Broncho Blogs at the Universiry of Central Oklahoma

CFAD In The Spotlight

Category: UCO

#CFADWorks: Brandi Kelley

Brandi Kelley is a proud full-time public school dance educator and a Middle Years Programme Health educator at Classen School of Advanced Studies Middle School. In 2024, she was named a Top 9 Teacher of the Year for Oklahoma City Public Schools (OKCPS). She also serves as department chair for the dance programs at OKCPS and is a proud graduate of OKCPS. Brandi holds an MFA in Dance from the University of California Irvine, a BFA in dance and an M.Ed in Secondary Education from the University of Central Oklahoma. She has served as a writer for the OK State Dance Frameworks and was a Subject Matter Expert for the grant-supported OK State Department of Education project, Art Tech.

Brandi is an Embodiology® teacher in training under the mentorship of Dr. S. Ama Wray. Since her first participation in Embodiology® in 2018, she has been immensely grateful for how this work brings her into an awareness of the body and how we can notice the rhythms and patterns of people and systems within ourselves and the world around us and make new choices. She is honored to have been co-presenter for an Embodiology® inspired session recently at the National Dance Education Organization conference in Denver, Colorado.

Brandi is also immensely proud to have served the non-profit dance organization, RACE Dance Collective, and RACE Academy in multiple directing and creative capacities since 2009. From her roots at UCO to all of the branches of arts and education she interacts with now near and far, she is proud to continue learning from the red dirt that raised her as she takes part in cultivating educational and arts communities in OKC and beyond.

Posted on October 25, 2024 by Buddy Broncho

#CFADWorks: Brandon Fink

From UCO Dance to National Stage

Brandon Fink, a native of Oklahoma City, began his journey in performance art with early training in color guard and winter guard programs. After developing his skills with notable groups like Sarajevo Winter Guard and Insignia Winter Guard, he joined the prestigious Bluecoats Drum & Bugle Corps, marking the beginning of a multifaceted career in the performing arts.

Brandon earned a B.F.A. in Dance from the University of Central Oklahoma (UCO), where his passion for dance took center stage. After graduation, he attended the American Dance Festival, where he was selected to perform in a revival of Twyla Tharp’s Sweet Fields. This pivotal experience launched his professional career, as he signed with the Modern American Dance Company (MADCO) in St. Louis. During his five years with MADCO, Brandon contributed to award-winning performances, including Liquid Roads, a production that earned an Emmy for its collaboration with HEC-TV.

As his career progressed, Brandon expanded his repertoire, working in both dance and musical theater. He performed at renowned venues such as The Muny in Fiddler on the Roof, Variety Theatre in The Wizard of Oz and The Little Mermaid, and the Opera Theatre of Saint Louis in Orfeo and Euridice. His work earned him membership in both the Actors’ Equity Association and the American Guild of Musical Artists, distinguishing him as a well-rounded and versatile performer.

Brandon also made his mark as a choreographer, with his works showcased at institutions like UCO, the Big Muddy Dance Company, Florida Atlantic University, and the Oklahoma Contemporary Dance Festival. His dedication to education is evident in his role as Director of Education at The Big Muddy Dance Company, where he nurtures future generations of dancers.

In 2019, Brandon founded La Voûte Performance Ensemble, further expanding his influence as an artistic director. His passion for creating innovative dance experiences and mentoring emerging talent continues to define his career. Throughout it all, Brandon remains grateful for the support of his friends, family, and husband, Ryan Grigsby, as he continues to inspire through his work both on and off the stage.

From his roots at UCO to national stages and beyond, Brandon Fink exemplifies the impact of a strong foundation in the arts, showing how a combination of talent, passion, and perseverance can lead to remarkable accomplishments.

Posted on October 16, 2024 by Buddy Broncho

#CFADWorks: Laine Godsey

Laine Godsey is an interdisciplinary artist living and working in Philadelphia, where she is the Coordinator of Arts and Community Engagement at the Center for Creative Works and also serves as adjunct faculty at Lincoln University. Her studio practice utilizes sculpture, found material, photography and installation, addressing how gender, domesticity and objects, as carriers of memory, shape our sense of identity.

Godsey received a BFA from the University of Central Oklahoma’s Department of Art and went on to get an MFA in Interdisciplinary Fine Art with a certificate in New and Time Based Media from the University of Pennsylvania. She is a member of the Philadelphia-based artistic collective, Fjord, is a guest curator at Gallery 241 and sits on the Accessibility Advisory Board at the Wagner Institute of Science. Godsey has exhibited in shows in Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Oklahoma, Wyoming and internationally in Florence, Italy and Berlin, Germany. Her work has been published in Mousse Magazine, reviewing online at ILIKETHISART.net and Title Magazine. She has received the Susan Cromwell Coslett Traveling Fellowship and the Lawrence Shprintz Fine Arts Prize.

Learn more about Laine at her website.

Posted on October 10, 2024 by Buddy Broncho

UCO Celebrates Dr. Samuel Magrill in Concert Series

The School of Music and the College of Fine Arts and Design (CFAD) are excited to announce the Magrill Festival, a yearlong series of performances celebrating the remarkable career of Samuel Magrill, D.M.A., CFAD’s longest-serving faculty member. Dr. Magrill has made substantial contributions to music composition and education over his 37 years at UCO. This fall, audiences are invited to enjoy a diverse range of Dr. Magrill’s compositions, which will be performed in eight shows featuring UCO faculty, students, alumni, and guest artists.

This is an exciting opportunity to showcase Sam’s profound influence on music at UCO and the incredible talents of our faculty, students, and collaborators.

The festival kicks off on Saturday, Sept. 28, with Samuel Magrill’s Cello Works at 3 p.m. in the Radke Fine Arts Theatre, featuring performances by the UCO Cello Ensemble, soprano Danielle Herrington, and guest artists Kirsten Underwood, Linda Jennings, and Chindarat Charoenwongse. Highlights include the premiere of Utitia’q’s Song (2024) and Lullaby for Leo (2024), alongside previous works like Tango Cellito (2002) and Remy 2002 (2001).

Additional fall concerts featuring compositions by Dr. Magrill include:

Faculty Artist Concert Series (FACS) – One Flute, Two Flutes, Old Flutes, New Flutes with Natalie Syring and Mira Magrill, on Sept. 29, 5 p.m. at the UCO Jazz Lab.
UCO Chamber Orchestra – Double Concerto (2000-1, adapted 2024) and Tango Cellito (2002), on Oct.1, 7:30 p.m. at Mitchell Hall Theatre.
UCO Choirs in Concert – Premieres of In Which Being Here Together is Enough (2003) and Love Song Ending with a Line by Horace (2003), on Oct. 8, 7:30 p.m. at Mitchell Hall Theatre.
UCO Wind Symphony: Things That Go “Boom” in the Shadows – Festive Fanfare (1997), on Oct.10, 7:30 p.m. at Mitchell Hall Theatre.
UCO Opera Workshop “The Wonder Book” – Selections from Gorgon’s Head (1997), Paradise of Children (1998), and Circe’s Palace (2000), on Nov. 7-9, 7:30 p.m. at UCO Jazz Lab.
UCO Symphony Orchestra – Concerto fantastique (Oklahoma Premiere) with Mira Magrill, on Nov. 26, 7:30 p.m. at Mitchell Hall Theatre.
UCO Wind Symphony: With Heart and Soul and Voice – Fanfare for Peace, on Dec. 5, 7:30 p.m. at Mitchell Hall Theatre.

Spring 2025 concerts featuring compositions by Dr. Magrill include:

Faculty Artist Concert Series (FACS) – Remembrance and Renewal II with Tess Remy and friends featuring Lullaby for Two (2024)(Premiere) with Tess Remy, cello and Margaret Brisch, piano, Hommage a Brahms for clarinet, cello and piano (2004) with the Otis Trio, on March 30, 2025, 5 p.m. at the UCO Jazz Lab.
Faculty Artist Concert Series (FACS) – Magrill and Mendelssohn featuring Sketches (1986) with Scott Erickson, oboe and Samuel Magrill, piano, 542&241 (2022) (Premiere) with Dawn Lindblade-Evans and Michael Scheuerman, clarinets, on April 6, 2025, 5 p.m. at the UCO Jazz Lab.

