Oklahoma Educators and History of Education

Ada Lois Sipuel Fisher

Her son, Bruce, tells the story of his pioneering mother who became the first African-American to attend OU's law school.

Angie Debo

The words on her gravestone sum up her life: "Historian, discover the truth and publish it."

David L. Boren

The first person in state history to hold office as governor, U.S. Senator, and President of the University of Oklahoma.

Dean VanTrease

Over three decades of leadership at Tulsa Community College brought access to public education and national recognition.

Dr. Ben G. Henneke

Under his outstanding leadership, The University of Tulsa accomplished a long list of milestones.

Dr. Bruce Howell

Upon retiring from 42 years as an innovative educator, he took up the role of historian for Northeast Oklahoma.

Dr. Clarence G. Oliver

Successful journalist, Army officer, and educator -- including 30 years as an administrator for Broken Arrow Public Schools.

Frosty Troy

Member of the Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Fame and nationally-acclaimed advocate for public education.

George Henderson

Activist, author, and educator; Henderson made an impression amidst cultural diversity.

James L. Gallogly

The first Fortune 500 CEO to be appointed President of the University of Oklahoma.

Jeannie McDaniel

Dedicated more than 25 years to bettering her city and state, while also becoming an accomplished distance runner.

Jenny Brouse

From Russian to Tulsa. Jenny and her son, Brian, tell the family's immigration story.

John Brock

John Brock, a successful engineer, oil entrepreneur, education advocate, Korean War veteran, author, and Tulsa community leader, shares his wisdom and his fundamental rules for living a prosperous life.

Joyce Henderson

As a child of the civil rights era, her mentor, Clara Luper, taught her to stand up for equality.

Keith Ballard

Grace, class, and dignity -- those are three qualities this dedicated educator strives for each day as he battles ALS.

Ken Neal

From copy boy to Tulsa World senior editor and 1991 inductee into the Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Fame.

Loretta Young Jackson

Lorettea holds many honors, but her greatest work lies in the discovery and restoration of the Verden Separate School.

Marina Metevelis

A true blue "Rosie the Riveter" and promoter and preserver of Tulsa history, including its famous tunnels.

Mollie Williford

Mollie Williford, wife of Williford Energy's Richard Williford, selflessly served Tulsa as a lifelong community leader, tireless volunteer, and fierce advocate for education.

Nancy McDonald

She leads a life of community activism that supports education and civil rights.

Pat Woodrum

After serving as the executive director of the Tulsa City-County Library system for 32 years, Pat Woodrum helped found Tulsa’s Day Center for the Homeless, co-founded the Tulsa Botanic Garden, authored several cookbooks, and was the first woman in 100 years to sit on the lay board of Trinity Episcopal Parish.

Robert Henry

A life in pursuit of justice -- Robert has served the law as a judge, lawyer, and educator.