Outstanding Alumni Award
About the Outstanding Alumni Award
Named for OCC's founding academic dean, Seth Wilson (1914-2006), this award is presented annually during the Preaching-Teaching Convention. In 2025, this award was renamed the Meredith Williams Outstanding Alumni Award. Also in 2025, the Lynn Laughlin Outstanding Alumni Award was added.
Recipients are graduates who have demonstrated outstanding Christian service in the local church, overseas or in other areas. They are selected by Ozark Christian College and Lincoln Seminary alumni and administrators. To nominate someone for this award, email the Alumni Department at [email protected].
Outstanding Alumni Award Recipients
2020s
- Dr. Barney Wells, 2026 (LCU 1977)
In recognition of your many years preaching the gospel, ministering to congregations, training next generation leaders, and equipping those who serve rural churches, your service to our Lord is highly commended.
- RoRo and Eline Eustache, 2026 (OCC 1984)
In recognition of your many years preaching the gospel, training leaders, planting churches, and serving the people of Haiti in the name of Jesus, your service to our Lord is highly commended.
- Juliet Hardee, 2026 (OCC 2011)
In recognition of your many years welcoming the broken and lost, teaching God’s Word, discipling women to follow Christ, and taking the good news to the nations, your service to our Lord is highly commended.
- Chris Philbeck, 2025 (OCC 1980)
In recognition of your many years preaching and teaching God’s Word, reaching the lost, building Christ’s church, and persevering in the work of the Lord, your service is highly commended.
- Joel and Marilyn Khopang, 2025 (OCC 1987)
In recognition of your many years preaching the gospel, translating God’s word, caring for the sick, training leaders, and reaching the nations for Christ, your service to our Lord is highly commended.
- Dr. Tamsen Murray, 2025 (LCU 1975)
In recognition of your many years serving the local church, teaching students, leading in Christian higher education, and training the next generation of kingdom leaders, your service to our Lord is highly commended.
- David and Suanne Rutherford, 2024 (OCC 1986, 1984)
In recognition of your many years preaching and teaching God’s Word, reaching the lost, building Christ’s church, and raising up kingdom leaders in the next generation, your service to our Lord is highly commended.
- Nonato and Tanya Silva, 2024 (OCC 1996)
In recognition of your many years preaching the gospel, building the local church, planting other congregations, training next generation leaders, and strengthening the brethren throughout Brazil, your service to our Lord is highly commended.
- Dr. Jan Johnson, 2023 (OCC 1974)
In recognition of your many years making deeper disciples of Jesus Christ as a speaker, teacher, spiritual director, ministry leader and prolific writer, your service to our Lord is highly commended.
- Steve Johnson, 2023 (OCC 1997)
In recognition of your many years teaching young people the Word of God, loving them in the name of Jesus, discipling them as his followers, and training them as leaders for his kingdom, your service to our Lord is highly commended.
- Drew and Michelle Sherman, 2022 (OCC 1988)
In recognition of your many years of exemplary service in preaching the gospel, teaching God’s Word, building churches, training the next generation, and leading our fellowship of churches in the Great Commission, your service is highly commended.
- Ron and Pat Morse, 2022 (OCC 1982, 1983)
In recognition of your many years of exemplary service in evangelism, teaching, preaching, community development, planting churches, establishing youth homes, and providing Bible training and resource centers in Southeast Asia, your service is highly commended.
- John Philipose, 2020 (OCC 1979)
In recognition of over fifty years of exemplary service as a student, teacher, church planter, and preacher of God’s Word, your service is highly commended.
- Kritsana Udomsrirat, 2020 (OCC 1990)
In recognition of over thirty years of faithful ministry to women and children, shining the light of Christ in a land of spiritual darkness, your service is high commended.
2010s
- Jill English, 2019 (OCC 1972)
In recognition of over thirty years of dedicated service through creative event planning, editing, writing, and compassionately caring for over 15,000 Ozark alumni around the world, your service is highly commended.
