Wilma Harman is one of three to be honored March 26 as Northern Oklahoma College Distinguished Alumni for 2026.
Harman, deceased, NOC Class of 1973, was an NOC Fine Arts Division Instructor.
Harman lived a life defined by music, devotion, and an unwavering commitment to the students and communities she served. Born July 27, 1933, to Lloyd and Verna Masters in Ponca City, Oklahoma, she discovered her love for music at an early age. At just six years old, she accompanied her brother Wayne to an accordion lesson and left in tears—not because she disliked it, but because she longed to play herself. Though the accordion was nearly bigger than she was, her determination convinced her parents and teacher to find a smaller instrument. That moment marked the beginning of a lifelong musical journey.
Throughout grade school, Harman studied accordion and later transitioned to piano, studying under respected instructors in Deer Creek and Blackwell. By high school, her talent was unmistakable. After performing her first solo recital as a junior, her instructor remarked that it felt like attending a college recital. Encouraged to expand her abilities, she began studying the organ as well.
She graduated from Deer Creek High School in 1951 and married Lyman F. Harman soon after his basic training in the U.S. Navy. In 1957, they settled in Blackwell, Oklahoma, where they raised five children and welcomed many more into their extended family. Even while raising a busy household, she remained deeply involved in church music, serving as organist, choir director, and music chair at First Christian Church for 52 years—a role she cherished.
In 1965, she became the music teacher at Braman Public Schools, where her students achieved notable success in competitions and performances. Though changes in state certification requirements eventually ended her tenure there, the transition opened another door. In 1973, Harman began working at Northern Oklahoma College as secretary to Bill Heilmann—“Uncle Bill”—while also teaching piano. Before long, she was directing and shaping vocal groups including the Roustabouts, NocQuints, Nocturnes, and Northern Knights. Her vision helped organize and elevate these ensembles, and she became the heart of the Roustabout family.
Determined to earn formal credentials, she pursued higher education while working and raising her family, completing coursework at NOC and Northwestern Oklahoma State University before earning her Master of Music Education degree from Wichita State University.
To her students, Harman was far more than a teacher. Her office door—and her home—were always open. Roustabouts gathered at her house for popcorn, movies, and laughter. She pushed students beyond their comfort zones, saw potential they could not yet see, and offered both accountability and unconditional encouragement. Alumni described her as charismatic, patient, kind, and generous with her affection.
Even after retiring from NOC in 2002, she continued accompanying choirs, teaching private lessons, and sharing her love of music well into her 80s. On July 3, 2024, at age 90, she joined what many imagine as God’s heavenly choir.
She did not work for recognition—she worked because she loved music with her whole being. Her legacy lives on through generations of students, family, and friends who still hear her influence every time they sit at a piano or lift their voices in song.
Adam Leaming and Rick Scott will also be inducted on March 26.
Non-refundable tickets are now available for $25 each.
The Class of 1976 will also be recognized. The Alumni Legacy Scholarship will also be presented.
The banquet will be held at the Renfro Center at 6 p.m.
The award recognizes the achievements of former students whose personal lives, professional achievements and community service exemplify the objectives of the college.
A complete listing of Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame Award recipients is located on the NOC website at www.noc.edu/alumni.
Please contact Ciera Kirby at [email protected] or 580.628.6685 for ticket information.
Northern Oklahoma College, the state’s first public two-year community college, is a multi-campus, land-grant institution that provides high quality, accessible, and affordable educational opportunities and services.
NOCÂ serves nearly 3,100 students through the home campus in Tonkawa, Enid, and NOC/OSU Gateway Program in Stillwater, and the University Center in Ponca City. Â Of these students about 80% receive financial aid and/or scholarships. 75% of NOC students complete their degree with zero debt.
The college is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and offers associate degrees in three general areas: Arts, Science and Applied Science; the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs; and the Accreditation Commission for Education and Nursing.
For more information about Northern Oklahoma College please call (580) 628-6208 or visit the NOC website at www.noc.edu.
