The Board is the governing body of the Legacy Foundation, made up of exceptional individuals whose lives have been impacted by the university and/or the Legacy Foundation. The board supports the foundation’s work by providing critical leadership, oversight, and strategic governance to advance the mission. Click on a director’s picture to learn more.

Charlette Gallagher-Allred
Our Board of Directors President

Charlette holds degrees from Oklahoma State University and The Ohio State University. Retired as Director of Professional Relations and Education at Abbott Nutrition, she now consults internationally in nutrition and healthcare. Charlette led a hospice facility project, supported Cottey College, and authored “Nutritional Care of the Terminally Ill.” Married to John Allred, she’s a dedicated […]

Richard Books
Our Board of Directors Vice President

Richard Books, an Oklahoma-based attorney with a J.D. from the University of Oklahoma, specializes in oil and gas law. A former Phillips University Trustee, his 30-year practice includes administrative law and the Oklahoma Corporation Commission. Married for 46 years to Becky, they cherish family, community service, and a shared passion for history and global travel. […]

Cassie Sexton-Riggs
Our Board of Directors Secretary

Cassie, Senior Minister at Union Avenue Christian Church in Litchfield, Illinois, served churches in multiple states. An ordained minister in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), she focuses on building sustainable programs and fostering missional churches. Cassie holds a Master of Divinity from Brite Divinity School and a Bachelor of Arts from Lynchburg College. Married […]

Mark Pumphrey
Our Board of Directors Treasurer

Mark began his career in 1971 after graduating from Phillips with a bachelor’s (71) and, later, a Master of Divinity degree (77) and a doctorate from PTS in 1995. For over 40 years, Mark served in various pastoral roles in Oklahoma, New Mexico and Colorado. He is now fully enjoying retirement with his wife, Mary […]

Mark Gillett
Our Board of Directors Past President

Mark Gillett is the Executive Director at the Oklahoma City Housing Authority, where he’s served since 2001, leading a team dedicated to providing affordable housing to 15,000+ people. Mark earned his Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Phillips University and his Master’s in Political Science/Public Administration from Wichita State University. In addition to his work […]

Alexis Gammon
Our Board of Directors Director

Alexis, a Phillips University Legacy Scholar Alumna (Class of 2010), serves as the Senior Vice President for Client Relations at Pension Fund of the Christian Church. With degrees in International Communications and Educational Leadership, she is currently pursuing a doctorate at Vanderbilt University. Alexis is a member of Riverside Avenue Christian Church, a volunteer for […]

Bob Hall
Our Board of Directors Director

Bob grew up in Newton, Kansas and graduated from Phillips University as part of the class of 1973 ½ and has been married since 1974 to Beverly Johnson, a 1973 Graduate of PU. After briefly starting graduate studies in geology at the University of Tulsa, he landed instead at Kansas State University, where he later […]

Rick Hendricks
Our Board of Directors Director

Rick graduated from Phillips in 1966 and later attended PTS before serving in pastoral ministries for over 45 years. Since retirement in 2010, he’s worked with Global Ministries, Habitat for Humanity, Heifer International, and the Van, and the Arkansas Literary Council. Based in Little Rock with his family, when he has time, he enjoys golf, […]

Sheri Clark Jackson
Our Board of Directors Director

Having graduated from Phillips University in 1995 with a Bachelor of Music Therapy, Sheri understands the value of scholarships, having benefitted from them herself during her time at Phillips. Dedicated to extending the legacy of PU, she is grateful to have served with the Legacy Foundation for several years. With a Master of Music Therapy […]

Catherine Quinlan
Our Board of Directors Director

A native of Oklahoma City, Catherine attended Phillips University in the mid-70s. including coursework with Dr. Bob Simpson in Sweden. After graduating from TCU, she enjoyed a successful career in medical device sales before retiring in 2018 and relocating to Portugal. Active in various organizations, including the Legacy Foundation and the OKC Town Hall Lecture […]

Carla Stein
Our Board of Directors Director

Carla Stein recently retired as the Dean of Student Affairs at Front Range Community College – Boulder County Campus. With over 40 years in student affairs across multiple institutions, she is committed to removing roadblocks and providing resources for student success. Recognized as a NASPA Pillar of the Profession in 2022, Carla has been active […]