Eastern President Selected To Leadership Oklahoma
(Press Release 09-18-09)
Hank Mooney, Office of Public Information

Eastern Oklahoma State College President Dr. Stephen Smith has been chosen to be a member of the 23rd class of Leadership Oklahoma.

The educational leadership experience began last month with a “getting to know you” orientation at the Oklahoma History Center in Oklahoma City for near 50 Oklahoma leaders from all walks of life.

Leaders from education, legal, agricultural, health care, tribal, military and others will meet two to three days for the next 10 months across the state in regions from Broken Bow in far southeast Oklahoma to Guymon in the panhandle to discuss issues that impact critical areas of the state.

In 1986, a group of Oklahoma Leaders began a series of meetings and discussions based on the belief that everyone has a stake in developing the prosperity and confronting the problems of Oklahoma.

Organizers shared the conviction that Oklahoma leadership must understand the complex differences and relationships that drive Oklahoma to find effective solutions for local and state concerns.

Since that time, each year Leadership Oklahoma brings together 50 of the state’s most outstanding leaders for 10 issue-orientated sessions that address critical challenges facing the state.

The goal is to tap the energies of those leaders to initiate positive change for the benefit of all Oklahomans.

Smith says that he is honored to represent Eastern and southeastern Oklahoma as the organization works to make the state a better place for all.

“I am very honored to have been accepted into the most prestigious leadership program in Oklahoma.

“I look forward to representing Eastern Oklahoma State College and the community of Wilburton and this area as I learn more about the issues that confront our state,” he said.

Leadership Oklahoma maintains an active network of its more than 1,070 graduates by offering continuing opportunities for professional development and involvement. National and international forums present additional educational and networking opportunities. Leadership Oklahoma has hosted educational programs in Mexico, Canada, the United Kingdom, Austria, the Czech Republic, Russia and Poland.