UCO Celebrates Academic Excellence, Names Five Spring 2025 Class Marshals
May 5, 2025
The University of Central Oklahoma has named five students as Class Marshals of their respective colleges for the spring 2025 semester, recognizing them for their academic excellence.
Students earn the title of Class Marshal for achieving the highest academic records within their colleges during their time at Central.
"Our Class Marshals are among the brightest University of Central Oklahoma students and a testament to the grit and dedication it takes to earn a college degree," said UCO President Todd G. Lamb.
"These exceptional students have made a lasting impact on our campus, and we are confident they will continue to shape and strengthen their communities beyond UCO. We look forward to seeing these Bronchos succeed in their careers."
Hadley Carlin is a forensic investigations and criminal justice major with a 4.0 GPA in the College of Liberal Arts. She is a native of Stuttgart, Arkansas, and graduated from Stuttgart High School in 2022. Carlin is a member of the UCO Student Academy of Forensic Science, secretary of UCO’s Delta Delta Epsilon and a member of Alpha Phi Sigma. Due to her academic success, she has received the UCO Freshman Achievement Scholarship, Leed's Forensic Systems, Inc. Scholarship in Forensic Science, W. Roger Webb Endowed Scholarship for Criminal Justice or Counterterrorism, UCO Incoming Student scholarship and was named to the UCO President's Honor Roll.
After graduation, Carlin hopes to become a forensic firearms examiner and potentially pursue a master’s degree in forensic science at UCO or attend law school.
“UCO has been a great place for me to learn and grow, with so many opportunities and great people. My professors have always been very supportive and caring. I have made lifelong friendships and amazing relationships with my classmates and professors,” Carlin said.
Melanie Fuentes is an early childhood education major with a 4.0 GPA in the College of Education and Professional Studies. She is a 2018 graduate of U.S. Grant High School in Oklahoma City. Fuentes has been named to the President Honors Roll and has received the Inspired to Teach scholarship.
After graduation, she plans to become an elementary school teacher, where she can positively impact young learners by helping them reach their full potential.
“My time at UCO has been instrumental in shaping my journey toward becoming a teacher and making a meaningful impact on students' lives. It has inspired me and equipped me with invaluable skills and strategies, empowering me to grow into the best educator I can be,” Fuentes said.
Taylor Marie Harper is a nursing major with a 4.0 GPA in the College of Mathematics and Science. She is from Edmond, Oklahoma, and is a 2016 graduate of Christian Heritage Academy. During her time at UCO, Harper was a member of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society for Nurses and the Student Nurses Association.
After graduation, she will begin her nursing career as a trauma ICU nurse at OU Health.
“Throughout my journey in the UCO nursing program, I have had the privilege of meeting some of the most inspiring, compassionate and intelligent people. Each semester, we drew closer as we navigated the challenges of nursing school and the complexities of life's demands. These remarkable friends have not only encouraged me but have also challenged me to grow in ways I never thought possible. Their unwavering support and kindness have been a constant source of strength. I am also grateful to the incredible nursing professors whose dedication and guidance have shaped me into the graduate I am. Their passion for teaching and commitment to our success have made a lasting impact on my life,” Harper said.
Taylor Keys is a graphic design major with a 4.0 GPA in the College of Fine Arts and Design. She is from Edmond, Oklahoma, and is a 2021 Deer Creek High School graduate. During her time at UCO, Keys received the Tinker Federal Credit Union Design Scholarship and Merit Scholarship for Illustration Minors and was a member of the Graphic Design Student Association.
After graduation, she plans to pursue a graphic design or illustration career.
“My time at UCO has been nothing but amazing. The staff have all been wonderful and have pushed me to become a better designer, student and person. One of the most memorable aspects of my time at UCO was the sense of community. I've met so many amazing people who have impacted my life in the best way through my classes, study tours and campus activities! Overall, UCO was a place of growth for me, and I will always look back and cherish these years and what they have taught me,” Keys said.
Sydney Shipman is a business administration major with a 4.0 GPA in the College of Business. She is from Cleveland, Oklahoma, and is a 2022 graduate of Cleveland High School. During her time on campus, Shipman was president of the Pre-Law Society, was on the President's Honor Roll, and received the Dr. Carl H. Guild Jr. and Dr. Thomas E. Guild Endowed scholarship.
After graduation, she will begin law school at Oklahoma City University School of Law.
“UCO has provided me with so many opportunities to grow and it has pushed me to be more resilient. I am so grateful for the professors who have helped me along the way and all the opportunities UCO gave me,” Shipman said.
First presented in 1994, the Class Marshal title has become a proud Central tradition. During the commencement ceremonies, each honoree will wear a bronze graduation gown and a special stole, signifying the highest degree of academic excellence.
For more information on UCO, visit www.uco.edu.
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Cutline: The University of Central Oklahoma has named five students as Class Marshals of their respective colleges for the spring 2025 semester, recognizing them for their academic excellence. Pictured, the marshals pose with UCO President Todd G. Lamb and First Lady Monica Lamb at a reception.
