News

Officials at NEO announced Tommy J. Dodson as the recipient of this year’s Outstanding Alumnus from the School of Liberal Arts. Dodson will be formally honored during the Alumni Awards luncheon on Saturday, Sept. 24, at noon in the Calcagno Family Ballroom. All alumni and friends of the college are invited to attend. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for children ages 12 and under, and may be purchased by contacting the NEO Development Foundation office at 918-540-6115. NEO’s “Greatest Homecoming on Earth” festivities will take place on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2016.

Dodson graduated from NEO in 1982 with an Associate of Arts in Music. He was actively involved with the NEO Music and Accounting Departments during his studies in 1981 and 1982. He participated in Orchestra under the direction of Doc Swanson, performed piano recitals studying with NEO Professor Demaris Gaines, and accompanied many NEO vocal and instrumental students. Upon graduating from Northeastern State University, Dodson began his career with Bank of Commerce & Trust Company in Tulsa as an auditor. He later expanded his career as a senior financial program manager with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) working in the Tulsa Field Office, Denver Regional Office, Newport Beach California Field Office, and Washington, DC Headquarters. He was selected as the Director of Finance with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Dallas, Texas in 2001. Dodson now provides financial client services to DHS ICE as a Deloitte LLC Manager.

Although devoted to his career, Dodson is also active in his community. He is currently serving on the Welch City Council and his term will expire in 2017. He has also volunteered and supported several local charitable organizations including the NEO Development Foundation, the Miami Community Crisis Center, and as the accompanist to the NEO College Choirs. Dodson currently resides in Welch with his spouse Barry Oliver. When not working, he enjoys tending the garden, spending time with his dogs, and continuing to grow as a musician. “It is an honor to recognize Tommy Dodson as one of NEO’s distinguished alumni,” says Jennifer Hessee, executive director of the NEO Development Foundation. “Tommy divides his time working in Washington for the Department of Homeland Security, yet he always finds time to give back to the local community and his alma mater. He serves as a great role model for students on our campus today.”