January 19, 2016
 Dr. Steve Lohmann |
Whether it was his booming voice inspiring his football team at Ranger Field, meticulously preparing for and teaching various courses, or making impactful decisions as an administrator, the presence of Dr. Steve Lohmann has been felt at Northwestern Oklahoma State University for the past three decades.
His daily physical presence at Northwestern will soon be coming to an end, but his impact will benefit future students for years to come.
Lohmann, who serves as executive vice president and chief academic officer, has announced his retirement from Northwestern at the end of June, bringing to a close a 31-year career at his alma mater.
“I’ve truly enjoyed my experience at Northwestern,” he said. “Not many people can say that they have looked forward to coming to work every day, but I can. The faculty, staff and administration here have always had a focus on helping students succeed, and I am thankful that I had the opportunity to be a part of the atmosphere and environment of Northwestern."
Dr. Janet Cunningham, university president, said Lohmann’s leadership abilities and versatility made him a standout within the University community.
“Dr. Lohmann served Northwestern in several different capacities because he was always the person you looked to when you needed the job done,” Cunningham said. “He is extremely talented and dedicated. As he advanced in his career, people around Oklahoma recognized his leadership and knowledge of higher education.
“Personally, I have always been able to count on his expert counsel, his advocacy for the faculty and students, and his commitment to always do the right thing. His professional integrity and love for Northwestern are without question. I wish him the best as he prepares for a new phase of his life.”
Lohmann earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Northwestern and went on to receive his doctorate in educational administration at Oklahoma State University.
His career in education began in 1978 as an instructor of health and physical education and assistant football coach at Alva High School. He returned to his alma mater in 1985, becoming the defensive coordinator for the Rangers and an instructor.
He left coaching football in 1990 to focus on his teaching role, but was asked to become head football coach in 1993 to rebuild the struggling program. In just three seasons, Lohmann led the Rangers to a conference championship and the school’s first-ever No. 1 ranking. He was named the Oklahoma Intercollegiate Conference Coach of the Year and was a finalist for NAIA National Coach of the Year.
Lohmann again returned to the classroom in 1997 and eventually became director of Northwestern’s new J.R. Holder Wellness Center in 2000. He joined the administrative ranks in 2001 as dean of Student Services and a year later was promoted to vice president for Academic Affairs. In 2006, Lohmann was named executive vice president.
He has served as the chairman of the statewide Council of Instruction, which is comprised of chief academic officers of Oklahoma’s 25 public colleges and universities, and is a graduate of the Harvard University Institute for Management and Leadership. He also is a graduate of Leadership Oklahoma.
Lohmann said the support given to Northwestern by alumni and friends played a key role in the University’s recent successes.
“The support of Northwestern’s communities has always been strong, and I firmly believe that will continue for many years to come,” he said. “I would like to personally extend a special thank you to the citizens of Alva who have strongly supported a broad spectrum of programs, from their enthusiasm for our athletics and arts programs, to their foresight in creating the Alva Incentive Scholarship program. Alva’s citizens are second to none. “
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