WILBURTON, OK (May 12, 2021) – Eastern Oklahoma State College named Outstanding Graduates for each of the seven college divisions during Commencement Ceremonies in Wilburton on May 7.

The 2021 Outstanding Graduates include Taylor Chambers of Tushka, OK, Agriculture Division; James Roy Cash of Broken Bow, OK, Behavioral and Social Science Division; TiJanae’ Simmons of Houston, TX, Business Division; Madelyn Burks of Crowder, OK, Language, Humanities and Education Division; Triphornia Mubaiwa of Zimbabwe, Nursing Division; Jeremy Chapman of Fort Smith, AR and Ryan Stockton of Ada, OK, Respiratory Therapy Division; and Gabriel Gibson of Blocker, OK, Science and Mathematics Division.

Dean Larriann Livingston recognized Taylor Chambers of Tushka, OK as Eastern Oklahoma State College’s 2021 Outstanding Graduate of the Agriculture Division. Chambers graduated in the top ten percent of her class with an associate degree in agriculture economics and an overall 4.0 grade point average. She is a Presidential Scholar and was recently named to the 2021 All-Oklahoma Academic Team. Chambers was also selected as a 2021 New Century Transfer Pathway Scholar. During her time at Eastern, Chambers was involved in numerous student organizations and served in many leadership roles. She served as president of the Phi Theta Kappa honor society, the vice president of the Eastern Student Government Association, and vice president of the Aggie Club. She was also a member of the Meats Judging Team, Soils Judging Team, and a member of the Agriculture Ambassador Leadership Program. Taylor is the daughter of Chad and Peggy Chambers of Tushka, OK. She plans to attend Oklahoma State University this fall where she will pursue a bachelor’s degree in agricultural sciences and natural resources as an agribusiness/agricultural communications double major.

Dean Dr. Carter Mattson recognized James Roy Cash of Broken Bow as Eastern Oklahoma State College’s 2021 Outstanding Graduate of the Behavioral and Social Science Division. Cash graduated with an associate degree in psychology/sociology, completing his degree from Eastern at Southeastern University’s McCurtain County Campus in Idabel. In 2008, Cash joined the United States Marine Corps and served as an infantry machine gunner until 2011. He served in combat zones in Afghanistan with the second battalion third Marine division. James is the son of Roy and Ellen Cash. He and his wife, Annie, live in Broken Bow. Cash will attend Texas A&M University Commerce to pursue a bachelor’s and master’s degree in social work with plans to become a licensed clinical social worker and work with combat veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.

Dean Brenda Strange recognized TiJanae’ Simmons of Houston, TX as Eastern Oklahoma State College’s 2021 Outstanding Graduate of the Business Division. Simmons graduated with an associate degree in business administration and an overall 3.92 grade point average. At Eastern, she has been an active member of the Phi Theta Kappa honor society and the Business Club, where she served as president. Simmons also served as a tutor in the Business Division and Student Support Services. As a member of the Eastern’s women’s basketball team, Simmons earned several honors including honorable mention for the 2020-2021 All-America Team, first team NJCAA Region II All-Region, and NJCAA Region II Player of the Week. She was also named to the NJCAA All-Academic Team for two years. Simmons averaged 14 points, 1.9 assists and 4.3 rebounds per game this season. TiJanae’ is the daughter of Shanika Ingraham and Kelvin Casey of Houston, TX. She is currently evaluating offers to play basketball next year as she pursues her bachelor’s degree.

Division Dean Kristen Turner recognized Madelyn Burks as Eastern Oklahoma State College’s 2021 Outstanding Graduate of the Language, Humanities and Education Division. Burks graduated in the top 10 percent of her class with an associate degree in pre-elementary education. She began taking classes at Eastern as a concurrent student while attending Crowder High School. Burks maintained a 4.0 overall grade point average and was named to the President’s Honor Roll each semester. During her time at Eastern, Burks has been active in the Baptist Collegiate Ministries (BCM) and recently participated in the organization’s Spring Retreat mission trip. She is also a member of the Phi Theta Kappa honor society and the McAlester Freewill Baptist Church. Madelyn is the daughter of K.J. and Cher Burks of Blocker, OK. She plans to attend Northeastern State University this fall to pursue a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education.

