Dr. Joy Beaver, born on January 29, 1925, in Bethany, Oklahoma, has left an indelible mark on the landscape of education not only in Oklahoma but beyond its borders. With an illustrious 60-year career in education, Dr. Beaver's vision, tenacity, and leadership have left an unparalleled legacy.

Educational Journey:
After graduating from Bethany Public Schools in 1942, Dr. Beaver pursued her bachelor's degree in Vocal Music Education from Southern Nazarene University (SNU), graduating in 1946. Her thirst for knowledge didn't stop there. She secured her M.S. in Elementary Education from Oklahoma State University in 1955, and in 1984, she achieved her Ed.D. in Elementary Education with an Early Childhood Emphasis from the University of Oklahoma.

Teaching and Leadership:
Dr. Beaver's journey in education began as a second-grade teacher at Bethany Public Schools in 1946. From teaching elementary school students to university students, she displayed an exceptional commitment to education. Notably, she served as the founder, director, and teacher of the SNU Lab School from 1972 to 2006 and contributed as a professor in SNU's School of Education from 1967 to 2005.

Visionary Endeavors:
In the early 1970s, with no roadmap and lacking appropriate facilities, Dr. Beaver envisioned and subsequently established a laboratory school for training teachers on the SNU campus. Starting in a mere storage space in 1972, she founded the Bethany Nazarene College Early Childhood Learning Center, which would later evolve into the SNU Lab School. Today, this institution has educated over 4,000 youths and 1,000 university students, expanding from its initial focus on early childhood to include students up to the 8th grade.

Service and Recognition:
Dr. Beaver's commitment to her community was unwavering. A lifelong resident of Bethany, she took on roles such as the first female SNU Alumni Association President. She engaged in a myriad of campus activities, faculty councils, committees, and student organizations. She was also a devout church member, serving in various capacities.

Dr. Beaver received numerous accolades throughout her career, including her induction into the Oklahoma Higher Education Heritage Society Hall of Fame in 2006 and the Outstanding Educator of America Award. Recognizing her profound impact on the state educational community, she was also a member of several important educational committees and associations in Oklahoma.

Legacy:
On May 15, 2019, the world lost Dr. Joy Beaver, whose life epitomized dedication, enthusiasm, and an unyielding drive to enact change. As SNU's School of Education introduces its first Hall of Fame class, it's fitting to commemorate Dr. Beaver's achievements. Her legacy is evident in every classroom, every lesson, and every student who has had the privilege to be a part of the institution she built from the ground up. Her work shaped the educational experiences of countless students and developed a generation of educators who continue to impact communities across Oklahoma and beyond.

Dr. Scott Martin is a lifelong educator who has worked with students for the past 30 years as a teacher, coach, and school administrator. Dr. Martin has a Bachelor's degree in Theology, a Master's in Creative Writing, and a PhD in Moral School Leadership.

He is the founder and Executive Director of Odyssey Leadership Academy, an award-winning, internationally recognized school pursuing human flourishing within an ecosystem of creativity, innovation, meaning, and care. He also serves as the Executive Director of the Odyssey Center for Transformative Schooling, helping schools, educators, and leaders transform education around the world. He is the author of several books, including The Edupreneur's Field Guide--helping others tell impactful stories on behalf of schools and learning communities. He also hosts the Flourishing Schools podcast and authors the Insightful Educator weekly newsletter. He presents at conferences around the world on topics pertaining to education, culture, and human flourishing.

He has led students on service leadership trips around the world that have included night snorkeling in Belize, backpacking in Colorado, horseback riding in Tuscany, serving the homeless in Italy, and living and working in several major inner cities across the United States. Dr. Martin is most proud of his role as a father to two amazing young men.

Mrs. Madelyn Campbell began teaching Pre-K at SNU Lab School in 1979. She has a B.S. in Home Economics/Child Development and an M.A. in Early Childhood Ed. Besides teaching a classroom of 3, 4, and 5-year-olds, she has been privileged to work with university pre-service teachers as a mentor and cooperating teacher. Most recently, she was an adjunct professor teaching two early childhood courses providing hands-on opportunities for students to examine and record findings of how children learn.

"I love young children and enjoy watching them learn and grow.  The easiest way for children to learn is to let them play.  Providing them with simple materials, young children can develop academic, physical, and social skills.”  Parents have often commented, “When I ask my child what they did at school, all they ever tell me is that they played”.  At this age, a child’s work is play. 

The Campbell family includes sons, Aaron and Stuart and his wife Karen, and daughter, Sara. When not working, Madelyn loves to spend time with her two grandsons, Rory (2) and August (1).