ADA, Okla. - East Central University alumnus and Alpha Phi Alpha member, Timmy Young, 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 1988 graduate of East Central University, Young earned a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in Military Science while attending the university as a scholar athlete. In 2006, he earned a Master’s degree in Education Administration.
Young is a respected educator, administrator, entrepreneur and community leader whose career spans more than 30 years of service across Oklahoma. He began his career in education in 1995 Shawnee and went on to serve in Moore, Earlsboro and Pleasant Grove School before retiring while serving OKC Public Schools. Throughout his career, he built lasting relationships with students, parents and colleagues while demonstrating strong leadership and commitment to student development.
Beyond the classroom, Young has demonstrated a strong commitment to community service. Since 2019, he has served as president of the Dunbar Heights Community Group, leading initiatives focused on neighborhood development, resource access and family support. His efforts have included organizing food and clothing drives, mentoring youth and building partnerships to strengthen underserved communities.
Young has also held numerous leadership roles, including serving as the Shawnee City Council Ward 4 representative, president of the Shawnee NAACP and as a board member for several organizations supporting education and community advancement. He has additionally served in leadership positions within the Oklahoma Officials Association.
In addition to his work in education and public service, Young is an entrepreneur and founder of A Heavenly Taste LLC, featuring Kinyon’s World Class Elite Sauce as its flagship product. His business reflects his commitment to promoting economic opportunity and community-based growth.
Young’s contributions extend to athletics, where he spent more than 20 years as a high school and collegiate football official. His officiating career includes two state championship games and NCAA Division II playoff assignments. He currently serves as a sideline replay assistant for the Big 12 and Southeastern Conferences and as an observer for the Great American Conference.
In recognition of his achievements, Young has received numerous honors, including the Shawnee Forward Community Service Award in 2022. He was inducted into the Shawnee Football Hall of Fame and has been recognized as an Oklahoma Officials Association All-State Official.
Young considers his greatest personal achievement to be his family. He and his wife, Liz, are the proud parents of daughters Jassy, Diamond, Leslie and Leah, and son Timmy.
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 at 580-559-5724. Advanced tickets are recommended.
-ECU-