Jana Ratliff Ecrette and James Ecrette - Chapman Legacy Society
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Gifts Established:

  • Jana Ecrette Scholarship Fund for the School of Art | Est. 2017
brick engraved with name Jana Ratliff Ecrette and James Ecrette

Jana Ratliff Ecrette and James Ecrette

Jana Ratliff Ecrette (MA ’04; Education) is a loyal alumna of The University of Tulsa who is committed to helping others pursue their goals at her alma mater. Jana enjoyed her graduate studies at The University of Tulsa, and she began a fulfilling job in education after earning her degree, working as a teacher at the University School on TU’s campus.

Jana and her husband, James B. “Jim” Ecrette, have generously supported a number of programs and initiatives at The University of Tulsa, including the University School, the Department of Anthropology, the Golden Hurricane Club, and the Glenn Dobbs Fund for Football Excellence. Mr. and Mrs. Ecrette have been recognized as members of the esteemed Circle Society and the Chapman Legacy Society, two of the University’s most prestigious donor affinity organizations.

In 2017, Jana and Jim Ecrette hoped to make a quality TU education accessible to others needing financial assistance to reach their academic goals, especially those pursuing art degrees in the School of Art, Design and Art History in acknowledgement of Jana’s appreciation of art in its many forms.

In fulfillment of this wish, the couple established an endowed scholarship fund: The Jana Ecrette Scholarship Endowment Fund for the School of Art. TU’s Jana Ecrette Art Scholars will cherish the opportunities provided by this scholarship fund as they pursue their aspirations in the field of art for generations to come.

Jana and Jim also served as lead donors, along with Jean Ann (BA ’72, English) and Thomas W. Fausser, to the Valero Art Award. This endowment, established in 2021, honors M. Teresa Valero, who retired in December of 2020 as the Director of TU’s School of Art, Design and Art History. Valero, who taught for 31 years at TU, was the Chapman Applied Professor of Art and was also the Creative Director of Third Floor Design.

The gift honoring Valero will provide perpetual funding for annual awards for students enrolled in the School of Art, Design and Art History, with first preference given to students participating in Third Floor Design, the award-winning internship program co-created by Valero in 1992.  It enables students to provide pro bono design services to nonprofit organizations, combining Valero’s passions for design and social change.

Jana became dear friends with Valero through her job at the University School, serving as a math teacher for Teresa’s son. Jana’s interest in art was strengthened by their friendship, and true to her generous nature, Jana stepped up to honor her very deserving friend in a way that benefits the entire TU community. Jana’s ongoing support and numerous gifts are much appreciated by the university.