- Freeman and Carolyn Bump, 2019 (OCC 1990)
In recognition of over fifty years of exemplary service as missionaries in Mexico, planting churches, establishing urban ministries, and founding the Juarez Bible Institute, your service is highly commended.
- Dr. Chuck and Mary Terrill, 2019 (OCC 1988)
In recognition of over thirty years of faithful ministry to the local church, teaching, leading, writing, and pastoring other ministers, your service is highly commended.
- Mark and Barbara Moore, 2018 (OCC 1986)
In recognition for your mutual investment in thousands of students, for your teaching and mentoring ministry at OCC, for preaching the gospel faithfully, for sacrificially serving the church, and for always lifting up the name of Jesus, your service is highly commended.
- David and Joyce Embree, 2018 (OCC 2018)
In recognition of over forty years of campus ministry, serving as professor, campus ministers, mentors, evangelists, and disciplemakers on a university campus, your service is highly commended.
- Roger and Nancy Storms, 2017 (OCC 1976, 1991)
In recognition of over forty years of exemplary service in Christian ministry throughout the world. Your twenty-nine years of serving in Chandler, Arizona, is highly commended.
- Roy and Carol Weece, 2017 (OCC 1955 & 1957, 1959)
In recognition of over 50 years of exemplary service in local church ministry and Christian campus ministry at the University of Missouri. Your faithful devotion to shepherding college students and your sacrificial service in his kingdom are highly commended.
- Errol and Carmen Bolt, 2016 (OCC 1983, 2006-2007)
In recognition of over thirty years of exemplary service in church ministry and Christian counseling in Kingston, Jamaica. Your love and compassion for the Jamaican people and your sacrificial service in his kingdom are highly commended.
- Greg and Deb Hafer, 2016 (OCC 1974, 1970-1971)
In recognition of over forty years of exemplary service in church ministry, teaching, and leading at Ozark Christian College and encouraging missionaries worldwide. Your love and care for college students and missionaries and your sacrificial service in his kingdom are highly commended.
- Nancy Bacus, 2015 (OCC 1986)
In recognition for your passion to share the Word with adults and children through teaching and books. Your love and compassion for the people of Jamaica, Joplin, and Jordan and your selfless life of service in his kingdom are highly commended.
- Don Hinkle, 2015 (MCC 1964)
In recognition for your faithful work in youth ministry and preaching ministry for over forty years. Your love and care for the church and your service in his kingdom are highly commended.
- Steve and Rhonda Hayward, 2014 (OCC 1979)
In recognition for over thirty years of exemplary service in Bible translation ministry with Pioneer Bible Translators in Papua New Guinea. Your love and compassion for the Tay people and your selfless lives of service in his kingdom are highly commended.
- Don and Fran Smith, 2014 (OCC 1970, 1968-1969)
In recognition for over thirty years of exemplary service in campus ministry with Campus Christians at Pittsburg State University. Your love and care for college students and your selfless lives of service in his kingdom are highly commended.
- Allen and Joy Brintnall, 2013 (OCC 1976, 1973-1974)
In recognition for thirty years of exemplary service in a variety of roles at Ozark Christian College and over twenty-five years of outstanding ministry at Spring River Christian Village. Your love for people, your outstanding care of his people, and your selfless lives of service in his kingdom are highly commended.
- Rick and Sheryl Bushnell, 2013 (OCC 1970, 1967-70)
In recognition for thirty years of exemplary service in a wide variety of ministry roles with College Heights Christian Church. Your love for people, your outstanding care of his people, and your selfless lives of service in his kingdom are highly commended.
- Rick and Nancy Jett, 2012 (OCC 1978, 1979)
In recognition for your outstanding work in church ministry and your deep compassion for providing significant relief for people in crisis. Your visionary leadership with the worldwide ministry of I.D.E.S. (International Disaster Emergency Services) is highly commended.
