Hall of Fame

The Oklahoma Higher Education Hall of Fame is sponsored by the Oklahoma Higher Education Heritage Society. In 1994, the 1st annual Oklahoma Higher Education Hall of Fame inducted ten inaugural honorees at the Civic Center Hall of Mirrors in Oklahoma City.

Through the Oklahoma Higher Education Hall of Fame, the Oklahoma Higher Education Heritage Society recognizes outstanding men and women (living and deceased) who have excelled in higher education, and who have encouraged others to contribute to the economic development and quality of life in Oklahoma. The Hall of Fame inducts individuals who have been employed by one or more of Oklahoma's institutions of higher education for ten years or more.

In addition, OHEHS has presented special Awards of Merit to corporations, philanthropists, and other distinguished supporters of Oklahoma higher education. These individuals need not be employed by an institution, but they must have performed outstanding meritorious service beyond financial contributions to higher education in the state.

More than 150 leaders have been inducted into the Oklahoma Higher Education Hall of Fame since 1994.

2009 Inducation Ceremony & Dinner

Congratulations to the 2009 Inductees

  • Dr. Anthony A. Echelle
  • Dr. Floyd Wesley Emanuel
  • Dr. Jerry L. Hargis
  • Helen Muller
  • Dr. (Virginia) Katherine Rader
  • Dr. Gary D. Schnell
  • Dr. John T. Snow
  • Dr. William Tabbernee

The Special Award of Merit for Philanthropy on behalf of Oklahoma Higher Education is awarded to Richard and Jeannette Sias.

In Memoriam

OHEHS expresses our deepest sympathy to the families of the Oklahoma Higher Education Hall of Fame Inductees who recently passed away. They will be missed.

  • Alvin H. Alcorn
  • Wanda Bass
  • Kermit Brown
  • Bill H. Darnell
  • C. Ned Hockman
  • Joe C. Jackson
  • Mary Jane Noble
  • Helmer Sorenson
  • Thurman J. White
  • Lloyd Williams