POTEAU, OKLA. – Carl Albert State College celebrated excellence, legacy, and Viking pride during its 2026 Homecoming festivities, recognizing outstanding alumni and longtime members of the CASC family for their contributions to the college, their professions, and their communities. The celebration also included the crowning of this year’s Homecoming King and Queen.
A highlight of the festivities was the recognition of four individuals whose dedication, leadership, and service have left a lasting impact on Carl Albert State College.
Wall of Honor Inductees
Bill Carroll dedicated 30 years to CASC, serving as Director of the Physical Therapist Assistant Program, Director of Sports Medicine, and a division chair. A physical therapist with more than three decades of experience, Carroll worked with professional, collegiate, and high school athletes, including the Tulsa Drillers, Tulsa Oilers, and professional rodeo competitors. He retired in July 2026, leaving a lasting legacy in health sciences education and sports medicine.
Steve Hughes, a 1988 CASC graduate and former Scholars Program student, devoted 33 years to the college as an educator and mentor. Joining CASC in 1993, Hughes served as Director of the Upward Bound Math-Science Program before becoming a full-time chemistry instructor. His dedication to education, service, and the CASC community earned him the 2026 Wall of Honor Service Award. He retired in May 2026.
Chuck Lewis served CASC for more than 45 years, beginning as a student worker at age 17 and eventually becoming Physical Plant Director. Throughout his career, Lewis played an instrumental role in the college’s growth, overseeing countless campus improvements, construction projects, and facility developments. Serving under six college presidents, his leadership helped shape the CASC campuses students and employees enjoy today. He retired in March 2026.
Tommy Smith (posthumously) dedicated 29 years to CASC as a computer science and technology instructor, mentor, and leader. Joining the college in 1997, he later became Chair of the Business and Technology Division in 2023. Smith was instrumental in establishing CASC’s MakerSpace, encouraging innovation, creativity, and hands-on learning. His commitment to students and willingness to serve others left a lasting impact on the college community.
Distinguished Alumni Recognition
Aaron Cash, a 2008 CASC graduate, was recognized for his professional accomplishments and commitment to serving others. A partner at Herrera Law Group in Rogers, Arkansas, Cash practices immigration, criminal law, and civil litigation. During his time at CASC, he graduated with a 4.0 GPA and received the prestigious Julian J. Rothbaum Award. He went on to earn degrees from Northeastern State University and the University of Arkansas School of Law. His legal career has focused on advocating for individuals and families facing complex legal challenges.
Homecoming Royalty Crowned
The celebration also included the crowning of CASC’s 2026 Homecoming King and Queen. Wyatt Sammons, representing Viking Baseball, was named Homecoming King, while Tynli McCarty, representing Viking Softball, was crowned Homecoming Queen.
Carl Albert State College congratulates each of this year’s honorees and Homecoming royalty. Their accomplishments, dedication, and contributions reflect the college’s longstanding tradition of excellence and the enduring spirit of the Viking family.
“We are incredibly proud of this year’s honorees. Each one has made a powerful impact — on our college, their communities, and the world around them,” said President Jay Falkner. “Their achievements remind us what it means to truly Be Exceptional. Be a Viking.”
Additional photos from the ceremony will be available on the CASC website and official social media channels.
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