Tex Richardson Engineering & Science Guidance Award
This annual Award is jointly sponsored by the Tulsa Engineering Foundation (TEF), the Oklahoma Engineering Foundation (OEF) and with the cooperation of the Construction Specification Institute (CSI). The Award was established in 1992 to recognize teachers and engineers in Oklahoma who demonstrate exceptional service in guidance activities, and is in memory of the late Tex Richardson who inspired so many in his years of guidance service. Normally two annual awards, one to a teacher and one to an engineer, recognizing outstanding achievement and service in engineering and science guidance activities in the State of Oklahoma, are presented at the Tulsa E-Week Student Breakfast during the National Engineers Week in February. The selections committee welcomes nominations throughout the year for the next years’ awards. The nominations may be sent to the permanent address of TEF at P.O. Box 703065, Tulsa, OK 74170-3065 or email [email protected]. Click link for nomination form.
The 2024 Tex Richardson Guidance Award recipients are:
Teacher: Dr. Melissa Hamby, University School – Encourager & Mentor: Robotics, OM, FabLab, ADP
Engineer: Suzanne Dodson, ONEOK – Encourager & Mentor: Robotics, GSEOK, Tulsa SWE, TU SWE
Previous Awardees are:
2023 Teacher: Charles Koutahi, Francis Tuttle Eng’g Academy, for encouraging youth to pursue engineering
Engineer: Anthony Barber, Garmin, for extensive FIRST Robotics mentoring.
2022 Teacher: Natalie Bird, Owasso 8th Grade Center, for multiple STEM competitions and programs
Engineer: Richard Petricek, Jr., Poe and Associates, (posthumous) for MATHCOUNTS leadership
2021 Teacher: Stephanie Bradley,Summit Christian Academy for STEM activities – International Space Station, SeaPerch, TECh
Engineer: Scott Taylor, FIRST Lego League leadership during Pandemic for OK & panhandle of TX
2020 Teacher: Elaine Clark, Tulsa Tech for Innovative Calculus teaching and support of student STEM activities
Teacher: Melissa Stirling, Holland Hall for MATHCOUNTS, STEM summer camps, Teacher Math Circles
Engineer: Christopher T. Smith for FIRST Robotics and STEAM Post 26 leadership
2019 Teacher: Teddy Wyatt, Tulsa Tech Pre-Engineering Academy for Pre-Engineering leadership
Engineer: Sarah Kellert, P.E. Contech Engineered Solutions for EWeek Breakfast leadership
Engineer: Pascale Atailah, Ph.D., Chevron Phillips Chemical Co for STEM outreach with young women
2018 Teacher: Kerry Goode, Jenks Middle School, STEM SmartLab Facilitator
Engineer: Susan Crenshaw, ONEOK, STEM outreach with TRSA, Girl Scouts, Leadership Council
2017 Teacher: Jennifer Farley, Owasso 7th Grade Center, hands-on STEM
Engineer: Dr. Carl Latino, OSU Tulsa, coordinator of annual Engineering Design Challenge at OSU Tulsa
2016 Teacher: Laura Millspaugh, Cascia Hall, FIRST Robotics and STEM Summer camps
Teacher – Collegiate: Dr. Donna Farrior, Tulsa Girls’ Math Circles and Tulsa Tech Trek summer residential camp
Engineer: Jennifer Butler, Tulsa Engineering Challenge & outreach activities at OSU IT
2015 Teacher: Kent Jones, Roy Clark Elementary, 5th grade, Builders’ Club
Engineer: Daniel Moran, Lab Manager of Tulsa FabLab, STEM guidance
2014 Teacher: Mary Jo Othon, Bishop Kelley High School, FIRST Tech Challenge
Engineer: Dr. Christi Patton Luks, STEM outreach for youth of all ages
2013 Teachers: Maemi Dildy, Edison Preparatory School, PLTW & Robotics and
Stacy Oakley, Latta High School, Ada, FIRST Robotics & STEM outreach
Engineer: Xan Black, Tulsa Alliance for Engineering, Youth Outreach Programs
2012 Teacher: Pamela Diaz, Booker T Washington, FIRST
Special Award: Susan Thompson, Tulsa Alliance for Engineering, Community Outreach
2011 Teacher: Cheri Sieck, Betro Christian Academy, MATHCOUNTS
Engineer: Chriss Chavez, OU-Tulsa, Tulsa Engineering Challenge
2010 Teacher: Dan Beaty, Jenks Middle School, MATHCOUNTS & Computer Teacher
Engineer: Dr. Jack Sellers,Retired, FIRST Robotics (For Inspiration & Recognition of Science & Technology)
2009 Teacher: Ray Snider, Wells Middle School, Catoosa Public Schools, Tulsa Engineering Challenge
Engineer: Bob and Marion Simmons, P.E., Retired – MATHCOUNTS, TECh, EWeek Activities
2008 Teacher: Marilyn Ann Thomas Howard -TU University School, MATHCOUNTS, Computer Challenge
Engineer: James W. Kilmer, P.E., Retired, Science Enrichment at Eliot School, Endowed Scholarship
2007 Teacher: Patricia Yvette Laughlin – Catoosa Wells Middle School, Tulsa Engineering Challenge
Engineer: Gaylon Pinc, P.E., Program Management Group; MATHCOUNTS, TECh, OSPE State-Wide
2006 Teacher: Lane Cardwell Matheson – Engineering Academy Coordinator, Memorial High School
Engineer: Robert D. Strattan, Ph.D., P.E.-Emeritus Prof. of Electrical Eng’g & Mech. Eng’g, Univ.of Tulsa
2003 Teacher: Norma Rodriquez — Assistant Principal, 7th Grade Center, Union Public Schools
Engineer: Perry Brown, P.E. – Staff Engineering Technologist, AEP/PSO, MATHCOUNTS
2002 Teacher: Glenda Nelson – Mathematics Teacher, Jenks Public Schools, MATHCOUNTS Coach.
Engineer: Todd Hiemer, P.E. – Sr. Research Engineer, bioMerieux, Inc, Future City Comp. Coord.
2001 Teacher: Donald L. Mathieson, Assoc. Prof. of Math. & Physics, Tulsa Community College
Engineer: Dr. Gerald R. Kane, P.E., Prof. & Chair of Electrical Engineering, University of Tulsa
2000 Teacher: Denny Stanford, Science Teacher, Union Public Schools, Tulsa
Engineer: Thomas A. Carlisle, P. E., Phillips Petroleum Company, MATHCOUNTS
1999 Teacher: Cathie Casper, Mathematics Instructor, St. Pius X School, Tulsa
Engineer: Dennis D. Beckmann, P.E., Amoco Corporation, MATHCOUNTS
1998 Teachers: George E. Abshire, Mathematics Instructor, Jenks Public Schools and
John D. Cook, Jr., Academic Principal, Grace Fellowship Christian School, Tulsa
Engineer: Allison Fate, Management Consultant and President, HFK, Inc., Engineering Explorer Scouts
1997 Teacher: Susan Oliver, Science Teacher, Owasso Public Schools
Engineer: Richard W. Mattes, P.E., Willbros Engineers, Inc, Science and Engineering Fair
1996 Teacher: Tenna Whitsel, Academic Dean, Will Rogers High School, Tulsa
Engineer: Edwin “Bud” Averill, P.E. of Public Service Company of Oklahoma, TECh
1995 Teacher: Dr. Indestructo, a.k.a. Dr. Stewart Ryan, University of Oklahoma Physics Department.
Engineer: Barbara Wollmershauser, P.E., Warren Petroleum Company, Discover-E
1994 Teacher: Richard Maule, Science Teacher, Union Intermediate Schools, Tulsa
Engineer: Harlan Dunn, P.E. retired from the Corps of Engineers, Career Guidance Service
1993 Teacher: Gene Thompson, Physics Teacher, Booker T. Washington High School, Tulsa
Engineer: Dr. Eric Bandurski, Science Enrichment Program, Amoco Research Center, Tulsa
1992 Teacher: Shelley Fischer, Science Teacher, Sand Springs Schools.
