TCC President to be inducted into Oklahoma Higher Education Hall of Fame

August 19, 2026 - 03:16

Tulsa Community College President Leigh B. Goodson has been named to the Oklahoma Higher Education Hall of Fame's 2026 induction class. The honor recognizes her decades of work in academic leadership and her impact on students across the state.

Goodson has served as TCC's president since 2017, guiding the college through enrollment shifts, workforce training expansions, and a global pandemic. Under her watch, TCC launched new programs in health care, aviation, and advanced manufacturing, partnering with local employers to close skill gaps. She also pushed for stronger transfer pathways, making it easier for students to move from a two-year degree to a four-year university.

Before coming to Tulsa, Goodson held leadership roles at Oklahoma State University and the University of Oklahoma, where she focused on community engagement and student success. Colleagues describe her as a steady hand who listens to faculty and staff while keeping the needs of first-generation and working students front and center.

The Hall of Fame, run by the Oklahoma Higher Education Heritage Society, honors individuals who have made lasting contributions to the state's public and private colleges. Goodson will be formally recognized at a ceremony in the spring, joining a list of past honorees that includes longtime educators, administrators, and advocates for higher learning.

In a statement, Goodson said she was humbled by the recognition and shared credit with the TCC community. She noted that the award reflects the collective work of faculty, staff, and students who push the college forward every day. The 2026 class will be celebrated alongside other inductees, with details of the event to be announced later.