- Woody and Rose Wilkinson, 2012 (OCC 1968, 1962)
In recognition for your outstanding work in Christian ministry, church planting, and your longtime exemplary service at Ozark Christian College. Your love for people and your selfless lives of service in his kingdom are highly commended.
- Jim Moreland, 2011 (OCC 1960)
In recognition for your outstanding achievement as a missionary, Bible teacher, and church planter in Brazil for fifty years. Your desire for people to read and memorize the Word and your long-term service are an inspiration and motivation for Christians worldwide.
- Dudley Rutherford, 2011 (OCC 1980)
In recognition of your outstanding achievement as a preacher, church leader, and evangelist. Your love, care, and compassion for people and your nationally recognized visionary leadership are highly commended.
- Karolyn Schrage, 2011 (OCC 1979)
In recognition for your outstanding work as a missionary in Africa, for your ongoing contribution to world missions, and for your deep compassion for protecting the unborn and ministering to their mothers. Your visionary leadership with the nationally recognized LifeChoices is high commended.
- Ron Carter, 2010 (OCC 1968)
In recognition of your outstanding achievement as a faithful preacher, mentor, and encourager. Your integrity and compassion in ministry are to be highly commended.
- Bill Hauser, 2010 (OCC 1972)
In recognition of your outstanding achievement as a preacher, lover of people, and a man full of passion for God’s Word. Your recruitment of young people to Christian ministry is to be highly commended.
2000s
- Dr. Mark Scott, 2009 (OCC 1976)
In recognition of your outstanding achievement as a minister, educator, and speaker. Your love for the Word and your love for teaching the Word is to be commended.
- Jackina Stark, 2009 (OCC 1964-1966)
In recognition of your outstanding achievement as an OCC professor, Christian writer, and women’s speaker. Your love for people and passion to communicate the message of Christ are to be commended.
- Phil and Susan Casey, 2008 (OCC 1974, 1972)
In recognition of your outstanding achievement as missionaries to Chile, as Christian educators, and as facilitators of international Christian publishing. One million books from LATM to the world in fifteen years is highly commended.
- Dr. Chris and Carol DeWelt, 2008 (OCC 1976, 2007)
In recognition of your dedication as missionaries to Chile, Christian publishers, and advocates of world missions. Your compassion and commitment to recruit young people for the mission field are highly commended.
- Gordon Clymer, 2007 (OCC 1959)
In recognition of your outstanding achievement as an educator, encourager, and advocate of world missions. Your promotion of distance learning is highly commended.
- Randy and Julie Gariss, 2007 (OCC 1977, 1974-1977)
RANDY: In recognition of your outstanding achievement as a preacher, teacher, and church leader. Your love, care, and compassion for people is highly commended.
JULIE: In recognition of your outstanding achievement as a speaker, mentor, encourager of women, mother, and minister's wife. Your use of the character “Gladys Frump” to inspire and exhort audiences is highly commended.
- Joe Garman, 2006 (OCC 1966)
In recognition for your outstanding achievement as a longtime prison ministry leader and world evangelist. Your commitment to share the gospel with the incarcerated and less fortunate is highly commended.
- Etienne Prophete, 2006 (OCC 1974)
In recognition for your outstanding, lifelong mission work in Haiti as founder/director of the Haitian Christian Mission. Your commitment to meet the spiritual, educational, and physical needs of the Haitian people is commended.
- Shan Rutherford, 2006 (OCC 1965)
In recognition for your outstanding achievement as a minister, evangelist, and church builder. Your humility and compassionate care for your congregation are highly commended.
- David Haynes, 2005 (OCC 1964)
In recognition for your outstanding achievement as a minister of the gospel. Your love and care for the local church and your compassionate ministry to families are highly commended.
- Ralph Mehrens, 2005 (OCC 1965, 1975)
In recognition for your outstanding achievement as a preacher, father, husband, church builder, and encourager of young ministers.
