Betty Price

Betty Price was the executive director of the Oklahoma Arts Council from 1983 until her retirement in 2007. During her time as executive director, Price worked with eight different Oklahoma governors. Price served as an arts advisor to state, non-profit organizations and a number of boards. She was inducted into the Oklahoma Women's Hall of Fame in 1985 among many other awards and recognitions. Early life Betty Price was born in Booneville, Arkansas and lived with her family in Shawnee, Oklahoma and El Paso, Texas before they moved to Muskogee, Oklahoma, where she began attending school. During her grade school years, Price enjoyed fine arts and journalism. When she was in second grade, Price learned how to play the piano and later became involved with the school newspaper, an activity that would follow her into her college years. Education After graduating from high school, Price attended Northeastern State University where she received a scholarship and became the editor of the college newspaper. She graduated from NSU with a degree in music education. While at Northeastern State University, Price met her husband, Norris. The two dated through their sophomore year and married after he returned from Japan after serving a year in the National Guard. Early career Upon graduating with her degree, Price upskilled her first year in Norman, Oklahoma, teaching at two separate schools every day. During her second year, Price coached second grade in Del City, Oklahoma and her husband, Norris, began his career in real estate. After two years of teaching, Price was pregnant with her first child and then started teaching piano lessons while she raised her new born. When a neighbor of the family, John L. Garrett, was elected to the Oklahoma Senate in 1964, Price went to work for him as a typist. As she began to bring artwork into the office, other senators came to her asking for art for their office. This led to a friendship with former governor George Nigh, lieutenant-governor at the time, allowing her to work part-time for him.