Kelli Krows
Seiling Senior 
Math Education Major

For Seiling senior Kelli Krows, the education program is what attracted her to Northwestern, but being a Ranger was already in her blood. Both of her parents graduated from Northwestern.

A math education major, Kelli is a transfer student and a former member of the Lady Ranger basketball team. She is a Northwestern Scholar Ambassador (NSA), is a member of the the Baptist Student Union (BSU) and is a Ranger Connector in one of the university’s Ranger Connection classes for all freshmen.

“I’m in NSA because I love representing Northwestern, and it’s a great way to get involved in recruiting future Rangers and just being a face people come to recognize and come to for help when they need it,” Krows said.

Although she didn’t start her collegiate career at Northwestern, she decided it was a positive change.

“Transferring to Northwestern…I knew I would be getting the best education possible for my major,” Krows said.

Krows has been a leader in several capacities while attending Northwestern, including captain of the basketball team and holding several offices in NSA. She has done volunteer work with NSA and worked for the Upward Bound program.

“I take the responsibility of being a leader very seriously,” Krows said. “It is important to understand that people are always watching you, and in today’s society younger kids need a positive role model.”

Krows said that dorm life is a great way to make friends and meet people on campus.

”Living in the dorms means I can get up at three in the morning and run down the hall to my friend’s room and know she’ll be there for me,” Krows said. “Some of my best memories at Northwestern were made in the dorm.”

Krows credits Northwestern’s appeal to its small campus size and caring faculty and staff. Krows said the home-type feel at Northwestern means you’re not just a number, but it is also big enough that you can get involved and find your niche. She said that Northwestern has been great in providing her with financial aid and that thanks to that help, she won’t have to worry about having the financial responsibility of paying off student loans after graduation.

“You’re a name and a person that faculty cares about,” Krows said. “The students and faculty are what make Northwestern so special. I know my professors want the best for me…the people are great!

“I’m so proud to be graduating from a university that welcomed me with open arms and prepared me for the ‘real world’,” Krows said. “Earning a college degree is a great accomplishment; earning a degree from Northwestern makes it that much more special.”

What does “Being a Ranger” mean to you?
I love being a Ranger. I always tell my OSU buddies that we're twice as good as they are because we have the double barrel gun! Being a Ranger means that I'll always have a place to come back to that holds great memories. Being a Ranger is something I take pride in because of our great traditions and excellent education programs. I honestly never thought I'd end up graduating from NWOSU, but I'm so glad God brought me here and that I can forever be a proud representitive and supporter of this great university.

Kelli’s Favorite Things
Movie: Pride and Prejudice (the real six hour one)
TV show: Friends and/or I Love Lucy
Color: Purple
Book: The Bible
Type of Music: Christian and Country
Season: Fall
Drink: Chocolate Milk
Food: Chocolate or Mac and Cheese
Pet: Golden Retriever
Favorite Sport to Watch: football and basketball
Favorite toy as a child: This doll that could “eat” food
Favorite Day of the Year: Christmas
Favorite Inspirational Quote:
Isaiah 40:30-31 “Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
Favorite class or subject in and out of my major field of study, and why they’re my favorite:
Well, it's not a class, but I love lunch time in the cafeteria!! That's where all my friends and I can actually sit and relax and just have a good time. Plus when they're not looking, I take their desserts!!
Hobbies?
I love cooking! Lifting weights and working out are always great, but smiling is my favorite! Laughing, singing, and eating are probably what I do best.

What do you like best about going to school at Northwestern?
The students and faculty are what make NWOSU so special! I know my professors want the best for me and challenge me to be the best. The friends you meet here are the ones who you'll be sitting next to on your porch when your 85 years old. The people are great! 
What did you like best about living in the dorm?
I have lived in the dorms for three years and loved most of it! Living in the dorms means I can get up at three in the morning and run down the hall to my friend's room and know she'll be there for me. Some of my best memories of NWOSU were made in the dorm. This past summer I moved off campus while taking my summer classes, and it's a nice break from dorms. I love having my own place because I can cook whenever I want (remember I really like to eat!).
Has financial aid, scholarships, campus job played any part in helping you attend Northwestern?
NWOSU has been great in providing me financial aid. I know had I gone to a bigger school, fifteen years from now I'd still be paying off my student loans. Thanks to all the scholarship opportunities NWOSU offers, I won't have to worry about having that extra financial responsibility.
Why should students choose Northwestern? NWOSU has a great home-type feel. It's small enough that you're not just a number, you're a name and a person faculty cares about. NWOSU is also big enough though that are a million ways to get involved and find your niche.

