GuthrieAmerica Story: Niki Morgan

Tell the world your name. 

Niki Morgan

Where were you born specifically? 

Born at Presbyterian Hospital in Oklahoma City but my parents resided in Guthrie so you can say that I was born and raised here.

When did you move to Guthrie? 

Lived in Guthrie all my young life up until I graduated from high school.

What's your favorite Guthrie-related memory?

There are so many memories from hanging with friends at the skating rink, the 89er festivities, but my favorite Guthrie-related memory is from my senior year in high school when I was voted the 98-99 football homecoming queen. It was such an honor. It felt as if I became a part of history being only the second African-American female to receive the crown.

What's the best part about living in Guthrie?

The small town vibe and the people. I love the feeling of family and the sense of community that Guthrie has. Almost everyone will wave or say hello to you as you pass by. Everyone just has a welcoming spirit and it has always been like that.

What does Guthrie have that other towns don't?

The historical background, the brick streets, the old brick buildings and the Victorian houses, and of course the people. It is just a one of a kind place.

Are you a Guthrie High School alumni?

Yes. The class of 1999. "Can I get a bird call? Woot Woot, Bluejays!"

Community Wins means to me that no matter the circumstances, we will succeed through love, kindness, and togetherness.

If you lived here at some point and moved back why?

When my husband decided to depart from the Air Force, we contemplated living in the Oklahoma City area but we just could not do it. Our hearts were still with Guthrie and that is where we wanted to reside and raise our children. Guthrie is just where the heart is.

Where do you currently work and how long?

I currently work for the School of Criminal Justice at UCO. I just had my 10 year work anniversary.

What do you love most about your job?

I love the people that I work with. We are more like a tight-knit family. Everyone has a willingness to step up and help no matter the task. It is all about attitude. You can have all the talent and degrees in the world but if you do not have the right attitudes to go along with it then it will not work out.

If you grew up in Guthrie and had your first job here...where?

My first job in Guthrie was at Burger King when I was in high school.

Do you have family here? If so explain...

Yes. My family is from Alabama so I have a few family members here but I married someone who happens to be related to EVERYONE in town!

How did you first hear or learn about the GuthrieAmerica brand?

I remember seeing the GuthrieAmerica brand on Facebook through pictures of people wearing the GuthrieAmerica tees.

Why do you wear GuthrieAmerica tee?

I wear it with pride because I want people to know that GuthrieAmerica, the town and it's wonderful people, exist and we are a "community that wins".

What are your favorite things to do in Guthrie?

We are a sports family so my favorite thing to do in Guthrie is attend the high school football and basketball games. #gojays #bluejayforlife

How would you define what it means when you hear or say COMMUNITY WINS?

It means to me that no matter the circumstances, we will succeed through love, kindness, and togetherness.

Anything significant about your life you would like to share?

Not really, well...just that I'm a pretty cool person, ya know? LOL #loveGod

Lastly, we love SHOUT OUTS! Who do you want to give a shout out to?

I would like to give a shout out to you, Heady, and your wonderful wife for the time and effort you both put into instilling positive values into the Guthrie community. I would also like to shout out my lovely husband, Sam who is Guthrie Pride all the way. Also my children's teachers at GUES (Mitchell, Dement, & Ewy) and GHS (Lausen, Perring, Lee, Strahorn, Keith, Hixson). Oh and the Guthrie Lady Jays basketball coaches and team! Go Jays!!!

Wait, one more. What does it mean to CHOOSE GUTHRIE?

When I think of Guthrie I think of three words: community, love, and connection so to me "Choose Guthrie" means to choose to love and connect in the the community that you live in.