Pillars of Achievement: Honoring Cameron University's Distinguished Alumni and Faculty

Cameron University, a cornerstone of higher education in southwestern Oklahoma, has a rich history of fostering individuals who have gone on to make significant contributions to society, distinguish themselves in their careers, and embody the spirit of academic and personal excellence. The Cameron University Alumni Association (CUAA) annually recognizes these outstanding individuals through its prestigious awards, celebrating their accomplishments and the enduring impact they have on their communities and the university itself. The recent announcement of the 2025 honorees, including recipients of the Distinguished Alumni Award, the Outstanding Young Alumni Award, and inductees into the CUAA Faculty Hall of Fame, underscores the university's commitment to acknowledging and celebrating its most impactful graduates and educators.

Honoring Excellence: The Distinguished Alumni Awards

The Distinguished Alumni Award is bestowed upon former Cameron students who have graduated more than ten years ago and whose lives and careers reflect a profound impact, bringing credit to Cameron through their professional achievements, dedicated community service, or unwavering support for their alma mater. This year, the esteemed recipients of this award are Stephen Reagan and Richard Storm, individuals whose journeys exemplify the transformative power of a Cameron education.

Stephen Reagan: A Legacy of Service, Science, and Support

Stephen Reagan, a member of the Class of 1966, embodies a multi-faceted life marked by individual accomplishment, dedicated military service, deep commitment to his community, and sustained support for Cameron University. A native of Claremore, Reagan's early years at Cameron College were characterized by athletic prowess and academic dedication. As a student-athlete, he was a key member of the Aggie baseball team that achieved a remarkable feat by reaching the NJCAA Baseball World Series in 1966. His athletic achievements were further recognized when he was named the Most Valuable Graduating Sophomore Athlete in the same year. His enduring connection to Cameron athletics is evident in his recent induction into the Cameron University Athletics Hall of Fame and his continued engagement with the baseball program, offering both mentorship to Coach Kyle Williams and crucial financial support.

Reagan's academic pursuits extended beyond his Associate in Arts degree in Engineering from Cameron. He continued his higher education at the University of Arkansas, earning a baccalaureate degree, and subsequently obtained a master’s degree from Midwestern State University. His commitment to service led him to the United States Air Force, where he pursued a career in dentistry. He earned his dental degree from the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry and completed advanced training at USAF Medical Centers at Wright-Patterson AFB and Keesler AFB. After a distinguished career as an Air Force dentist, retiring as a lieutenant colonel, Reagan transitioned to dental education. He became a faculty member at the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry, eventually serving as the director of the Advanced General Dentistry Program, and retired as Professor Emeritus in 2012.

Beyond his professional and military achievements, Stephen Reagan has demonstrated an extraordinary dedication to veteran support. Since 2014, he and his wife, Alice, have volunteered over 30 hours weekly at the Dale K. Graham Veterans Foundation, assisting veterans nationwide in navigating the complex process of filing for benefits. Their selfless service was recognized in 2024 with the prestigious Veteran Family of the Year Award by the Oklahoma Veterans Council. Reagan's commitment to honoring military history also extends to his role on the board of directors for the Oklahoma Military Heritage Foundation, which supports the Oklahoma Military Hall of Fame. Notably, he spearheaded the fundraising efforts to create busts honoring WWII Medal of Honor recipient Ernest E. Evans, which are now displayed in Evans' hometown of Muskogee and at the U.S. Naval Academy, a testament to his dedication to preserving the legacy of heroes.

Read also: Cameron's Educational Background

Richard Storm: A Journey of Valor, Healing, and Humanitarianism

Richard Storm, a graduate of the Class of 1975, embarked on a unique path to higher education at Cameron University in the early 1970s. His enrollment was preceded by significant military service as a helicopter pilot in the U.S. Army. His tour of duty in Vietnam was marked by exceptional bravery, earning him the Distinguished Flying Cross for heroism on two separate occasions, alongside over 25 other commendations. His military valor was further recognized with his induction into the Indiana Military Hall of Fame in 2017.

As a student at Cameron, Storm was not only academically driven but also a catalyst for academic excellence. He played an instrumental role in the establishment of Cameron University's Phi Kappa Phi chapter, a testament to his commitment to scholarly pursuits. He subsequently served as an officer within the chapter, further solidifying his dedication to academic honor. A long-standing member of President’s Partners, Storm continues to be a valued donor and supporter of Cameron University.

