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The Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College Development Foundation members and friends mourn the loss of chairman Tommy Dodson, who passed away Friday, January 13, 2023.
Dodson graduated from NEO in 1982 with an associate degree in music. He participated in orchestra, performed piano recitals, and accompanied many NEO vocal and instrumental music students, a service he continued to provide throughout the 2022 fall semester.
Dodson received the NEO Outstanding Alumnus award for the School of Liberal Arts in 2016. He became a member of the NEO Development Foundation board in 2017 and was elected chair in 2020.
“Tommy’s tireless dedication and service to the arts, students, his family and community stand as an example for us all,” said NEO President Dr. Kyle J. Stafford. “While we suffer the loss of this great man, I am comforted knowing that his contributions will continue to change lives for years to come.”
During Dodson’s term as chairman, the NEO Foundation increased the scholarship money awarded to students, provided additional funding for programs, and established the Norse Angel Fund to help students in sudden financial need. He chaired a record-setting in-person Gala in November 2022, The Greatest Show.
“Tommy was one of the finest, most genuine men I have ever known,” said David Carter Owen, NEO Development Foundation executive director. “Tommy was a tremendous advocate and volunteer for the local arts community, and he donated greatly in many ways to the benefit of all students at NEO A&M College. It was an honor to work with him. His legacy will live on for generations.”
Dodson served on the Welch City Council until 2017 and volunteered with several organizations, such as Friends of the Coleman, Miami Community Crisis Center, and NEO Choirs.
“Tommy was a champion for securing the Foundation’s financial growth for the benefit of NEO, its student body, faculty, and programs,” said NEO Development Foundation vice chair Sondra Holt. “He was an extraordinary leader and generously gave his talents, time, and personal resources. It was an honor to serve with him as a Foundation board member and to call him a friend. The NEO Foundation Board of Directors is committed to continuing Tommy’s legacy of service to NEO.”
Tommy J. Dodson’s funeral service will be held on Saturday, January 21, 2023, at 2 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Miami, Oklahoma. Visit the Highsmith Funeral Home website for more information. https://highsmithfh.com/obituaries/Tommy-J-Dodson?obId=27028366
The family has requested all floral arrangements be purchased from the Enchanted Florist in Seneca, Missouri, at Enchantdflorist.com or by calling 918-919-1117.
The Tommy J. Dodson Memorial Music Scholarship was established in his honor. If you wish to donate, please mail checks to:
NEO Development Foundation
200 I Street NE
Miami, Oklahoma 74354
For more information, contact NEO Development Foundation administrative assistant Shelby Saul at shelby.saul@neo.edu or 918-540-6211.
