Oklahoma Panhandle State University Honors the Kinsey Family as the 2024 Alumni Honored Family

Oklahoma Panhandle State University proudly announces the Kinsey family as the 2024 Alumni Honored Family. The Kinsey family’s legacy at OPSU began when four brothers, Steven, Scott, Skylar, and Stuart, with Steven Kinsey, decided to set the foundation for a tradition of educational achievement at OPSU that spanned over the next 50 years. Over eight family members have graduated from OPSU in degrees ranging from Social Studies and Education to Business and Animal Science.

JA and Patricia (Cornell) Kinsey, parents to the four brothers, were from the Balko area. All four brothers graduated from Balko Public School. Steve was the oldest and graduated in 1975 from OPSU with a Bachelor of Arts in Social Studies. His wife, Beverly Cates, attended PSU in 1973-74. After Beverly passed away, Steve married Debbie Grimmer. She also graduated from PSU in 1976 with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. Debbie received a Master of Education degree from the University of Central Oklahoma. The second oldest, Scott, graduated in 1977 from OPSU with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. He then received his Master of Education from East Central University. The third oldest, Skylar, graduated in 1979 from OPSU with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. The youngest, Stuart, graduated in 1982 from OPSU with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. He married Roxie Miller, who graduated in 1988 with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. Their two daughters, Sage and Shay, also graduated from OPSU. Sage (Kinsey) Edsall graduated in 2017 with a Bachelor of Science in Fine Arts and then received her Master of Fine Arts from West Texas State University. Shay graduated in 2022 with two Bachelor of Science degrees in Animal Science and Biology and a minor in Chemistry. Sage and Shay both received the prestigious J.R.P. Sewell Award. Shay married Chandler Evans, who graduated from OPSU in 2021 with a Bachelor of Science in Agronomy. They even had their wedding pictures taken on the OPSU campus.

The Kinsey family’s contributions to the community are immeasurable. They have produced several teachers who have collectively spent 123 years educating our youth. JA and Patricia would be so proud of their boys and their families for the legacy they have created. This recognition celebrates not only their academic accomplishments but also their significant contributions to the community and the fields of business, education, and science. The Kinsey family’s dedication to education and service embodies the spirit and values of OPSU, and we are all grateful for their contributions.

University President Dr. Julie Dinger stated, “The Kinsey family represents the best of what OPSU stands for, commitment to education and dedication to the community. Their legacy is a testament to the power of higher education, and we are honored to celebrate their achievements.”

The Kinsey family will be formally recognized during the 2024 Homecoming celebrations on September 21, 2024. Alumni, students, faculty, and staff are invited to join in honoring their contributions and celebrating their enduring legacy at OPSU.

Director of Alumni Relations, Shawn Joy, commented, “We’re excited to celebrate the Kinsey Family at Homecoming this year. They are proud Aggies and very deserving of being the Honored Family.”

For more information about the Homecoming events, to learn more about the Kinsey family’s remarkable journey, or to nominate a deserving family for this award, please email Shawn Joy, Director of Alumni Relations, at shawn.joy@opsu.edu.