther graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business with an emphasis in Economics in 2000. She has been a passionate real estate agent since 2007 and has recently acquired her broker’s license. With her husband, Shawn McCarther they own and manage their personal investment properties. McCarther enjoys being part of the boards of the Grady County Health Department and Arvest Bank for Southwest Oklahoma. She loves to spend time with her family which includes her two adult sons Shawn II and Jalen. LaRonda truly loves and is a supporter of the Chickasha community. |
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Whitney Palesano | University of Science & Arts of Oklahoma, 2010 Whitney Palesano graduated from USAO in 2010, receiving her degree in Psychology. She is a proud lifetime Chickasha resident and USAO alumni. As the Membership Director of the Chickasha Chamber of Commerce, Palesano can assist in making positive connections and providing insight between the Chickasha community and the Alumni board. She strives to continuously grow and learn how to better serve her community. When asked about her goals for the board, Palesano replied "I would like to engage with prior classmates and alumni and keep them updated on the successes and changes happening at USAO. I would also like to encourage them to be a vocal and financial advocate for their alma mater." |
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Jennifer Shepard | University of Science & Arts of Oklahoma, 2006 Jennifer Shepard, Norman native and NHS Tiger, graduated with a BA in Physical Education from the University of Science & Arts of Oklahoma. While there she was on the first school-sponsored women’s soccer team. From this experience she earned recognition as an All-Regional player her freshmen year. After teaching for 7 years, she earned her Master’s in Education from East Central University, and she most recently received a Certificate in Behavior Analysis from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Shepard has enjoyed working with children as a physical education teacher, a school counselor and coach. In addition to working as a health adjunct at UCO, Mid-America and SWCU, she opened a private practice, “Specialized Coaching & Consulting“ during the pandemic encouraging a focus on health & wellness transformation. Shepard is one of the only certified POINTE instructors in the Midwest who practices Acceptance & Commitment Therapy. When not working towards growing her own practice, she volunteers her time with the local soccer club. Jennifer currently lives in her hometown with her wonderful daughter, two dogs, two cats and a fish. |
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Michelle Skinner | University of Science & Arts of Oklahoma, 2006 Michelle Skinner graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in music with a minor in art and completed a master's degree in library and information studies from the University of Oklahoma. She currently works at the Chickasha Public Library, where her favorite things are reference, genealogy, document preservation and digitization, and writing a book about the library's history. She also maintains a piano studio, plays piano and organ at First Presbyterian Church in Chickasha, works as a freelance artist, and performs as a flutist and as an aspiring cellist. She tends to be curious and fascinated by everything, and she loves all things creative and intellectual. |
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Ron Sullivan | Oklahoma College of Liberal Arts, 1975 Ron Sullivan, class of '75. Majored in Theater. From: McAlester, OK, now lives in Duncan, OK. Married to Sherry Lynn Lacy-Sullivan, class of '72. Retired from the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (28 years). Served on the boards for Pittsburg County March of Dimes, Relay for Life, Ryan's Run Against Child Abuse, McAlester Spaghetti Run, and Pittsburg County Youth Health Symposium. Taught high school English at Indianola, Oklahoma for 8 years as well as coaching baseball for 4 years. Served 2 years as an Educational Coordinator for Eastern Oklahoma State College's GEAR-UP Grant assisting students in preparing for college. Taught high school English, Creative Writing, and Speech and Drama at Duncan High School four years before retirement. |
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Nominate a Board Member:
Deadline for submissions is July 1, 2024
Providing value to fellow alumni of the University of Science & Arts of Oklahoma doesn't have to end on graduation day. In fact, the opportunity to give back to your alma mater is one click away.
We are seeking names of alumni who are interested in serving on the USAO Alumni Association Board of Directors.
The alumni board serves as the official representative of the entire alumni community and works on initiatives that help fulfill the mission of the USAO Alumni Association.
As you consider potential candidates (or if you would like to self-nominate) please keep in mind that alumni board members are required to attend four board meetings per calendar year on the USAO campus (Zoom meetings until further notice). For alumni who wish to serve but live out of state please don’t let geography deter you! We strive to achieve a balanced and broad representation of the alumni community on our board and are looking for representation from various backgrounds, degree programs, regions and industries.
USAO Alumni Association board meetings traditionally occur on a Saturday in January, May, August, and during Homecoming the first weekend of November. All directors serve a three-year term. No board member may serve more than two (2) consecutive terms without a resting period of one year. This restriction shall further apply to the office of President, excluding board service as immediate Past President.
For more information about board expectations contact Dawn Reitan-Brockman at dreitanbrockman@usao.edu or usaoalumnioffice@usao.edu.
Submissions do not guarantee a position on the USAOAA Board of Directors.
All names will be sent to the Nominating Committee for further consideration.
However, there is much work to do and a place for all alumni who want to volunteer in service to the USAOAA. We will work with you to find the perfect fit.
If you have questions, you can email USAOAA executive director Dawn Reitan-Brockman at dreitanbrockman@usao.edu or contact the Alumni & Community Relations office via email or call (405) 574-1290.
The links below are provided in PDF: