WELCOME
The Academy of Senior Professionals (ASP) at Southern Nazarene University is a community of adults from various professional backgrounds who join with others in the realization of personal shared goals entailing various intellectual, cultural, spiritual and service activities.
The organization’s events include monthly luncheons, book discussions, and other activities including attendance at university sporting and fine arts functions.
The rewards of social interaction, continuing education, and creative self-expression can be obtained through work and leisure in this professional society that is closely related to an institution of higher education.
The ASP welcomes individuals of all ethnic and religious backgrounds who have matured in their professions and/or expertise and would like to participate with other mature adults who have common interests.
Mission Statement
The purpose of the Academy of Senior Professionals is multi-faceted. It includes representing Southern Nazarene University in its academic, service, and spiritual mission.
- We serve in our neighborhood of influence, out of our lifelong learning, cultural and spiritual concerns. We blend together resources, our life-long learning, and experience and enjoy monthly luncheons, meetings, and fellowship.
- We extend our influence to the community, city, and state through service programs, projects, and scholarships.
Who we are:
Retired and active adults with various professional backgrounds.
What we do:
- Continued learning and pursuit of service to the University and community.
- Monthly activities including scheduled monthly luncheons, special programs and speakers, monthly book discussions.
- Participation in SNU programs and privileges.
ASP History
The dream of an Academy of Senior Professionals (ASP) at Southern Nazarene University (SNU) first unfolded in the mind of Dr. Elbert Overholt, professor of Education and Business at SNU. As he was nearing retirement, he came across an article in the local newspaper describing an Academy of Senior Professionals at Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, Florida.
Some visits were made to Eckerd College, a Presbyterian-related school. With the help of a number of local persons, the concept for an organized group of senior professionals at Southern Nazarene University was fleshed out. That idea was officially approved by the SNU Board of Trustees in May, 1988.
The initial organizational luncheon was held in the President’s Dining Room on October 16, 1990. By-laws for the Academy and a slate of officers were presented by Dr. Overholt for approval by Loren Gresham, SNU President.
Dr. Overholt was named as the first ASP director. Vada Lee Barkley, who had helped Dr. Overholt write the first set of bylaws, was elected as the Academy’s first president. For the next eight years, she developed and refined the organization as its president, serving until the spring of 1998.
Jack David Armold then became president of ASP and served for the next dozen years until May of 2010.
He assisted the organization in short- and long-range planning and led the group to a new level of learning and service. The state-wide Senior Adult Conference in 2002 was an outstanding example of the many professional and service projects sponsored and developed by the Academy and its members.
Another idea for a meaningful project was originated and promoted by Academy members who were interested in quality senior housing for citizens of the community. After much committee work and study of the perceived target population, Robert Parker was recruited to he
ad Southern Senior Services (SSS), a group of local citizens, SNU board members, and three members of the Academy appointed by Dr. Loren Gresham. SNU’s senior adult housing center was planned and developed under the guidance of SSS and now operates as Southern Plaza at NW 36th and College in Bethany.
After 12 years as ASP president, Jack David Armold encouraged the Academy to change the bylaws so that a new president would serve for three years: the first year as president-elect, followed by a year as president, and then a year as immediate past president.
Directors of the Academy from its inception:
- Elbert Overholt,, 1990-2007
- Brenda Styers, 2007-2009
- Eunice Trent, 2009-2017
- Brent LaVigne, 2017-2019
- Carolyn Jaggers, 2019-present
ASP Presidents:
- Vada Lee Barkley, 1990-1998
- Jack David Armold, 1998-2010
- Irwin Harris, 2010-2011
- Emmalyn German, 2011-2012
- Renda Brumbeloe, 2012-2013
- Emmalyn German, 2013-2014
- Arlita Harris, 2014-2015
- Leonard Skodak 2015-2016
- Howard Culbertson 2016-2017
- Frank Dewey 2017-2018
- John Martin, 2018-2019
- Marla Mercer Cole, 2019-2020
- Emmalyn German, 2020-2022
- LaNell Stahl, 2022-2023
- Barbara Wright Jones, 2023-2024
- Jim Durough, 2024-2025
- Dave Bucher, 2025-2026
- President Elect: Helen Ann Bucher, 2026-2027
Membership
Membership in the Academy of Senior Professionals at Southern Nazarene University is open to anyone who is interested in being a part of the Academy.
