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The Newsletter of NEO A&M College | Volume V Number 7 | January Edition 2017

N O R T H E A S T E R N O K L A H O M A A & M C O L L E G E

NEO UPDATEDr. Mark Taylor spoke with faculty during the annual in-service.

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NEO Names 2016 Top 10 Freshmen

NEO Student Support Services Hosts Open House to Display Mabon Award Project

NEO Hosts Annual Christmas Tree Lighting and Family Dinner

NEO Claims Champion and Reserve Champion at AQHA World Show

NEO Awards Three Scholarships at Annual Alumni/Recruiting Rodeo

NEO Livestock Judging Places Ninth in the Nation at North American International

NEO Coach Zach Allen Selected for AFCA 30 Under 30 Institute

NEO Breaks Ground on New Student Housing Complex

NEO Begins New Year with Campus Improvements

NEO Establishes Scholarship to Honor Dr. Jeff and Donna Hale

NEO celebrated accomplished student leaders during the eighth annual Top Ten Freshmen ceremony on Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2016.

“The students selected for NEO’s most prestigious award are fully engaged inside and outside of the classroom. They contribute to a positive campus environment for all students and it is our hope that this honor will lead to networking and scholarship opportunities in their futures.”NEO A&M College President Dr. Jeffery Hale First celebrated in 2009, the Top Ten Freshmen ceremony is co-sponsored by NEO’s President’s Partners and the Center for Academic Success and Advising (CASA). The keynote speaker was Mr. Ryan Melton, the director of service excellence at Freemen Health Systems, who was recently recognized as a Joplin Area Business Journal Regional Man of Distinction. All honorees are now sophomores and were selected by a committee of faculty,

NEO NAMES 2016 TOP 10 FRESHMEN

Dr. and Mrs. Hale join with President’s Partners to honor this year’s Top Ten Freshmen winners. From left, Donna Hale, Rachel Loyd, President’s Partner Lou Berry, Jordan Volkman, President’s Partner Dr. Bethene Fahnestock, Krista Rodney, Whitney Kinder, President’s Partner Mark Rasor, Anna Grace Parnell, Morgan Smith, Billie House, Jacee Morgan, Zeke Daniels, Brittany Abernathy, Ryan McLaughlin, Mr. Ryan Melton, Dr. Jeff Hale, President’s Partner Carmen Couch

President’s Partners representatives, and student activities representatives. Students will receive scholarships as well as the opportunity to participate in leadership development activities. This year’s honorees include: Brittany Abernathy, Indianola, Iowa. — Brittany Abernathy is an Agriculture Business major, member of Phi Theta Kappa, and has been recognized on the Dean’s Honor Roll. She received the Cream of the Crop award at the 2016 Aggie Banquet for her exceptional academic performance. Abernathy is very active on campus and serves as the NEO wrestling team manager, a member of the Aggie Society and Equestrian Academy, and is a student and agricultural ambassador. Donald “Zeke” Daniels, Grove, Okla. — Zeke Daniels is a Music Performance major, member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, and has been recognized on the President’s Honor Roll. Last semester, Zeke received the Solfeggietto Piano award. Zeke devotes his time to helping those in his com-munity who are less fortunate. Together with his family, Zeke participates in the backpack

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program; filling backpacks with food for children who may not have enough at home. He has also worked to improve the homes of individuals through the weeklong community project Youth Force. Billie House, Purdy, Mo. — Billie House is studying Agriculture Business and is a member of the Livestock Judging Team, Aggie Society, Phi Theta Kappa, and serves on the Student Body Government officer team. House has been recognized on the President’s Honor Roll and received the Presidential Scholarship. She has volunteered her time helping with NEO’s Recruitment Rodeo, Rodeo Miami, and Lance Porterfield roping in addition to helping coordinate livestock judging contests for her high school and 4H. Whitney Kinder, Miami, Okla. — Whitney Kinder is an Enterprise Development and Natural Science major. She has been recognized on the Dean’s and President’s Honor Roll and is an active member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, which helped earn the chapter the recognition of Outstanding Chapter for the Oklahoma/Arkansas Region. Kinder has taken several leadership opportunities on campus and serves as a mentor to other NEO students. She headed the Honors in Action Project and serves NEO Student Support Services in multiple capacities, including math and science tutoring and fundraising. Kinder has also participated in several Fine Arts productions. Ryan McLaughlin, Perth, Western Australia. — Ryan McLaughlin is studying Pre-Engineering at NEO as a transfer student from Australia. He is an active member of NEO’s STEM Club and Phi Theta Kappa. He plays on the NEO Golden Norse Soccer Team and has been recognized as an All-American, Region 2 Player of the Year, and Region 2 Tournament MVP. McLaughlin is dedicated to his studies and received the Dobson Presidential Scholarship for his academic achievements. Jacee Morgan, Commerce, Okla. — Jacee Morgan is a General Studies major, member of Phi Theta Kappa, and has been recognized on the President’s Honor Roll. During her freshman year, Morgan was an NEO cheerleader who helped host a spirit camp for young girls in the

community. She has volunteered for the Salvation Army and participated in the Commerce city-wide cleanup. She was also camp leader for NEO Kid’s Day on campus. Anna Grace Parnell, Stanton, Ala.— Anna Grace Parnell is studying Pre-Veterinary Science, has been recognized on the Dean’s and President’s Honor Rolls, and is a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. She is an active member of NEO’s Livestock Judging Team, Aggie Society, Student Body Government, and serves as an Agriculture Ambassador. Parnell has volunteered her time to help with FFA speech contests, livestock judging contests, Aggie Week, Ottawa County Fair and Rodeo, and Rodeo Miami. Krista Rodney, Bentonville, Ark. — Krista Rodney is studying Animal Science, a member of Phi Theta Kappa, and has been recognized on the Dean’s and President’s Honor Rolls. This spring, Rodney received the Freshman Cream of the Crop award at the Aggie Banquet. She is a member of the Equestrian Team and Horse Judging Team, the Equine Club, Aggie Society, and participated in the Equestrian Academy for community leaders. She currently serves as an Agriculture Ambassador and is a student representative for NEO’s partnership with the GRDA. Morgan Smith, Welch, Okla. — Morgan Smith is double majoring in Graphic Design and Natural Sciences. She has been recognized on the President’s Honor Roll and is a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. She is active on campus as a member of the Norse Stars and enjoys the leadership opportunities that come with this position. Smith shares her love for dance by teaching classes at a studio in Miami. Jordan Volkmann, Bourbon, Mo. — Jordan Volkmann is an Agriculture major, member of Phi Theta Kappa, and has been recognized on the Dean’s and President’s Honor Rolls. She received the Cream of the Crop award at the Aggie Banquet for her success in academics and exceptional leadership qualities. Volkman is also a member of the Livestock Judging Team and Agriculture Education Club. She played a major role in the Aggie Day’s contests by giving student tours, judging speeches, monitoring contests, and working the tabulation room.

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The 2015/16 academic year at NEO marked the institution’s 97th anniversary. In honor of that milestone, the college broke ground on the Animal Science Teaching Facility and announced the seventh annual James Mabon award winner: Student Support Services (SSS). SSS is a grant-funded program that has operated on the NEO campus for 15 years. During that time, they have served nearly 1,500 students by promoting excellence in leadership, service, learning, and globalization. Since the federal government funds the program, certain costs like furniture are restricted. With their $2,000 Mabon award prize, SSS purchased several padded office chairs and computer tables.

“Before this award, our students were using half-broken, old furniture. We want to make a good impression and have a comfortable environment for both our students as well as guest speakers. This is a simple step to show our commitment to student success.”Julie Brixey, program director

The James Mabon Founders’ Day Award gives campus offices a chance to apply for a $2,000 prize toward a campus beautification project. Funding for the Mabon Award comes from NEO President’s Partners and the NEO Development Foundation. Through the generosity of the

NEO STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES HOSTS OPEN HOUSE TO DISPLAY MABON AWARD PROJECT Rachel Conrad, Bobbie Pennington, Julie Brixey, Daniel Rasor, Donni Long, and Lenny Windle serve in the SSS office.

Lenny Windle uses some of the new furniture.

Partners and NEO Foundation, two runner-up projects also received funding: a window treatment project submitted by Dr. Lesli Deichman and a graduation/research hub proposal submitted by the Center for Academic Success and Advising. For more information about the Mabon Award, contact Jordan Adams at Jordan.m.adams@neo.edu.

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NEO hosted the annual NEO Family Holiday Dinner on December 5, following the Christmas tree lighting. The lighting ceremony welcomed students and community members to a candlelit event as NEO celebrated the holiday season. Santa Claus also made a stop to take pictures with kids of all ages and he even handed out some official “nice list” ribbons. David Frazier gave the invocation at the NEO Family Dinner and First Lady Donna Hale shared some remarks about the wonderful year at NEO.

