ARDMORE, Okla., and TISHOMINGO, Okla. — Murray State College is proud to recognize three outstanding employees who have been selected by their colleagues for the 2026 Oklahoma Association of Community Colleges (OACC) Faculty, Staff and Support Staff of the Year awards.
Emilie Dean was named Faculty of the Year, Ashton Norman was selected as Staff of the Year, and Whitney Ground received the Support Staff of the Year honor.
Each year, Murray State College recognizes employees who demonstrate exceptional dedication
to the institution, its students and the communities it serves. What makes these awards
particularly meaningful is that recipients are nominated and selected through a college-wide
vote of their peers, reflecting the admiration and respect they have earned from their
colleagues.
“These three individuals represent the very best of Murray State,” said Murray State College President Dr. Tim Faltyn. “Emilie, Ashton and Whitney consistently demonstrate the dedication, professionalism and commitment to service that make our college such a special place. To be recognized by the people you work alongside every day is a tremendous honor.”
Dean began her career at Murray State as a faculty in the Nursing Program in 2019. In 2025, she was promoted to the position of Assistant Dean of the Nursing. She earned her Associate of Applied Science in Nursing in 2016. Dean received her bachelor’s degree at Northwestern Oklahoma State University and later achieved her master’s degree through Western Governors University.
Norman began working full-time at Murray State as the Ardmore Campus Operations Coordinator in 2022. She earned her Associate of Science in Health Science from Murray State in 2022 and a Bachelor of Arts in Human Services Counseling from East Central University in 2024. She is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Education Leadership from Southeastern Oklahoma State University.
Ground joined the Murray family as the Executive Assistant to the Provost in 2024. She is currently pursuing an associate’s degree at Murray State
“These awards are a reminder that the success of Murray State is built on the people who show up every day with a passion for serving our students,” Faltyn added. “Whether in the classroom, in an office or working behind the scenes, every employee contributes to our mission. Emilie, Ashton and Whitney exemplify the kind of service and dedication that continues to move Murray State forward.”
The Murray State College Board of Regents is the institution’s governing body. Members are appointed by the Governor and serve seven-year terms.
The Oklahoma Association of Community Colleges supports and advocates for the state's community colleges and recognizes the individuals whose work advances the mission of accessible, high-quality higher education.
Photo information:
Dean: Emilie Dean was selected as Murray State’s 2026 Faculty of the Year.
Norman: Ashton Norman was selected as Murray State’s 2026 Staff of the Year.
Ground: Whitney Ground was selected as Murray State’s 2026 Support Staff of the Year.
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Murray State College, located in Ardmore, Oklahoma, and Tishomingo, Oklahoma, provides opportunities for student learning, personal growth, professional success and community enhancement. Murray State serves more than 4,000 students annually. The College offers associate degrees in science, arts and applied science, and a Bachelor of Applied Technology in Gunsmithing.