Barry Lofton Honored with National TRIO Award

On Sept. 8, at the Council for Opportunity in Education’s Annual Conference in Chicago, Barry Lofton received the Walter O. Mason, Jr. Award—the highest recognition given to a TRIO professional, making him the first UCO faculty member to receive this award. 

Lofton started the University of Central Oklahoma’s TRIO programs in 2000. It began with only two programs, and now Lofton manages 14 federally funded TRIO and GEAR UP grants, serving a diverse population of more than 3,000 students and veterans across the state.

These programs support students at different stages of their educational journey. Some programs guide middle school students as they transition into high school, while others help high school students graduate and pursue higher education. On the college level, the McNair Scholars Program prepares students for graduate school and even doctoral study. TRIO also serves veterans, students with disabilities, and adults returning to school.” 

This national award is a full-circle moment for Lofton. Walter O. Mason, Jr., known as the  “Father of Federal TRIO Programs,” was born in Oklahoma City, just like Lofton. Mason graduated from Douglass High School, the same school where Lofton began his career. Mason also attended the same church Lofton attends today. 

“He is the father of the TRIO program because he helped get the program started. I’m the father of UCO’s TRIO program because I helped get the UCO TRIO program started. That’s a connection,” said Lofton.

At the conference, Lofton listened to student testimonials that reminded him why TRIO matters. 

Lofton said, “Hearing my peers speak about the importance of staying strong and standing together gave me hope. Even though this administration has tried to cut programs under the Department of Education, I left the conference feeling more encouraged and more determined. We’re spreading the word to our congressional leaders to show them that TRIO works. We’re here to help as many people as we can, because education should include everyone.”