NEO HOSTS ANNUAL CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING AND FAMILY DINNER

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INDIVIDUAL RESULTS:

The NEO Horse Judging team closed out their season with the 2016 American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) World Show Intercollegiate Horse Judging Contest, where they earned both Champion and Reserve Champion titles. The contest was held on November 16 in conjunction with the AQHA World Show in Oklahoma City. NEO competed against other two-year colleges such as Blackhawk East Community College, Northwest College, Cloud Community College, and Ellsworth Community College. NEO fielded two teams for the contest. The NEO Gold Team, consisting of Krista Rodney, Tristan Parks, Karli Jones, and Mattie Lemmons, took home the title of AQHA World Champions. The Gold Team also won first in halter, performance, reasons, and overall categories. Second, the NEO Blue Team consisted of Emily Haak, Tristan Hill,

NEO Claims Champion and Reserve Champion at AQHA World Show

A G R I C U L T U R A L U P D A T E

and Christina Thomas. This team earned the title of AQHA Reserve World Champions. They also won second in halter, third in performance, fourth in reasons, and second overall. In addition to tremendous team success, NEO placed six individuals in the top ten, with Krista Rodney winning high individual overall, Tristan Parks winning reserve high individual overall, followed by Emily Haak in third, Karli Jones in seventh, Mattie Lemmons in ninth, and Tristan Hill in tenth. “I can’t tell you how incredibly proud I am of this group of students,” said Coach Amanda Burrows. “We set our goals high at the beginning of their season and they didn’t let anything stand in the way of their success. It is an honor to coach such an elite group of students.”

2016-2017 NEO Horse Judging team

Krista Rodney, sophomore, Bentonville, Ark. First - OverallFirst - HalterFirst - PerformanceFirst - ReasonsTristan Parks, sophomore, Holton, Kan.Second - OverallFifth - HalterSecond - PerformanceSecond - Reasons

Emily Haak, sophomore, Motalla, Or.Third - OverallFourth - HalterFourth - PerformanceEighth - ReasonsKarli Jones, sophomore, Adair, Okla.Seventh - OverallThird - HalterFifth - Reasons

Mattie Lemmons, sophomore, sophomore, Claremore, Okla. Ninth - OverallFifth - PerformanceSixth - ReasonsTristan Hill, sophomore, Molalla, Or. Tenth - OverallNinth - Halter

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The NEO Livestock Judging Team travelled to Louisville, Ky. to compete in the North American International Livestock Show, the largest all-breed, purebred livestock event in the world. At the event, the team placed number 9 in the country with individuals taking home several awards. The team of five placed fourth in the cattle performance category, with Coy Kern, sophomore from Duncan, Okla., leading the team in points, followed closely by Rachel Booth, a sophomore from Miami. The group also had top-ten finishes in sheep and reasons, followed by a top-fifteen

NEO LIVESTOCK JUDGING PLACES NINTH IN THE NATION AT NORTH AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL

finish in swine. Top scorers toward the ninth-place national finish were Rachel Booth, 943 points and Anna Grace Parnell, a sophomore from Stanton, Ala., with 925 points. Parnell also secured a third place finish in individual cattle, while Booth earned fourth in the same category. Booth’s sixth place finish in reasons boosted her to a fourth place high individual award; two points shy of the third-place spot. For more information about the Livestock Judging Team, contact Taylor Graham at taylor.graham10@neo.edu.

A G R I C U L T U R A L U P D A T E

INDIVIDUAL RESULTS:High Point:Rachel Booth - FourthAnna Grace Parnell - Top Twenty

Reasons:Rachel Booth - SixthAnna Grace Parnell - Top FortyCody Heavin - Top FortyCorey Pell - Top Fifty

Cattle:Anna Grace Parnell - ThirdRachel Booth - Fourth

Sheep:Rachel Booth - Top FifteenCorey Pell - Top FiftyCody Heavin - Top FiftyAnna Grace Parnell - Top Fifty

Swine:Rachel Booth - Top TwentyCorey Pell - Top Fifty

Swine Reasons:Corey Pell - Top TwentyCody Heavin - Top Twenty-FiveRachel Booth - Top Forty

2016-2017 NEO Livestock Judging Team

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AGRICULTURAL UPDATE

Officials from the NEO Agriculture Department and rodeo team awarded three scholarships at the Seventh Annual NEO Alumni/Recruiting Rodeo, with a full ride scholarship going to Ethan Griffin, High Point Winner and senior from Afton, Okla. The rodeo took place on Nov. 19 and hosted hundreds contestants. The day began with long rounds in several events and the top six competitors in the high school and alumni divisions made the short round, which started at 7 p.m. Over 300 riders competed at this year’s rodeo. Alumnus Kory Keeth again served as the announcer for the rodeo. Students in NEO Agriculture programs ran sound, prepared the arena, and operated gates. “The event seems to grow each and every year,” said Rodeo Coach Kolby Ungeheuer. “I can’t be more excited

