Jeanetta Sims to be honored as OC’s 2023 Distinguished Alumna

Sims’ many academic achievements will be celebrated Nov. at the Alumni Banquet.

Oklahoma Christian University Public Relations alumna Jeanetta Sims (‘93) has accomplished much since her time at OC. Following her graduation, she earned a master’s degree, accreditation in Public Relations and her Ph.D. This year, she was elected as second vice president of the National Communication Association, the nation’s premiere academic organization for communication scholars. 

Sims was elected to her NCA position by her peers from across the U.S., reflecting the significant respect she has earned as a scholar and leader. Her four-year position includes planning the 2024 NCA convention in New Orleans as first vice president and serving as NCA president in 2025, leading the organization. This, along with her many publications, makes Sims one of OC’s most-accomplished graduates to work in academia. She also previously served as dean of the University of Central Oklahoma’s Jackson College of Graduate Studies. 

Sims is a professor in the UCO College of Business’ Department of Marketing. There she has been given numerous awards, and she helped establish an impressive student academic research program called Diverse Student Scholars. It resulted in more than 40 funded student grants, 105 conference presentations, 20 research independent studies, 25 proceedings and journal publications and four national conference top paper awards. In 2022, she was awarded UCO’s Women Who Inspire Award. 

“Jeanetta Sims has always impressed those around here, starting as an undergraduate in the Communication Department here at OC, then as a graduate student at OU and especially as a nationally recognized scholar at UCO,” Dean of OC’s College of Liberal Arts Brian Simmons said. “We are so proud and impressed by her pursuit of excellence in her work and her commitment to her faith in her career. She is beyond worthy of this award.” 

OC wants to both congratulate and honor Sims for all she has accomplished. All are invited to join in Sims’ celebration at Homecoming on Nov. 3.