ADA, Okla. – East Central University alumnus, Calvin Prince, is set to present the 2 p.m. commencement address for the Spring 2024 graduation ceremony on May 11 in the Kerr Activities Center.
Master’s degrees are expected to be granted to 105 candidates at the ceremony.
Prince will be delivering his first commencement address to an ECU graduating class.
“It’s an incredible honor for me, to be asked,” Prince stated.
A native of the Ada area, Prince is a 1989 graduate and former athlete at ECU, where he received his bachelor’s degree in Human Resources Counseling. He would return in 1997 to continue his education and earn his Master of Science degree in the same field.
Prince began his career as a behavioral specialist in Ada and Oklahoma City before working as a behavioral consultant for various colleges.
In 2012, Prince began his service as administrator for the Pontotoc County Specialty Courts program for the 22nd Judicial District of Oklahoma. In 2019, he assumed a place on the Oklahoma Department of Corrections Board of Directors.
His longstanding service and exemplary record would lead to his appointment, in January of 2023, to the Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board by Governor Kevin Stitt.
Prince has notably served in a number of roles across various boards and associations, including the Pontotoc County Drug-Free Coalition, Pontotoc County Mental Health Drug Court, City of Ada Multicultural Committee, and the City of Ada Citizens Advisory Board.
He was inducted as an ECU Distinguished Athletic Alumni in 2024.
When asked why the invitation is important to him, Prince responded, “Anytime a student athlete gets the opportunity to come back and speak to graduates on any level it’s a major accomplishment. It’s important to acknowledge people who had to work and go to school, participate in athletics and go to school or have a family and go to school. These are major accomplishments.”