Eastern Oklahoma State College named its 2026 Outstanding Graduates at the Commencement Ceremony on May 1. 1) Dean of Science and Mathematics Dr. Andrea Green and honoree Laney McAlester. 2) Dean of Agriculture Rene’ McCracken and honoree Averie Bain. 3) Director of Nursing Jamie Fields and honoree Angela Ford. 4) Dean of Behavioral and Social Sciences Dr. Carter Mattson and honoree Korbin Dean Jamison. 5) Dean of Language, Humanities and Education Kristen Turner and honoree Ezekiel Gutierrez. 6) Dean of Business Kellye Semeski and honoree Mason Gooding.
WILBURTON, Oklahoma – Eastern Oklahoma State College recognized six exceptional students as 2026 Outstanding Graduates during its commencement ceremony on May 1. Each student was selected by their respective academic division or department for outstanding academic achievement, leadership and career ambitions.
“These students represent the very best of Eastern,” said Dr. Randy Harp, president of Eastern. “They have demonstrated excellence in the classroom, leadership across campus and a commitment to serving others. We are proud of all they have accomplished and look forward to seeing the impact they make in their communities and professions.”
Laney McAlester of Wilburton, Oklahoma, was named the Outstanding Graduate for the Science and Mathematics Division. McAlester graduated with an Associate of Science degree in life science while maintaining a perfect 4.0 grade point average and ranking in the top 10 percent of her class. She served as president of the President’s Leadership Class, president of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, and vice president of the Math and Science Club. McAlester was also a member of the livestock judging team, an Agricultural Ambassador and the Aggie Club representative to the Student Government Association. She was selected to the Oklahoma Association of Community Colleges All-Oklahoma Academic Team and represented Eastern at the State Capitol, where she delivered a speech about the impact of community colleges. McAlester will continue her education at Southwestern Oklahoma State University, where she has been accepted into the College of Pharmacy to pursue degrees in pharmaceutical sciences and pharmacy.
Averie Bain of Valliant, Oklahoma, was named the Outstanding Graduate for the Agriculture Division. Bain earned Associate of Science degrees in pre-veterinary medicine and life sciences while maintaining a 4.0 GPA. She served as president of the ESGA, vice president of the Aggie Club, secretary of the Math and Science Club, and vice president of service for Phi Theta Kappa. Bain was also a member of PLC, cheer team, Ag Ambassadors and the 2025 Meat Judging Team. At the conclusion of her meat judging career, she was named a First Team All-American, an honor awarded to only four students nationwide for excellence in competition and academics. Bain plans to attend Oklahoma State University to pursue a Bachelor of Science in nursing and become a nurse practitioner.
Angela Ford of Hartshorne, Oklahoma, was named the Outstanding Graduate for the Nursing Department. Ford earned multiple President’s Honor Roll recognitions and received the Puterbaugh Scholarship for academic achievement in nursing. A second-generation nurse, Ford has worked in healthcare since high school, beginning her career as a certified nursing assistant and later working as a licensed practical nurse for 26 years while pursuing her registered nursing degree. She plans to continue her education at Oklahoma Panhandle State University to earn a bachelor’s degree in nursing and pursue a career in hospice care.
Korbin Dean Jamison of Boswell, Oklahoma, was named the Outstanding Graduate for the Behavioral and Social Sciences Division. Jamison, who currently works in law enforcement, has been recognized for his analytical work reviewing body camera footage for court cases and for his extensive knowledge in the field. He plans to continue his education at OSU to pursue a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice before eventually earning a master’s degree. Jamison has also expressed interest in attending George Washington University in the future.
Ezekiel Gutierrez of Muse, Oklahoma, was named the Outstanding Graduate for the Language, Humanities and Education Division. Gutierrez completed two associate degrees simultaneously in music instrumental and vocal performance and computer information systems software development while maintaining a 3.98 GPA and ranking in the top 10 percent of his class. During his time at Eastern, he grew as both a musician and software developer, performing a full sophomore recital while also publishing original games and creating software programs designed to assist piano students. Gutierrez has taught private piano lessons, partnered with Talihina Public Schools to offer a summer piano studio and performed in numerous community productions and events. He will continue his studies at Northeastern State University, where he has earned scholarships in both piano and vocal performance.
Mason Gooding of Tulsa, Oklahoma, was named the Outstanding Graduate for the Business Division. Gooding is the founder of Easy Park App, a business designed to simplify parking for college events and other venues. He ranked in the top 10 percent of his graduating class and was a member of Phi Theta Kappa, the Business Club and the Mountaineer baseball team. Gooding helped lead the 2025 baseball team to the JUCO World Series, becoming part of only the second team in school history to reach the national tournament. He also represented Eastern at the Alliance for Sport Business Conference in Oklahoma City, where the Business Club competed in a national case study competition focused on rebranding the Oklahoma City Baseball Club. Gooding plans to continue growing Easy Park App while exploring additional business ventures in finance, technology and entertainment.
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