2025 Oklahoma Hall of Fame Honorees Announced
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 15, 2025
OKLAHOMA CITY – MAY 15, 2025 – During a luncheon at the Gaylord-Pickens Museum today, the Oklahoma Hall of Fame announced the Class of 2025 Honorees who will receive the state's highest honor this November. Rachel Cannon, founder & CEO of Rock Paper Cannon, served as master of ceremonies for the event, and Oklahoma Hall of Fame Member, Anne Morris Greenwood, provided the invocation.
The Honorees in the Oklahoma Hall of Fame Class of 2025 are:
- Ronnie Dunn, Tulsa, one half of Brooks & Dunn, country music's most awarded duo, and one of the most influential voices of the genre.
- Eddy Gibbs, Owasso, a generous education supporter and entrepreneur who re-established Shangri-La as a northeast Oklahoma destination.
- Taylor Hanson, Tulsa, award winning songwriter and musician who rose to fame with his brothers and supports multiple causes, including food insecurity.
- Dr. Mautra Staley Jones, Ardmore, nationally recognized, transformational leader in higher education and the first female Black president of OCCC.
- Bert Mackie, Enid, a longtime banking leader, passionate champion for higher education, and committed community supporter of Enid.
- Dr. Michael A. Mares, Norman, evolutionary biologist, renowned desert rodent expert, and former director of the Sam Noble Museum.
- Sam Presti, Oklahoma City, visionary executive vice president and general manager of the Oklahoma City Thunder and a dedicated philanthropic supporter of the OKC community.
Shannon L. Rich, President & CEO of the Oklahoma Hall of Fame, shared her excitement, for this year's class of Honorees, stating:
“As we approach the 98th year of presenting Oklahoma's Highest Honor, I am again filled with immense pride at the extraordinary individuals who make up this year’s class. Each of this year’s Honorees embodies the very spirit of what makes Oklahoma so special – they have invested in our state’s future and also inspired millions of people around the world. Their accomplishments and commitments to making a difference serve as a powerful reminder of the impact Oklahomans have.”
The Class of 2025 will be inducted into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame on Thursday, November 13 at the Arvest Convention Center in Tulsa. Tickets to the 98th Annual Oklahoma Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will be available to the public starting at the end of August on www.oklahomahof.com.
For information about purchasing a table at the Induction Ceremony or making a nomination for the Oklahoma Hall of Fame, contact Melissa Brown, Manager of Board & Inductee Relations at 405.523.3209 or mbrown@oklahomahof.com.
MEDIA KIT
Photos of this year's Honorees.
Class Of 2025 Honoree Bios
PDF - 188 Kb
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ABOUT THE OKLAHOMA HALL OF FAME: Founded in 1927, the Oklahoma Hall of Fame tells Oklahoma’s story through its people. From diverse statewide programming to the historic Gaylord-Pickens Museum, the organization creates an enhanced sense of pride for all Oklahomans. The Oklahoma Hall of Fame was created to honor extraordinary Oklahomans and to provide educational programming for students of all ages. Induction to the Oklahoma Hall of Fame is recognized as Oklahoma’s Highest Honor. For more information, visit www.oklahomahof.com.
