FACULTY/STAFF

’12

Kyle Evans (BA ’08) has been selected for induction into the NCAA Division II Wrestling Hall of Fame. He will be the 14th UCO member to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. Evans is one of the best wrestlers in school history, earning four-time All-American and two national championships for the Bronchos. He later went on to be Central’s assistant wrestling coach from 2013-17.

’08

Sarah West (BAEd ’12) was promoted to assistant vice president in the Solution Center with FNB Community Bank, working with all departments of the bank. West joined the bank in 2014 as a customer service representative and has worked her way up in the company.

’13

Sammy Flores (BS ’11) received the 2018 Tayo Fichtl Young Professional of the Year Award from Edmond Young Professionals. The award is given to a young professional who demonstrates leadership, provides valuable service to their business or profession, gives back to their community, exhibits initiative and creativity and serves as a role model for young people, both personally and professionally. Flores graduated from Central with a degree in funeral service and mortuary science. He currently is the manager and funeral director of Crawford Family Funeral Service in Edmond.

’11

Brad Ward (BA ’13, MPA ’17) recently became the director of veteran education at the Oklahoma Department of Veteran Affairs, where he works to provide services to military-connected students in higher education and collaborate with state and university leaders to help them better serve military-connected students. In addition to graduating from Central with both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees, Ward was the UCO Veteran Higher Education Resource Office coordinator, part of Central’s Veteran Student Support Services.

Wayne Lord, Ph.D., professor of biology and forensic science at Central, is one of the winners of the Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence’s 2019 Oklahoma Medal for Excellence Award. The award honors five outstanding educators in Oklahoma’s public schools. Prior to joining Central’s faculty in 2008, Lord worked as an FBI special agent for 21 years.

Nick Bobeck (BS ’04) brought home a postseason victory in the Heart of Texas Bowl against Angelo State University. This is Bobeck’s fourth bowl game appearance and third win since becoming Central’s head football coach in 2012.

’16

Elisabeth Acosta (BA ’16) now is an operations officer at Quail Creek Bank, after being promoted by its board of directors. Acosta has been with the bank since 2006.

’16

Ashley Stuart (BA ’11) was named Mrs. Oklahoma 2018 and went on to place in the Top 15 at Mrs. America 2018 in Las Vegas.

’11

’12

Sean Rose (BS ’12) now serves as the vice president of marketing and communications of Better Business Bureau of Central Oklahoma, after a recent promotion. Rose previously worked

Brittany Willison (BA ’16) recently was promoted to director of communications and marketing for the Edmond Area Chamber of Commerce. In this position, Willison coordinates the chamber’s internal and external communications, marketing efforts and Edmond Young Professionals. After serving UCO in University Communications, Willison joined the Edmond Chamber in June 2018.

Dennis Dunham, Ph.D., executive director of UCO’s Office of Global Affairs, was awarded the Asia Society of Oklahoma Inc.’s Outstanding Civic Leader Award, which recognizes outstanding contributions to further a cultural, civic and business partnership, for a higher quality of life.

Please send Alumni and In Memory notes to UCO, University Communications, 100 North University Drive, Box 198, Edmond, OK 73034, or email ucomm@uco.edu with “Alumni Note” in the subject line.