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Officials at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M (NEO) announced the appointment of Lori Hackwell as the College’s interim Norse Stars coach, effective Thursday, Nov. 1, 2012. The Norse Stars program is a historic kick line, drill team organization. As the interim coach, Hackwell’s primary responsibilities will include recruiting and overseeing the new direction of the Norse Stars program.  Hackwell graduated from Welch High School in 1977, and during her high school career she cheered and studied dance. Later, Carol Calcagno, director of the NEO Norse Stars at that time, recruited Hackwell to dance by offering her a scholarship.  Hackwell attended NEO from 1977-1978 and later returned and graduated in 1994. She danced under the leadership of Linda Beatty.

After graduating NEO she pursued her business education degree from Missouri Southern State University. Hackwell earned her master’s degree in education from Northeastern State University in 1996. After earning her master’s, Hackwell went on to teach at Neosho Junior High and later as a business teacher at Miami High School.

In 2005, Hackwell began her career at NEO.  “I am honored to have been appointed by the steering committee as the interim coach for the Norse Stars,” Hackwell said. “This is a great opportunity and an exciting challenge to bring this program back to its grandeur.”  As a Norse Star, Hackwell danced in parades across the state, at soccer games in Tulsa, Okla., performed a halftime show at Tyler, Texas, the NEO basketball tournament, and almost all home basketball games.

Hackwell is active on several NEO and community committees including the Norse Star steering committee, Hospitality Management Occupational Advisory Council – Chair, Learning Resource Center Advisory Council – Chair, Jasper County Killer Whales USA Swim Team – Vice President, National Business Education Association member, United States Distance Learning Association member, International Forum for Women in E-learning – presenter, Pittsburg State University’s 16th Annual Technology and the Classroom Conference – presenter, and the Bridges to Prosperity Steering Committee.

“Lori is a great ambassador for NEO A&M College and will be a great leader for the Norse Stars program,” said Dale Patterson, NEO Athletic Director. “She brings an endless amount of energy and enthusiasm to NEO and is always willing to give of her time to the college.”

Hackwell is married to Sid Hackwell. They have one daughter, Sydney, who is an eighth grader at Will Rogers Middle School. They reside in Miami. Hackwell is a member of Log Cabin Ministries in Vinita, Okla. She is a football and basketball booster club member, a President’s Partner, and an active member of the community.


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