Board of Directors

Joan Barrett Roberts | Oklahoma College of Liberal Arts, 1970

Joan Barrett Robert is an active retired teacher, and her professional life has been in education as a public school teacher, elementary school principal, college adjunct professor, state education consultant, and substitute teacher during covid years an online teacher.

Joan graduated from Oklahoma College of Liberal Arts with a Bachelor of Science in Education. She then earned her Master’s degree, M.S.E. in Middle-Level Education, Honors Graduate, from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville and a PhD (A.B.D.) in Curriculum and Instruction and Rural Studies from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

As a poet who has published in over thirty publications and is currently working on her book, she lives in Bella Vista, AR, on beautiful Lake Ann with her husband and their two Cocker Spaniels, Sweetie Pie and Ginger Bread.

Bianca Hopkins | University of Science & Arts of Oklahoma, Class of 2018 Bianca Hopkins, earned her BBA in Management with a minor in Liberal Arts from USAO in 2018 and an MBA from the University of Central Oklahoma in 2020. She is a dedicated education professional currently serving as a Financial Aid Specialist at Moore Norman Technology Center. With a strong background in financial aid administration, policy development, and student advocacy, she brings strategic insight and a passion for equity in education. Bianca is an active member of professional organizations including OASFAA, NASFAA, and OKACTE, and is committed to inclusive practices and community engagement. As a bilingual leader and proud alumna, she is eager to give back to USAO by supporting student success and strengthening alumni connections.

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.

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.

Beth Powell-Wehling | University of Science & Arts of Oklahoma, 2015

Beth Powell-Wehling graduated from USAO in 2015, double majoring in History and American Indian Studies. She then went on to earn a Master of Science in Educational Technology from Oklahoma State University. She presently serves as the Executive Director of Educational Technology at Epic Charter Schools, a statewide school serving approximately 30,000 Oklahoma students in a blended learning environment. She currently leads an innovative EdTech team and has won multiple awards including Epic’s Administrator of the Year and an Excellence in Innovation award from PowerSchool. 

She loves spending time with her husband, Chris, son, Garrett and two dogs. Her hobbies include sailing, scuba diving, graphic design, and watching all things Star Wars.

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.

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.

Jana Ware | University of Science & Arts of Oklahoma, Class of 2004 

Jana is a 2004 USAO graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and minors in Liberal Arts and Criminal Justice. She currently serves as USAO’s Testing & Assessment Coordinator and has held previous roles in Admissions and Human Resources, earning the title of Employee of the Year in 2024. Jana is actively involved in campus and community service, serving on multiple university committees and volunteering with Altrusa and her local church. Her professional background in data analysis, student engagement, and administrative leadership make her an asset to the Alumni Board. Jana is passionate about strengthening alumni connections, supporting student initiatives, and helping USAO thrive through strategic outreach and fundraising.