Two former faculty members to be honored at Homecoming
Press Release Date: 9-22-2011
DURANT, Okla. – Southeastern Oklahoma State University will honor two individuals with the Distinguished Former Faculty award during Homecoming festivities on Oct. 14.
An awards banquet will formally honor Dr. Don Collier and Dr. Don Ferguson in the Visual and Performing Arts Center at 5:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 14.
Collier received his Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Southeastern in 1954 and joined the faculty as assistant professor of chemistry in 1958.
He retired in 1987 as a Professor of Chemistry and was named Professor Emeritus by the Board of Regents of Oklahoma Colleges. He served Southeastern in an adjunct capacity until May 1990.
He became a member of the Teacher Education Committee and was approved for tenure in 1970. He was promoted to associate professor in 1971 and in 1974 acted as director of the Indian Science Program for High School Students. He was named a full professor in 1978, and served as in instructor for Upward Bound in 1981.
Collier was actively involved in the development of curricula and pre-professional studies. He taught courses in general chemistry, organic chemistry, theoretical inorganic chemistry and general physical science.
Retired Southeastern professor Arnold Walker was a colleague of Collier.
"He was a great professional role model and example for both his peers and his students," Walker said. "This is the kind of person we need to have in our profession."
Collier was a member of numerous organizations, served as a pre-professional (medical and dental) and science counselor, and received the Outstanding Educator of America Award in 1975.
He earned his master’s degree at Oklahoma State University and received his Ed.D. from North Texas State University.
Don Ferguson joined Southeastern’s Department of Health, Physical Education and Recreation (HPER) in 1967.
He retired as a professor in 2002 and continued to serve in the department until 2006. He still serves the University as a clock operator in football and scorekeeper for men’s basketball.
Ferguson taught the department’s science-based courses and was highly regarded as an outstanding educator. He was a leader in his department and in 2002 was named Professor Emeritus by the Board of Regents of Oklahoma Colleges. He was granted tenure in 1970 and promoted to the rank of professor in 1980.
He was actively involved with planning and hosting the Special Olympics Games held on the Southeastern campus. During the opening ceremony of the Area 10 Special Olympics in 1990, he was presented the “Award of Appreciation” in recognition of more than 10 years of volunteer work with the organization.
Ferguson officiated high school football games for 12 years, and many times, both opposing coaches were former students.
Ferguson always sought to further the academic success and professional growth of HPER students through membership and participation in professional organizations, namely the Oklahoma Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance.
HPER chair and long-time colleague Vicki Hudson said, "Dr. Ferguson was an exceptional teacher who challenged our students and served as an excellent role model for personal fitness."
Ferguson is an avid golfer and plays throughout the area. He earned his bachelor, master’s and Ed.D. degrees from Oklahoma State University.