The purpose of the USAO Foundation is to support the mission of the University of Science & Arts of Oklahoma.
Chair - Chickasha, OK
Johnny Trammell attended the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma from 1974 to 1976, pursuing a degree in Business Administration and Management. Although life took him in a different direction before completing his studies, Johnny has built a remarkable career and life centered around fitness, community service, and creativity.
For the past 22 years, Johnny has been a dedicated yoga instructor, promoting health and wellness as a way of life. His background in construction and his passion for photography, long-distance bicycling, and camping enrich his well-rounded approach to life.
A committed community leader, Johnny has served as the Director of the Chickasha Area
Arts Council (CAAC), completed the Leadership Chickasha program, and sits on the board
for the Rock Island Bike Ride. Johnny continues to give back to his community alongside
his wife, Debbie.
First Vice Chair - Chickasha, OK
Corbin Lee is a Chickasha native and Chickasha High School graduate. After attending USAO, he completed his degree at the University of Oklahoma. Corbin is currently the Director of the YMCA in Chickasha, where he has served for 10+ years. He lives in Chickasha with his wife, a Nurse Practitioner, and their two children.
Second Vice Chair - Chickasha, OK
Erica has lived in Grady County all her life and graduated from Amber-Pocasset High School before earning a PLC scholarship to USAO. She and her husband operated Alexander Eats in Chickasha, where they supported USAO’s baseball and softball teams through hosting and mentoring. She is a dedicated member of various boards and councils, including the Chamber of Commerce, Chickasha Public School Foundation, Festival of Light, and Chickasha YMCA, demonstrating her commitment to making a positive impact in her community. She takes great pride in the strong family unit she and her husband have cultivated, all while actively contributing to the betterment of Chickasha through her role on the City Council. An honors graduate of Leadership Chickasha and a proud alumnus of The University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma, Erica's dedication to personal and professional growth shines through. Erica is currently an Account Representative at Team Standley.
Secretary/Treasurer - Nichols Hills, OK
Mari earned a Master of Education in Guidance & Counseling (M.Ed.) in 1974 from the University of Oklahoma. This was followed by a Doctorate in Psychology (PhD) in 1976 from Ohio State University. Mari joined the USAO faculty in 1976, drawn by its innovative liberal education approach and IDS program. After serving on the faculty for eleven years, a medical issue required her resignation. She has been a dedicated supporter of USAO, serving seven years on the USAO Foundation Board, including a term as Board Chair. She served on the Foundation Board of Oklahoma City Community College and completed five years on its Executive Committee.
Ex-Officio Member
Eugene Earsom graduated from OCLA in 1970 with a degree in political science. Eugene retired in 2015 after 42 years in public education, most recently as program director for Oklahoma Alliance for Geographic Education, and previously as the social studies director at the Oklahoma State Department of Education and as a classroom teacher for 20 years. He was named Oklahoma Teacher of the Year in 1989-90. He was inducted into the USAOAA Hall of Fame in 2010.
In addition to his degree from OCLA, Earsom holds a master’s in social sciences from the University of Oklahoma. He currently serves on the boards of directors of Friends of Libraries in Oklahoma, Oklahoma Alliance for Geographic Education, Oklahoma Educators Hall of Fame, and New Hope Christian Church, Oklahoma City. He also serves on the Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence selection committee and the Black Heritage and Multicultural Program Committees of the Oklahoma Historical Society. Earsom has served as a member of the USAO Alumni Association Board of Directors multiple times since the 1970s, but his most recent term has been from 2021-2023.
Member at Large - Oklahoma City, OK
A 2014 graduate of USAO, Chris has been actively involved with the university since, serving on the USAO Alumni Association Board and working in the Advancement office. Currently, Chris is the Director of National Philanthropy for Genesys Works, with prior fundraising experience at Oklahoma City Community College and the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. Living in Oklahoma City, he remains connected to Chickasha and is enthusiastic about supporting USAO’s role in Oklahoma's higher education system. With a focus on fundraising, Chris is committed to advocating for and investing in USAO, including establishing an endowed scholarship with the Foundation.
Immediate Past Chair - Norman, OK
Don Holladay is a retired attorney and former trial lawyer with a focus on constitutional litigation. He earned a Juris Doctorate (JD) in 1969 from the University of Oklahoma. He served as lead counsel in the federal case that successfully challenged Oklahoma’s ban on same-sex marriage. Don taught at the University of Oklahoma College of Law for over 30 years and is a past co-recipient of the Oklahoma Bar Association’s Courageous Lawyer Award. He and his wife Kay live in Norman.
