Rising Star Award
Randy Talley Rising Star
This award is traditionally awarded at the annual OCPRA Fall workshop and recognizes rising communications, marketing and public relations professionals working at Oklahoma higher education institutions.
Professionals selected for the Randy Talley Rising Star Award have demonstrated creativity, innovation, advocacy, expertise and integrity in their field of work reflective of those modeled by the award’s namesake. Emphasis in selecting an individual for the Rising Star distinction is placed on accomplishments within the past year.
Eligibility Requirements
A nominee must be employed by an institution that is either a member of OCPRA or participates in the OSRHE Communicators Council.
A nominee must have been at their current college/current position for a minimum of one year and not more than five years.
A previous recipient of the Randy Talley Rising Star Award may not be nominated again for the award.
About the award
The award is named in honor of Randy Talley, who served as a role model for numerous students and developing professionals during his tenure as Director of Media and Community Relations for the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma and his more than 20 years as a member of the Board of Directors of OCPRA.
2023 - Brooks Nickell
Web & Multimedia Coordinator
Seminole State College
2022 - Holly Bormann
Director of Marketing & Communications
Carl Albert State College
2021 - Margarita Rodriguez
Graphic Designer
OU Gallogly College of Engineering
2019 - Beckie Brennan
Web Coordinator
University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma
2018 - Jacob Sircy
Webmaster and Videographer
East Central University
2017 - Courtney Leeper
Writer
Noble Research Institute
2016 - Lindsay Thomas
Coordinator of Communications and Marketing
University of Central Oklahoma
2015 - Ryan Jensen
Creative Marketing Manager
OSU-Tulsa
2013 - Katie Dewey
Coordinator of Public Relations Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College Center for Academic Success & Advising