2022 Spring Graduate Spotlight

Kazden Ammons

Bachelor of Science in Accounting
Colorado Springs, CO
How did you grow most during your time at OKWU? What’s a favorite memory of your time at OKWU? I grew most during my time at OKWU in relationship with God and classmates. With God I grew in understanding that he loves me just because and not because I earn it. With classmates I learned that all meaningful change comes through relationships. I made great friends, a couple of enemies and married the most amazing woman.

Emily Balcom

Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Poway, CA
What advice would you give future OKWU students? Academics are important, but so are you! Go to events on campus, join intramural sports, get involved. OKWU has a great community you just need to meet them halfway.

Jacob Burwell

Bachelor of Science in Pastoral Ministry
Spring, TX
What was a favorite class you took at OKWU and why? What experience are you most grateful for at OKWU? One of my favorite classes I took at OKWU was Pentateuch, taught by Professor Ensor. He pushed my knowledge of the Pentateuch so much further and helped provide greater knowledge to books like Deuteronomy and Leviticus, which are still pretty boring. The experience I am most grateful for is the experience of playing college baseball and growing in my knowledge of the Bible through my classes I took here.

Theresa Bybee

Bachelor of Science in Psychology
Billings, MT
How did you grow most during your time at OKWU? What’s a favorite memory of your time at OKWU? I decided two years ago to step back into the college scene to pursue my degree in psychology. I went from being a stay-at-home, homeschooling mom to a small business owner and full-time student. These last two years have been crazy, but I have enjoyed school immensely. I will be immediately pursuing my masters in hopes of running my own wellness center someday! I am the proud mother of 7 children, 1 grandson, and a son-in-law.

Sofia Cardenas

Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science – Pre Therapy
Covina, CA
What was a favorite class you took at OKWU and why? What experience are you most grateful for at OKWU? My favorite class at OKWU was physics because of Dr. Turner. He was such an amazing professor and guide in life as well as school. I am most grateful for the opportunity to meet amazing friends and people who have made an impact on my life.

Penny Caruthers

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
Bartlesville, OK
What was a favorite class you took at OKWU and why? What experience are you most grateful for at OKWU? My favorite classes were Business Law and Negotiation Strategies. Both classes proved beneficial to my career. I honestly enjoyed all of my classes, even music appreciation where I had to write a song and SING it in front of the class. 

I am grateful for the adjunct professors who took time away from their careers and personal life to help us as working adults reach our education goals.

Jon-Calvin Chance

Master of Science in Strategic Leadership
Oklahoma City, OK
What advice would you give future OKWU students? Academics are important, but so are you! Go to events on campus, join intramural sports, get involved. OKWU has a great community you just need to meet them halfway.

Codey Cooper

Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Sallisaw, OK
How did you grow most during your time at OKWU? What’s a favorite memory of your time at OKWU? While I was at OKWU I grew most in my ability to communicate effectively and manage my time efficiently. My favorite memories at OKWU are from bonding with my wrestling team and my fellow nursing students.

Jazmine Cooper

Bachelor of Arts in Digital Media – Marketing
Des Moines, IA
What was a favorite class you took at OKWU and why? What experience are you most grateful for at OKWU? I am so grateful for the professors that I have been in class with. The Communications department, Professor Hewitt and Professor Chisum, are so passionate about their subjects and their students. They have not only invested in my education, but in my life as well. I am most grateful for them and for the care that they have put in to making my college experience the best that it can be. Our classes range from 30 to 3 students, so there is always great conversation! They are just awesome, and any class with them is one that will stick with me!

Sarah Davis

Bachelor of Arts in Digital Media – Marketing
Tulsa, OK
What was a favorite class you took at OKWU and why? What experience are you most grateful for at OKWU? One of my favorite classes that I took during my time at OKWU was actually the “Introduction to Photography” class during my freshman year. If I had not taken that elective, I would not have had the encouragement and courage to pursue my dream career! I am most grateful for the experience of growth here at OKWU. I am a much different person today than I was four years ago and I am grateful to OKWU for guiding me on that journey!

