Three Individuals with SOSU Ties Complete Leadership Oklahoma Program

by SOUTHEASTERN PUBLIC INFORMATION
May 16, 2008

DURANT, Okla. – Three individuals with Durant and Southeastern Oklahoma State University ties recently graduated from the Leadership Oklahoma Class (XXI). Among the graduating class were Southeastern President Dr. Michael D. Turner, Oklahoma District Attorney of Oklahoma (19th District) Emily Redman (a SOSU graduate), and Southeastern Vice President for Student Affairs Sharon Robinson.

The primary emphasis of Leadership Oklahoma is its annual educational, issues-oriented 10-month class program. Monthly two-day sessions are held in various communities throughout the state. Each year, approximately 50 Oklahoma leaders who represent a wide geographic base and who have diverse backgrounds and vocations are selected to participate.

Each class is exposed to the many social and environmental complexities of the state in order to stimulate inquiry, analysis and independent development of solutions for the public good. Class members meet and talk with Oklahoma's current leaders and explore the state's opportunities, needs, issues and resources. Based on the interaction and respect developed during the class year, a living network is formed – a network capable of identifying, evaluating and implementing projects of value to the people of Oklahoma.

In 1986, a group of Oklahoma leaders began a series of discussions based on the belief that positive change cannot happen without effective leadership. They also shared the conviction that our leadership must understand the complex differences and relationships driving Oklahoma and search for the common ties that will inspire us to change and grow. Leadership Oklahoma was created to build a statewide leadership development program designed to identify, teach and challenge the leaders of Oklahoma.