Alumni Board
Meet Your Alumni Board
Our alumni board is working hard to make sure you remain a part of OKWU’s vibrant community for years to come. Reconnect with the OKWU family today.
Janell Westveer, President
Janell (Brannon) Westveer is a 1987 graduate of OKWU, currently enjoying a semi-employed lifestyle since moving to Bartlesville three years ago with her husband Tim. Professionally, she worked in higher education for 15 years, primarily in workforce development training. Her last job was with the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry developing competency-based training programs.
Tim and Janell have been married for 30 years and have two children.
Eric Mills, Vice-President/President-Elect
Eric Mills (Class of ’92) serves as the President of Faces With Names International, a ministry designed to help orphans and widows move beyond a life of survival, and thrive, to fulfill their God given purpose. Eric also serves as the US Pastoral Director for Orphan Sunday & Stand Sunday with the Christian Alliance for Orphans.
Eric holds his Master of Divinity degree from Asbury Theological Seminary and is an ordained pastor in The Wesleyan Church. His previous experience at OKWU includes serving in the Enrollment Services Office, Coaching the Men’s Soccer Team, and serving as an Adjunct Professor.
Eric is thankful for the foundation OKWU set as a student athlete to prepare him for almost 30 years in ministry. Eric loves OKWU and is an avid follower and supporter of OKWU sports.
Eric and his wife Susan are adoptive parents and reside with their three children in Bartlesville, Oklahoma.
Jeremy Little, Member at Large
Jeremy graduated from Oklahoma Wesleyan University in 2002 with a degree in Pastoral and Youth Ministries and married Melissa, also a graduate of OKWU, that same year. Jeremy served full time in youth ministry in various churches for 12 years before they moved back to Bartlesville in 2013. Jeremy currently serves as one of the Worship Pastors at First Wesleyan Church in Bartlesville as well as a full time photographer for the Patriot Auto Group. Jeremy and Melissa have 2 children, Caleb (2007) and Olivia (2012).
Betty Lou Harris, Member at Large
Betty Lou (Freiheit) Harris (’65 MWC) is a graduate of MWC with a master’s in Library Science. (MLS). She and her husband Phil have lived in Bartlesville for 2 years.
Betty and Phil received the Alumni Hall of Fame award during Homecoming 2024.
Previously, Betty Lou has led ministries of all kinds – Most loved speaking at ladies’ retreats – and planning/leading retreats, seminars, conventions.
Charissa Dunn, Alumni Relations
Charissa Dunn (class of ’82) retired from the position of Director of Alumni Relations and Grant Writing in 2023, after stepping down as Assistant Professor of Education at OKWU in 2020.
She counts it an honor to have instructed students at the junior high school and high school levels for 12 years and at OKWU for 26 years. While a member of OKWU’s teacher preparation program, she was thankful for God’s direction as she supervised more than 350 student teachers throughout the years. Prior to teaching, Dunn was on staff at BWC for six years, serving as administrative assistant to the Dean of Students, Athletic Director, and Financial Aid Director.
Aaron Bunker, Alumni Director
Aaron Bunker, a 2007 graduate, returned to Oklahoma Wesleyan University in June 2012 and has since taken on various roles focused on student development and engagement.
In 2024, he added Alumni Director to his OKWU resume. Bunker also serves as the Director of PATH Development, leading a team that assists students in navigating college life. With his extensive experience, Bunker is committed to fostering strong relationships with alumni and supporting their continued success. OKWU alumni can look forward to a fresh take on alumni engagement.