Morgan Deck

Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education Mathematics
Topeka, KS
What was a favorite class you took at OKWU and why? What experience are you most grateful for at OKWU? I absolutely loved Modern Geometry with Dr. Beverly Hartter. Dr. Hartter is my advisor, and I could not have gone throughout the years without this wonderful lady in my life. I greatly appreciate all she has done for me. I will never be able to thank her enough. It will be sad to see her leave, but I know the Lord has something much greater for her.

I am grateful for everyone I met at OKWU. I met my best friend and fiancé here. I also met some of my closest friends on this campus and I will forever be grateful. I will remember OKWU as home for the last four years. Here is where I found my career, I got closer to Jesus, and I met my forever friends. Thank you, OKWU, for everything you have done for me in the last four years.

Kendrie Escoe

Bachelor of Science in Psychology 
Bethany, OK
How did you grow most during your time at OKWU? What’s a favorite memory of your time at OKWU? My growth at OKWU is something that I will always be grateful for and will hold special in my heart for the rest of my life. Not only did I grow through personal endeavors, but I also grew to become the most faithful and informed Christian version of myself that I have ever been. I experienced and learned the Word of God on a daily basis and was given an abundant amount of opportunities and resources to strengthen my relationship with Christ. I have never been this confident as a Christian and as I enter the “big scary adult world”, I will do so with faith grounded in the Lord and a calling to serve Him in all ways possible.

Caitlyn Eubank

Bachelor of Science in Nursing 
Barnsdall, OK
What was a favorite class you took at OKWU and why? What experience are you most grateful for at OKWU? Any class nursing-related, I loved expanding my knowledge for my future career! I cannot think of a specific experience, but I am most thankful to meet so many amazing people during my time at OKWU.

Arika (Fielding) Thomas

Bachelor of Science in Business Communication 
Ramona, OK
What was a favorite class you took at OKWU and why? What experience are you most grateful for at OKWU? One of my favorite classes I took at OKWU was EQ2.0 with Professor Lynn. In that class, I was able to learn more about my emotional intelligence and my personality through the different self-assessment tests that we took. The class allowed each student to become better acquainted with their classmates, so I ended up making many new friends and learning how to interact with others who have vastly different personalities than I do.

An experience that I am most grateful for at OKWU was serving on the leadership team as a Student Mentor. I enjoyed meeting and mentoring new students, planning fun school events, growing closer with my teams, and ultimately growing closer to Christ. Becoming a Student Mentor was an experience that I will always look fondly towards, and I will always be thankful for that opportunity!

Kennedy Girox

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration 
Tari, Papua New Guinea
How did you grow most during your time at OKWU? What’s a favorite memory of your time at OKWU? I was able to grow professionally and maintain my spirituality.

Jessica Gutierrez

Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Burlington, KY
What was a favorite class you took at OKWU and why? What experience are you most grateful for at OKWU? My favorite class I took at OKWU was definitely Nursing Care of the Childbearing Family. This class challenged me academically and pointed me in the direction of my future nursing career. I am most grateful for all of the support from my OKWU professors.

James “Mason” Hadley

Bachelor of Science in Accounting 
Bethany, OK
How did you grow most during your time at OKWU? What’s a favorite memory of your time at OKWU? I grew most in being able to have good time management. A favorite memory is when Chapman bathrooms flooded, and it was -20 degrees outside.

Kena Haley

Bachelor of Science in Nursing 
Owasso, OK
What advice would you give future OKWU students? My advice to future OKWU students is to go to events and be a part of the activities. You can meet so many people and may discover something new you enjoy!

Kayla Harbaugh

Bachelor of Science in Accounting 
Pratt, KS
How did you grow most during your time at OKWU? What’s a favorite memory of your time at OKWU? I grew most by leaning into the challenging opportunities presented to me. It sometimes seemed impossible to balance every aspect of life including nutrients, hydration, and rest in terms of spiritual, emotional, and physical health. Surrounding myself with encouraging and honest friends was one of the best decisions I made intentionally. Most of my best memories took place in the business office or on dirt roads with no traffic to watch the stars or the sunrises.