Director Gina Bullock recognized Triphornia Mubaiwa of Zimbabwe as Eastern Oklahoma State College’s 2021 Outstanding Graduate of the Nursing Division. Mubaiwa graduated in the top 10 percent of her class with an associate of applied science degree in nursing and an overall 3.92 grade point average. While at Eastern, Mubaiwa was active in student organizations on campus and also served as a math and nursing tutor. She was a member of the Phi Theta Kappa honor society, and served as treasurer of the Student Nurse Association and president of the Math and Science Club. She also served as a residence hall assistant, volunteered with Shared Blessings in McAlester, and was selected to participate in the McAlester Regional Health Center’s nurse externship program. Triphornia is the daughter of Godfrey and Priscilla Mubaiwa. She plans to attend Northeastern State University this fall to pursue a bachelor’s degree in nursing.

This is the first year for students to graduate in Eastern’s respiratory therapy program. There were two cohorts that completed the program this year which resulted in the selection of an Outstanding Graduate for each group. Director Peggy Spears recognized Ryan Stockton of Ada, OK (left) and Jeremy Chapman of Fort Smith, AR as Eastern Oklahoma State College’s 2021 Outstanding Graduates of the Respiratory Therapy Division. 

Chapman (right) graduated in the first cohort with an associate of applied science degree in respiratory therapy. He had a 3.630 overall grade point average and a 4.0 in the respiratory therapy program. During his time at Eastern, Chapman was a member of the Phi Theta Kappa honor society, the Respiratory Therapy Advisory Committee, Respiratory Therapy Cohort 1 Team Leader, Respiratory Therapy student worker, Respiratory Therapy Alumni Group Leader, and member of the National Association for Associate Degree Respiratory Care. Jeremy is the son of Bill and Cathy Chapman. He plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree at Midwestern State University and a master’s degree at Texas State University in respiratory therapy.

Stockton (left) graduated in the second cohort with an associate of applied science degree in respiratory therapy. He had a 3.198 overall grade point average and a 4.0 in the respiratory therapy program. During his time at Eastern, Stockton was a member of the Eastern Student Government Association, Student Support Services, the Baptist Integris Heart Hospital Research Committee, Chickasaw Respiratory Therapy Summer Internship Program, Norman Regional Medical Center Student Respiratory Therapy employee, and member of the National Association for Associate Degree Respiratory Care. Ryan is the son of Don and Christy Stockton. He plans to pursue a medical degree at the University of Oklahoma.

Division Dean Dr. Andrea Green recognized Gabriel Gibson of Blocker, OK as Eastern Oklahoma State College’s 2021 Outstanding Graduate of the Science and Mathematics Division. Gibson graduated in the top 10 percent of his class with an associate degree in life sciences. He began taking classes at Eastern as a concurrent student while attending Crowder High School. Gibson maintained a 4.0 overall grade point average and was named to the President’s Honor Roll each semester. During his time at Eastern, Gibson has served as a math tutor, treasurer of Eastern’s Student Government Association and as a member of Phi Theta Kappa honor society. He also played the piano and cello as a member of Eastern’s band and performed with the Eastern choir and Eastern Expressions. Gibson has also served as the worship leader and piano player for Baptist Collegiate Ministries and volunteered for the Mission of Mercy, an organization that provides free dental services to those in need. Gabriel is the son of Roger and Tonya Gibson of Blocker, OK. He plans to attend the University of Oklahoma this fall to pursue a bachelor’s degree in biology with a minor in chemistry and eventually earn a doctoral degree in dentistry.