ADA, Okla. – East Central University announces the appointment of Chickasaw Nation governor and ECU alumnus, Gov. Bill Anoatubby, as an honorary campaign co-chair for the ECU Forward capital campaign.
ECU Forward is a comprehensive $36.3 million capital campaign dedicated to advancing ECU’s future. This initiative will enhance the ECU campus, strengthen academic programs and ensure that ECU students will continue to be provided with life-changing educational opportunities at an affordable cost.
“We are proud to work with East Central University in their Forward Capital Campaign to enhance students’ experiences and support scholarships,” said Anoatubby. “ECU has been a stalwart partner to the Chickasaw Nation and has provided invaluable academic opportunities for their students. We look forward to seeing the university help launch successful futures for the next generation.”
Anoatubby, who graduated from Tishomingo High School in 1964, served active duty for the National Guard immediately following his graduation. After concluding his active duty, he enrolled in Murray State College, where he would earn his Associates Degree before joining East Central State College, now known as East Central University. He graduated from ECU in 1972 with a bachelor’s degree in Accounting.
Anoatubby first became active in Chickasaw tribal government in 1975. His previous positions include director of tribal health services, director of finance, special assistant to the governor, controller, and he was the tribe’s first lieutenant governor, beginning in 1979.
In 1987, Anoatubby was elected Governor of the Chickasaw Nation, a position that he still holds today.
At the time of his first election, the Chickasaw Nation had approximately 250 employees. Today, the Chickasaw Nation employs more than 14,500 people. In addition to the growth of employment, funding for tribal operations has increased exponentially and tribal assets have grown five-hundredfold.
Under Anoatubby, the Chickasaw Nation operates more than 100 diversified businesses and invests much of its profit into funding nearly 400 programs and services. These programs cover education, healthcare, youth, aging, housing and more, all of which directly benefit Chickasaw families, Oklahomans and their communities.
Anoatubby and the Chickasaw Nation also place a strong emphasis on preserving and sharing the Nation’s heritage, history, language and culture. This commitment can be seen in the various artistically and culturally centered programs, language services and the world-renowned Chickasaw Cultural Center located in Sulphur, Okla.
Anoatubby and his wife, Janice, have two sons, Brian and Chris. Chris and his wife Becky have three children, Brendan, Eryn and Sydney. Brian has two children, Chloe and Preslea.
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