Kaleb Haskell

Bachelor of Science in Pastoral Ministry: Youth 
Cedar Rapids, IA
What advice would you give future OKWU students? Your experience at OKWU is what you make of it. Meet new people, try new things, and don’t skip class.

Nia Hill

Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science – Pre Therapy
Lafayette, LA
What was a favorite class you took at OKWU and why? What experience are you most grateful for at OKWU? My favorite class that I took at OKWU has to be physics with Dr. T because of his effective teaching method and, of course, free coffee on review days. The one experience I am most grateful for at OKWU is the opportunity to meet and get to know individuals of different backgrounds and cultures.

Peyton Holland

Bachelor of Science in Business Communication
Bartlesville, OK
What was a favorite class you took at OKWU and why? What experience are you most grateful for at OKWU? I had a lot of great classes, but one of my absolute favorites was History of Christianity. I love history and theology, so to delve into the Early Church Fathers, The Councils, and other such events, I felt right at home.

It’s hard to pinpoint a single experience that I’m most grateful for. If I had to choose, I think it would be the relationships I was able to build with my fellow classmates and the professors. I spent most of my time in the School of Business, so I can safely say that all of the professors in the Keating Building made me feel genuinely cared about.

Logan Ivy

Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science – Strength & Conditioning
Ponder, TX
How did you grow most during your time at OKWU? What’s a favorite memory of your time at OKWU? During these three years, I grew so much. I grew as a person, and I grew in my relationship with God. One of my favorite memories from my time at OKWU was meeting some of my lifelong friends.

Heather Kohout

Bachelor of Science in Psychology
Walters, OK
What was a favorite class you took at OKWU and why? What experience are you most grateful for at OKWU? I really enjoyed psychology classes with Dr. Bell, he always has a challenging thought to push you beyond your own understanding.
Although I did not attend OKWU on campus, I am grateful of the example of Christ seen throughout the university. The staff and administration really care about each student and that can be felt even from miles away.

Rachel Lamb

Bachelor of Science in Accounting
Durant, OK
What was a favorite class you took at OKWU and why? What experience are you most grateful for at OKWU? My favorite class that I have taken at OKWU would have to be forensic accounting because the things we learned in there seemed like we were doing undercover accounting.

The experience that I am the most grateful for would be learning how to live away from home and in turn growing as a person.

Debra Moore

Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
Coweta, OK
How did you grow most during your time at OKWU? What’s a favorite memory of your time at OKWU? OKWU has been an absolute blessing. I have grown spiritually, mentally, and academically. My freshman year I came in as an upset, discouraged, and angry person. OKWU brought me close friends, a community, a church family, and even brought me closer to my family. I found myself at OKWU, I found my identity in Christ, and found the people who I know will be with me for the rest of my life. I am now leaving OKWU as a strong, excited, thankful, joyful woman of God. I have so many amazing memories I cannot possibly pick one. I have loved every second of working in the library. I will cherish every conversation I have had with my supervisor. I cried, laughed, yelled, and had so many conversations with my supervisor in her office. I sat in the feelings chair so much and I will miss that chair. I will cherish every memory I have had with my three best friends. Taralynn, Summer, and Rebekah (my roommate) I love you guys!

Joseph Pena

Bachelor of Science in Pastoral Ministry
Dallas, TX
What advice would you give future OKWU students? Get to know your professors. I have learned so many life lessons from my professors that I will be able to use in the future. I have grown close with each of my ministry professors, and they have invested so much time outside of the classroom to pour into me. I have had countless meals with them, and it is amazing that they see me not as a number but as a student they get to invest in.

Dailen Presgrove

Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education: Social Studies 
Comanche, OK
What advice would you give future OKWU students? “I am a man of fortune and must seek my fortune,” uttered the notorious Henry Avery. Strive for success, grasp at knowledge, cling to improvement, and cringe at settling. As children of God, you are blessed with a gift. Do not stagnate. But, give all earnings to the Father.