NEO Awards Three Scholarships at Annual Alumni/Recruiting Rodeoabout the turnout and look forward to a great spring season for the NEO Rodeo Team.” Ethan Griffin from Afton was the high school high point winner, and NEO Rodeo Coach Kolby Ungeheuer awarded him a two-year full-tuition scholarship. The NEO Development Foundation also provided two $500 book scholarships to Martie Shockley of Alma, Ark. and McKenzie Wansing of Garden City, Mo. “This event is so successful thanks to the NEO staff and administration and their hard work,” said Ungeheuer. “We have so many generous volunteers who not only help keep the rodeo on track, but serve as terrific ambassadors for NEO.”

Kolby Ungeheuer, rodeo coach, awards a two-year tuition scholarship to Ethan Griffin with the help of McKenzie Nygren, NEO Agriculture department chair

RESULTS:High Point Scholarship Winner – Ethan Griffin, Afton, Okla.Reserve High Point Book Scholarship Winners – Martie Shockley, Alma, Ark. and McKenzie Wansing, Garden City, Mo.Calf Roping – High School: Ben Piazza, Twin Oaks, Okla.

Alumni: Garrett King, Bentonville, Ark.Breakaway Roping – High School: McKenzie Wansing, Garden City, Mo.Alumni: Britney Wiggins, Hahira, Ga. Steer Wrestling – High School: Steven Richmond, Gallen Okla.

Alumni: Kevin Wiseman, Paola, Kan.Goat Tying – High School: Martie Shockley, Alma, Ark.Alumni: Dana Spitzke Vinita, Okla. Team Roping – High School: Ethan Griffen, Afton, Okla. and Coy Arnold, Pretty Prairie, Kan.

Alumni: Cale Markham, Vinita, Okla. and Nicky Simmons, Jay, Okla.Barrel Racing – High School: Rylin Rouse Delaware, Okla.Alumni: Emma Charleston, Reeds, Mo.Bull Riding – No Qualified Scores

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The Football program at NEO recently announced that Assistant Coach and Defensive Specialist Zach Allen was selected for the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) and NCAA Leadership Development’s 30 Under 30 Coaches’ Leadership Institute. This prestigious program seeks to identify and train the next generation of professional football coaches and Allen will join coaches from high school, two-year college, and all divisions of NAIA and NCAA programs. As the defensive specialist for the NEO Golden Norsemen,

NEO COACH ZACH ALLEN SELECTED FOR AFCA 30 UNDER 30 INSTITUTE

coach, Allen also serves as the recruiting coordinator for the Golden Norsemen. In the last two years alone, his defense has featured thirteen players who transferred on NCAA Division I offers.

“Zach is a great young defensive mind. His enthusiasm and reliability to student-athletes shows in his on-field results. As a recruiter, he is organized and meticulous, which shows in the relationships he develops with coaches across Oklahoma. NEO is lucky to have had Zach for nine years and it is awesome to see a young, talented coach be recognized for his hard work.”Dale Patterson, Athletic Director

Allen will join the other qualifying coaches in Nashville, Tenn. in January for the conference. He will engage in interactive lectures and leadership training exercises covering a range of topics from ethics to player safety, and many more. For more information about the Golden Norse Football Program, contact Lisa Severe at lsevere@neo.edu.

he has just completed his ninth year as a member of the Golden Norse Coaching Staff and he oversaw a productive defensive season. NEO defense ranked second in the region in sacks, tackles, and defensive touchdowns, while also ranking top-ten nationally in sacks. They also ranked third in both interception returns and average interception return yards, with an average return of 22.9 yards per interception. Of the eight conference games, NEO earned the top conference spot for tackles, recording 897. Along with his duties as a FO OT BALL

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Officials from NEO, student representatives, and project partners from Walker Engineering, Architects in Partnership, Crossland Construction, HP Engineering, and Oklahoma State University’s Long Range Facilities Planning broke ground on the new Student Housing Complex on Dec. 1. The new facility will provide students with suite-style housing to accommodate both single and double occupancy residents. “Following the flood in 2007, NEO has undergone a rebirth,” said President Jeff Hale during the ceremony. “Thanks to the excellent project partners and student leadership, this new housing facility will continue that growth.”