Members do not have to be alumni of Southern Nazarene University or associated with the Church of the Nazarene. There is no age limit for membership, although the majority of the members are retired.
Some people who work with the retired population have found a benefit from associating with the Academy members. Please note, however, that some of the benefits outlined in the benefits section are age specific.
Membership Qualifications
The Academy of Senior Professionals is open to persons who would like to join with other professionals in realizing intellectual, cultural, spiritual or service activity goals.
Application may be made by downloading the membership form or by requesting one from the Academy Director or the Membership Committee Chair.
Applications must be accompanied by an initiation fee of $10.00. Dues are payable at your first meeting prorated based upon $25.00 a year.
Benefits of Membership
- Intellectual stimulation
- Informative luncheon programs
- Interactive small group discussions
- Cultural enrichment through arts, humanities, and multicultural events
- New discoveries of knowledge and experience through sharing
- Emphases on total well-being through physical, mental, and spiritual wellness
- Community volunteer opportunities at Southern Nazarene University (SNU).
- Opportunities for tax-free donations to help financially with worthy ASP projects
- Access to the SNU Library R. T. Williams Learning Resources Center
- Discounts for SNU fine arts and athletic events
- Discounts at the SNU University Store
- Dining at the SNU cafeteria
- Free parking in SNU lots
- Free shuttle service to and from the ASP luncheons originating in the SNU parking lot north of the Sawyer Center (41 st & Donald)
Please mail applications to Membership Secretary:
Emmalyn German 3001 Oakridge Drive
Bethany, OK 73008
The Academy Perspective
Archived copies of The Academy Perspective have been added to SNU’s historical site at The Western Holiness Digital Library.
To view archived copies of The Academy Perspective, contact the University Archivist
Phone: (405) 491-6351, ext. 6467
E-mail: archives@snu.edu
Calendar of Events
Luncheons begin at 11am in the Heritage Room of the Webster Commons (#16 on the campus map), on the campus of Southern Nazarene University. Each month, members receive a call or text to RSVP. If you have not received a call by the Tuesday before the luncheon, you may RSVP by emailing emmalyncg@hotmail.com.
SNU provides shuttle parking for your convenience. Free shuttle service is provided from 10:00am-11:00am. from the Sawyer Center- 41st and Donald (#6 on the campus map) parking lot. Return shuttle service is provided after the luncheon.
The ASP Luncheons include:
- Delicious food served by SNU Dining (Sodexo)
- Luncheon piano music by top area musicians
- Delightful conversation around the tables
- Special speakers on a wide variety of topics
- "SNU Student Stories" moment
- Brief presentations by corporate sponsors
- Update on Volunteer Activities
- "What's New at SNU"
2025-2026 Luncheon Dates
- Monday, September 8, 2025: Timothy Neville-Lee, Architect from London, England.
- Monday, October 13, 2025: Marilyn Stark, Bethany Precinct I
- Monday, November 10, 2025: Amy Rollins and Robin Jones, West OKC History
- Monday, December 8, 2025: Dr. Reuben Bellows, Bethany Public Schools Superintendent
- Monday, January 12, 2026: Dr. Keith Newman, Southern Nazarene University President
- Monday, February 9, 2026: Howard Hendrick, Abraham Lincoln Research
- Monday, March 9, 2026: Bart Taylor
- Monday, April 13, 2026: TBD
Special Events
Your membership in ASP provides free admission to regular season sporting events (excluding Homecoming games) and a discount on most School of Music ticketed events.
For schedules:
School of Music Events
SNU Sporting Events
SNU Academic Calendar
CAMPUS MAP
Officers & Committees
Officers
-
Nancy Cauthron
-
Conley Henderson
-
Brenda Rice
-
Johnina Wardwell
Standing Committees
Activity Leaders
The Academy Perspective
- Howard Culbertson
- Barbara Culbertson
- Emmalyn German
- LaNell Stahl