Dr. Sue Diel
Chair of Education Division and Professor of Education
Oklahoma State University, Doctor of Education, Educational Administration
Southwestern Oklahoma State University, Masters of Education, Guidance and Counseling and BA in Ed in English Education

Sue Diel has taught at Northwestern for 13 years and enjoys it immensely.

“When I left to teach in another state, I realized that I missed just about everything at Northwestern," she said. "There is a collegiality among the faculty, a respectful attitude from the students, and a desire for learning that is evident within the faculty and the students. I was so thankful that I could come back home to Northwestern to teach."

“Northwestern is a very supportive educational environment. Students, faculty, and staff work together, laugh together, and support one another in whatever we do.”

Sue’s hobbies include reading, watching all sports, but especially football, wrestling, baseball and basketball. She enjoys spending time with her family and going to New York City with her girls. She has two daughters and two sons-in-law. All of them have graduated or attended Northwestern.

“I am very proud of their accomplishments,” Sue said, “and I firmly believe they are successful because of their education here at NWOSU! I also have a grandson, Dallas, who will be a Ranger in 18 years… I hope!”

FAVORITES
Color: red
Music: rock-n-roll
Music artist: Harry Nielson
Book: Savage Inequalities
Food: cholocate
Movie: Christmas Vacation
TV show: Grey’s Anatomy
Actor/Actress: George Clooney

Q: What does being a Ranger mean to you?
A: I have attended and taught in several different universities, and I have never experienced anything like the “Ranger Pride” that is demonstrated here at NWOSU by faculty, staff and students! Others have commented on that unique characteristic, but no one can fully understand it until you have experienced it! You can see this pride in the academic arena, the drama and musical productions, as well as the athletic events. NWOSU is the PRIDE of Northwest Oklahoma!

Q: If you had a chance to tell a prospective student why they should choose Northwestern, what would you say? What would be your compelling short speech?
A: You will find at Northwestern a caring attitude from faculty, staff and from other students. You can be a part of a quality education and have fun while reaching the goal of being a college graduate.

Q: What is your favorite thing about Northwestern?
A: I know this sounds corny, but I can’t think of just one favorite thing, I like it all!

Q: If you needed to describe Northwestern through the use of adjectives or phrases, what would you say?
A: NWOSU is a place “where everyone knows your name.”… A caring atmosphere… challenging.

Nicolle (Rubenstein) Campbell
Buford, Ga., (originally from Enid)
Owner of The Actor’s Scene: an acting studio in the suburbs of Atlanta that trains actors of all ages for film and television
Bachelor of Art in Speech/Drama and Mass Communications, 1993

Nicolle was highly involved in both theatre and various aspects of mass communications while attending Northwestern, so after graduating in 1993 with two degrees, she moved to Atlanta to pursue an acting career. She knew that someday, somehow she would find a way to make a living in the field.

After several acting jobs including industrials, independent film and commercials, she started a traveling theatre group, and then became training director for a national acting school. After working at this acting school for awhile, she opened The Actor’s Scene in August of 2003. In less than one year, Nicolle had one of her students signed and auditioning in New York City for shows on Broadway, in major films and for television.

Now, after only a few short years operating her own business, Nicolle was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the national competition Actors Models and Talent for Christ (AMTC), the most prestigious event of its type in the world. She became only the sixth recipient to receive this award in the 27-year history of AMTC. AMTC is a competition where actors, models, singers and dancers perform in various competitions that are judged by industry professionals.

“Nicolle is a dream developer,” said AMTC Chief Carey Arban. “She takes the talent that God gives young performers, molds it, makes it marketable, and places these hopeful stars in the national spotlight. She has launched hundreds of careers, building self-esteem in the process.”

Nicolle said teaching at The Actor’s Scene is the highlight of her life because she is able to work with actors of all ages and help them to realize their dreams.

