East Central University President Richard Rafes inducted Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby into ECU's Hall of Governors Friday, Oct. 26.
Gov. Anoatubby said he was accepting the honor on behalf of all Chickasaws.
"You honor them, not just me," said Gov. Anoatubby. "This recognition is important to them. On behalf of all these Chickasaws, and the hard working and dedicated staff, management and leadership we have at the nation – I accept it on their behalf, because I stand on their shoulders. And I'm really proud to do that."
Gov. Anoatubby graduated from ECU in 1972. He began career with the Chickasaw Nation in 1975.
He served as director of tribal health services, director of finance, special assistant to the governor and controller before being elected the first Lt. Governor of the tribe in 1979.
Since being elected to his first term as governor in 1987, the Chickasaw Nation has grown from 250 employees and an $11 million budget in 1987 to more than 10,000 employees today and capital outlays of more than $350 million.
Dr. Tom Cowger, Director of the ECU Native American Studies Program gave Gov. Anoatubby credit for helping start the program.
Cowger lauded Gov. Anoatubby as "someone who can truly be called a visionary."
A proclamation entered into the Congressional Record by Representative Tom Cole paid tribute to Gov. Anoatubby as a leader on a local, state and national level.
State Representative Todd Thomsen congratulated the governor "for being a part of leaving a legacy of excellence and opportunity and hope."
"I commend you for being a leader who is a great servant," added Thomsen.
Gov. Anoatubby and his wife, Janice, have two sons, Brian and Chris, and five grandchildren.
He was named an ECU Distinguished Alumnus in 1995 and was inducted into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame in 2004.
Gov. Anoatubby is only the fourth ECU graduate to be inducted into the Hall of governors.
Other inductees are Robert S. Kerr, Earnest McFarland and George Nigh.
"They all left a legacy of service," said Gov. Anoatubby. "All of these men blazed trails and had great accomplishments.
