Background
Donna Skinner Nigh was born in Morris, Oklahoma in 1933.
Donna Skinner Nigh was born in Morris, Oklahoma in 1933.
She spent her entire childhood in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, attended Oklahoma City public schools, and graduated from Capitol Hill High School in 1951.
She served as the First Lady of Oklahoma for eight years as well as the first lady of the University of Central Oklahoma. She is well known for her service to Oklahomans with special needs and worked to improve the quality of living for citizens with disabilities. Nigh was involved with the high school marching band where she was a "twirler" and played the saxophone.
Her first marriage ended in divorce and Nigh enrolled at Central State Teachers College (now the University of Central Oklahoma).
Donna"s first major job was with Southwestern Bell Telephone. Next she worked for Transport World Airlines, working in the ticket office located in the Skirvin Hotel.
In 1982 Nigh played a large role in passing legislation to fund group home projects, now identified as the Donna Nigh Group Home Program. Two years later in 1984, The Donna Nigh Foundation, an non-profit organization that awards grants to citizens with mental disabilities, was formed.
She also served as the first lady to her alma mater, the University of Central Oklahoma, from 1992-1997.
Donna Nigh has served on the boards of many organizations, including: City Rescue Mission Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence Friends of the Mansion American Cancer Society American Diabetes Association Care-Point Special Olympics Jasmine Moran Children"s Museum.
Appointed by President Bill Clinton as a member of the President"s Committee on Mental Retardation.