ADA, Okla. – Charlie Rogers was named East Central University’s 2026 George Nigh Award winner at the Spring 2026 Commencement Ceremony, Friday May 15 at the Koi Ishto Stadium.

Rogers graduated with University Honors and a 4.0 GPA, earning a degree in Biology with a minor in Chemistry.

During her time at ECU, Rogers served as Pre-Professionals Club President, Tri-Beta Biology Club Vice President, Senior Representative in Student Government Association and Book Club President within the ECU Honors Student Association Leadership Team. She also worked as an Anatomy Supplemental Instructor and Chemistry Teacher Assistant on campus.

Her clinical experience included serving as a Patient Care Associate at Mercy Hospital and completing extensive physician shadowing. Her research centered on histopathology, culminating in an Honors Thesis on Bulldog Anasarca, which she presented at multiple academic conferences, including ECU Research Day and the Oklahoma Academy of Sciences.

Rogers plans to pursue medical school at Oklahoma State University and will continue developing the knowledge and skills to become an effective physician, particularly in communities with limited healthcare access.

Cutline: Charlies Rogers (left) was presented the George Nigh Award by ECU’s Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs, Dr. Jeffrey Gibson, at East Central University’s Spring 2026 Commencement Ceremony.

-ECU-