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Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College will host the 2024 Outstanding Alumni Banquet during homecoming weekend on Friday, October 4, at 6pm in the Calcagno Family Ballroom.
Raised in Webb City and Shidler, Oklahoma, Tom Poole began his academic journey at Northern Oklahoma College before earning a Bachelor of Science in Business Finance from Phillips University in 1963. He initially worked as a corporate accountant for Champlin Oil and Refining Company and later returned to Phillips University as Business Manager, a role he held for 16 years. After three years in the oil and gas industry, he re-entered academia in 1983 as Vice President for Fiscal Affairs at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College, dedicating 26 years to enhancing the institution.
Poole’s leadership at NEO was pivotal, particularly following the devastating 2007 flood, as he oversaw the restoration of 12 buildings and athletic fields. He served as Interim President in 2008 and later as Special Assistant to the President until 2009. His initiatives included bringing Oklahoma Boys State to NEO, further enriching the college’s community engagement. After retiring from NEO, Poole briefly returned to education as Interim President of Northern Oklahoma College for the 2010-2011 academic year, where he successfully secured significant funding for the NOC Foundation. He later became Chair of the Northern Oklahoma College Foundation.
Poole’s influence extended across the state through his involvement in numerous committees and associations, including a 42-year tenure with Oklahoma Association of College and University Business Officers, where he served as President. He also contributed to the United Methodist Church by serving on the Oklahoma Conference Finance Committee and the Wesley Foundation Board. Poole is a member of the First United Methodist Church in Miami, Oklahoma, and served for 12 years on the Garber Public School Board of Education. Additionally, as an Air Force veteran, Poole has been a member of American Legion Post 47 for 40 years. He is also a member of Akdar Shriners and the 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Freemasonry.
As a highly respected college administrator in Oklahoma and a distinguished alumnus of Northern Oklahoma College, honored with the Distinguished Alumnus Award in 2012. Poole’s significant contributions and unwavering passion for higher education over several decades, as well as service to our country, makes him a worthy recipient of the 2024 Outstanding Retiree award.
All alumni and friends of the college are invited to attend the banquet. Tickets are $35 and $15 (12 and under) or $280 for a table of eight. Purchase tickets at the door or online.
Sign-up link for the 2024 Outstanding Alumni Banquet: https://neo.edu/homecoming
For more information, contact alumni coordinator Eric Iverson at eiverson@neo.edu or 918-961-1771.
