Oklahoma Educators and History of Education
Hear and learn from the oral histories of Oklahoma teachers, superintendents, and other educators and how their work affected education in our state.
Learn From These Influential Oklahomans
Ada Lois Sipuel Fisher
Civil Rights ActivistHer son, Bruce, tells the story of his pioneering mother who became the first African-American to attend OU's law school.
Angie Debo
Teacher, Historian, and AuthorThe words on her gravestone sum up her life: "Historian, discover the truth and publish it."
David L. Boren
PoliticianThe first person in state history to hold office as governor, U.S. Senator, and President of the University of Oklahoma.
Dean VanTrease
Tulsa Community CollegeOver three decades of leadership at Tulsa Community College brought access to public education and national recognition.
Dr. Ben G. Henneke
Professor and President, TUUnder his outstanding leadership, The University of Tulsa accomplished a long list of milestones.
Dr. Bruce Howell
Superintendent, Tulsa Public SchoolsUpon retiring from 42 years as an innovative educator, he took up the role of historian for Northeast Oklahoma.
Dr. Clarence G. Oliver
Educator, Journalist, and Army OfficerSuccessful journalist, Army officer, and educator -- including 30 years as an administrator for Broken Arrow Public Schools.
Frosty Troy
Journalist and EditorMember of the Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Fame and nationally-acclaimed advocate for public education.
George Henderson
University of OklahomaActivist, author, and educator; Henderson made an impression amidst cultural diversity.
James L. Gallogly
President of OUThe first Fortune 500 CEO to be appointed President of the University of Oklahoma.
Jeannie McDaniel
Former Oklahoma CongresswomanDedicated more than 25 years to bettering her city and state, while also becoming an accomplished distance runner.
Jenny Brouse
Business Owner / Community LeaderFrom Russian to Tulsa. Jenny and her son, Brian, tell the family's immigration story.
Joyce Henderson
Educator and Civil Rights ActivistAs a child of the civil rights era, her mentor, Clara Luper, taught her to stand up for equality.
Keith Ballard
Superintendent, Tulsa Public SchoolsGrace, class, and dignity -- those are three qualities this dedicated educator strives for each day as he battles ALS.
Ken Neal
Journalist and EditorFrom copy boy to Tulsa World senior editor and 1991 inductee into the Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Fame.
Loretta Young Jackson
Community LeaderLorettea holds many honors, but her greatest work lies in the discovery and restoration of the Verden Separate School.
Marina Metevelis
Rosie the Riveter / TCC EducatorA true blue "Rosie the Riveter" and promoter and preserver of Tulsa history, including its famous tunnels.
Mollie Williford
Community Leader, Philanthropist, Education Advocate, VolunteerMollie 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
Community ActivistShe leads a life of community activism that supports education and civil rights.
Robert Henry
JudgeA life in pursuit of justice -- Robert has served the law as a judge, lawyer, and educator.
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