Additional 2025 dates will be added as information becomes available.

Posted on August 26, 2024 by Buddy Broncho

#CFADWorks: Andrea Durbin

UCO Interior Design Alumni Spotlight on Andrea Durbin, Director of Interior Design at MA+ Architecture

Our graduates are doing extraordinary things! Interior Design Alumni Spotlights are a feature highlighting our talented graduates. These interviews allow you to learn about where our alumni work, the types of projects they do, and how their experiences at UCO helped shape them into the designers they are today.

Questions:

UCO DESIGN: What year did you graduate from UCO?

Andrea Durbin: 2008

UCO DES: What was your name in school?

AD: Andrea Logsdon

UCO DES: What was your major?

AD: BFA Interior Design, Minor in Art History

UCO DES: Where are you from?

AD: Alva, Oklahoma. Go Goldbugs!!

UCO DES: What got you interested in interior design?

AD: I have always been drawn to the arts from a very young age. Having the ability to create something beautiful out of nothing is an amazing thing.

UCO DES: Why did you decide to major in Interior Design?

AD: Originally, I came to UCO as a dance major, but after 2 years in the program, I decided it wasn’t for me and started the Interior Design program. I have always been drawn to architecture and design. It seemed like a natural fit for me.

UCO DES: Did you double major or get a minor when you were in school? If so, what other areas did you study?

AD: My minor is in Art History, and I feel like this has given me the knowledge to appreciate classic design and respect many different types and aspects of design.

UCO DES: What was your first job after graduation?

AD: I worked as an Interior Designer for an architecture firm.

UCO DES: What are you doing today?

AD: I am the Director of Interior Design and an Associate at MA+ Architecture. I have been with MA+ for 7 1/2 years. We specialize in Education Design, but we also do Corporate, Religious, Government, and Healthcare.

UCO DES: What has been one of your favorite projects you’ve worked on as a professional?

AD: One of my favorite and most rewarding projects is Positive Tomorrows, a school for homeless children in Oklahoma City.

UCO DES: When you were a student, did you work? If so, where?

AD: Yes, I worked for a residential designer specializing in high-end design.

UCO DES: Where did you do your internship? How did that experience shape your future?

AD: My internship was at an architecture firm in Oklahoma City. I learned a ton there. Each and every place I have worked has added to who I am as a designer and as a person. I wouldn’t change any of it.

UCO DES: Were you involved in any other campus activities or organizations when you were in school?

AD: I was a member of the student ASID organization and had the privilege of being a part of Charles Evans Studio.

UCO DES: Are you a member of a professional organization now as a practicing designer?

AD: Yes, IIDA, OIDC, A4LE

UCO DES: Have you taken the NCIDQ exam? Any advice?

AD: Yes! My best advice would be to take it as soon as possible- you know most of the information, and the longer you wait, the easier it is to put it off. The way that the legislation is evolving, it is very important that you pursue your NCIDQ.

UCO DES: What is one of your fondest memories of your time at UCO?

AD: I loved being a student at UCO. Some of my favorite memories involve pizza or Flattire and late nights in the CAD Lab.

UCO DES: What advice can you give our current students?

AD: Always continue learning, whether it is earning your NCIDQ, WELL AP, becoming ALEP, or continuing your education through CEUs. The more you know, the better designer you are.

You can learn more about MA+ Architecture at: https://www.maplusarch.com/

The photos provided illustrate some of Andrea’s professional work.