- John and Marsha Relyea, 2005 (OCC 1979, 1978)
In recognition for your contribution to world evangelism in Papua New Guinea. Your work in creating an alphabet, developing an extensive literacy program, and leading in the translation of the New Testament into the Aruamu language are highly commended.
- Harvey Bacus, 2004 (OCC 1958)
In recognition for your outstanding contribution to the missions program of Ozark Christian College and to missions worldwide.
- Max and Marilyn Goins, 2003 (OCC 1965, 1963)
In recognition for your outstanding contribution to the local church and the global mission of Christ. Your vision to develop the Apostle Paul Academy in Russia is highly commended.
- Jim Marcum, 2003 (OCC 1976)
In recognition for your outstanding achievement as a professor and administrator at Ozark Christian College. Your contribution to our enrollment growth and strategic planning is highly commended.
- Alan and Janet Bemo, 2002 (OCC 1968, 1995)
In recognition for your outstanding contribution to world evangelism as missionaries for many years in Southeast Asia. Your compassion, faithfulness, and sacrifice for the kingdom is highly commended.
- Kenny Boles, 2002 (OCC 1968)
In recognition for outstanding service as a preacher, author, and professor of Greek at Ozark Christian College for over thirty years.
- Colleen Bennitt, 2001 (OCC 1965)
In recognition for outstanding achievement in the field of resource development for Ozark Christian College. Your compassion, faithfulness, and sacrifice in helping resource the vision that is OCC are commended.
- David Bycroft, 2001 (OCC 1971)
In recognition for outstanding achievement as an effective evangelist, dedicated minister, and trustee of Ozark Christian College.
- Janice and Faye Rostvit, 2000 (OCC 1971)
In recognition for outstanding achievement in using their lives together as missionaries to the world. Through their singing and teaching in many languages and countries for over thirty years, countless thousands have heard about Jesus.
- Ted and Beverly Skiles, 2000 (OCC 1967, 1962-1965)
In recognition for outstanding service in caring for hundreds of infants and children at “The Home of God’s Love” in Taiwan for over thirty years.
1990s
- Dr. Marj Boudreaux, 1999 (OCC 1975)
In recognition for outstanding achievement as a missionary to the Philippines, educator, wife, mother, and executive director of the Joplin Neighborhood Adult Literacy Action.
- Dr. David Filbeck, 1999 (OCC 1958, 1959)
In recognition for outstanding achievement as an evangelist, writer, educator, Bible translator, and missionary to Thailand.
- Bob Allen, 1998 (OCC 1958)
In recognition for outstanding achievement as a father, minister, new church evangelist in Florida, and director of church relations at Milligan College.
- Johnny Joslin, 1998 (MCC 1959)
In recognition for outstanding contribution to evangelism through preaching, revival meetings, and long-term ministry with the Kiamichi Christian Mission and Stanley Christian Church.
- Charles Greer, 1997 (OCC 1957)
In recognition of outstanding achievement as a dedicated Christian minister, father, and trustee.
- Vincent Graham, 1997 (OCC 1970)
In recognition of outstanding contribution to evangelism through his lifelong mission work in Jamaica and the Caribbean Islands.
- Willard Black, 1996 (OCC 1954, 1957)
In recognition of outstanding achievement as a Christian educator, dedicated father, and director of the Institute for Christian Resources.
- Bob Stacy, 1996 (OCC 1955)
In recognition of outstanding achievement as a preacher, educator, and recruiter of young people for Christian service.
- Roger Tribble, 1995 (OCC 1951)
In recognition of outstanding achievement as an evangelist, minister, and trustee of OCC.
- Helen Nutt, 1995 (OCC 1958)
In recognition of outstanding achievement as a dedicated ministry coworker with Good News Productions, Int’l, and as a loving, Christian mother and wife.
- Ben Killion, 1994 (OCC 1955)
In recognition of outstanding achievement as a minister and as a supporter at OCC.
- Marcia Kay Thompson, 1994 (OCC 1963)
In recognition of outstanding contribution in spreading the gospel through her lifelong work in Zimbabwe.
