Rita Tate, '69 - 2008 Alumnus of the Year | Southwestern Christian University

Rita Tate, '69 - 2008 Alumnus of the Year

Every year Southwestern Christian University recognizes an outstanding alumnus. Not only does this person succeed in life and career, but continues to make a tremendous sacrifice and commitment in helping Southwestern be successful. At the 2008 Alumni and Friends Homecoming weekend, SCU named Rita (Williams) Tate as the 2008 Alumnus of the Year.

Rita graduated from Southwestern in 1969. She is co-founder of Tate Publishing and Tate Music Group, two of the fastest growing companies in America. Tate Publishing was recently chosen by the State Chamber as one of the "Best Places to Work in Oklahoma". Her company was named by the Chamber of Commerce as "Business of the Year" an unprecedented two years in a row and Tate Publishing was named "Publisher of the Year" by a national writers' organization. The media division of her company is now preparing to produce their first full-length motion picture for release in 2009. Rita is also the co-author of 11 Reasons Families Succeed, which continues to be a best seller, and 12 Battles Every Woman Must Win! She has hosted television and radio programs, including a public service television show for a national television network. Rita is a sought-after speaker and maintains a busy speaking schedule in addition to her duties as Executive Director for Human Resources for Tate Publishing. She is a former 1st Runner-up Mrs. Oklahoma-America and is the co-director of the Miss Mustang Pageant, a Miss America preliminary pageant. She has judged pageants on the local and national level.

Rita currently serves as a member of the SCU Board of Regents. She is also a member of the Executive Committee of the Board of Regents and serves on the Institutional Advancement Committee as well. Rita and her husband, Dr. Richard Tate, pioneered the Institutional Advancement Department at SCU and led in the Capital Campaign project that raised over $800,000 in cash and pledges for the residential unit.

Rita and Richard have been married thirty-one years and have two grown children - son, Ryan, and daughter, Trinity, who are part of the executive staff of Tate Publishing. Ryan and his wife Christy, have one daughter, Courtney.

On behalf of Southwestern Christian University, it is our honor and privilege to name Rita Tate as the 2008 SCU Alumnus of the Year. If you would like to contact Rita, you may do so at rita@tatepublishing.com.

Posted on Wed, December 31, 2008 by Jon Chasteen

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