Compiled by Amy Jacobson-Peters, MFA, ASID, IDEC
Assistant Professor
Division Head, BFA Interior Design, UCO School of Design

Posted on February 23, 2024 by Buddy Broncho

#CFADWorks: Dena Edwards

UCO Interior Design Alumni Spotlight on Dena Edwards, Oklahoma and New Mexico Sales Rep. with Koroseal Interior Products Group

Our graduates are doing extraordinary things! Interior Design Alumni Spotlights are a feature highlighting our talented graduates. These interviews allow you to learn about where our alums work, the types of projects they do, and how their experiences at UCO helped shape them into the designers they are today.

UCO DESIGN: What year did you graduate from UCO?

Dena Edwards: I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Interior Design in 2010.

UCO DES: Where are you from?

DE: Edmond, OK

UCO DES: What got you interested in interior design? Why did you decide to major in it?

DE: My husband and I had flipped a small 1940s rental house we had bought from our landlord, and I loved it. I loved the vision, the process, and the transformation. I already had a Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication/Journalism and loved writing, but I had been a stay-at-home mom for 17 years and was ready to take a few classes. I decided I needed to aim for something specific, and the next thing I knew, I had a second bachelor’s degree.

Dena Edwards

UCO DES: Do you have an additional degree besides Interior Design? Has that degree helped you as a designer?

DE: I currently work as an interior finishes sales rep, focusing on the commercial interior design environment, and my journalism degree/experience has been very valuable in helping me interview clients and determine their needs as well as their wants.

UCO DES: What was your first job after graduation?

DE: I started my own residential interior design company and functioned in that world for 18 months before deciding that residential design wasn’t within my interests. I am not a fan of knick-knacks and pillows and draperies. I prefer space planning and big-picture finishes.

UCO DES: What are you doing today? Where are you working? How long have you been at your current place of employment? What do you specialize in? What is your title?

DE: I had been a student member of both ASID and IIDA, and about the time I decided I didn’t want to do residential design work, I got an email from ASID saying that a national interior design company was looking for a sales rep in Oklahoma. I applied for and started my job with Koroseal Interior Products Group in April 2012. In 2021, I had New Mexico added to my territory as well.

I have an extensive umbrella of various interior design products. I sell different types of wallcoverings: vinyl, specialty, digital, wood, dry erase, tack-able, and impact resistant; acoustic panels and products; architectural metals; fabrics; and architectural films. Most of my days are spent calling on interior designers and architects (and owners) to convince them to use my products on their projects. I work with them on samples and budgets and solving design problems. Then, I work on the bidding side with subs on quotes and submittals, purchasing, installation, and maintenance. I love following my projects all the way through and seeing designers’ visions come to fruition with my products.

UCO DES: What has been one of your favorite projects you’ve worked on as a professional?

DE: OSU’s McKnight Performing Arts Center. I had four different types of products on that project: wood wallcovering (more than 45K sq. ft.), acoustic panels, vinyl wallcovering, and corner guards. It’s a gorgeous design, and I also loved staying on top of the construction process.

UCO DES: Where did you do your internship? How did that experience shape your future?

DE: I worked at Star Flooring for a bit and disliked the nature of “semi-custom home building.” I also worked for Kellie Clements (top 4 on season 6 of HGTV’s Design Star) and loved her energy and use of color and patterns. She helped make me excited about unique products.

UCO DES: Are you a member of a professional organization now as a practicing designer?

DE: IIDA (the International Interior Design Association)

UCO DES: What is one of your fondest memories at UCO?

DE: Really, just getting to know my fellow students. Since I was in my 40s when I went to UCO and was a wife and mother of two, my commuter experience was very different from that of most students earning a bachelor’s degree. But I bonded with what I called my “teeny bopper friends” and watched them mature and flourish past party kids and into well-respected professionals. But I will never forget when, in my first semester as a freshman, an 18-year-old classmate asked me if I had any gum, and without thinking, I pulled the wrapper back like a banana peel and held it out to him as I would’ve my kids when they were young. We were both shocked, and I was mortified at the obvious show of my age!

UCO DES: What is something you learned at UCO that has impacted you as a professional?

DE: I adored my Finishes (Materials) class, and since I now sell finishes, it has been the most useful information for my current position.

UCO DES: What advice can you give our current students?

