Class of 2023

Dwight Adams, a former FBI Special Agent, played a crucial role in developing DNA techniques and testified in over 130 cases. He served on national boards, oversaw the creation of the National DNA Database, and received prestigious awards. After retiring, Adams became the director of the W. Roger Webb Forensic Science Institute at the University of Central Oklahoma, a leading program in forensic science education.

John A. "Rocky" Barrett, Jr. has served as Tribal Chairman of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation since 1985. Under his leadership, the Nation's assets have grown to over $800 million, with an annual economic impact of $550 million. He has received honors for his public service, including the Leadership Award for Public Service from the International Economic Development Council.

Judith James, Executive Vice President at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, is a renowned physician and scientist specializing in autoimmune diseases. She has made significant contributions to the field, published over 330 articles, and leads national consortia for targeted therapies. James holds prestigious awards, including being elected to the National Academy of Medicine.

Bill Lance, the first Secretary of State for The Chickasaw Nation, is a respected leader known for his business acumen and commitment to delivering sustainable benefits to the Chickasaw people. As the longest-serving Secretary of Commerce in Chickasaw Nation history, Lance has played a key role in the tribe's economic growth and development. He has been recognized for his contributions to various boards and organizations, and his leadership has tripled the Nation's annual net income and created thousands of jobs.

J Mays, a renowned automobile designer, has worked with prestigious car manufacturers like Audi, Volkswagen, BMW, Jaguar, Land Rover, Aston Martin, and Ford. Mays has created iconic models that incorporate the latest trends in automobile culture and emotional connections with cars. His designs range from the Volkswagen New Beetle to the Aston Martin DB9 and the Ford Mustang. Mays has challenged traditional boundaries in automobile design and has been recognized by the BBC, The New Yorker, and the Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles.

Madeline Manning Mims, an Olympic medalist in track, made history as the only American woman to win Gold in the 800 meter for over 50 years. She set records, represented the USA in four Olympic teams, and opened doors for women of color in distance running. After retiring, she founded the United States Council for Sports Chaplaincy and served as a chaplain for multiple Olympic Games. Mims has been inducted into the Olympic Hall of Fame and is featured in the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture.

Barry Pollard, a renowned neurosurgeon and biochemistry graduate, has served the Enid community for over 40 years, performing over 20,000 life-saving surgeries. He brought critical medical procedures to rural areas and is actively involved in agriculture. Pollard is the vice president of the American Angus Association and the founder of P&K Equipment, which has grown to 29 locations. He supports Future Farmers of America and 4-H events and has made significant contributions to Oklahoma State University and the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation.

Mary Golda Ross, the first Native American female engineer and the first female engineer at Lockheed, made significant contributions to aerospace engineering. She worked on improving the design of the P-38 Lightning during World War II and later worked on classified projects related to missiles and space exploration. Ross was an advocate for women and Native people in engineering and is recognized in the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian. Her achievements were commemorated on the Native American one-dollar coin.