Hall of Fame Member Biographies

Russell D. Vaught

Russell D. Vaught was instrumental in founding and developing Oscar Rose Junior College, now Rose State College. Governor Dewey Bartlett appointed him to the college’s board of trustees on Aug. 1, 1968, serving as the college’s first board chairman. He was re-elected in 1970 and in 1973, resigning from the board when Governor David Hall appointed him to serve as a member of the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education. He faithfully served on the State Regents for 14 years and was chairman for two terms. Working with Chancellor E.T. Dunlap, Vaught was instrumental in the strategic growth and development of the state system of higher education during the 1970s and 1980s, including the expansion of academic program offerings, developing incentive programs for faculty retention, advocating for higher education within state government and initiating and funding multiple programs for student success. Vaught earned the respect of university presidents through his thoughtful approach to collaboration and support, seamlessly transitioning from a successful businessman to an influential advocate for education.

A 60-year resident of Midwest City, Russell Vaught was a very successful businessman, entrepreneur and community leader. Early in his career, he was president and general manager of the Oklahoma Journal. After that sold, Vaught started several entrepreneurial ventures including an oil & gas equipment company, multiple retail endeavors and Cornerstone Investments. More recently, Vaught and partners formed Mid-America Business Park, an aerospace development next to Tinker Air Force Base which grew from an empty field to a multi-million dollar enterprise.

A 1948 Midwest City High School graduate, Vaught was also a U.S. Army veteran and a life-long supporter of our servicepeople, especially Tinker AFB and first responders in the Mid-Del area. Growing up poor, he and his brother fended for themselves during their teenage years, and he worked hard to see that they succeeded. He truly believed higher education was the transformative power which equates to success. After working three jobs during college to pay for his degree, he had to drop out, which began a lifelong passion for helping less fortunate young people. His interest in and love for students was evident in his everyday life, and he would go on to personally raise funds for hundreds of scholarships and support many young people over the years, even several who are in attendance tonight. Married for 48 years to the love of his life, Louise Zurline Vaught, the couple have three daughters who love them dearly.