SNU Announces 2026 Outstanding Alumni Award Recipients
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
[Bethany, Okla.] — Southern Nazarene University has announced its 2026 Outstanding Alumni Award recipients, recognizing alumni for their contributions to Public Service, Faith-Based Service, and Military Service, as well as recipients of the Outstanding Achievement, Heritage, and President’s LiveLast Legacy Service Awards. Recipients were selected over the summer and will be honored at the Main Event on Saturday, November 7, during Homecoming weekend.
Nico Gomez
Master of Business Administration in Healthcare Administration, 2011
Outstanding Achievement
Since 2020, Nico Gomez has served as Chief Executive Officer of Bethany Children’s Health Center. He is currently overseeing expansion of its specialized pediatric services, a $178 million project designed to quadruple clinical space and increase access for children and families. With previous leadership experience at Care Providers Oklahoma and 16 years with the Oklahoma Health Care Authority, Gomez brings extensive healthcare expertise to Bethany Children’s Health Center.
Dr. Tamara Berg, DDS
Bachelor of Science in Biology, 1991
Outstanding Achievement
Dr. Tamara Berg, a practicing dentist since 1995, has devoted her career to professional leadership and community service. She currently serves as Vice President of the American Dental Association, representing more than 160,000 dentists nationally. A former president of the Oklahoma Dental Association and American Association of Women Dentists, she has received numerous professional accolades. Her additional service roles include leading the Oklahoma Mission of Mercy, coordinating efforts for Smiles for Success, and serving on the SNU Foundation Board and as President of the SNU Catalysts.
Lindel Fields
Master of Arts in Educational Leadership, 1998
Public Service
Lindel Fields serves as Oklahoma Secretary of Education and State Superintendent of Public Instruction, focusing on reading proficiency, teacher recruitment and retention, and career pathways. A nationally recognized educator and organizational leader with more than 30 years in education, Fields previously led Tri County Technology Center to national recognition, culminating in its receipt of the 2018 Presidential
Malcolm Baldrige Award. He also serves as CEO of Your Culture Coach, where his work focuses on building strong organizational cultures.
Lance Lang
Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership, 2007
Faith-Based Service
In 2012, Lance Lang founded Hope Is Alive in Oklahoma City, transforming a single recovery home into a growing ministry serving hundreds of individuals and families affected by addiction. Alongside his wife, Ally, Lance provides leadership and vision for recovery homes, support groups, healing programs, and community outreach. Their personal journey of addiction, restoration, and faith fuels their commitment to helping others experience hope, healing, and lasting life change.
Chief Master Sergeant Scott Irwin
Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership, 2014
Master of Science in Management, 2016
Military Service
During his 33 years of service, Scott R. Irwin was a distinguished Oklahoma Air National Guard leader. The retired Chief Master Sergeant secured military infrastructure funding and advanced recruitment and readiness. As Legislative Liaison, his advocacy brought visibility, resources, and legislative support to the Thunderbird Challenge Program, strengthening its mission to guide, mentor, and transform Oklahoma youth. His service includes domestic emergency response, overseas deployments, and numerous military honors. He now serves as Senior Policy Advisor for the Oklahoma Corporation Commission.
Linda Brown Gresham
Heritage Award
Linda Brown Gresham devoted decades to education and Southern Nazarene University, helping shape the culture and experience of generations of SNU students. As Director of Women’s Housing, and later as Director of Student Activities she was instrumental in the creation of New Student Institute, which transformed the freshman experience into one of welcoming, belonging, and community. For 17 years, she led NSI, and for more than 25 years chaired the EXCEL auction, raising over $1.2 million to support youth programs and scholarships. Her legacy reflects extraordinary service, leadership, and love for SNU.
Steve & Brenda Heap
Steve Heap: Bachelor of Arts in Religion, 1968
Brenda Heap: Bachelor of Science in Education, 1970
The President's LiveLast Legacy Service Award
Steve and Brenda Heap have devoted nearly five decades to missionary service in Brazil. They have helped lead the Church of the Nazarene through extraordinary growth from 1,200 members to more than 200,000. As pioneer missionaries, pastors, seminary professors, and leaders, they invested deeply in Brazilian churches and pastors. Since retiring, they have continued ministering to pastoral families through H.E.A.P. Ministries, which they founded in 2013 to extend care and support to pastors and their families.
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.
