Retired TCC Professor Announced as OACC Hall of Fame Inductee

The Oklahoma Association of Community Colleges will induct long-time TCC professor Mary V. Cantrell into its 2026 Hall of Fame. Cantrell is being recognized for her service to students and work advancing dual credit education in Oklahoma.

Retired Tulsa Community College Professor Mary V. Cantrell was inducted into the Oklahoma Association of Community Colleges Hall of Fame, recognizing her 36-year career dedicated to students and expanding access to college-level education. Cantrell, who retired from TCC in 2026, was honored during the OACC Hall of Fame luncheon Oct. 2 at TCC’s Northeast Campus.

Cantrell is the third TCC representative inducted into the OACC Hall of Fame, joining Presidents Emeriti Dean P. VanTrease and Tom McKeon, and the first TCC faculty member to receive the honor.

“I am so honored to be the first faculty member to receive this recognition, and I’m grateful beyond words to the many excellent people who have encouraged me, supported me, and worked alongside me during my tremendously rewarding career,” said Cantrell.

Cantrell is a third-generation Tulsan and graduate of Booker T. Washington High School. She earned a bachelor’s degree in English and creative writing from Knox College and was awarded the Pearl Hogrefe Fellowship to study creative writing at Iowa State University, where she earned her master’s degree. She joined Tulsa Junior College, now Tulsa Community College, as a full-time faculty member in 1990.

Cantrell served in several faculty and leadership roles throughout her career at TCC, including English Adjunct Coordinator, Interim Associate Dean for Communications, and Faculty Association President. She co-chaired the College’s 2008 Higher Learning Commission accreditation self-study and spent 12 years as the George Kaiser Family Foundation Endowed Faculty Chair for Dual Credit.

“Professor Mary Cantrell's more than 35 years of service to Tulsa Community College have been defined by her exceptional commitment to students, academic excellence, and expanded access to higher education,” said Leigh B. Goodson, Ph.D., President and CEO of TCC. “Her leadership in concurrent enrollment and dual credit has created meaningful opportunities for students throughout Oklahoma. This OACC Hall of Fame recognition is a fitting tribute to her lasting impact on TCC and our state's community college system.”

Much of Cantrell’s later work focused on strengthening dual credit education in Oklahoma. She collaborated with TCC faculty to develop a college preparatory program designed to help dual credit students build the skills needed to succeed in college courses, played a key role in TCC earning accreditation from the National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships, and worked with educators across the state to help establish the Oklahoma Alliance of Dual Credit Partnerships.

“The OACC Hall of Fame tells the story of people who have helped make higher education a possibility for more Oklahomans. This year’s inductees have earned their place in that story through their commitment to students and their service to our state. Their achievements reflect the promise of community colleges: that access to education can change the course of a life and strengthen an entire community,” stated OACC Board Chair Lana Reynolds. “We are proud to honor these individuals alongside the distinguished leaders who came before them. We congratulate them on this recognition and thank them for the opportunities they have created for others and the example they set for those who will follow.”

Cantrell is one of three members of the 2026 OACC Hall of Fame class. She was inducted alongside Becky Henthorn, Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Student Affairs at Murray State College, and Ronald S. Ramming, Ph.D., President Emeritus of Connors State College.