NEO BREAKS GROUND ON NEW STUDENT HOUSING COMPLEX

NEO administrators and student representatives break ground with projects partners.

Renderings of the new suite complex.

housing were considered crucial. The new student housing will accommodate nearly 100 students in single and double occupancy rooms. Each room will feature a private restroom, easily accessible parking, and modern security features. Construction on the new student housing is estimated to be completed in time for the fall 2017 semester. For more information about the student housing contact Amy Ishmael, vice president for student affairs at aishmael@neo.edu, or to view room availability for the new student housing, contact Scott Donaldson, director of recruitment at scott.donaldson@neo.edu.

The new housing will be initially funded through State Master Lease financing as NEO prepares to complete payments on an existing loan. NEO will only need to fill the new suites to seventy-five percent capacity in order to cover the repayment. NEO’s current housing reaches near capacity each year, as nearly 800 students live on campus. The new suites will offer another option that meets evolving student desires. Currently, an estimated 90% of NEO residence halls are outdated, which severely impacts the NEO recruiting advantage. During the Strategic Goals planning initiative in 2015, new housing and improvements on existing

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NEO is beginning 2017 by continuing to improve the NEO campus through two major construction projects. The Animal Science Teaching Facility and the new student housing projects were started in 2016 and will enhance the educational experience for students. The projects continue eight years of substantial growth, with over $50 million of campus improvements. These improvements have produced record enrollment growth by attracting students from around Oklahoma, the United States, and internationally. Both of the projects meet a pressing need on the NEO campus. Nearly 800 students live on the NEO campus and the dorms approach capacity each semester. Currently, an estimated 90% of residence halls are outdated, which severely hinders NEO’s recruiting advantage. The new residence hall will house almost 100 students in single and double occupancy rooms with private restrooms, accessible parking, and modern security features. Continuing to be budget conscious is crucial, which is why the facility was designed so that income generated from the

NEO BEGINS NEW YEAR WITH CAMPUS IMPROVEMENTSRed iron is up on the Animal Science Teaching Facility.

Dirt work begins on the new student housing unit.

rooms will cover the repayment costs through the State Master Lease program. Construction on the new students housing unit is expected to be completed for the fall 2017 semester. NEO also strives to continue the excellence of agriculture programs. In March of 2016, NEO officials and corporate partners broke ground on the new Animal Science Teaching Facility as part of Founders’ Day. The

facility is located on the Synar Farm grounds and will be instrumental in providing students with hands-on experience. It is funded through a combination of corporate sponsorships and a student-supported fee increase. The facility will feature both a climate controlled indoor wing and an outdoor observation wing, which will aid in instruction relating to the three livestock species on campus: cattle, hogs, and sheep.

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NEO SPOTL IGHT

EDITOR/STORIES/PHOTOS: JORDAN ADAMS GRAPHIC DESIGN/LAYOUT: ZULY WARE

NEO ESTABLISHES SCHOLARSHIP TO HONOR DR. JEFF AND DONNA HALE Dr. Jeff and Donna Hale are lifelong educators, sharing a contagious passion for students. Since arriving as president of NEO A&M in 2008, they have made a massive impact on our campus, community, and most importantly, on the lives of our students, faculty, and staff. With visionary leadership and a firm belief in the mission of NEO, the Hales have consistently given of themselves to pave the way for Norsemen of the future. Some of Dr. Hale’s accomplishments have been completing over $50 million in campus improvements, producing record enrollment growth, increasing NEO’s number of

Dr. Jeff and Donna Hale, NEO president and first lady.

graduates by over 50 percent, implementing workforce ready degree programs, expanding co-curricular and intercollegiate programs for students, and growing the NEO Foundation assets from $750,000 to over $6 million. First lady Donna has made a large impact of her own. She has been active in campus and civic causes, making a difference in the lives of students and families. She leads the NEO Women and Friends Group, which recently endowed a scholarship, she oversees Peggy’s Closet, she provides free yoga classes to NEO students and members of the community, and

she serves on several community boards. Jeff and Donna Hale have been a gift to our community and a gift to this college. They have made NEO a place in which students, alumni, and the community can take great pride. For these reasons, NEO established The Hale Family Scholarship fund during the annual NEO Foundation Gala. We would love to invite you to join the donors who have already contributed over $55,000 by contacting the NEO Foundation Office at 918-540-6250 or by visiting www.neo.edu/halescholarship. Every penny counts toward giving NEO students an outstanding education.