DE: Expand your knowledge in every way possible to make yourself even more valuable to future clients. You will be up against many other designers for positions, so make your resume and yourself stand out.

Value your knowledge and the profession. Many will think of you simply as a decorator – know the difference and respectfully correct and educate those who refer to you as such. Interior surroundings affect mental health in ways we all knew and indeed saw and experienced during COVID-19 quarantines. You aren’t just creating pretty spaces; you are creating spaces that positively affect people’s mental health, moods, work efficiency, and lives. Never lose sight of that.

You can learn more about Koroseal by visiting their website.

The photos provided illustrate projects Dena worked on using Koroseal’s products.

Compiled by Amy Jacobson-Peters, MFA, ASID, IDEC
Assistant Professor
Division Head, BFA Interior Design, UCO School of Design

Posted on January 23, 2024 by Buddy Broncho

Meet Scott Erickson, D.M.A., Professor of Oboe

The new academic year has brought new names and faces to the School of Music. One of those individuals is Scott Erickson (D.M.A.). After sitting down and interviewing him with standard and student-suggested interview questions, we would love to tell you all about him.

Professor Erickson has been around the world but calls Denver, Colorado home. “I was raised there, and my family is there. It’s where I’m most at home,” Erickson recalls. He has planted roots in Washington state, Florida, and even as far away as Bolivia through his studies. In Washington, Professor Erickson instructed oboe at Central Washington University. Although he spends most of his time on the oboe, his hobbies are far from home.

“I’m an outdoors person; I find myself outside as much as possible. I love camping, biking, hiking, tennis, and even golf… although I’m not great at it.” Erickson laughed when talking about golf. In addition to being outside, he enjoys playing guitar (inside) for his dog, Joey. Joey is a five-year-old rescue from Washington who is claimed to be “the best audience—Joey loves my singing.”

Professionally, Scott Erickson has an extensive resume, performing with the Bold City Contemporary Ensemble in Jacksonville, Florida, the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra, the Orquesta Sinfónica Nacional de Bolivia, and taught at the National Conservatory in La Paz. During his time in Bolivia, Scott stayed with a host family who helped him brush up on his Spanish, “In Bolivia, concert season lines up with summer break here in the States, so it worked well. During the second year of my doctorate, I went down and stayed with a host family. I learned so much Spanish but came back and haven’t needed it. I’d really love to get back to it.” He also taught oboe lessons while there.

Two student-submitted questions were asked, both comedic and personal. Scott was excited to answer both. The first, “What is your favorite meme?” the frontrunner was, “Oh–! The really excited kid with the clenched fists! I’ve seen that one a lot lately, and I love it!” The second, “NFL season is back—who’s your favorite player, and should they start their own brand of shoes?” This one got a laugh and good consideration. “Raised in Colorado, I’m a Broncos fan. I’ve gotta go with Peyton Manning (one of the greats!). He should definitely start his own brand of loafers.”

Overall, Scott Erickson is enjoying Oklahoma and says the area is treating him well. He mentioned the variety of food and new things to try—including an OKC Dodgers game.

Thank you for your interview, Scott! The full interview is below.**

**Questions have been edited for clarity.

1. Where are you from or claim to be from?

Denver, CO. I was raised there, and my family is from there. I did my Undergrad in Wyoming, Graduate studies in Florida (Florida State University), did teaching in Washington, and even Bolivia. In Bolivia, orchestra season lines up with summer break, so it works well. I went down during my second year of my doctorate, taught oboe lessons there and played as a soloist. I learned a lot of Spanish and—well—it’s been a minute so I’ve lost a lot. I’d love to get back into it.

2. Do you have any pets? Pictures?

I have a dog, Joey, he’s 5 years old, and is a rescue from Washington.

3. What’s your favorite meme?

The excited Little Kid clenched fists. I’ve seen that one around a lot lately and I love it!

4. Besides oboe, what other instruments do you play?

Flute, Saxophone before oboe, and Keyboard. Had a rock band with a few friends back in CO and would tour resort towns. There used to be albums but we have since pulled them from the internet. Once opened for Smashmouth at a rock n’ roll festival. Other than that I play guitar in my down time for my dog. He’s the best audience—thinks my singing is amazing.