Marcus Randall

Master of Business Administration 
Carrollton, TX
What was a favorite class you took at OKWU and why? What experience are you most grateful for at OKWU? My favorite class in the MBA program was Strategic Management. This class allowed me to showcase all the concepts I learned in the program. Upon completion of this class, I was filled with pride as I reflected on my academic progress. Through this class, I learned that hard work will always be rewarded in the long term.

Addyson Redd

Bachelor of Science in Marketing
Waxahachie, TX
How did you grow most during your time at OKWU? What’s a favorite memory of your time at OKWU? I grew most in my Faith during my time at OKWU. I am grateful to have been a part of the Business School where the professors truly cared about us inside and outside of the classroom and poured into us spiritually and emotionally. Everyone here at OKWU has demonstrated the true love of Jesus in my life and I am blessed to have been a part of this experience. 

My favorite memory is meeting some of my best friends here. Especially when you’re going through a rough time, Jesus brings people into your life to lift you up and bring you to Him. That is just one example of God being so good to me during my time at OKWU.

Ryan Rodgers

Bachelor of Science in Business
Springfield, MO
How did you grow most during your time at OKWU? What’s a favorite memory of your time at OKWU? I grew most at OKWU professionally and spiritually. The business professors at OKWU not only helped me grow by providing real-world examples and lessons to take into my career, but also instilled the importance of being a strong Christian in the business world. The professors take time to make sure that each student feels valued and prepared to enter their career. My favorite memory is meeting my fiancé at an 80’s skate night event.

Kim Romo

Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Bartlesville, OK
What advice would you give future OKWU students? It is never too late to accomplish your dreams!
As a full-time nurse and a mom of two young children, with God first, I learned YOU can do anything you put your mind to!

Aaron Sevigny

Bachelor of Science in Ministry and Leadership
Phoenix, AZ
What advice would you give future OKWU students? You CAN do it! I am a father of two who works full time at a church as a worship pastor. It might feel scary looking at the mountain but once you get started, OKWU equips you with everything you need to succeed.

Krystopher Smith

Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science – Pre Therapy
Columbus, KS
What was a favorite class you took at OKWU and why? What experience are you most grateful for at OKWU? My favorite class while at OKWU was my internship with Excel Therapy. I was able to meet some great people all while learning from some of the best therapists around. This experience has helped me realize that becoming a physical therapist is something I want to do for the rest of my life.

Mackenzie Smith

Bachelor of Science in Business Management and Leadership
Houston, TX
How did you grow most during your time at OKWU? What’s a favorite memory of your time at OKWU? OKWU has blessed me with spiritual growth by providing like-minded friends, professors and coaches that challenged my way of thinking and nurtured my faith. One of my favorite memories from OKWU involves taking late night drives with friends and making runs to QT.

Summer Smith

Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education – English
Grandview, MO
What was a favorite class you took at OKWU and why? What experience are you most grateful for at OKWU? My favorite class was Lewis Fellowship! To sum it up, Lewis Fellowship is a class for students who love deep questions and dialogue! I enjoyed listening to my classmates’ perspectives on the discussion questions. In fact, everyone is encouraged to share their thoughts. Students from all sorts of majors and sports join Lewis; that’s what made the class so special to me. We meet and listen to various OKWU professors talk about how their disciplines connect to our Four Pillars. From there, we analyze concepts and questions through a number of worldviews, ultimately landing on the Biblical worldview. The cherry on top is that I laughed a bunch in that class. This class developed me as a growing critical thinker and an intentional listener. If a low-pressure and active class is your cup of tea, then you gotta join Lewis.