Upon graduating from Cameron in 1975 with a Bachelor of Science degree in natural science, and after completing the Field Artillery Officers career course at Fort Sill, Storm pursued his medical education through the Army Medical Scholarship Program at Indiana University Medical School. His specialization in dermatology led him to complete his training at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio. After graduating in 1983, he was assigned to Ireland Army Hospital at Fort Knox. He retired from military service as a lieutenant colonel in 1987 and returned to his hometown of Indianapolis to establish his medical practice. His dedication to medical education continued as he served as a clinical instructor for Indiana University’s Department of Dermatology for nearly two decades. In recognition of his leadership in the medical field, he was honored with the Indiana University School of Medicine’s Governor Otis R. Bowen, M.D. Distinguished Leadership Award in 2006.

Richard Storm's life has also been profoundly shaped by his engagement in humanitarian projects and community service. He has undertaken international medical missions, demonstrating a deep commitment to global health. His service extended to the board of directors of a humanitarian corporation, where he participated in service projects in Uzbekistan, traveling to the country on two occasions. He currently contributes his expertise to the board of directors for Ariel Ministries and is a former member of the Board of Regents for Midwestern Theological Seminary. Storm maintains active memberships in esteemed organizations such as the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Vietnam Veterans Helicopter Association, and the Distinguished Flying Cross Society, reflecting his enduring connection to his fellow service members and his commitment to service.

Nurturing Future Leaders: The Outstanding Young Alumni Awards

The Outstanding Young Alumni Award celebrates Cameron alumni who have graduated within the last ten years and have already made significant strides in their careers, demonstrated exceptional community engagement, or shown remarkable promise for future contributions. This year's recipients, Josh Mindemann and Captain Audrey Shifflet, represent the vibrant energy and innovative spirit of Cameron's emerging alumni.

Josh Mindemann: Artistry and Impact in the Digital Realm

Josh Mindemann, a graduate of the Class of 2019, chose Cameron University for his higher education, drawn by its affordability, proximity to his hometown, and, most importantly, its flexible scheduling options. These flexible options were crucial for Mindemann, a father of newborn twins, allowing him to effectively balance his family responsibilities with his academic aspirations. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Art with a minor in Language Arts.

An accomplished graphic designer, photographer, painter, and filmmaker, Mindemann's creative talents have garnered numerous accolades. His short films have consistently received recognition at the OklaHomies Short Film Contest, and in 2019, he secured first place in the Wichita Falls Regional Art Battle. His graphic design work has also been highly celebrated, evidenced by his win in the OLA Sequoyah Book Award Re-Design Contest and his poster for "The Hit" being named Best Poster at the OKC 48 Hour Film Competition in 2017.

In 2022, Mindemann joined the football media department at the University of Arkansas, where he currently serves as the senior graphic designer for the Arkansas Razorbacks. In this role, he not only creates compelling graphics for the team's social media channels but also plays a vital part in recruiting efforts. His personalized graphics are designed to be eye-catching and convey a positive message about the football program, significantly contributing to the brand's visibility and appeal. His extensive workload allows him to leverage his diverse creative skills across various platforms, including graphic design, photography, and video production. Mindemann's creativity has earned national recognition from industry peers, playing a key role in elevating the Razorbacks' brand to a leadership position in graphic design and motion graphic creation within the collegiate sports landscape.

Captain Audrey Shifflet: Dedication, Leadership, and Compassion in Service

Captain Audrey Shifflet, a graduate of the Class of 2020, has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to service, leadership, and personal growth throughout her academic and military career. Her journey at Cameron University was marked by her active participation in the Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC). As a cadet in the Comanche Battalion, Shifflet was recognized with prestigious awards, including the Sgt. York Award, the Cadet of the Year Award, and the National Society of the United States Daughters of 1812 Award, highlighting her outstanding performance and leadership potential.

Upon commissioning as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army, Shifflet received the designation of "Distinguished Military Graduate," a significant honor acknowledging her optimistic demeanor, eagerness to learn and assist others, and her exceptional attributes in physical fitness, teamwork, and resilience. She was subsequently assigned to the 1-14 Field Artillery Regiment as a platoon leader. During a 10-month deployment to Europe, she played a crucial role in instructing foreign partners on defensive strategies against near-peer threats, contributing to international security and cooperation. Following this, she served as the executive officer for the Fires Center of Excellence, Headquarters Detachment, where she provided essential oversight and support to a large contingent of over 940 soldiers, contractors, and civilians. Captain Shifflet is currently advancing her military education by attending the Field Artillery Captains Career Course.