“It’s so cool to be watching TV and seeing one of your students on a commercial or in a TV show, or going to the movies to see one of your students!” she said. “I have had successful students in all genres of the entertainment world, including starring roles in the Hannah Montana movie (Lucas Till, who plays Miley Cyrus’ love interest), starring roles on Broadway, TV commercials and print. The greatest joy for me; however, is when a parent will write in or tell me how much confidence and self-esteem their child has gained by taking acting classes at the studio. We are helping to create a better generation, and it’s very rewarding to be a part of that.”

More than 100 students under her school’s direction have gone on to major work in the industry, such as India Scandrick, who starred in Lion King on Broadway in New York City as young Nala in 2007; and 7-year-old Mary-Charles Jones, who has guest starred on Grey’s Anatomy, filmed more than 10 commercials and filmed “Father of Invention” in New Orleans this summer where she plays Kevin Spacey’s daughter. Another success story is Kelsey Sanders, a member of The Stunners music group, who starred in the movie “Au Pair Kansas” due out this year. She's also on all the covers of the "Private" books and stars in the web series.

Nicolle recently married her college sweetheart, a few years removed from when they first dated.

“Life is funny,” Nicolle said. “Mark (Campbell) was my first boyfriend, and we met as freshmen at Northwestern and dated our sophomore years. He transferred to a different school, and we eventually drifted apart. He married after law school, but after a great, loving nine-year marriage, his wife died of cystic fibrosis.We reconnected after that and were married a year later.”

She now has a preteen step-son, who Nicolle has been training in acting. He is doing pretty well.

Nicolle said in January 2009, he and the rest of The Actor’s Scene students took part in the AMTC competition. He won Grand Overall Child Actor and signed with agents all over the country. He was set to have the lead in a television pilot to be filmed over the summer that was going to be pitched to Nickelodeon, but the downturn in the economy interrupted those plans. Nicolle said the company hopes to find the funding soon to continue with the project.

“This was an outstanding achievement for him, but great validation for me,” Nicolle said.

As for the future, Nicolle would like to open multiple branches of her acting studio around Atlanta and possibly expand into other states.

When Nicolle has spare time she likes to watch television and go to movies and plays. She also is an avid football fan and plays fantasy football every year. she also likes to hike, teach her dog new tricks and spend time with her family traveling or just playing board or video games.

"I am the champion at Sorry!

FAVORITES

• Hobby - fantasy football
• Color - purple
• Type of Music - Christian
• Music artist - Casting Crowns
• Book - Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway
• Food - Chocolate and Mac N Cheese
• Movie - Grease 2
• TV Show - Survivor
• Actor/Actress - Morgan Freeman
• Season - Spring
• Drink - Water
• Favorite Sport to Watch - Dallas Cowboys Football
• Pet or animal - My dog Tito and my cat Sebastian
• Favorite Toy as a Child and/or Today! - Malt O Meal, my stuffed bear
• Favorite Flower - Tulip
• Favorite Day of the Year - Christmas
• Vacation Destination - Anywhere tropical

Q & A with Nicolle:

Q: Why did you choose Northwestern to earn your degree?
A: First I received scholarship money from NWOSU and second, I wanted to go to a small school so I could get hands on experience starting with my freshman year. It was a great choice for me. My college years are some of the best, and I have so many great memories.

Q: How did Northwestern help prepare you for your current job or the jobs you’ve held along the way?
A: I use sooo many things in my business that I learned from NWOSU. The other great thing about a small school is the professors have more time to establish a relationship with their students to help them learn more. I use so many things now that I learned in my communication and acting classes that I learned from Terry Winn, Doc Stewart, Delbo Leach and many others. My lessons there are invaluable.

Q: For life after graduation in general?
A: The professors there helped me to believe in myself and nurtured my confidence while teaching me the things I needed to know.

Q: Advice that you would give to a prospective student trying to make a decision on where to go to school? Why should they choose Northwestern?
A: For the reasons I stated above -- smaller school means more one on one instruction, opportunities to be involved in your major right from your freshman year. Many students in the big schools would have to wait till they are juniors or seniors to be on the newspaper staff, be on the radio or TV station, be in the plays--I did that all right away. My other advice is to get involved in activities. They enhance your college experience so much!