During my time at OKWU, I was able to travel and serve others with my friends and mentors. I toured with the OKWU choir through multiple states; I served in a pastors’ retreat in Florida, and I witnessed the behind-the-scenes of church planting in Texas. Again, I experienced all this with my friends and mentors. Forming life-long friendships at OKWU is what I am most grateful for. Yes, I made friends with my peers, but I realize that my mentors and professors–those who have admonished, counseled, and uplifted me for the past four years– have become my friends as well. OKWU has recruited some amazing, godly folk. These friends of mine have consistently reached out and prayed for me. They fed me, laughed with me, and got to know me. They’ve seen me at my highest and lowest points during each semester. They see the best in me, yet they care enough to point out what I can improve on. All this they did for me, and all this they will gladly do for you. I praise God for the people I have met and grown with at OWKU.

Alison Theis

Bachelor of Arts in Music Business
Huron, SD
What was a favorite class you took at OKWU and why? What experience are you most grateful for at OKWU? My favorite class was easily the very first one that I had ever had with Professor (soon to be Dr.) Julie Hufstetler, in the Spring of 2020. When I was in fifth grade, my aspirations were to become a successful wife, and mother, with a job teaching history at the high school, or collegiate level. Throughout the course of the class, Prof. Hufstetler, and I quickly connected over our mutual love of history. When COVID hit, she sent me a very sweet message (which I still have a screenshot of) that expressed how much she had enjoyed having another female history nerd on campus, as we are few and far between. It was that same week that I changed my minor from Writing and Editing, to a minor in US History. It was also the week that fifth-grade me realized that I had met my hero- a successful wife and mother, who also happens to be a Professor of History. It is not often that people get to meet their heroes, let alone get to study under them. I will always thank God for that experience, and for the chance to meet such an amazing role model.

My parents are both alumni, and always told me various stories of their college days when I was a child. One of the things that they always concluded their stories with, was this idea that if they were to call any one of the people from their stories with a problem or a need, said person would do everything in their power to help, no questions asked. I always craved that kind of friendship, and relationship with people. It wasn’t until I got to college that all of those stories made sense. I did not come to college, and make friends. I came to college, and made family. There is only one place where that kind of connection can happen, and that is Oklahoma Wesleyan University.

Shelly Thompson

Master of Education
Mounds, OK
What was a favorite class you took at OKWU and why? What experience are you most grateful for at OKWU? My favorite course at OKWU was Human Resource Leadership. I enjoyed this course the most because it tapped into my gifts and talents and challenged me to reach beyond that and grow as an individual. I love helping people achieve their fullest potential and the class reminded me that it is possible in all working environments to help people succeed and move past any boundaries they feel are present or they set for themselves.

Hannah Van Kuiken

Bachelor of Arts in English
Bartlesville, OK
How did you grow most during your time at OKWU? What’s a favorite memory of your time at OKWU? What I learned is that when life hits you hard, you can’t wallow in your dark abyss. You need to pray, get up, and keep moving on. My favorite memories happened at Dr. Fisher’s house during Lewis dinners.

Alex Vidizzoni

Bachelor of Science in Business Management and Leadership
Codroipo, Italy
How did you grow most during your time at OKWU? What’s a favorite memory of your time at OKWU? Being far away from family and friends helped me to be more responsible about my actions. OKWU helped me to grow spiritually and it has helped me to build stronger relationships.

Karlye Wagner

Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Claremore, OK
What was a favorite class you took at OKWU and why? What experience are you most grateful for at OKWU? My favorite classes I took at OKWU were Professor Mangimela classes! She taught most of my major classes and she absolutely made the experience a million times better! Not only did we learn and grow as students, but as young adults as well. I am so grateful for the nursing professors at OKWU and the support that they provided us as students. Going through some of the toughest learning portions of our lives, and adding on normal life stressors was a lot, but the nursing professors advocated for our safety and mental health. They were supportive, caring, and loved each and every one of us. They prayed for us continuously, and always made sure that we knew that they were available for any type of assistance.

Reagan Willmon

Bachelor of Science in Psychology
Houston, TX
What was a favorite class you took at OKWU and why? What experience are you most grateful for at OKWU? My favorite class was Abnormal Behavior with Dr. Vieux. Through this class I was able to learn of my love for attachment theory, and through this new knowledge, I now know more about the trauma of displaced children.