Southeastern announces 2026 class of Distinguished Alumni

John Aldridge ('82) has transformed the music industry as a musician, educator, drum historian, business mentor, and technical expert. Not long after his graduation from Southeastern, Aldridge became enamored with engraving on vintage snare drums and picked up the craft, eventually becoming the pre-eminent drum engraver in the country. His hand engraving techniques became highly sought after, as he provided his engraving services to a wide range of drum companies including Ludwig, A&F, Joyful Noise Drum Company, C&C, Drum Workshop, and Pearl, as well as guitar work with Fender.

He has also established himself as a rack designer and drum tech, recently wrapping up nearly 20 years with REO Speedwagon, as well as custom design work for KISS, Tesla, Smash Mouth, and the Bryan Setzer Orchestra. He is also a published author and considered a top expert in vintage drums.

Aldridge's commitment to service extends beyond the music industry. Through his involvement with organizations such as Joyful Noise Drum Company, he has supported charitable efforts benefiting children in need.

Dr. Charles Dale ('66) built a distinguished career as an educator, consultant, and curriculum specialist, developing innovative, industry-focused training programs for organizations across the nation. Throughout his career, he has served as a consultant and curriculum specialist for numerous organizations including Texas Instruments, Western Electric, Dallas Chamber of Commerce, Dallas County Community College District, Pima County Community College, Burr-Brown Research Laboratories, and for the Texas Education Agency, among others.

Dale is widely recognized for designing innovative, industry-driven educational programs that transformed technical training across multiple fields. His work includes developing curriculum and training systems for Western Electric following the Bell System divestiture, creating electronics and mechatronics programs tailored to regional workforce needs, and producing widely used instructional materials such as Basic Electricity and DC Circuits, laboratory manuals, and video-based learning systems. He also helped establish programs supporting hearing-impaired students in partnership with Texas Instruments and Gallaudet University, developed accredited certification programs in home entertainment systems, and contributed significantly to renewable energy training initiatives.

In addition to his professional achievements, Dale has demonstrated a lifelong commitment to service, education, and community engagement. He has supported Southeastern through alumni board service, scholarship development, student recruitment, and university events. His civic contributions include humanitarian efforts such as donating hay to the Endangered Ark Foundation in support of rescued circus elephants.

John Harrison is one of the top entertainers in the rodeo industry. Known nationwide for his contributions to the sport, Harrison has served as the Official Barrelman of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, earned 10 selections to the National Finals Rodeo as a barrelman, and appeared three times as the opening act for the National Finals Rodeo. His numerous honors include nine PRCA Comedy Act of the Year awards, seven Coors Man in the Can Awards, three Clown of the Year titles, and three Triple Crown of Rodeo championships. He also made rodeo history as the first individual to win the Triple Crown while being selected to be in the National Finals Rodeo in the same year.

Beyond his professional achievements, Harrison is known for his humility, character and commitment to entertaining audiences and promoting the traditions of rodeo. His influence on the sport and dedication to preserving its heritage have left a lasting impact on generations of rodeo fans and participants.

Regent Emeritus Ann Holloway ('89) has dedicated her career to education and community service. As Managing Member of EAH LLC and President of Holloway Incorporated, she has demonstrated exceptional business leadership for more than twenty-five years while maintaining a steadfast dedication to serving Oklahoma communities.

Her impact on higher education in Oklahoma is especially noteworthy. Through her distinguished service as a Regent for the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education and the Regional University System of Oklahoma, Holloway has championed educational opportunities for countless students across the state. Her appointment as Regent Emeritus and selection to the Oklahoma Higher Education Heritage Hall of Fame reflect the lasting influence of her leadership and commitment to academic excellence.

Beyond her professional and educational contributions, Ann has devoted decades to civic and humanitarian service. Her involvement with organizations such as the Southeastern Oklahoma State University Alumni Association, Ardmore Chamber of Commerce, United Way, March of Dimes, and numerous community organizations demonstrates her dedication to improving the lives of others.

Dr. Donald "Doc" Parham ('52) served at Southeastern for nearly 40 years and held numerous leadership roles including Physical Education Instructor, Chair of Health, Physical Education and Recreation, Head Baseball Coach, and Director of Athletics.

As head baseball coach from 1965-1980, Parham led the Savages to 536 wins over sixteen seasons and never had a losing season. His teams won nine conference championships, seven NAIA District 9 championships, and three NAIA Area 3 titles.

Parham also served as director of athletics from 1967-2004 where he guided Southeastern through significant milestones, including the transition from NAIA to NCAA Division II competition, and membership to the Lone Star Conference. He also established the Southeastern Athletics Hall of Fame. His many accomplishments have been recognized through induction to the Southeastern Athletics Hall of Fame, NAIA Hall of Fame, Lone Star Conference Hall of Honor, and several other prestigious honors.

Beyond his contributions to the university, Parham has exemplified community leadership through his service with the Durant Planning Commission and the Lions Club, including serving as club president.

Janie Semple Umsted ('89) has devoted more than three decades to inspiring students and promoting the arts throughout Oklahoma. Her career includes serving as an art teacher at Atoka High School and faculty member at Southeastern.

Beyond the classroom, Umsted has earned widespread recognition as an accomplished Native American artist whose paintings and sculptures are displayed throughout the Choctaw Nation, including the Choctaw Nation Headquarters, Cultural Center, Judicial Center, Capitol Building, and Choctaw Casino & Resort properties. President Joseph R. Biden appointed Umsted, to the Board of Trustees of the Institute of American Indian Arts. Her work has received numerous honors, including awards from the Choctaw Nation Art Show, Five Tribes Art Show, Red Earth Festival, and Trail of Tears Art Show. As the owner of Iron Horse Gallery and Gifts, and a featured artist in major exhibitions, she has helped preserve and celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Oklahoma's Native people.

A dedicated supporter of Southeastern, Umsted is a founding member and curator of the Semple Family Museum of Native American Art and has served the University through the Alumni Association and numerous community organizations. Her leadership with arts, educational, and civic organizations has strengthened the cultural life of southeastern Oklahoma and advanced opportunities for others.