Q: Advice to recent Northwestern graduates about entering “the real world.”
A: Keep your expectations realistic. We live in such an instant gratification society these days that people do not want to wait for success, or work hard for it over a period of time. You can't expect to start out at the top. You have to work your way up and that takes time, hard work and perseverance. Also, never underestimate the power of networking. Try to meet as many people in your industry as soon as you can. If that means volunteering to intern for free for a period of time with someone who could help you later--by all means do it!

Q: Advice to all students about things they should focus on while in college to get them prepared for “the real world.”
A: Attending class and getting good grades. These things tell employers that you are dependable and hard working!

Q: What was your favorite “elective” class or “general education” class when you were attending Northwestern and why?
A: Soap opera and TV acting because we made a soap opera in class and filmed it. I still have it to this day and it is hilarious!

Q. Did scholarships and/or financial aid/campus job play any part in your ability to attend school? If so, please explain how these helped.
A: Yes, they were a vital factor in my decision to attend Northwestern, and the scholarships I received throughout school made it possible for me to stay and graduate.

Q: How involved were you on campus?
A: I was involved in just about every club imaginable! I was in Castle Players, Alpha Psi Omega, Speech team, Northwestern News, TV station, Radio station, Student Government, Band and others. These clubs and activities were some of the best tools at making me feel a part of the college community. They gave me a sense of purpose and belonging and created some of the most fun and memorable moments of my college career. You can't fully experience college without being involved!

Q: Did you live on or off-campus?
A: Both. I would recommend all freshmen stay in the dorm as it helps you to meet people right away and get involved in campus life. These things will help combat the shock and loneliness of being away from home for the first time.

Q: They say that failure and/or mistakes sometimes can be the best teacher. Do you have any stories/advice about times when you’ve failed or made mistakes, but it’s taught you an important lesson?
A: The biggest lesson I have had in life, is that things happen for a reason. God may close doors and you may not understand why at the time, but if you have faith, bigger and better things are waiting for you through the next door.

Q: What does it mean to be a Ranger?
A: My husband and I have a debate about how where you go to school affects your career life. I think too much emphasis is placed on going to big schools with big names. I have found you can be just as successful going to a smaller school if you possess the attributes of success. It all depends on the individual--their work ethic, drive, personality and intelligence. Being a Ranger to me means, being proud of where you came from, but also pushing yourself to always improve and being a better person.

Jordan A. Lytle
Medicine Lodge, Kan., Senior 
Biology Major

While many may not know, Jordan not only owns his own custom harvesting business, but he does custom cattle work as well. He began his business with a 25 year old piece of machinery after his freshman year of college.

As he continues to update his machinery, he continues to study and complete his degree at Northwestern.

When asked who influenced him to choose Northwestern he said his mom.

“My mom graduated from Northwestern two years ago. Seeing her experience at Northwestern helped influence my decision,” he said.

Jordan believes that Northwestern is located in a nice, clean town and everybody knows each other and looks out for one another.

Being involved on campus is helpful to a student’s success in Jordan’s opinion.

“Being involved in activities allows you to meet all types of different people.”

Jordan obviously knows several people on campus -- he was selected by his peers as Ranger King during the 2007 Homecoming celebration.

When Jordan first began at Northwestern, he was a nursing major. After three years in the nursing program, he realized he needed a change.

“Change is a good thing. Don’t be afraid to change your major,” he said.

Goals:

“I plan on getting my biology degree, then getting my masters and maybe my doctorate. I would like to maybe teach at Northwestern someday. I believe in hard work and living a simple life.”

Q: What do you like best about going to school here?
A: “The small town atmosphere. Northwestern is close to home and lets me pursue my farm and ranch career.”
Q: Short story about a favorite class and/or time at Northwestern?
A: “Ranger Connection, my freshman year. I’ll never forget the fun times we had and I made some life-long friends.”
Q: What on and/or off campus activities/events should a student not miss while attending Northwestern?
A: “Go to basketball and football games. Take a drive through the countryside; there is more out there than a person realizes.”
Q: Why choose Northwestern?
A: “At Northwestern, you are a treated as a person, not a number. Everyone looks out for each other. The student/teacher ratio is much better than a lot of colleges. Northwestern is a peaceful and relaxing place. The quality of education says it all!”

