AAFSA Accomplishments

History

• Initial conversations in 2002
• University approved organization (2005)
• Inaugural president – Dr. Judith Wakefield (2005)
• Inaugural sponsors (Dr. Kathryn Gage and Dr. Bill Radke – 2005)

Advocacy

• Influential in the establishment of the University Committee on Diversity through the advocacy for a more diverse faculty and staff body
• Commissioned a mural depicting African-American contributions to the University
• Advocated and provided support for Mr. Booker T. Washington to be enshrined in the UCO Athletics Hall of Fame (2018)
• Advocated with and provided support for the Black Student Association in the establishment of a meeting room in the Nigh Center named after Oklahoma and national civil rights pioneer Clara Luper
• Provided leadership and guidance to the Latino, Native American and LGBTQIA Faculty/Staff Associations in establishing their respective organizations

Scholarly Activities

• Hosts Black Faculty Research Symposium
• African American faculty serves as mentor(s) for the UCO McNair Scholars Program
• African American faculty/staff teaches classes designed for UCO Upward Bound Programs.
• AAFSA conducts workshops at the Black Girl Magic and Black Male Summit event.  

Student Support (Programming and Financial)

• Established and implemented an account specifically designed to support programs, events, and scholarships for students – solely funded by AAFSA membership
• Awarded over $20,000 in scholarships to students since 2011 (AAFSA Book Award)
• Collaborates with the Black Student Association to host the Annual Black History Month Keynote Address
• Host Annual Back to School Bash (September)
• Supports and participates in the annual UCO Black Male Summit. Recognizes current UCO students with a $1000 scholarship
  • • Recently named scholarship award to Dr. Stevie Johnson Leadership Award
• Supports and participates in the annual UCO Black Girl Magic Program. Recognizes current UCO students with a $1000 scholarship award
  • Recently named scholarship award to Meshawn Conley-Green Leadership Award
• Hosts Holiday Luncheon for students during Finals Week (December)

Distinguished Alumni

• Identified and honored the first African-American students to enroll and graduate from the University of Central Oklahoma. Six graduate students enrolled in 1954. Three undergraduate students enrolled in 1955
• Hosted a keynote address where three of UCO’s first African-American undergraduate and graduate students (Elizabeth Hilton Threatt, Alberta Eddens, and Murray Butler) were featured speakers
• Identified and honored UCO’s first African American athlete to graduate – Mr. Booker T. Washington (1960)
• Identified and honored UCO alum and OKCPD’s First Black Police Chief – M.T. Berry

Awards and Recognitions/BHM Keynote Speakers

• Honored UCO faculty, staff and former students with the You Made A Difference Award since 2005
  • Recently renamed the Dr. Judith Wakefield You Made A Difference Award (2020)
• Researched, identified and selected 17 community leaders to deliver annual Black History Month Keynote Address since 2005
• Recognized and honored Dr. Paul Lehman as the first tenured African American faculty member

Community Engagement

Collaborations with the following:

• Urban League of Greater OKC (Back to School Program, Equal Opportunity Day, Annual Gala Event, etc.)
• OKC Black Chamber of Commerce (Fresh Start Breakfast, Annual Event and Awards Dinner, etc.)
• OKC Black Elected Officials (Annual College Fair specially designed for the African American community) with Perry Publishing and Broadcasting (supports AAFSA and BSA initiatives)
• Collaborates with Guiding Right, Inc. (supports AAFSA, ODI and BSA initiatives)