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  • September 25, 2026
  • Valarie Case

Shelly Phelps Endows Art Stipend in Memory of Her Son

Pierce Wise Art Stipend to Benefit Fine Arts Students at Northwestern

The artwork of former Northwestern student Pierce Wise has artwork on display in the center hallway of the second floor of Jesse Dunn. His mother, Shelly Phelps, has established the Pierce Wise Art Stipend in his memory.
The artwork of former Northwestern student Pierce Wise has his artwork on display in the center hallway of the second floor of Jesse Dunn. His mother, Shelly Phelps, has established the Pierce Wise Art Stipend in his memory.

Alva, Okla. – The Pierce Wise Art Stipend was established by Shelley Phelps in memory of her son, Pierce Duncan Wise. Phelps created this endowment to support upper-level visual arts and fine arts students at Northwestern Oklahoma State University who are facing financial challenges. Specifically, the stipend will provide funding for the purchase of art supplies needed to complete final art projects prior to graduation.

Wise lived in Alva, Oklahoma, from 1971 to 1981, and attended Northwestern Oklahoma State University from fall 1976 to summer 1978. He was known for his wonderful sense of humor and his ability to make others laugh. His friends remember him fondly for the joy he brought to those around him. Wise cared deeply about others and his mother believes he would have welcomed the opportunity to support fellow art students in pursuing their creative goals.

Phelps chose Northwestern Oklahoma State University for this art stipend because it is a place that held special meaning for Wise, and he greatly enjoyed his time here. His artwork continues to be displayed on a rotating basis in the center hallway on the second floor of Jesse Dunn Hall.

“While I did not know Pierce, we shared many of the same friends here at Northwestern,” said Skeeter Bird, CEO, Northwestern Foundation & Alumni Association. “I know he is dearly missed by many of these friends. It is an honor for Northwestern to offer this stipend in his name. Pierce was extremely talented, and we are grateful that Shelley has allowed us to retain and display her son’s artwork. I have had the opportunity to study his paintings exhibited in Jesse Dunn and highly recommend others take some time to do the same.”

For more information about investing in students at Northwestern, contact Skeeter Bird, CEO, Northwestern Foundation & Alumni Association, at aebird@nwosu.edu or 580-327-8593.

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An NWOSU Foundation & Alumni Association Release

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