FAVORITES
Movie: Blazing Saddles
TV Show: Scrubs
Color: Blue
Book: Haunted Mesa
Type of music/group/singer: Rock & Roll
Hobbies: fishing and hunting
Northwestern Class/Subject: Animal Science
“Cattle and the ranch life is my passion,” he said.

What does Being a Ranger mean to you?
“Being a Ranger means being part of the big family here at Northwestern!”

Jesse Schroeder
Instructor of Mass Communications
Adviser for NWTV 7
Bachelor of Science degree in mass communications, 2003, from Northwestern
Master of Arts Education in Curriculum and Instruction, 2007, University of Phoenix
Additional doctoral work at Northcentral University

Jesse began working at Northwestern in August 2006. Prior to returning to his alma mater, he worked in radio and television. He has served as news director and anchor for the Wright Wradio Network in Weatherford. His television experience comes from being an associate producer at KWTV News 9 in Oklahoma City and a producer/reporter at KSWO in Lawton.

Schroeder also is a member of the Oklahoma Broadcast Education Association.

In addition to teaching mass communications courses and advising the campus television station, Schroeder also is very involved in a number of committees around campus and the community, including being a co-director with Tammy Brown for the Miss Cinderella Pageant during the annual Northwestern Homecoming celebration.

He said he has been happily married to his wife Amanda for six years. The couple has three children: Brayden, who is 5, Parker, 3, and Mia, who was born just prior to the start of the fall semester.

Schroeder enjoys spending time with family and friends. As for hobbies, he said he currently is pursuing his Ph.D., so that has become his hobby, one that keeps him very busy.

FAVORITES:
Color: Red
Music: Country/Top 40
Music Artist: Rascal Flatts
Book: Anything by John Maxwell
Food: Mexican
Movie: American Beauty
TV Show: Reality TV and all news programs
Actor/Actress: Jack Nicholson and Meg Ryan

Q. What is it about Northwestern that makes you want to teach the students here?

A. The main area that makes Northwestern different is the one-on-one attention that we are able to give our students. We are able to build relationships with our students and help them achieve their personal and professional goals.

Q. What makes Northwestern unique from any other university you may have taught at or attended?

A. I attended UCO for a semester while working on my undergraduate degree. I felt like a small fish in a huge ocean. I was lost, disconnected from my professors and fellow students. Also, there were few areas for me to get involved within my discipline due to the number of upperclassmen who were already involved. At Northwestern, you can get involved on day one and not stop until you walk across the stage at your commencement ceremony.

Q. What would you tell a future student on why they should choose Northwestern?

A. At Northwestern, you are more than a number. At Northwestern, you get to be involved in everything you want to be involved in while earning a degree. At Northwestern, professors are able to focus on each student and help each person achieve their goals instead of getting lost in the crowd. If you want to be successful and are willing to work toward achieving your goals, the professors will do everything they can to assist you in that endeavor.

Q. Other comments for future students or employees?

A. As a graduate of Northwestern, I knew what the institution was all about prior to returning to teach. I can honestly say that it is just as great a place to work as it is to go to school. I feel the overall focus at Northwestern is helping each individual succeed and become their best, whether that be as a student or employee.

Ryan Hintergardt
Sports Information Director
Graduated from Northwestern in 1999 with a degree in health and physical education, December 2000 with a business administration degree and 2002 with a degree in E-commerce.

Ryan played third base and was a pitcher for the Ranger baseball team from 1996 to 1999 before joining the staff at Northwestern in January 2003. In his job as Sports Information Director, he has fun watching the teams succeed, especially for an athletic program he personally took part in. In fact, his favorite thing about Northwestern today is being involved in athletics because he was a former player.

In his job as SID, Ryan produces a number of publications for each athletic program the university offers, and he maintains the university’s athletics web site (www.nwosu.edu/athletic). In fact, since Ryan has been SID, he has had 13 Top 10 finishes in the National Association for Intercollegiate Athletics – Sports Information Directors Association (NAIA-SIDA) Publications Contests. One of the most recent awards recognized the Sports Information Office with a "Best Cover" award for the 2009 Baseball cover designed by Kris Johnson.

