By Emma Thompson
The Walter O. Mason, Jr. Kingdom Diversity Hall of Fame honored its first inductee on April 20, 2024.
“Here at OBU we do diversity from a biblical perspective, unlike what we see in the secular environment… The scripture that we stand on is Revelation 7:9-10” event host Beverly (B.J.) Glover, who serves as the Vice President of University Culture and Hall of Fame Committee Chair, said.
“What we’re trying to do here at OBU is reflect that divine design because God designed that diversity…The [Kingdom Diversity] Hall of Fame is a new recognition that we created because we want to celebrate people whose lives, achievements, and accomplishments further this idea of Kingdom Diversity,” Glover said.
The award is named after Walter O. Mason, Jr. who was the first tenured black professor employed by the university. His work was centered around making college available to students who come from a variety of disadvantaged backgrounds.
“He felt that all students, regardless of their race or ethnicity, should have the opportunity to go to college,” Glover said.
Mason Jr. helped create the TRiO and Upward Bound programs that are still in existence today.
“Walter Mason is still being honored today by national organizations because of his pioneering work in that area, so we thought it was fitting to name this award after him,” Glover said.
Ycedra Daughty is the first inductee to the K.D. Hall of Fame.
Daughty was an educator for over 40 years, and is not only a Shawnee high school graduate, but she’s also an OBU alumni. She was the first black music major at OBU, earning her bachelor of Music Education in 1974. Afterwards, she attended graduate school at the University of Oklahoma, where she earned a Master of Music Education.
Daughty did exceptional work at 3 inner city schools located in northeast Oklahoma City.
“As principal of Edgemere Elementary in Oklahoma City, she revolutionized the school’s approach to diversity, actively engaging the community and implementing innovative reading programs that transformed the academic landscape,” her son, Andre Daughty, said (quote via Oklahoma City Herald).
Daughty is an exceptional woman, the testimony of her impact gives support to her reception of the award.
“She got the children to love reading. And as that happened, their test scores went up… they became popular schools. Everyone wanted to enroll their kids there” Glover said.
The first school she worked at reached capacity, and she went to work at two other schools, employing the same program and approach she had that instilled a love for reading in the kids.
“The thing is, it shows what an impact an educator can have in people’s lives. Not only as individuals, but also schools and school systems, and to create a culture of learning. And this is what she did during her career” Glover said.
The ceremony took place on April 20th at 3 p.m. in the Geiger Center, and was hosted by Glover.
Because of Daughty’s background in music at OBU, the music department was “heavily involved” according to Glover.
The program began with a prelude by senior Musical Arts Piano major Madison Webb. Next, Glover gave a warm welcome to the attendees, and President Heath Thomas gave opening remarks and a word of prayer.
Director of International Students and Disability Services, Joy Carl, talked about Walter Mason. Then, Glover gave acknowledgments and talked about the honoree.
The actual award presentation and induction was done by President Thomas, followed by acceptance remarks by Daughty. Daughty received a personalized trophy, as well as a $1,000 cash award.
