TCC President Named to Oklahoma Higher Education Hall of Fame

Tulsa Community College President and CEO Leigh B. Goodson will be inducted into the Oklahoma Higher Education Hall of Fame's 2026 class. The statewide honor recognizes Goodson’s leadership at TCC and her broader contributions to higher education, student success, and educational opportunity in Oklahoma.

Tulsa Community College President and CEO Leigh B. Goodson, Ph.D., has been selected for induction into the Oklahoma Higher Education Hall of Fame as a member of its 2026 class.

The Oklahoma Higher Education Heritage Society recognizes individuals whose leadership and achievements in areas such as teaching, administration, scholarship, outreach, and public service have brought distinction to higher education in Oklahoma.

“President Goodson’s impact extends well beyond Tulsa Community College. She has been a strong advocate for students and for the role community colleges play in higher education, while leading TCC through significant growth and progress,” said Jennifer Jezek, TCC Board of Regents Chair. “Her induction into the Oklahoma Higher Education Hall of Fame is a fitting recognition of her leadership and commitment to higher education across our state.”

Goodson has served as president and CEO of TCC since 2014, leading Oklahoma’s third-largest college and its more than 22,000 students enrolled annually and approximately 1,700 employees. 

Under Goodson’s leadership, TCC completed a $20 million fundraising campaign, developed Oklahoma’s first early college high school program and strengthened university transfer opportunities through partnerships with institutions across the region. The College has also received national recognition for its work in student success, safety and planning.

“This recognition reflects the work of the faculty, staff, students and community partners who make Tulsa Community College such an important part of our state. I am honored to be included among leaders who have dedicated their careers to expanding opportunity through education,” said Goodson.

With more than 25 years of experience in higher education leadership, Goodson currently serves as past chair of the American Association of Community Colleges Board of Directors. She has served on more than 25 boards and commissions and currently serves on the boards of the Tulsa Regional Chamber, Oklahoma Business Roundtable, and the National Advisory Board for the Center for Community College Student Engagement.

Her previous honors include being named one of The Journal Record’s Most Admired CEOs and induction into the publication’s Circle of Excellence. She was also recognized as a Distinguished Graduate by Leadership Oklahoma in 2023.

Goodson earned a doctorate in education research and evaluation and a bachelor’s degree in political science from Oklahoma State University. She earned a master’s degree in organizational communication from Fort Hays State University and completed an Aspen Presidential Fellowship in 2016.

Goodson is one of 12 members who will be inducted into the Oklahoma Higher Education Hall of Fame’s 2026 class. An induction ceremony and banquet will be held Monday, Nov. 2, at the University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond.