NWOSU Logo in white
  • Academics
  • Future Rangers
  • About
  • Athletics
  • Resources
    • Student
      • Email Access
      • Canvas
      • Course Schedules
      • Helpful Videos
      • Library Services
      • Self-Service
      • Student Services
      • University Calendar
      • 1098-T Forms
    • Employee
    • Canvas
    • Self-Service
    • Library Services
    • Parent and Family
    • University Calendar
    • Visitors
  • University News
  • Academics
  • Future Rangers
  • About
  • Athletics
  • Resources
    • Student
      • Email Access
      • Canvas
      • Course Schedules
      • Helpful Videos
      • Library Services
      • Self-Service
      • Student Services
      • University Calendar
      • 1098-T Forms
    • Employee
    • Canvas
    • Self-Service
    • Library Services
    • Parent and Family
    • University Calendar
    • Visitors
  • University News
  • June 11, 2025
  • NWOSU Admin

Dr. Ken Brown to Lead ‘Rowdy Under the Big Top’ Homecoming Parade

Dr. David Pecha (right) presents $25 of Alva Chamber of Commerce “Chamber Bucks” to homecoming theme contest winner Shawna Gilbert (left), assistant professor of library science and access services librarian of J.W. Martin Library.

The Northwestern Oklahoma State University homecoming committee is excited to welcome current, former and future Rangers to get “Rowdy Under the Big Top” for this year’s homecoming events, Oct. 23-25.

Student and community groups are encouraged to create floats that incorporate this theme for Homecoming.

Dr. David Pecha, Northwestern executive vice president and general chairman of the homecoming committee, expressed gratitude for the numerous submissions for both theme and parade marshal this year.

This year’s theme was submitted by Shawna Gilbert, assistant professor of library science and access services librarian of J.W. Martin Library. Gilbert received $25 worth of Alva Chamber of Commerce “Chamber Bucks” as a prize for her winning submission.

Leading the parade as parade marshal will be retired professor of chemistry and longstanding Northwestern supporter, Dr. Kenneth Brown.

Dr. Kenneth Brown, retired Northwestern professor of chemistry, during the 1978-1979 academic year.

Dr. Kenneth Brown, retired Northwestern professor of chemistry, during the 1978-1979 academic year.

Brown is originally from a town similar to the size of Alva in upstate New York called Herkimer. Brown graduated with chemistry and math degrees from Hope College in 1960 before continuing on to graduate with a Ph.D. in physical and inorganic chemistry from Rutgers University in 1966. He began teaching at Northwestern in August 1973 and retired in May 2004. Brown is still active in the Alva community after retirement.

“I get around,” Brown joked.

He volunteers four days a week at Share Medical Center as well as sitting on the Alva Hospital Authority and Northwest Family Services board. During the summer, Brown also works at the Salt Plains Refuge Center, a job he started as a Northwestern faculty member and he’s retained for over 20 years. He also handles maintenance and operations of the historic Runnymede in downtown Alva. These countless volunteer hours earned him the Volunteer of the Year award from the Alva Chamber of Commerce in 2017.

Some of Brown’s favorite memories around the Northwestern Homecoming activities are from the parade itself, making his selection as parade marshal a full-circle moment. He has assisted the Miss Cinderella candidates at the Runnymede for several years and looks back fondly at bringing his kids to the parades in years past.

“My daughter who lives in New Jersey is already making her plans to be here,” Brown said. “It’s a big family thing for us.”

Homecoming button sales will be announced during the Fall 2025 semester. To keep up-to-date with Homecoming events, visit www.www.nwosu.edu/homecoming. The web page will be updated as events are finalized.

-NW-

Share:

More Posts

Blood drive flyer with the headline “Fangs Just Wanna Have Fun Blood Drive” in red gothic lettering, surrounded by bats, a cartoon vampire and a black T-shirt printed with “All We Need Is Blood.” Text reads: Northwestern Oklahoma State University, Wednesday, September 9 and Thursday, September 10, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Ranger Room, Walk-ins Welcome! All donors get our Fang-tastic T-shirt. Our Blood Institute, 877-340-8777, obi.org. Photo ID required. While supplies last.

Northwestern President’s Leadership Class to Sponsor Blood Drive Sept. 9-10

Northwestern President’s Leadership Class to Sponsor Blood Drive Sept. 9-10 Northwestern Oklahoma State University’s President’s Leadership Class (PLC) is partnering with Our Blood Institute to

Ranger Blog Icon

Northwestern Announces Honor Roll for Summer 2026

Northwestern Announces Honor Roll for Summer 2026 ALVA, Okla. — Summer honor rolls at Northwestern Oklahoma State University have been announced by the office of

Six Northwestern Oklahoma State University Division of Education students stand together holding folders and notebooks at the Spring 2026 Education Career Fair in the Student Center Ballroom, with employer tables visible behind them.

Northwestern Oklahoma State University Hosts Education Career Fair Sept. 8

Northwestern Invites Job Seekers to Education Career Fair Sept. 8 Northwestern Division of Education students (left to right) Christina Tuton-Lunow, Madison Vaverka, Jamie Niblett, Madison

Ranger Blog Icon

Northwestern Oklahoma State University Closed for Labor Day Sept. 7

Northwestern Oklahoma State University Closed for Labor Day Sept. 7 Northwestern Oklahoma State University will close Monday, Sept. 7, 2026, in observance of Labor Day.

PrevPrevious16 Students to Represent Northwestern as Scholar Ambassadors for 2025-2026
NextMiss Northwestern, Teen Bring Home Numerous Honors from Miss OklahomaNext
NWOSU Logo in white
  • 709 Oklahoma Blvd., Alva, OK 73717
  • Phone: (580) 327-1700
Navigation
  • Academics
  • Future Rangers
  • About
  • Athletics
  • Resources
    • Student
      • Email Access
      • Canvas
      • Course Schedules
      • Helpful Videos
      • Library Services
      • Self-Service
      • Student Services
      • University Calendar
      • 1098-T Forms
    • Employee
    • Canvas
    • Self-Service
    • Library Services
    • Parent and Family
    • University Calendar
    • Visitors
  • University News
  • Academics
  • Future Rangers
  • About
  • Athletics
  • Resources
    • Student
      • Email Access
      • Canvas
      • Course Schedules
      • Helpful Videos
      • Library Services
      • Self-Service
      • Student Services
      • University Calendar
      • 1098-T Forms
    • Employee
    • Canvas
    • Self-Service
    • Library Services
    • Parent and Family
    • University Calendar
    • Visitors
  • University News
Quick Links
  • University News
  • Online Application
  • Title IX Info
  • Sitemap
  • Employee Directory
Facebook X-twitter Instagram Snapchat Youtube Flickr Pinterest Linkedin

Mission Statement

Northwestern Oklahoma State University provides quality educational and cultural opportunities to learners with diverse needs by cultivating ethical leadership and service, critical thinking and fiscal responsibility.

RUSO logo in white

Privacy Policy | Powered by High Five Media

  • About
    • History
    • Leadership
    • Our Traditions
    • Strategic Plan
    • Employment
    • Assessment and Institutional Effectiveness
    • University Relations
    • Enid Campus
    • Woodward Campus
  • Academics
    • Academic Calendar
    • Degree Options
    • Honors Program
    • School of Arts & Sciences
    • School of Professional Studies
    • Graduate Studies
    • Course Schedules
    • Course Rotations
    • Plans of Study
    • Paying For College
    • Study Abroad
  • Admissions
    • Visit Northwestern
    • Online Programs
    • Transfer Student Information
    • Office of Recruitment
    • Prospective Student Questionnaire
  • Student Life
    • Living on Campus
    • Clubs and Organizations
    • Student Services
    • Academic Success Center
    • Library Services
    • Career Services
  • Resources
    • Email Access
    • Self-Service
    • Canvas
    • Library
    • NWOSU Bookstore
    • Campus Safety
  • Athletics
  • Alumni
  • About
    • History
    • Leadership
    • Our Traditions
    • Strategic Plan
    • Employment
    • Assessment and Institutional Effectiveness
    • University Relations
    • Enid Campus
    • Woodward Campus
  • Academics
    • Academic Calendar
    • Degree Options
    • Honors Program
    • School of Arts & Sciences
    • School of Professional Studies
    • Graduate Studies
    • Course Schedules
    • Course Rotations
    • Plans of Study
    • Paying For College
    • Study Abroad
  • Admissions
    • Visit Northwestern
    • Online Programs
    • Transfer Student Information
    • Office of Recruitment
    • Prospective Student Questionnaire
  • Student Life
    • Living on Campus
    • Clubs and Organizations
    • Student Services
    • Academic Success Center
    • Library Services
    • Career Services
  • Resources
    • Email Access
    • Self-Service
    • Canvas
    • Library
    • NWOSU Bookstore
    • Campus Safety
  • Athletics
  • Alumni