Oklahoma Baptist University Honors Distinguished Alumni During Harvest Dinner

Oklahoma Baptist University recognized outstanding alumni with special awards during its annual Harvest Dinner on October 2, 2026. The event was held during The Weekend, the University’s annual homecoming celebration, on the OBU campus in Shawnee.

Multiple awards were presented, including the Alumni Achievement Award, Graduate of the Last Decade (GOLD) Award and Profile in Excellence (PIE) Awards.

Alumni Achievement Award

The highest honor bestowed by the OBU Alumni Association, the Alumni Achievement Award is given in recognition of outstanding life service that has brought honor to the University.

This year’s Alumni Achievement Award recipients were Samuel John Garlow, Richard Hendricks and Charles “Chuck” Lawrence.

Samuel John Garlow, ’76

Garlow has spent nearly five decades helping lead one of Oklahoma’s most respected family-owned businesses while serving his community and alma mater with distinction. A 1976 OBU graduate in business administration, Garlow earned an MBA from the University of Oklahoma before beginning a career with Shawnee Milling Company, where he retired as executive vice president.

Throughout his career, he combined business leadership with a deep commitment to community service. He served in leadership roles with the Shawnee YMCA, Shawnee United Way, Shawnee Chamber of Commerce, Gateway to Prevention, the North American Millers Association and the Made in Oklahoma Coalition.

Garlow’s service to OBU has been especially significant. He served on the OBU Board of Trustees, including as chairman, chaired MACK Holdings and continues to support the Paul Dickinson School of Business. A longtime church leader and community volunteer, Garlow exemplifies servant leadership in business, faith and community life.

Richard Hendricks, ’63

Hendricks devoted more than 30 years to Oklahoma education as a teacher, coach and administrator, impacting generations of students through leadership, mentorship and Christian character. A 1963 OBU graduate, Hendricks competed in basketball and baseball while on Bison Hill before beginning a distinguished career in public education.

Over 19 years as a coach, his teams produced multiple All-State athletes and three state tournament appearances. He later served as a school administrator before retiring from education.

Beyond the classroom and athletic fields, Hendricks helped preserve Oklahoma’s rich sports heritage. He was a founder of the Oklahoma High School Baseball Coaches Association and was inducted into its Hall of Fame in 2001. He also helped establish the Oklahoma Sports Museum in Guthrie, which became the state’s largest collection of Oklahoma sports artifacts and was later designated Oklahoma’s official sports museum by the Oklahoma State Legislature. Its extensive collection was donated to the Oklahoma History Center.

He and his wife, Carolyn, have built a legacy reflecting a lifetime dedicated to faith, education, athletics and service.

Charles “Chuck” Lawrence, ’82

Lawrence has built a career defined by professional excellence, servant leadership and steadfast commitment to OBU. A 1982 graduate with a degree in music education, Lawrence has spent much of his professional career with Scott Rice OKC, where he serves as an account executive specializing in furniture sales and client relationships.

Lawrence’s impact extends far beyond his profession. He served nine years on the OBU Alumni Board, helping strengthen connections between the university and its graduates. He has also devoted countless hours to community service through Rebuilding Together, an organization dedicated to repairing homes and improving communities.

A longtime member of First Baptist Church of Norman, Lawrence has served as a deacon and contributed to worship arts, music and technology ministries as well as numerous church leadership committees.

Through his professional success, faithful service and dedication to OBU, Lawrence has consistently invested in people and organizations that strengthen communities across Oklahoma.

Graduate of the Last Decade Award

The Graduate of the Last Decade (GOLD) Award recognizes extraordinary professional and personal achievement within 10 years of graduation.

This year’s GOLD Award recipients were Dr. Lucas J. Adams and Dr. Ashton M. Gores.

Dr. Lucas J. Adams, ’16

Adams has quickly established himself as an emerging leader in academic medicine and biomedical research. A 2016 OBU graduate who earned a degree in chemistry and mathematics, Adams recently completed his MD-Ph.D. in immunology at Washington University in St. Louis.