Moore, OK
Milton is a senior pastor and active community member in Chickasha. He has a Master's Educational Leadership (M.Ed.) degree from Southeastern Oklahoma State University. Employed as the Curriculum and Instruction Coordinator for Chickasha Public Schools, he brings valuable experience from both secondary and post-secondary education. He is committed to supporting USAO and contributing to its growth and development.
Tulsa, OK
Stan is a USAO graduate from the class of 2002, where he was a standout member of the Men’s Basketball Team and earned degrees in Biology and Chemistry. He is now an inpatient hospitalist at the Jack C. Montgomery VA Medical Center in Muskogee, OK, and instructs medical students and residents. Inducted into the USAO Alumni Hall of Fame, he is committed to supporting his alma mater and fostering alumni engagement. Based in Tulsa, he remains connected to Chickasha and is enthusiastic about contributing to the USAO Foundation.
Norman, OK
Chris Allen is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of the University of Oklahoma, where he earned a degree in letters and later an M.A. in 1976 and Ph.D. in 1982 in English. He served as a U.S. Air Force officer during the Vietnam War era and spent over 30 years working in the oil and gas industry, primarily with Devon Energy and Chesapeake Energy. Throughout his career, Chris also taught literature courses at Oklahoma City University and the University of Oklahoma. Since retiring, he has continued to teach at the University of Oklahoma and offers adult education courses at the Oklahoma Center for Continuing Education. Chris lives in Norman, Oklahoma, with his wife.
Norman, OK
Chris Jeffries, a Chickasha native, earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from USAO and an MBA from the University of Oklahoma. With experience in sales management, academic advising, and as Director of Diversity and Inclusion at the University of Oklahoma, Chris brings a strong background in education and leadership to the USAO Foundation Board of Trustees. Currently, he is a business instructor at Norman High School, where he is committed to mentoring the next generation.
Blanchard, OK
Tim is a Commercial Lender at Arvest Bank in Chickasha, where he has worked since 2020, with over 20 years of experience in banking. A 1997 USAO graduate with a BS in Economics and a minor in Mathematics, he also serves on the Chickasha Emergency Food Pantry Board and as an Ambassador for the Chickasha Chamber of Commerce. He and his wife have a blended family with four children.
Chickasha, OK
Blanchard, OK
Richard is a veteran educator, entrepreneur, and community leader with deep roots in Chickasha. After growing up in Fort Worth, Texas, and running his own printing business, he earned degrees from Decatur Baptist College and North Texas State University. He served in the Air Force Reserve, taught at various institutions including North Carolina State University, and developed nationwide drug abuse response programs. In Oklahoma, he spearheaded initiatives at OSU, founded and managed several businesses, and contributed to community organizations. Now based in Chickasha, he operates Always Real Estate Services and is enthusiastic about supporting USAO through the Foundation Board, bringing a wealth of experience and dedication to his role.
Chickasha, OK
Karol Jean Vananda, born in Escondido, California, has cultivated a rich tapestry of experiences since relocating to Oklahoma at the age of four. Growing up on a small family farm in Rush Springs, she developed a deep appreciation for community and service, values that have guided her throughout her life. After completing her education in Rush Springs, Karol briefly attended the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (USAO), where she began to hone her passion for writing.
A prolific poet, Karol has made her mark in the literary world, with 18 published works in various poetry publications between the ages of 14 and 21. Her early contributions reflect a profound understanding of the human experience, showcasing her ability to connect with readers through evocative language and imagery.
In addition to her literary pursuits, Karol has dedicated eight years to the Grady County Sheriff's Department's Backpack for Kids program, providing essential meals to as many as 1,000 children during the Christmas season. This commitment to community service exemplifies her unwavering dedication to improving the lives of those around her.
In 2023, Karol graduated from the Chickasha Leadership program, further enhancing her leadership skills. She also completed the Chickasha Fire First Citizens' Fire Academy, demonstrating her commitment to public safety and community involvement. Currently, she serves as a trustee for The USAO Foundation Board, where she continues to advocate for educational opportunities and support for future generations.
As a proud mother of four and grandmother of nine, Karol Jean Vananda embodies the spirit of resilience and service, leaving an indelible mark on her community through her artistic contributions and philanthropic efforts.
Chickasha, OK
Isabellah Willoughby is a proud 2023 graduate of the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma, where she studied Political Science, Business Administration, and Music. During her time at USAO, she demonstrated exceptional leadership, receiving the prestigious Minerva Awards for Gold Leadership Academy, as well as the Freshman, Sophomore, and Junior Leadership Awards.
Currently, Isabellah serves as the Corps Mission Associate for The Salvation Army, where she continues her commitment to service and community.