FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
[Bethany, Oklahoma] – Lisa Johnson Billy, a 14-year member of the Chickasaw Nation tribal legislature and 12-year veteran of the Oklahoma House of Representatives, will deliver the keynote address during Southern Nazarene University’s 2025 Winter Commencement. The ceremony will begin at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, in the Sawyer Center on the SNU campus in Bethany, Oklahoma.
Billy currently serves as a Chickasaw legislator, advancing initiatives connected to Chickasaw identity, faith, and culture. In 2004, she was elected as the first woman, Native American, and Chickasaw Nation citizen to represent District 42 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives.
Throughout her esteemed career, Billy has served in many roles, including founder and floor leader of the Oklahoma Native American Caucus, Chair of the Public Safety Appropriations Committee, Commissioner of the Oklahoma Department of Transportation, and the first Oklahoma Secretary of Native American Affairs to the governor’s cabinet. She also serves as Chair of the Trustees of the Udall Foundation, to which President Trump appointed her.
Billy has received numerous awards and accolades, including Legislator of the Year by the Oklahoma State Troopers Association, the Kate Barnard Award for her work on prison reform, and her recent recognition by The Journal Record as one of “50 Women Making A Difference.”
Before her work of public service, Billy received her bachelor’s degree in Business Merchandising from Northeastern State University and a master's degree in education from the University of Oklahoma. She is currently pursuing a doctoral degree at Oral Roberts University.
As part of the commencement ceremony, SNU will also confer an honorary doctorate upon Rev. Brian Wiesinger, recognizing his sustained service and dedication to the Church of the Nazarene.
Wiesinger currently serves as the 7th District Superintendent of the Southwest Oklahoma District in the Church of the Nazarene. During his 40 years of pastoral ministry, he has served 12 years as a youth pastor in Oklahoma and Arizona, and 28 years as a lead pastor in Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Colorado. He is devoted to investing in and empowering church leaders to fulfill God's purpose for their lives and ministries.
Saturday, Dec. 6, marks the 123rd commencement at Southern Nazarene University, as 270 scholars will be receiving undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. Join us as we celebrate the graduating class of 2025.
Commencement will begin at 2 p.m. with no tickets required. Guests may begin arriving at 1 p.m., when the doors open. For additional information or to view the ceremony online, please visit snu.edu/undergraduate-academic-programs/commencement.
About Southern Nazarene University
Southern Nazarene University, located in Bethany, Oklahoma, is a private Christian institution committed to shaping servant leaders since 1899. With more than 50 undergraduate and graduate programs offered on campus and online, SNU emphasizes accessibility, purpose-driven education, and holistic student support.