Ryan also started the Ranger Dugout Club, the Ranger Dugout Club Golf Touranment and the Ranger Dugout Club Scholarship Endowment.

Ryan said the reason he likes working at Northwestern is being involved with great people – his co-workers and the students.

He said Northwestern is a great place to get an education and meet many new friends.

“The education you will receive is personal and will get you ready for the real world.”

What does ‘Being a Ranger’ mean to you?

“Being a Ranger means taking pride in your work, university and many other things associated with the school. Since I am in athletics, sports play a huge role in being a Ranger. It means supporting the teams in any way possible.”

Ryan said his world revolves around sports when he is at home, too. He plays a lot of golf, he works out, runs and likes to go the lake. When he is not outside, he likes to watch sports on TV and listen to music.

Some of his other favorites include:
Color: Green
Music: Hard Rock
Food: Mexican
Movie: Caddyshack II
TV Show: Sportscenter

Irala Magee
Director of Financial Aid/Scholarships
1986 Bachelor of Science fron Northwestern
1991 Master of Education from Northwestern

Irala Magee grew up in Carmen, Okla., and lived there until 1996. She is a Christian and has been the wife of Steve for 32 years, the mother of two and the grandmother of two (so far). She runs about 20 miles a week and relaxes with Sudoku.

She enjoys being a part of a collective effort to improve the futures of the people who look to them for advice, guidance and education.

Q: What does being a Ranger mean to you?
A: I am proud of Northwestern: proud to be a graduate, proud to be an employee, proud of the work we do and what we accomplish here at Northwestern.

FAVORITES
Color: Teal
Music: Classic Rock
Food: Coconut pie
Movie: Die Hard (all of them)
TV Show: Big Bang Theory
Actor/Actress: Dennis Quaid

Q: If you had a chance to tell a prospective student why they should choose Northwestern, what would you say? What would be your compelling short speech?
A: “Northwestern is a great value. You get a quality education at a reasonable cost with lots of opportunities to further reduce that cost with scholarships.”

Q: If you needed to describe Northwestern through the use of adjectives or phrases, what would you say?
A: Northwestern is a caring place with a dedicated faculty and staff who work hard to provide an excellent, well-rounded education to its students.

Irala says that her favorite thing about Northwestern is the feeling of contributing to the future of Northwest Oklahoma.

“I have happily made my professional career here at Northwestern. I have had opportunities to try different aspects of higher education employment here at Northwestern and have found that this school has excellent personal growth potential for staff as well as students.”

Sarah Bryant
Mathematics major
San Antonio, Texas, Junior

When Sarah thinks of Northwestern, she thinks small, personal and close knit. Sarah believes that Northwestern is unique because of its size.

“Most other universities I looked at were big universities, and I was not interested in just being a number,” she said.

Sarah was lucky enough to receive a soccer scholarship to attend Northwestern. She thinks it’s a wonderful opportunity because she won’t have to worry about paying off debts after receiving a degree.

Besides being a soccer team member, Sarah has been involved in a variety of activities. She has been active with the math club, Alpha Sigma Alpha, is a Ranger Connector and enjoys being an Academic Success Center tutor.

“I love helping my students make good grades and enjoy math,” she said.

Sarah encourages students to attend Northwestern.

“Northwestern gives you so many great opportunities to do everything you want, and everyone here truly cares about you as an individual,” she said. “Northwestern truly prepares you for your future in whatever it may be!”

Goals:

“I am a very open person and definitely not shy. I want to work hard, raise a family and spend every minute enjoying life.”

Q: Short story about a favorite class and/or time at Northwestern?
A: “Intramural softball was the greatest time. We won the championship and I had all my close friends playing with me.”

Q: What on and/or off campus activities/events should a student not miss while attending NWOSU?
A: “Never miss class, of course! Also, athletic events, plays and Bahama Breakaway are great ways to be involved.”

