East Central University is proud to recognize the Randall, Newcombe, and Dyke families as the 2025 Distinguished Family for their longstanding commitment to education, community leadership, and service at the Evening of Honors and Recognition event on May 16th at ECU Foundation Hall located inside the Chickasaw Business Center. Together, 11 family members have earned degrees from ECU, representing the transformative power of first-generation achievement and the legacy of Tiger Pride.
At the heart of this remarkable family story is Monte Newcombe, a 1973 ECU graduate, Vietnam veteran, and mental health professional who dedicated more than three decades to serving others. After returning from military service, Monte used the GI Bill to pursue his education and later earned a Master of Social Work from the University of Oklahoma. Throughout his career, he developed impactful programs including a Behavioral Mental Health initiative and a Veterans Clinic in Ada before his passing in 2007.
Monte’s brother, Mike Newcombe, a 1983 ECU graduate in Business Administration, was an active student leader—serving as President of Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity, the Interfraternity Council, and the All Greek Council, and being named ECU’s All Greek Man. Mike dedicated nearly 35 years to Oklahoma Gas and Electric Company (OG&E), primarily in the Customer Programs department, where he helped launch several award-winning initiatives such as Wind Power, Guaranteed Flat Bill, and Smart Hours. While working at OG&E, he also earned an MBA with High Honors from Oklahoma City University.
His wife, Pam Randall Newcombe, graduated from ECU in 1974 and went on to earn her Master of Behavioral Studies from Southeastern. She has built a diverse career in education and business. After working as a teacher and counselor, Pam became a State Farm Insurance agent and earned the prestigious Crystal of Excellence award. She remains an engaged civic leader, serving on multiple community boards and initiatives.
John Newcombe, Class of 2007, earned a business degree and has worked across industries, most recently as an entrepreneur in the medical cannabis sector. His ventures, including Territory Cannabis Company and Stinky Genes, have received national accolades, including recognition at the 2024 Grower’s Cup in Michigan.
Cliff and Janis Randall, also ECU alumni, have built lives of service in business, ministry, and education. Cliff, a 1978 graduate, spent over 20 years at Keebler Company before becoming a financial advisor with Edward Jones. Janis earned her degree in Elementary Education in 1979 and served in both ministry and public education roles across Oklahoma. Their daughter Jacee Randall, a 2002 ECU graduate, transitioned from a career in software development to financial advising and currently serves clients through Edward Jones in Oklahoma City.
In memory of their late daughter Sara Randall, an exceptional English major and Merit Scholar finalist, Cliff and Janis established a memorial scholarship at ECU in 2013 to support future generations of students.
Janet Randall Dyke and David Dyke, both 1979 ECU graduates, have also left a powerful legacy of professional and civic service. Janet holds an MBA from Oklahoma City University and has been a long-time civic leader with 20 years of service to Red Earth and held leadership roles at AT&T and the Chickasaw Nation, earning international recognition for her work in project management. David served the State of Oklahoma for over 30 years before joining OG&E in regulatory compliance. Their daughter, Madison Johnson, graduated from ECU in 2010 with a degree in Human Services Counseling and currently serves both youth and adults with developmental disabilities in her role at DHS.
The family also honors Richard Dyke, a 1970 ECU graduate, for helping lay the foundation of this proud multigenerational tradition.
Together, the Randall, Newcombe, and Dyke families exemplify the spirit of East Central University—dedicated, resilient, and committed to making a difference. ECU is honored to celebrate their legacy as our 2025 Distinguished Family.