5. FACS performance—what was your favorite piece to perform?

“Duet with Bass”—favorite piece hands down. Working with Dr. Geib was a blast and being able to narrate let me express a lot. I used to be a sports announcer and enjoyed learning how to express things using voice. I would definitely do a FACS performance again. The audience was wonderful, and collaborators were terrific.

6. Any hobbies besides living, breathing, and teaching oboe?

I’m an outdoors person and find myself outside as much as possible. I enjoy Hiking, Camping, Biking, Tennis, Golf (although I’m not great). Back in Washington, I was a volunteer for back country first aid and was certified.

7. The NFL is back—who’s your favorite player and do you think they should start their own brand of shoes?

I’ve gotta go with Peyton Manning (one of the greats!)—and he should absolutely own his own brand of shoes, definitely loafers.

8. How has Oklahoma been treating you? Have you gotten a chance to try new things around the Metro?

Great! Everything has been enjoyable. Hanging out in new places has been exciting. I’ll be hitting up a Dodgers game this weekend. There’s also so much good food here!

Posted on September 13, 2023 by Buddy Broncho

Concert Chorale Summer Tour

This photo of the The UCO Concert Chorale was taken Saturday, May 20, 2023 after a performance at St Margaret Pattens Church in London.

The UCO Concert Chorale at Saint Margaret Pattens Church in London, England

The UCO Concert Chorale successfully completed a ten-day performance tour of the United Kingdom, highlighted by concerts and rousing ovations at historic Bath Abbey in Bath, England, the Church of St. Margaret Pattens in London as part of the Brandenburg Choral Festival, and St. Giles Cathedral in Edinburgh, Scotland. The concert titled American Music of Love, Land and Spirit featured a cappella choral music of contemporary American composers, including solo performances from UCO students Mackenzie Cook, Jarrett Cox, Bear Harlow, Makayla Seeney, Davison Nguyen, and Keegan Rose.

As part of their trip, students also visited iconic sights such as Stonehenge, the Roman Baths, Salisbury Cathedral, Gloucester Cathedral, The Globe Theater, British Museum, Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, Tower Bridge, Big Ben, Arthur’s Seat, and Edinburgh Castle. The tour was full of musical and cultural experiences that UCO students will carry for many years.

The UCO Concert Chorale toured many churches the summer of 2023 as part of their performance tour in England.

Interior of the Abbey Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul (Bath Abbey)

Interior of St. Giles Cathedral in Edinburgh, Scotland.

The UCO Concert Chorale, like many of our musical groups, holds open auditions for all UCO students. For more information or to schedule an audition, contact Dr. Karl Nelson, Director of Choral Studies, at knelson15@uco.edu.

Posted on May 26, 2023 by Buddy Broncho

Spring 2023 Class Marshal, Ireland Reneau!

The University of Central Oklahoma has named five students as Class Marshals of their respective colleges for the spring 2023 commencement ceremonies, recognizing them for their academic excellence.

Students earn the title of Class Marshal for achieving the highest academic records within their colleges during their time at Central.

Ireland Reneau is a musical theatre major with a minor in dance with a 4.0 GPA in the College of Fine Arts and Design. From Arlington, Texas, she is a member of STLR Student Ambassadors and the Leaders of Tomorrow Council at Central. She received the Freshman Achievement Scholarship, the Leaders of Tomorrow Scholarship, the Music Theatre Scholarship, the College of Fine Arts and Design Scholarship, as well as placement on the President’s Honor Roll.

“As a musical theatre major, acceptance into any program is extremely competitive, and you don’t have a whole lot of control as to where you end up in college — a lot of the audition experience feels like ‘luck of the draw,’” Reneau said.

“I have been so grateful that I ended up at UCO, because I have learned and grown so much as an artist here. By running with this incredible pack of performers, I have stretched myself creatively in ways I never thought I could, and I feel so much more prepared to face the difficult world of performing with all my experiences here under my belt.”

