News

Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College (NEO) honored the family of former NEO president Dr. D. D. Creech at a special ceremony on Founders’ Day. First lady Dorothy Creech was joined by children and grandchildren as NEO officials unveiled volume three of “From Lead and Zinc to Blue and Gold: The Expansion of Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College.” The book is the penultimate volume before the final volume to be released during the NEO centennial. “Dr. Creech used to have a saying: ‘Once a Norseman, Always a Norseman,’” said Dr. Jeff Hale, NEO president. “I want to note that the same sentiment can be applied to First Lady Dorothy Creech, Once a first lady, always a first lady. Dorothy and her family have been committed to the success of NEO and we are proud to honor her and Dr. Creech today.”

The third volume of “From Lead and Zinc to Blue and Gold” covers a quarter century from 1970 to 1994. This time included the tenure of Dr. Creech, Dr. Bobby Wright, and Dr. Jerry Carroll. During the period, NEO endured tremendous hardship in the form of natural disasters and financial strain, but during his tenure, Dr. Creech ushered in an era of record-breaking growth in student enrollment, program offerings, and campus facilities. “It always seemed like NEO was in the midst of its brightest days when dad worked here,” said Jim Creech. “Programs were growing, students were engaged, and athletic teams were nationally competitive. But really, that is what’s happening at NEO now too. Under the leadership of Dr. Hale, NEO’s best days are still ahead of us and that is something that makes us proud.”

For more information about volume three of “From Lead and Zinc to Blue and Gold,” contact NEO Library/Archive Director Sloane Arana at scbrown@neo.edu. (Photo from left: Mike Shannon, Jay Creech, President Jeff Hale, First Lady Donna Hale, Guest Speaker John Lomax, Public Information Coordinator Jordan Adams. Bottom Row: Dan Creech, Jan Shannon, Dorothy Creech, Jim Creech, Pat Creech.)