- Harold Fowler, 1993 (OCC 1961)
In recognition of outstanding contribution as a Christian writer and as a long-term missionary to Italy.
- Wilbur Fields, 1993 (OCC 1973)
In recognition of outstanding achievement as an author, biblical archaeologist, and professor at OCC.
- David Bayless, 1993 (OCC 1958)
In recognition of his outstanding contribution to evangelism through his lifelong mission work in Brazil.
- Sam Stone, 1992 (OCC 1958)
In recognition of outstanding achievement as an author, preacher, and editor of the Christian Standard.
- Dr. Paul T. Butler, 1992 (OCC 1961, 1973)
In recognition of outstanding achievement as an author, professor, and registrar at Ozark Christian College.
- Dr. Lynn Gardner, 1992 (OCC 1961)
In recognition of outstanding achievement as a Christian writer, Bible college professor, and academic dean.
- Dr. Robert Wetzel, 1992 (MCC 1956)
In recognition of outstanding achievement as an educator, preacher, and principal of Springdale College, Birmingham, England.
- Hiram Cassel, 1991 (MCC 1960)
In recognition of outstanding achievement as a minister, educator, Christian husband, and father.
- Dr. John Caldwell, 1991 (OCC 1967, 1974)
In recognition of outstanding achievement as a minister, evangelist, and supporter of OCC.
- Bob Lyttle, 1990 (OCC 1955)
In recognition of outstanding achievement as a minister, evangelist, and supporter of OCC.
- Roy Wheeler, 1990 (OCC 1954)
In recognition of outstanding achievement as a minister, evangelist, and supporter of OCC.
1980s
- Bj, Bill, Bob, and Don Vernon, 1989 (OCC 1951, 1951, 1952, 1957))
In recognition of outstanding achievement as evangelists, members of the Vernon Brothers Quartet, and pioneers in Christian broadcasting through Christian Television Mission.
- Jesse Yangmi, 1988 (OCC 1974, 1975)
In recognition of outstanding achievement as translator of the Bible in the Lisu language and for honorable service as a missionary in Southeast Asia.
- Dr. Woodrow Phillips, 1988 (OCC 1974)
In recognition of outstanding achievement as a missionary, missions department director, college president, and motivator of young people to serve in world missions.
- Ziden Nutt, 1987 (OCC 1959)
In recognition of outstanding contribution to world evangelism and in appreciation of a servant lifestyle, a pioneering spirit, and a Christlike heart.
- Robert A. Scott, 1987 (OCC 1950)
In recognition of outstanding contribution in new church evangelism, servant leadership, and for being a model of a Christian husband and father.
- Lawrence Hallum, 1987 (MCC 1953)
In recognition of outstanding achievement as director and developer of Cookson Hills Christian School, and for humble service as father, husband, and preacher of the Gospel.
- Meredith Williams, Honorary Alumnus
In recognition of your outstanding work as OCC alumni director, your leadership of the nationwide ministry of Impact Brass and Singers, and your untiring promotion of the college through recruitment, publications, and events. Your vision, enthusiasm, and service as the longest full-time employee in the history of Ozark Christian College are highly commended.
- Bob Cox, Distinguished Alumnus
In recognition of outstanding contribution in evangelistic endeavors in new church evangelism in the state of Texas.
- Chester and Verda Williamson, Distinguished Alumnus
In grateful appreciation for twenty-eight years of love, instruction, and guidance on behalf of Ozark Bible College as evangelist, professor, editor, student advisor, and trustee. And his wife, Verda, for the love for her Lord, her husband, and the students of Ozark Bible College.
- Clark E. and Marlene McKinney, Distinguished Alumni
In grateful appreciation for seven years of faithful service on behalf of Ozark Bible College as alumni director, professor, and valued student counselor. And his wife, Marlene, for the love of her Lord, her husband, and the students of Ozark Bible College.