Featured Alumni

Milton Bast Winner says Final Farewells to UCO

May 2007

The old saying of “a journey of 1,000 miles begins with a single step” has never rang more true than for this year’s Milton Bast recipient who has been diligently working toward his goal of graduation for the last nine years.  Douglas Nash began his journey with the University of Central Oklahoma in 1998 balancing the demanding roles of father, husband, and full-time employee.

 Nash admits his decision to go to college after 24 years with the U.S. Postal Service was not an easy one.  However, he started his college journey like most students trying to figure out where his passion would lie.  

 “It has been a long process for me.  My motivation was to pursue something that I could look back on later in life and feel like I had accomplished something.”

 Nash found his home in the economics department after considering a career in law and will conclude his UCO tenure with a 4.0 GPA and a Bachelor’s in Applied Economics with a minor in political science/public administration.

 “From day one, it (UCO) has felt like the right place to be,” said Nash whose wife is also a UCO graduate from the College of Education and Professional Studies.  “I loved the small class sizes and personable teachers.”

 Nash, who has two daughters ages 13 and 16, offered his advice to other non-traditional students trying to balance life, work, and school.

 “Never lose sight on what the ultimate goal is and include your family in the process. Even though it is easy to do, don’t be an island in your own family.”

 Nash plans to attend graduate school in the fall at Oklahoma State University.  Along with his Milton Bast distinction, Nash was also selected as the CBA class marshal for 2006-2007 and received the Economic Club of Oklahoma Scholarship. 

For more information on CBA alumni, contact Carol Davis 974-5248 or cdavis61@ucok.edu.