ADA, Okla. –East Central University recently hosted their Annual Homecoming Gala. The Gala has become a tradition for ECU alumni, with the annual Milam Awards being presented to ECU alumni who have excelled in football during their time at ECU and in their chosen careers after. This is in addition to the Black Alumni Association scholarships that are presented to several students who have excelled during their time at ECU. This year however, two new awards were introduced at the event: The Rising ECU Tiger Distinguished Alumni and the Rising ECU Tiger Alumni awards.
Two outstanding alumni were presented as Rising ECU Tiger Distinguished Alumni. The first honoree of the night was Dakota Cole, the current Secretary of Treasury for the Chickasaw Nation, a position that he has held since 2019.
Cole graduated from ECU with his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration in 2008 and his master’s in Accounting in 2010.
Cole credits location as the original catalyst in his choice to attend ECU, “I lived south of Ada, about 25 miles and the convenience to be able to still live close to home and manage and operate a 500 cow/calf cattle operation and go to school was appealing and that’s why I chose ECU.”
With his family’s business history in mind and their ventures in feed stores, cattle ranches and trucking companies, Cole began his time at ECU with a clear starting point, “I’ve always had an interest in businesses. My family ran a number of small businesses and so I was always interested in understanding business, understanding markets, understanding finance, taxation, and so it was natural to pursue a business degree. And then I fell in love with it while at ECU.”
When asked about his experience at ECU once he began his academic journey, Cole stated, “I think they’re a world class Accounting Department and Business School. I think it’s comparable to an education you might find anywhere else. It’s a hidden gem in Southcentral Oklahoma. And I think it’s that way because of the professors and their genuine vested interested in the students.”
Cole added, “I’ve had the pleasure of working with people that graduated from highly regarded institutions such as Harvard and Yale. They’re great people, and they’re not unlike the people who are graduating from ECU. They’re smart, determined, focused on a mission, willing to work together and solve hard problems and do that day in, day out.”
After completing his degrees with ECU, Cole found his next community with the Chickasaw Nation.
“I had zero background in wearing suits and ties and trying to articulate professional concepts but [ECU] prepared me to do that. They taught me how to interview, they challenged me through internships, so the transition was a seamless one.”
Cole continued, “I left the university knowing what a professional looked and acted like, so I continued my learning and education with the Chickasaw Nation, which is a very professional organization that is focused on a mission to enhance the overall quality of life of the Chickasaw People. Where servant leadership and teamwork and selflessness are all core values…Moreover, I’m a Chickasaw citizen and Governor Bill Anoatubby and the Chickasaw Nation have assisted in every step of my educational journey, and assisted my family more broadly, thus the desire to give back, and serve the mission and the Chickasaw people was a dream come true.”
Cole elaborated on his transition from working his family’s cattle business to the very different experience of his current position, “I come from Tishomingo, and I thought hunting, fishing and managing a ranch was what I was going to do for the rest of my life. I never imagined wearing dress shoes, a tie and a full suit every day.” Cole continued, “So, I value that education and being able to provide for my family in this way.”
When asked if there was anything that he would like to share about his time at ECU, Cole quickly added, “I just want Dr. Sarah Holmes to be lifted up. She was a godsend for me and many others. We can’t thank her enough.”
Dr. Sarah Holmes was with ECU from 2005 until 2009. During her time at the university, she was a distinguished member of the accounting department, where she taught and mentored many students. Holmes was a professor and Crabtree Family Professorship in Business, and Chair, for the ECU Accounting Department. After 2009, she continued to teach as an adjunct professor until 2012. Holmes originally joined ECU after a long career teaching at Texas A&M University.
“I would rather she be honored than myself,” said Cole. “She changed my life.”
Cole also gives credit to his family, work-family, and mentors for the successes he experienced at ECU and beyond. He recognized his wife, Jamy Cole, his daughter, Conner Cole, and son, Creek Cole. He also offered special thanks to his mother, Rosanna Easterling, his father, Ronald Cole, brother Nevada Cole, and his grandmothers, Dawatha Easterling and Elsie Cole.