LaunchPad Course for Social Science Majors

Who I am: I am a first-generation college student and TRiO alum. I feel a strong, personal conviction to pay it forward. A product of Tulsa Public Schools, I am a proud graduate of McLain High School. I am a testament that quality education is the “Great Equalizer.” 

What I do: I am an enthusiastic assistant professor of sociology at Tulsa Community College. I have been in the world of higher education for over twenty-nine years, holding various roles as Dean of Retention & Engagement, Dean of Student Assessment and Testing Services, and Associate Dean for the School of Liberal Arts & Communication.

Studied: I hold a PhD in Sociology from Oklahoma State University and two masters degrees: Human Relations with an emphasis in Counseling, and Sociology from the University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State University.

Fun Fact: I am passionate about service to my community. I am a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. Tulsa Alumnae Chapter, serve on the Board of Trustee for the League of Women Voters of Metropolitan Tulsa, and I am a Board Member of Teach Not Punish. I am not working, I enjoy sipping coffee, eating donuts and diving into great murder mystery novels.

Who I am: I am a dedicated a passionate advocate for human rights. I have worked with the Centers for Disease Control by serving on the Health Resource Services Administration Advisory Committee on HIV, Viral Hepatitis, and STD Prevention and Treatment. I have also been a member of the Racial and Ethnic Populations Advisory Committee for the National Institutes of Health’s Office of AIDS Research and have served as a training consultant for the National Native American AIDS Prevention Center. I have also served in an advisory capacity to the Journal of the American Medical Association, the U.S. Department of Human Services, and the American Foundation for AIDS Research. 

What I do: I am an assistant professor of sociology at Tulsa Community College where I have taught since 2016. I love teaching at TCC because I get the opportunity to share my work with students. I most enjoy building relationships with my students and am passionate about their success.

Studied: I have a Bachelor of Science degree from Oklahoma State University in animal science. I hold a master’s degree in human relations from the University of Oklahoma. I also took more than 30 hours of graduate level courses in musical theater from Oklahoma City University.

Fun Fact: I have given at least 2,000 workshops or lectures on topics such as reproductive health, human sexuality, teen pregnancy prevention, sexually transmitted infections, healthy relationships, diversity, and living with AIDS. I have presented all over the world including at the first HIV/AIDS Skills Building Conference in South Africa in 1996.
 

Who I am: From an early age my parents instilled in me and my two siblings the importance of not just an education, but a postsecondary education. Although, I was considered a non-traditional scholar – obtaining my higher education degrees later in life after starting my family. The educational path I’ve taken is a direct footprint and that a higher education is attainable. 

What I do: I am a Professor of Psychology at Tulsa Community College teaching both online and face-to-face courses and each semester I look forward to meeting and engaging with diverse scholars. Before my full-time role as a Professor, I was an adjunct lecturer teaching college success courses for over 6 years at TCC.

Worked: During my tenure at OSU-Tulsa I served as the Community Outreach Coordinator for several years and worked closely with several TPS schools. OSU-Tulsa’s partnership with Academy Central Elementary, (known as Greenwood Leadership Academy today) allowed me to implement a successful mentoring program. I also became a reading partner at Academy Central Elementary. I served as a board member for The Hispanic American Foundation, HAF. The non-profit generously awarded scholarships for deserving Hispanic population attending Tulsa Community College. During the pandemic, I assisted Food on The Move and worked closely with serving families and communities as well as volunteered with the Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma.

Studied: I am a proud alumnus of: Tulsa Community College earning my associate degree in liberal studies. I earned my bachelor’s degree in sociology at Oklahoma State University while working full-time, raising three children, and serving communities in and throughout Tulsa. I earned my master’s degree a few years later in human relations from The University of Oklahoma. 

Fun Fact: I love to roller skate and spend time with family and friends. I also enjoy traveling while experiencing cultures and various foods!

One of my favorite quotes to inspire myself and scholars is: 
“It always seems impossible, until it is done.” –Nelson Mandela 

Alison grew up in Kansas City (GO CHIEFS!) but has lived in Tulsa since 1997.  She currently serves as an assistant professor of psychology at TCC's Northeast campus. She is also a co-advisor for Psi Beta/Psychology Club and represents her department as a representative to TCC's Faculty Association.

Alison earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Baylor University.  She also attended the University of Tulsa where she earned both a JD and MA in industrial-organizational psychology.

Prior to joining TCC on a full-time basis, she practiced law in the Tulsa area representing adults and juveniles facing criminal charges.

Outside of the classroom, Alison enjoys yoga, pilates, tennis, watching college football/basketball, traveling and anything true-crime!!!

Alison been married to her husband Eric for more than 20 years and has two “fur” babies:   Luna & Pistol (After Pistol Pete.... go POKES!)