ADA, Okla. – East Central University (ECU), in conjunction with the ECU Black Alumni Association (BAA), recently hosted the Annual Alumni Gala Dinner and Dance during Homecoming weekend inside the Chickasaw Business and Conference Center.

The 2025 event featured the presentation of one ECU Distinguished Alumni Award and three BAA Scholarship recipients as well as this year’s ECU Rising Star Awards presented to Dr. Carlee Henderson Cox, Samuel Malchar and Andrea Sifers.

The first Rising Star honoree of the night was Dr. Carlee Henderson Cox, DO.

“It is truly a joy to be here among so many distinguished honorees and members of the ECU community as we celebrate this special homecoming,” Cox began.

Cox earned her Bachelor of Science degree from ECU in 2017. She was named that year’s winner of the prestigious George Nigh Award, an honor offered to ECU’s top graduating senior.

She went on to complete her Doctorate of Osteopathic Medicine from Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine then completed her pediatric residency at Oklahoma Children’s Hospital. She is board certified in pediatrics by the American Board of Pediatrics.

Cox currently serves as an inpatient and outpatient pediatrician, as well as Vice Chief of the Pediatric Department at the Chickasaw Nation Medical Center (CNMC). She currently teaches CNMC resident physicians, serving as an adjunct Assistant Professor for medical students, and mentoring undergraduate students.

“ECU has provided me with countless opportunities and extraordinary mentors who have guided my growth—both personally and professionally,” said Cox during her acceptance speech. “The lessons and values I gained here have shaped me not only as a physician but as a person. It is an honor to be recognized this evening, and I am looking forward to representing ECU with pride and gratitude.”

After seven years away from Ada, Cox says she is grateful to be back home and looks forward to reconnecting with her community. She treasures time at home with her husband, Gary, and their three-year-old son.

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