A lifelong advocate for education and community outreach, Calvin Anthony’s decades of leadership and public service helped shape Oklahoma State University, the city of Stillwater and the state of Oklahoma.

Anthony, who served on the OSU/A&M Board of Regents for 16 years, passed away July 7 at age 81.

During his tenure as regent, he spent three years as board chair and became known for his steady leadership, thoughtful decision-making and commitment to keeping higher education affordable and accessible for Oklahoma families.

“Calvin devoted the best of himself to this state and this university through many years of service,” OSU/A&M Board of Regents Chair Joe Hall said. “He brought common sense and a lifetime of love for Oklahoma State to every decision at the table. Because of his commitment to educational access and affordability, the lives of thousands of Oklahomans are better because of Calvin, and his legacy and impact will continue to live in the hearts of everyone he knew and loved.”

Born Jan. 19, 1945, Anthony moved to Carney, Oklahoma, when he was 7. There, his family owned and operated a local grocery, dry goods and feed store. A standout athlete and valedictorian, he earned a baseball scholarship to OSU before completing his pharmacy degree at the University of Oklahoma.

After marrying Linda Thomas in 1968, he built both a family and a career in Stillwater. In 1969, the couple purchased Tiger Drug Store, beginning a lifelong commitment to serving patients and the Stillwater community. Over the years, they expanded their business interests to include multiple pharmacies and medical supply operations throughout north-central Oklahoma.

Anthony carried that same spirit of service into public office. He was elected mayor of Stillwater in 1985 and later served two terms in the Oklahoma House of Representatives, representing District 34. In 1996, the Anthonys moved to Washington, D.C., where Calvin led the National Community Pharmacy Association in advocating for independent pharmacies nationwide before returning home to Stillwater in 2002.

Although his resume included leadership positions on numerous boards, Anthony often cited his service as an OSU regent among his proudest accomplishments.

“More than anything, Calvin believed a college education was the key that changed lives, his own included, and he spent his years as a regent working to provide those opportunities for Oklahoma families,” OSU President Jim Hess said.

He remained a passionate supporter of the university long after his board service concluded. Alongside Linda, he was a familiar presence at OSU athletic events, fundraisers and campus celebrations, supporting generations of Cowboy students and programs. His honors included induction into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame, the Stillwater Hall of Fame and the OSU Hall of Fame.

Friends and colleagues remembered him as a leader guided by common sense, generosity and a deep belief in lifting up those around him. Whether serving patients, representing constituents, supporting students or cheering on the Cowboys, Anthony approached every role with the same sense of purpose and care.

Photos by: Phil Shockley

Story by: Jordan Bishop | STATE Magazine