After graduation, Reneau hopes to work professionally as an actress and obtain her Master of Fine Arts in directing. Additionally, she plans to get her first novel published.

Posted on May 4, 2023 by Buddy Broncho

#CFADWorks: Leah Brownell

UCO Interior Design Alumni Spotlight: Leah Brownell from GH2 Architects in Tulsa, OK

Our graduates are doing extraordinary things! Interior Design Alumni Spotlights are a feature highlighting our talented graduates. These interviews allow you to learn about where our alumni work, the types of projects they do, and how their experiences during their time at UCO helped shape them into the designers they are today.

UCO Design: What year did you graduate?

Leah Brownell: May 2016

UCO DES: What was your name in school?

LB: Leah Eubanks

UCO DES: What was your major?

LB: BFA in Interior Design

DES: Where are you from?

LB: Muskogee, Oklahoma

DES: What got you interested in interior design? Why did you decide to major in it?

LB: Between my junior and senior years of high school, I was able to travel to Europe for 5 weeks. The man-made environment was phenomenal and so well crafted. This is what sparked my interest in interior design/architecture.

DES: Did you double major or get a minor when you were in school? If so, what other areas did you study?

LB: While I did not minor in anything specific, I did take graphic design and fashion design classes. I find both of those very beneficial in my day-to-day work and overall career.

DES: Do you have an additional degree besides Interior Design? Has that degree helped you as a designer?

LB: I have an Associate Degree in Business Administration. It has helped remind me of the business side and processes of architecture and the service industry.

DES: What was your first job after graduation?

LB: I interned at REES Associates in Oklahoma City the fall after graduation, which opened the door for me to land my current position at the GH2 Architects headquartered in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

DES: What are you doing today? Where are you working? How long have you been at your current place of employment? What do you specialize in? What is your title?

LB: I am an Interior Designer at GH2 Architects and have been with GH2 Architects for over 6 years. I specialize in healthcare design but have worked on many project types and sizes, including education, corporate, hospitality, and civic. GH2 does a wonderful job of giving their employees an opportunity to work on multiple things to gain experience in all areas and phases of design.

DES: What has been one of your favorite projects you’ve worked on as a professional?

LB: K-12 education projects are typically my favorite. I love working under budget constraints and forcing myself to be extra creative with materials. I also love enhancing the learning environment for younger generations and showing that each school district, regardless of location, can have healthy and safe environments. My favorite project to date is the Muskogee Public Schools’ new state-of-the-art athletic facility, Rougher Village, which houses a new stadium, press box, arena, and office space.

DES: When you were a student, did you work? If so, where?

LB: I worked at Emory Anne Interiors in Edmond, OK

DES: Were you involved in any other campus activities or organizations when you were in school? Were you in a leadership position?

LB: I was involved in SIDA, IIDA, and ASID while at UCO. Starting my sophomore year, I held board positions for SIDA: publicity chair, vice president, and eventually president.

UCO: Are you a member of a professional organization now as a practicing designer?

LB: I have remained an active member of IIDA and attend AIA Women in Design events when possible.

DES: What is one of your fondest memories of your time at UCO?

LB: Being in SIDA was great and created a lot of wonderful experiences and memories. Having that support system is so important, and who better to have in that circle than people going through a similar experience as you?

DES: What advice can you give our current students?

LB: Try to always come from a place of yes and do the thing that not everyone may want to do, like volunteering to attend events, participating on a panel, or getting involved in your community. It will push you forward and open doors to experiences early on in your career that you didn’t think would be possible or available to you. Dig in and be as involved as you can. It will serve you well both in your college and professional careers!

Visit GH2 Architects website.

See renderings of the Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma.

See renderings of the Muskogee Public School Varsity Stadium and Activity Center.

See photos of the Mustang Science Academy.

Compiled by Amy Jacobson-Peters, MFA, ASID, IDEC
Assistant Professor
Division Head, BFA Interior Design, UCO School of Design

Posted on March 31, 2023 by Buddy Broncho

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