UCO’s Barry Lofton Honored with Walter O. Mason Jr. Award for Exceptional Contributions to TRIO Programs
Oct. 3, 2025
Barry Lofton, executive director of TRIO and GEAR UP programs at the University of Central Oklahoma, was recently awarded the prestigious Walter O. Mason Jr. Award, the nation’s highest individual recognition presented by the Council for Opportunity in Education.
The award honors Lofton for his exceptional service, leadership and dedication to expanding access to higher education for low-income, first-generation students and students with disabilities. Each year, only three individuals nationwide are selected to receive this distinction.
Named after Walter O. Mason Jr., one of the architects of the Federal TRIO programs, the award celebrates those who embody exceptional service and leadership in advancing educational access for underserved communities.
“Barry exemplifies the University of Central Oklahoma’s commitment to meeting students where they are. His leadership has expanded educational opportunities for countless students, inspiring them to achieve more than they thought was possible,” said UCO President Todd G. Lamb.
“Those students are now college graduates making a difference in communities throughout the nation, and we have Barry to thank for that.”
Lofton has led UCO’s TRIO programs for more than 25 years.
“I am truly honored, surprised and delighted to receive this award. The fact that Walter O. Mason Jr., affectionately known as the 'Father of TRIO', was from Oklahoma City and I am from Oklahoma City, which makes receiving this award even more special,” Lofton said.
“However, this recognition is not mine alone. I proudly share it with my co-workers because UCO’s TRIO success is, without a doubt, a team effort.”
Learn more about UCO’s TRIO programs at go.uco.edu/TRIO.
(end)
Cutline: The University of Central Oklahoma’s Barry Lofton, executive director of TRIO and GEAR UP programs, was awarded the prestigious Walter O. Mason Jr. award for his exceptional service, leadership and dedication to expanding access to higher education for low-income, first-generation students and students with disabilities.
Pictured, left to right, Charlie Baum-Sehon, project director for SSS STRIVE at UCO; Christopher Lynch, vice president for Enrollment and Student Success at UCO; Natalie Hampton, program manager for TRIO programs at UCO; Jackie Tucker, director of GEAR UP programs at UCO; UCO President Todd G. Lamb; Lofton; Stepheny Smith, executive office assistant III in the UCO Office for Enrollment and Student Success; Pamela Edwards, director of Upward Bound at UCO; Michael Hendricks, project director for SSS TEAM at UCO; John Barthell, Ph.D., chief research officer at UCO; and, Shelia Murry, project director for EOC CARES and Talent Search Central Connect at UCO.
Devan Wielgos