The University of Tulsa’s Collins College of Business inducted five new members into its Hall of Fame on Oct. 14 during a special ceremony at the Allen Chapman Student Union. Inductees are outstanding business leaders who shape and strengthen the university, community and economy through their leadership, innovation and service.
This year’s Hall of Fame inductees are Caron Allen Lawhorn, Alex Lintner, Philip D. Eller, D. Nicholas Allen and A. Gale Sullenberger.
Caron Allen Lawhorn (B.S.B.A. ’83), a 2023 retiree from ONE Gas Inc., served as senior vice president and chief financial officer after a 25-year career with ONE Gas and ONEOK. She has been recognized as a UTulsa Distinguished Alumna and Outstanding Alumna of the Collins College of Business. Lawhorn continues to impact Tulsa through service on the boards of AAON Inc., Targa Resources, Tulsa Community College and the Tulsa Stadium Trust, as well as through past leadership with the Tulsa Area United Way and Ronald McDonald House Charities of Tulsa.
Alex Lintner (B.S.B.A. ’85), CEO of Software and Technology at Experian, oversees the company’s global software products and platforms powering 23 credit bureaus worldwide. Under his leadership, Experian has been recognized for advances in artificial intelligence, credit scoring and financial inclusion. Lintner previously led Intuit’s Global Business Division and began his career with Boston Consulting Group.
Philip D. Eller (B.S. ’73, J.D. ’76), co-founder of Eller & Detrich, has spent more than 46 years practicing business and real estate law in Tulsa. His career includes extensive service as a mediator and arbitrator with the American Arbitration Association and as an adjunct professor at UTulsa’s College of Law. Active in civic leadership, Eller has contributed to the Tulsa Regional Chamber, Tulsa Industrial Authority, i2E Inc. and the Salvation Army.
D. Nicholas “Nick” Allen (B.S. ’70) is president and co-owner of Budco Inc., a Broken Arrow-based company he has led since 1981. A lifelong supporter of The University of Tulsa, Allen has served on the Collins College of Business Executive Advisory Board, the Alumni Association Board and Friends of Finance. He was named Outstanding Alumnus of the college in 2000 and Distinguished Alumnus of UTulsa in 2004.
A. Gale Sullenberger served as dean of the Collins College of Business from 1999 to 2018, concluding a 50-year career in higher education. During his tenure, he launched new academic programs, guided the college to national Top 100 rankings and led a $30 million capital campaign that expanded scholarships, faculty support and student services. Before joining UTulsa, Sullenberger taught at the University of Arkansas, where he helped establish the management information systems major and directed the university’s computer center.
