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University Recognizes Employees for 505 Years of Service

April 13, 2017

OBU hosted its 2017 Service Awards Banquet on Thursday, April 13, on OBU's campus in Shawnee. The annual event recognizes employees for milestone years of service as well as retiring faculty and staff. OBU recognized 47 employees for a combined 505 years of service.

Dr. David Whitlock, president of OBU, welcomed attendees. Dr. Heath Thomas, dean of the college of theology and ministry/associate vice president for church relations, led the invocation. The audience was treated to a video tribute to honorees, produced by Justin Hull, video production coordinator. The awards were then presented by Larry Walker, director of campus services; Dr. Stan Norman, provost and executive vice president for campus life; Randy Smith, executive vice president for business and administrative services; Dr. Will Smallwood, senior vice president for advancement and university relations; and Paul Roberts, vice president for information integration and CIO/dean of library.

Dave Gilmore, mechanical/electrical trades supervisor, was honored for 30 years of service.

Dr. Keith Whitmore, assistant professor of music and staff accompanist, was recognized for 25 years of service.

Nine individuals were honored for 20 years of service, including Dr. Jeanne Akin, Mary A. White Chair of Education and professor of teacher education; Julie Blackstone, assistant professor of art; Denise Jett, access services/curriculum librarian; Dr. Bobby Kelly, Ruth Dickinson Chair of Religion and professor of Bible; Mike Manlapig, athletic facilities coordinator/head women’s golf coach; Connie Peters, instructor in English and TESOL; Jonna Raney, director of student financial services; Robin Scarberry, director of grants and prospect research; and Dr. Charles Swadley, associate professor of English and Spanish.

Those honored for 15 years of service include Kevin Armstrong, network systems supervisor; Dr. Canaan Crane, associate professor of psychology/director of MFT graduate program; Dale Griffin, assistant vice president for spiritual life and dean of chapel; Tonya Lane, transcript clerk in the academic center; Dr. Karen Longest, associate professor of psychology; and Forest Pickett, director of advancement systems.

Six individuals were honored for 10 years of service, including David Dollins, carpenter I; Thomas Hall, painter I; Tony Morgan, electrician assistant; Bruce Perkins, associate vice president for enrollment management; Gus Stevenson, painter I; and Ruth Suddock, facilities management staff assistant.

Honorees for five years of service include Song Cho, assistant professor of Spanish; Kym Coe, transfer admissions counselor; Robert Davenport, director of athletics; Dr. Contessa Edgar, assistant professor of biology; Dr. Silas Ezell, assistant professor of English; Steve Floyd, controller; Steve Fluke, assistant athletic director of compliance; David Gardner, program coordinator/intramurals and recreation; Sheri Hays, admissions event coordinator; Mark Heard, assistant track and field coach; Chris Jensen, head football coach, assistant professor of kinesiology and leisure studies; Matt Kennedy, assistant track and field coach; David Kenworthy, assistant professor of theatre and design technician; Dr. Yvonne Mbote, assistant professor of chemistry; Peter McCorkle, tennis coach and instructor of kinesiology and leisure studies; Jason Melot, assistant football coach/defensive coordinator; Jack Moore, director of corporate and foundation relations/assistant to the president; Robert Murimi, programmer/analyst; Dr. Brent Newsom, assistant professor of English; Morgan Robinson, bursar; Jason Spradlin, police Sergeant; Lori Stacy, secretary for the College of Nursing; Phyllis Tipton, assistant professor of education; and Dr. Joy Turner, director of global mobilization.