FAVORITES
Movie: The American President
TV Show: Grey’s Anatomy
Color: Green
Book: Harry Potter
Type of music/group/singer: Rascal Flatts and Michael Buble
Hobbies: playing soccer
NWOSU Class: Philosophy in Life 

What does Being a Ranger mean to you?
“Being a Ranger is being proud of your alma mater and giving your education everything you’ve got”

Larry Justice
Adjunct instructor of Philosophy, Ethics and Communication
1969 – Bachelor of Arts from Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene, Texas
1972 – MDiv from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary
1983 – Master’s of Art in Communication from Southwestern Seminary

“The invitation is simple: Become a Ranger and have a major impact upon the world.”

“My favorite things about Northwestern are two-fold. First, after 30 years at Northwestern, the physical changes being made to our campus facilities and landscape already are impacting the rest of the state,” Justice said.

Second, my life is much, much richer because of the friends I have at Northwestern. Northwestern is a special place. Northwestern is a significant place. We are not perfect – but we certainly have a lot going for us.

About Larry: My wife Debby and I have been married for 35 years. Debby is a first grade teacher in the Alva school system. We are active members of First Baptist Church. We have two sons. Our oldest son Christopher and his wife Liz are the parents of our three granddaughters. Our youngest son Shane and his wife Tabitha are new parents to twins.

My hobbies include golf and studying Oklahoma history. I am a member of the Oklahoma and Kansas Historical Societies and the Santa Fe Trail Association. I thoroughly enjoy baseball and OU football and watching the Rangers in any sport.

Share something about yourself that not many people know about you. Something that shows another side to your “professor” personality.
A: One principle success story involves the “Oklahoma Flag Project” I helped develop as a part of the Oklahoma Centennial celebration and the noting of Northwestern’s 110th anniversary. At first, our goal was to “sell” 20 sponsorships. We ended up with 53 sponsorships. That meant that 53 people made a $50 investment in celebrating our centennial and anniversary. But, more significantly, it meant that many students and members of the Northwestern family participated in displaying the flags across our campus. Likewise, in 2008, we had 19 from our campus who represented the BSU working in a “summer missions” project in places like Mississippi, southeast Asia, China, Canada and in locales in Oklahoma.

FAVORITES

Color: Red (specifically crimson and cream)
Type of music: Jazz, big band era, contemporary Christian, classic 60s and 70s
Music artist: Michael Buble, Chicago, The Eagles, Gershwin
Food: Steak, Tex-Mex, Cajun (red beans and rice, shrimp)
Book: Until We Meet Again by Korenblit
Movies: Sgt. York; The Natural; The Rookie; 61; She Wore a Yellow Ribbon (John Ford movies with/without John Wayne)
TV Shows: Andy Griffith, CSI, M*A*S*H*

What does it mean “To Be a Ranger?”

A: The task for a ranger in the 1800s was to develop the land and the people who had a desire to live in this part of the world. There had to be a sense of enforcement while allowing the citizenry to develop their holdings based upon their talents and gifts. “Being a Ranger” at Northwestern carries similar responsibilities. As Rangers we are responsible to help students develop their talents and gifts in an orderly fashion to better affect people today and in the future. A Ranger is a leader. The world is a better place because of Rangers around the world.

Q: If you had a chance to tell a prospective student why they should choose Northwestern, what would you say? What would be your compelling short speech?
A: My earned degrees are not from Northwestern. But, Northwestern is home. I have former students who live and work throughout the world. I continually talk with former students who are proud of their university and proud of the education they received. It is my privilege to be a Ranger and to maintain consistent contact with the Ranger family.

Q: What is it about Northwestern that makes you want to teach the students here?
A: 1. Student-Faculty interaction is more than surface and classroom situations. Students can get to know faculty and administration and staff personally
2. The list is very long of successful alumni who have and continue to make a substantial difference in the lives of people all over the world. Northwestern’s impact is far more than regional.
3. Northwestern is more than academia – once a Ranger, always a Ranger. It is a sense of pride to wear red and black and sport the Ranger logo. Rangers take a backseat to no one.

Q: What makes Northwestern unique from any other university you may have taught at or even attended?
A: It seems that for most of the faculty and administration and staff, it is a given that students come first. We are here because of the students. Our task and goal is to educate those who desire to be educated and want to make a difference in the world – and definitely a difference is needed.