2025 Great Graduates
Gary E. Bohanon, Class of 1964
For more than 60 years, Gary Bohanon has dedicated his life to faith, service and community. His journey began as a student at Broken Arrow High School, where he says a life-changing encounter with Christ inspired him to preach his first sermon at First Baptist Church in 1963. Soon after graduation, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he trained as a Chinese linguist and voice intercept operator with top-secret clearance. Even while serving his country, Bohanon remained committed to ministry, leading Bible studies, prayer groups and serving in local churches wherever he was stationed.
Bohanon’s ministry has taken many forms throughout his life, including Youth Pastor, Associate Pastor, Lead Pastor and Missionary. Together with his wife, Shirley, he founded Helping Hands Ministry, which provided food, clothing and financial guidance to families in need. While serving at Crossroads Cathedral in Oklahoma City, he helped launch Celebrate Recovery, a Christ-centered 12-step program that has brought hope and healing to countless individuals. He also worked with the Oklahoma Department of Corrections to support men and women transitioning back into society, offering encouragement and guidance as they rebuilt their lives.
His service extended far beyond Oklahoma. Bohanon spent six years as a missionary in Taiwan, planting churches, teaching English and even preaching in Mandarin. Later, his passion for missions took him to Rwanda, where he helped launch the A.C.E. initiative (Adopt a Church – Change a Village – Enlarge the Kingdom). This effort has funded the construction of more than 100 churches and eight schools, while also providing leadership training for local pastors. Even in retirement, Bohanon continued to serve by planting The Place Church in Blanchard, Okla., leading a team to renovate neglected buildings while continuing to raise funds for global missions.
Jan (Simmons) Collins, Class of 1965
Jan Collins has spent her life celebrating, preserving, and serving the community she has always called home. A proud Broken Arrow graduate and Northeastern State College alumna, Collins’ deep roots in the city have shaped her into one of its most passionate advocates, educators and historians.
After earning her degree in education, Collins taught elementary school for several years, later returning to earn a master’s degree in reading. Her experiences as a teacher, especially her focus on helping struggling readers, shaped her lifelong love of literacy and inspired her to write children’s books, eventually publishing seven titles.
Her passion for Broken Arrow’s history led her to extensive research on the town’s early days and pioneers. She co-authored "Meet the Centennials: 100 Legacy Makers (1902–2002),” and she has also been a longtime supporter of The Museum Broken Arrow, where her work continues to highlight the importance of preserving local history.
Beyond her professional and historical contributions, Collins has devoted decades to volunteerism and service. Alongside her late husband, Kenny, she volunteered for 20 years at Village Nursing Home, and she has also helped plan her class reunions for more than 60 years. Inspired by her mother’s love of gardening, Collins has also been actively involved in the Rose Festival and the Gardens of Central Park, projects that reflect her passion for beautifying and strengthening the community. She remains active in genealogy, civic groups and organizations that bring people together in service to Broken Arrow.
Collins is a loyal member of Alpha Sigma Alpha sorority, where she has been active for more than 50 years and was recently honored as the chapter’s Woman of the Year. She also runs a health and wellness business that reflects her passion for serving others.
Dr. Todd William Frieze, Class of 1988
Dr. Todd Frieze has dedicated his life to excellence, service, and leadership across medicine, education, military service, and community impact. A proud Broken Arrow graduate, Dr. Frieze went on to earn his undergraduate degree from DePauw University, graduating summa cum laude, before completing his Doctor of Medicine at Emory University, where he graduated with high honors and was elected to Alpha Omega Alpha, the nation’s most prestigious medical honor society. He pursued advanced training in Internal Medicine and a fellowship in endocrinology, diabetes and metabolism, establishing himself as a nationally respected physician and expert in his field.
After a successful career in private practice, Dr. Frieze chose to return to academia, joining Duke University as a professor of medicine. There, he is known not only for his expertise in endocrinology but also for his devotion to teaching and mentoring the next generation of physicians. His commitment to education has earned him Duke’s highest academic teaching award, a recognition that reflects both his medical knowledge and his ability to inspire others.
Dr. Frieze’s career is also marked by distinguished military service. He served ten years in the United States Air Force, rising to the rank of Major and earning multiple commendations, including the Air Force Commendation Medal, National Defense Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and Humanitarian Service Medal. His leadership extended beyond clinical care to include guiding military physicians and shaping policy within the Society of Air Force Physicians.
In addition to his professional and military achievements, Dr. Frieze has given generously of his time and expertise through medical missions and community service. From serving on international teams in Brazil, Honduras and the Dominican Republic to volunteering locally as an EMT during his college years, his life has been defined by compassion and a desire to uplift others.
Kellie (Jeffs) Howard, Class of 1991
Born and raised in Broken Arrow, Kellie Howard attended Park Lane Elementary, Haskell Middle School, North Intermediate and graduated from Broken Arrow High School in 1991. A talented athlete, she played basketball and softball throughout her school years and was a member of the 1989 state champion softball team. Her love of sports carried her into college, where she earned a full scholarship to Northeastern State University before transferring to East Central University. At ECU, she excelled as a collegiate softball player, earning All-Conference honors and finishing her career with the remarkable record of just three strikeouts in 142 at-bats. She went on to complete both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees while competing at the collegiate level.
Howard’s passion for serving others has been the constant throughout her life. From her college years, when she launched a Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) chapter and helped secure grants for domestic violence prevention, to her later work on the first juvenile drug court in Pontotoc County, she has always stepped up where there was a need. She has been an active volunteer with Project Safe Auxiliary, the American Red Cross, Kiwanis, Rotary, and numerous local and state boards, including Court Appointed Special Advocates, Oklahoma Parents as Teachers and the Oklahoma Child Death Review Board. Whether mentoring at-risk youth, supporting families in crisis or securing protective gear for police K-9s, her focus has always been on making a tangible difference in her community.
Professionally, Howard served as Director of Violence Prevention for the Chickasaw Nation, leading initiatives across 13 counties with funding from federal, state and local grants. She has also worked as an instructor and advocate in the areas of public safety and community health, earning a reputation as a dedicated leader who combines vision with action. Alongside her professional and volunteer commitments, she and her husband also pursued entrepreneurship, opening their first restaurant while remaining active in community service.
Recently, Howard returned home to Broken Arrow, bringing with her decades of experience in leadership, advocacy and service. Of all her accomplishments, she is most proud of raising two children, whom she considers her greatest success.
Dr. Brandy (Morris) Roulet, Class of 1992
Dr. Brandy Roulet embodies the true heart of a servant leader. A proud Broken Arrow graduate, Dr. Roulet has dedicated more than 20 years to serving students, families and the community she loves. She has held multiple PTA roles, including president at Wolf Creek Elementary, volunteered with the Broken Arrow Pride while her son was a member and currently serves her second term on the Broken Arrow Public Schools Board of Education.
Her passion for service extends beyond the schools. Brandy has mentored students through the nonprofit “We Are PROM,” meeting weekly to encourage and support high school students. She also helped organize prom dress collections and shopping events for young women in need.
Alongside her volunteer and leadership roles, she has pursued higher education with extraordinary dedication. She earned a bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene, a master’s degree in healthcare administration, and, most recently, a Ph.D. in healthcare administration - all while working full time, raising a family and serving her community. Today, she is an assistant professor of dental hygiene at Tulsa Community College, where she is admired by her students and colleagues alike.
Dr. Roulet and her husband, Steve, are both BA alumni and proud parents of two BA graduates. With a lifelong commitment to Broken Arrow, she continues to exemplify what it means to serve with passion, heart and purpose.