Jefferson Keel has worked in public service ever since he joined the Oklahoma Army National Guard as a 16-year-old high school senior who wanted to see the world. And see the world he did, during a distinguished military career that included duty in combat and peacetime in the infantry, the 101st Airborne Division and Army Rangers.
“Today, I am proud to be in service to my own people,” Keel said
Molded by his military training, education and heritage, Keel serves his fellow Chickasaws as lieutenant governor of the Chickasaw Nation in Ada and will be honored as East Central University’s 2008 Distinguished Alumnus during commencement ceremonies on Saturday.
It is the highest honor the university bestows upon former students. Keel will receive the award during ECU’s commencement ceremonies at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. in Kerr Activities Center.
The lieutenant governor will address 721 degree candidates at the ceremonies, including 501 bachelor’s degree candidates and 220 graduate degree candidates who completed degree requirements this semester or will complete requirements this summer.
Most bachelor’s degrees will be conferred during the 10 a.m. ceremony. Master’s degrees and bachelor’s degrees in nursing, elementary education, early childhood education, special education, psychology, social work, counseling and criminal justice will be conferred during the 2 p.m. ceremony.
Area candidates for bachelor’s degrees at East Central University include:
Ardmore — Kenneth Antwine, Jana Barton, April Brown, Charles Cohee, Emily Cook, Jeremy Cumbie, Marcuchio Downing, Sherri Eades, Jastin Flenory, Marian Fuego, Marianni Fuego, Christopher Harris, Christopher Hopper, Keri Humphrey, Camedra Jones, Leah Keller, Calvin Lee, Erin McWaters, Gloria McWaters, ShaQueta Peters. Kendra Pickens, Sherry Pickens, Chloe Price and Charlotte Wittner.
Davis — Sharon Boydston, Scott Nowlin, Sian Phipps and Jama Robertson.
Healdton — Gustavo Bordones Vasquez and Julie Bruner.
Kingston — Tamy Beasley.
Lone Grove — Courtney Price and James Vines.
Madill — Clovis Hamilton and Monica Winford.
Marietta — Michelle McGee, Matthew Scivally and Debra Thompson.
Mill Creek — Crystal Underwood.
Ratliff City — James Smith.
Ringling — Stephanie McCarty, Chelsey Roberts and Jimmy Snodgrass.
