By NATALIE SACKET
Feature Editor
Northwestern Oklahoma State University will lose part of its university family with the retirement of its executive vice president.
Steve Lohmann, Ph.D., will serve his last day as executive vice president on June 30, as his retirement was officially announced on Jan. 14. He has served in this position for the past 13 years.
Lohmann’s legacy at Northwestern, however, began long before he received his title of executive vice president. Since 1985, Lohmann has been an integral part of Northwestern, beginning as an instructor of Health and Sports Science Education and serving as the head football coach of the Rangers. Lohmann managed the opening of the J.R. Holder Wellness Center, serving as its first director of facilities. After this, Lohmann moved to lead the Office of Student Affairs.
In his time as executive vice president, Lohmann has helped shape Northwestern into the university that it is today. He has helped lead the introduction and expansion of new programs and fields of study, including visual art and agriculture education. He has also been a part in the formation of the intended new doctoral program in nursing practice.
Lohmann is recognized as an educational leader across the state of Oklahoma with his efforts in Higher Learning Commission (HLC) accreditation and as a chairman of the statewide Council on Instruction.
His impact is evident in the kind words easily provided by students and faculty.
Brady Fields, a student of Lohmann’s Leadership Northwestern class, said of Lohmann: “Even though most students on this campus have never had the pleasure to communicate with Dr. Lohmann, he has played a vital role to this university for many years. After having his leadership class, I learned the true passion he has for the students and the desire he has for them to succeed not only in college, but in future life. Not many college administrators could be described like this. He is truly one of Northwestern’s most valuable assets.”
Northwestern President Janet Cunningham, Ph.D., has worked closely with Lohmann for years and speaks highly of his contributions to Northwestern. In her announcement of Lohmann’s retirement, Cunningham said: “Personally, I have always been able to count on his expert counsel, his advocacy for the faculty and students and his commitment to always do the right thing. His professional integrity and love for Northwestern are without question.”
Lohmann says he thinks fondly of his time at Northwestern. “I’ve truly enjoyed my experience at Northwestern,” Lohmann said. “Not many people can say that they have looked forward to coming to work everyday, but I can. The faculty, staff and administration here have always had a focus on helping students succeed, and I am thankful that I had the opportunity to be a part of the atmosphere and environment of the Northwestern campus.”