Currently a resident in the Internal Medicine Physician-Scientist Training Program at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Washington University, Adams combines clinical care with groundbreaking scientific research. He has co-authored 28 publications to date and his achievements include receiving the Alexander Berg Prize, the Spencer T. and Ann W. Olin Medical Science Fellowship and recognition from the Protein Data Bank for significant contributions to molecular science.

In addition to his academic accomplishments, Adams has served in numerous leadership roles supporting medical education, student development and community engagement. He also contributes to initiatives that explore the human impact of medicine and public health.

His career reflects a commitment to scientific discovery, compassionate patient care and the pursuit of knowledge in service to others.

Dr. Ashton M. Gores, ’16

Gores has distinguished herself as a physician, educator and advocate dedicated to improving mental health care and expanding access to treatment. A 2016 OBU graduate with a degree in biology, Gores earned a Master of Public Health from Yale University and a Doctor of Medicine from the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine.

She recently completed psychiatry residency training at Johns Hopkins Hospital, where she served as chief resident in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. She now serves as assistant clinical professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences.

Gores has received numerous honors recognizing excellence in medicine, leadership and public service, including induction into the Gold Humanism Honor Society. She has also contributed to health policy initiatives focused on improving access to affordable health care and addiction treatment services.

Her work reflects a passion for compassionate care, medical education and service to patients and communities.

Profile in Excellence Award

This year’s Profile in Excellence Award recipients include the following OBU alumni:

Noble K. McIntyre, ’92

McIntyre has built one of Oklahoma’s most respected legal practices while demonstrating an extraordinary commitment to community service. A 1992 OBU graduate with degrees in business administration and accounting, McIntyre earned his law degree from the University of Oklahoma College of Law and is founder and president of McIntyre Law.

Recognized among the nation’s top attorneys through repeated selection as a Super Lawyer, McIntyre has received numerous honors for professional excellence and public service, including awards from Oklahoma City University School of Law, Mothers Against Drunk Driving and the Oklahoma Association for Justice.

His impact extends well beyond the courtroom. He founded Lawyers Fighting Hunger, a nonprofit organization that has provided thousands of Thanksgiving meals to families in need across Oklahoma. He also serves on the boards of Oklahoma 4-H and the Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence.

McIntyre exemplifies leadership through professional achievement, generosity and service to others.

Dr. Jessica L. Rimmer, ’04

Rimmer is a nationally respected leadership consultant, educator and executive whose work helps organizations strengthen culture, develop leaders and achieve strategic success. A 2004 OBU graduate with a degree in art, Rimmer earned both a master’s degree and doctorate in educational leadership from the University of Oklahoma.

As chief executive officer of Solomon Strategic Advisors, she works with organizations across the country to improve leadership effectiveness, organizational health and long-term performance. Her expertise has made her a trusted advisor to business, nonprofit and educational leaders.

Rimmer also serves her community through numerous leadership roles. She is vice president of the Folds of Honor Board, co-director of 4Word Oklahoma City and serves on the board of Mid-America Christian University, where she chairs the Academic Affairs Committee.

Through leadership, scholarship and service, Rimmer continues to influence organizations and individuals throughout Oklahoma and beyond.

Ryan John Rudebock, ’10

Rudebock has combined entrepreneurship, community development and civic leadership to make a lasting impact on Oklahoma City. A 2010 OBU graduate with a degree in business management, Rudebock is co-founder of Oklahoma Food Tours, a company that showcases local restaurants while promoting economic development and community engagement.

In addition to his work as an entrepreneur, Rudebock has built a successful career in real estate and community leadership. He has been recognized with the Oklahoma Association of Realtors Good Neighbor Award and is a graduate of Leadership Oklahoma City’s LOYAL program.

His civic involvement includes service on the boards of both the Plaza District and Uptown District, where he has helped support neighborhood revitalization and local business growth. He is also active in Toastmasters and several community organizations.

Rudebock’s career reflects creativity, leadership and a passion for connecting people with the communities they call home.

For more information about the OBU Alumni Association or to nominate a deserving alum for future awards, visit www.okbu.edu/alumni.