staff

Dr. Richard M. Bernard
Dean,
Graduate College
405.974.3493

Dr. Richard M. Bernard, an Edmond native, came to UCO in 2007 as Interim Dean and became Dean of JCGS in 2008. He earned degrees from the University of Oklahoma (BA, Political Science), Wake Forest University (MA, History) and the University of Wisconsin-Madison (Ph.D., History). His academic field is American urban history with an emphasis on the contemporary era. Tenured as a faculty member at three institutions, Dr. Bernard served as a Fulbright Lecturer in American Studies at the University of Canterbury (New Zealand), an academic vice president, and most recently as president at Eastern Oklahoma State College. He has published four books and a number of scholarly articles and made presentations in the U.S., China, New Zealand, Australia, Samoa, Tonga, Japan, and Jordan. Earlier in his career, he taught for the University of Maryland in Europe. At UCO, he oversees and coordinates graduate programs and enrollment efforts and works with international professional exchange programs.

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Toni Beller
Accounts/Office Manager
405.974.3494

Ms. Toni Beller serves as Office and Account Manager of the JCGS. She organizes and coordinates all office operations and JCGS conferences and events. Ms. Beller also coordinates the activities of the Graduate Council and processes graduate retention reporting and tuition waivers. She oversees the fiscal and budget management of the college and serves as hiring and payroll manager as well as editor of all JCGS publications including the Graduate Catalog.

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Suzie Schwimmer
Admissions Specialist
405.974.2523

Ms. Suzie Schwimmer, Administrative Assistant, greets visitors, answers questions and assists students, faculty and staff with their individual needs. She reviews and evaluates international graduate student admission applications, processes international student applications and monitors and counsels international graduate students regarding their degree progress. Ms. Johnston processes all applications for Graduate Faculty membership, and the E.C. Hall Graduate Student Award. She serves as department timekeeper processing payroll for college staff.

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Syretha Leverett
Graduate Program Specialist
405.974.2527

Ms. Syretha Leverett, Graduate Program Specialist, monitors each graduate student’s degree progress, conducts degree audits and awards all graduate degrees each semester, does VA checks, and prepares progress reports for International Students. She assists students, faculty and staff with graduation issues and assists graduate students in their admission and enrollment process.

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Terry Nolan
Administrative Assistant,
Graduate Admissions
405.974.3341

Ms. Terry Nolan manages the front reception area of the JCGS. She greets all visitors and assists each individual with their specific needs. She reviews and processes domestic applications for admission, evaluates transcripts, prepares all admission correspondence, reviews student documentation with Graduate Program Advisors, assists students with enrollment issues and maintains student records.

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Phyllis Pennington
Publications/Web Specialist
405.974.2915

Ms. Phyllis Pennington, serves as publications and web specialist for the JCGS. Her duties include serving as the editor of the Newsletter, publisher of the annual Graduate Catalog, designer of all Graduate Admission documents and forms, assisting office personnel with software problems and updating the graduate Web site.

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