Beyond her military duties, Captain Shifflet is a devoted full-time caregiver for her mother, who suffers from dementia. In this deeply personal role, she has become an active advocate for raising awareness of this devastating disease, sharing her experiences and insights to support others facing similar challenges. The remarkable feat of juggling graduate studies at the University of Oklahoma, multiple military courses, personal commitments, and professional responsibilities underscores her unwavering determination to excel academically, professionally, and personally. Her resilience and dedication serve as an inspiration to her peers and a testament to the character forged through her experiences at Cameron University.

Illuminating Minds: Inductees into the CUAA Faculty Hall of Fame

The CUAA Faculty Hall of Fame recognizes faculty members who have made extraordinary contributions to Cameron University through their teaching, research, mentorship, and service. These individuals have not only enriched the academic lives of countless students but have also significantly advanced the university's reputation and mission. The 2025 inductees, Dr. Ioannis Argyros and Dr. Sarah Eppler Janda, are distinguished scholars whose dedication and impact have left an indelible mark on the university.

Dr. Ioannis Argyros: A Pioneer in Mathematical Innovation and Mentorship

Dr. Ioannis Argyros, a distinguished professor of mathematics, has been an integral part of the Cameron University campus since 1990. His pedagogical philosophy centers on the understanding that mathematics is more than an academic discipline; it is a fundamental way of thinking applicable to solving complex real-world problems. He cultivates an environment of curiosity and creativity among his students, fostering a lifelong passion for learning and intellectual exploration.

Dr. Argyros's scholarly work has significantly enhanced Cameron University's standing in the field of mathematics, with a particular focus on computational mathematics and numerical analysis. A cornerstone of his academic career is his profound commitment to engaging with students and colleagues, which has resulted in a prolific output of collaborative projects, publications, and presentations. He has served as a mentor to an immeasurable number of students, guiding them through research endeavors that have garnered national recognition. His mentorship extends beyond academic achievements, equipping students with essential critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and professional competencies, thereby aiding them in securing research opportunities, scholarships, and admission to prestigious graduate programs.

His scholarly contributions are vast and impressive, boasting over 1,700 published papers, 33 books, and 17 book chapters in the fields of computational mathematics and iterative methods. His research has been featured in highly respected journals such as the Proceedings of the American Mathematical Society, Mathematics of Computation, Journal of Mathematical Analysis and Applications, and Applied Mathematics and Computation. The cumulative citations of his works approach 11,000, a testament to the widespread impact and influence of his research. Furthermore, Dr. Argyros contributes his expertise to the academic community as a member of the editorial boards of more than 30 mathematics journals.

Dr. Sarah Eppler Janda: A Historian's Dedication to Teaching, Scholarship, and University Governance

Dr. Sarah Eppler Janda, a professor of history in the Department of Social Sciences, has been a dedicated member of the Cameron University faculty since 2001. For over two decades, she has consistently demonstrated excellence in teaching and student mentorship, a deep commitment to community engagement, and strong leadership within the university. Her profound impact on students and their learning experiences has been recognized with Cameron University's highest faculty honor, the Harold and Elizabeth Hackler Award for Teaching Excellence.

Dr. Janda's dedication to her field is evident in her active mentorship of history students, encouraging their participation and presentations at regional Phi Alpha Theta conferences, Oklahoma Research Day, and various other symposia. Her scholarly work primarily explores the history of Oklahoma, with a particular emphasis on the state's female leaders, civil rights movements, and activism. She is currently engaged in co-authoring an Oklahoma history textbook, which promises to be an invaluable educational resource for both teachers and students. Earlier, she authored "Pride of the Wichita: A History of Cameron University," a comprehensive celebration of the university's first century.

A two-time chair of the Faculty Senate, Dr. Janda is a staunch advocate for shared governance, ensuring that the voices of faculty and students are heard and considered across the campus. She is an active member of CU’s Faculty Advisory Board and serves as the university's coordinator for the Oklahoma Scholar-Leadership Enrichment Program. Her commitment to higher education extends to her position on the Faculty Advisory Council of the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education. Within the Department of Social Sciences, Dr. Janda leads the Peer Support Committee, actively fostering a culture of collegiality, accountability, personal growth, and mutual support among her colleagues.

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