ADA, Okla. - East Central University alumna, Margaret Barton, is set to be honored at ECU’s Evening of Honors and Recognition, May 1 at 6 p.m. in the ECU Foundation Hall, located inside the Chickasaw Business & Conference Center.

A 1964 graduate of Ada High School, Barton was raised east of Ada on her family’s ranch, where she developed a strong work ethic through caring for livestock and tending the land. She enrolled at East Central State College (now ECU), where she pursued a degree in music education, graduating in 1968. That same year, she married and began her career as a vocal music teacher in secondary schools in western Oklahoma.

Following the birth of her daughter, Elizabeth, Barton and her family returned to Ada to assume responsibility for the family ranch after her mother’s retirement. Back home, she remained active in her community, directing the choir at First Presbyterian Church and substituting in the Ada School System while welcoming her second daughter, Sarah.

Barton’s career path expanded after enrolling in an evening real estate course at ECU. After earning her license, she quickly established herself in the industry and became actively involved at both the state and national levels.

Throughout her career, Barton demonstrated strong leadership within the profession. She served as president of the Oklahoma Association of Realtors in 1999 and as Region 9 vice president of the National Association of Realtors in 2004, representing Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri and Arkansas. She also served 13 years on the National Association of Realtors Board of Directors and was named Oklahoma Realtor of the Year in 2004.

In addition to her professional accomplishments, Barton has remained dedicated to service within her community. She continues to serve on state committees and contributes her time to several organizations, including the Mercy Cancer Center Committee, the Advancing Ada Advisory Board, SOAR Board of Directors and the ECU Foundation. She also continues her lifelong love of music as a member of the choir at First Presbyterian Church.

Barton considers her greatest personal achievement to be her family. She is a proud grandmother to Gavin, Emily and Hanna and values the time she spends with them while remaining connected to the land and community that have shaped her life.

To purchase tickets for ECU Evening of Honors and Recognition, visit tinyurl.com/9ckajkf7 or contact the Office of Alumni Relations at alumni@ecok.edu or 580-559-5724. Advance tickets are recommended.

-ECU-