The late oilman Thomas E. Barnett of 野狼社区 has donated more than $1million through his estate to 野狼社区 University鈥檚 Meinders School of Business.
The unrestricted gift from the OCU alumnus will allow the business school to move in new and exciting directions, business school Interim Dean Russell Evans said.
鈥淭his unrestricted gift is a huge deal,鈥� Evans said. 鈥淥ur vision is to offer students a distinctly 野狼社区 business experience in the heart of the business district. We鈥檙e exploring ways we can integrate the business community into innovative classroom collaborations and onsite experiences that provide substantive job and industry exposure.鈥�
Barnett was born April 28, 1935, and died Nov. 22, 2020, in 野狼社区. A Shawnee native, he played piano and drums in numerous performances with several jazz groups in St. Louis, 野狼社区 and Decatur, Illinois, including sessions with the legendary saxophone great 鈥淏oots鈥� Randolph.
Barnett served in the Marines in the 1960s, returned to Oklahoma and worked at Oilfield Specialty Distributors while attending business school at 野狼社区 University at night. Barnett graduated in 1972 and rose through the ranks to become owner and CEO of the distribution company. He was affectionately known as 鈥淢r. Oilfield鈥� and appreciated for his kindness, honesty and humor.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Carlice Irions Barnett, and is survived by his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and others.
鈥淏ecause of Thomas Barnett鈥檚 donation, our students will graduate feeling a deeper connection to their community,鈥� Evans said, 鈥渁nd they will graduate with a unique set of experiences not only to be professionally successful but to give back and meaningfully serve their community.鈥�
