Book signing event to feature three Southeastern alumni on Oct. 9-10

Press Release Date: 10-06-2009

DURANT, Okla. – Among the many events scheduled for homecoming at Southeastern Oklahoma State University, all book lovers should take note: two book signings will be held, featuring works by three Southeastern graduates.

The book signings are scheduled for Friday, Oct. 9, at 3:30 p.m. at the Barnes and Noble Bookstore (located at University and 5th Street), and again on Saturday at noon at the Student Union Rustin Plaza. Featured authors are Dr. Jim Barnes ('64), Dr. Jeretta Horn Nord ('77, '79), and Shannon Gibson Tynes ('86).

Barnes is currently Poet Laureate of Oklahoma, a position he was appointed to by Gov. Brad Henry in January of this year. Barnes' term will run through 2010.

A graduate of LeFlore High School, he earned his bachelor's degree in English, French and Drama at Southeastern in 1964. Barnes completed his master's and Ph.D in comparative literature at the University of Arkansas.

He is a poet, writer, rancher and editor of "The Chariton Review. " He was a Distinguished Visiting Professor of Creative Writing and English at Brigham Young University from 2003-2006. Prior to that, he was Professor of Comparative Literature and Writer-in-Residence at Truman State University (1970-2003).

Barnes is the author of numerous books of poetry. Also now available is his autobiography: "On Native Ground – Memoirs and Impressions."

"On Native Ground" takes the reader from Jim Barnes's boyhood in rural southeastern Oklahoma during the Great Depression and World War II through his mature years as an internationally recognized poet. He speaks eloquently here of his attachment to his "native ground," the Choctaw region in Oklahoma -- for him "the land where memory dwells."

Jeretta Horn Nord is a professor, an editor, an author, and an entrepreneur. She has founded several enterprises and a collegiate entrepreneurs' organization. Dr. Nord is the host of an internet talk radio show, "The Entrepreneurial Mind.". As a professor, she has taught and conducted research in the areas of Technology and Entrepreneurship. Dr. Nord served as Associate Dean for the Spears School of Business at Oklahoma State University and is currently Executive Editor of The Journal of Computer Information Systems.

She will be signing copies of her new book, "A Cup of Cappuccino for the Entrepreneur's Spirit: Volume I," an inspiring book that will help entrepreneurs and aspiring entrepreneurs become successful individuals in the field of entrepreneurship.

Fifty-eight amazing entrepreneurs from five different countries and 18 states within the United States are featured. Stories included are from numerous types of entrepreneurs ranging in age from twenty-one to ninety-four. Their stories touch both the head and the heart of the readers as they represent a diverse range of business types, sizes, and income levels. Stories are presented in a "can do" optimistic arrangement, opened with relevant inspirational quotes, and closed with key success factors, recommended books, entrepreneurs' websites, and editor's notes.

The Southeastern graduate received the University's Distinguished Alumni Award in 2008.

In addition to being a Southeastern graduate, author Shannon Gibson Tynes is a Durant High School graduate.

She will be signing her newly published romance/suspense novel, "Where Providence Collides."

"Where Providence Collides" begins in the 16th century where the main characters deeply in love are unjustly separated. Through the power of prayer and a sworn promise to find each other again, the tale unfolds. It brings us to present day; where unbeknown to them their paths collide once again. Not knowing each other, but obviously drawn to one another, the two of them face many obstacles in order to realize their love withstood the test of time. Even though centuries have passed they are given a divine gift from God to be able to be together again...if they can survive.

Shannon currently resides in Oklahoma City, where she is an elementary physical education teacher.