Eastern students gather at state capitol
(Press Release 02-26-10)
Hank Mooney, Office of Public Information

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Students from Oklahoma's colleges and universities, Oklahoma Chancellor for Higher Education Glen Johnson, presidents of Oklahoma's higher education institutions and other state officials gathered at the State Capitol recently to promote the value and importance of higher education in Oklahoma. The Chancellor told legislators and students that Oklahoma has made great strides in recent years with more than 200,000 students now in the Oklahoma higher education system.

Fifteen area students from the Wilburton and McAlester campuses along with college officials made the trek to Oklahoma City for the event.

Eastern Oklahoma State College Student Kelbie Kennedy from Buffalo Valley was one of only three college students state-wide to address the assembly. She shared her experiences as a student from a very small town going to college in Oklahoma. She also spoke about the importance of community colleges within the state higher education system.

"At a community college, you're not just a number, you are a person," Kennedy said.

She also mentioned that some of Oklahoma's best and brightest have started their educations at community colleges.

Kennedy, an English major, is the president of the Student Government Association and also very active on campus. Her future plans are to attend the University of Oklahoma before moving on to pursue a Law Degree.

Caption info:
Kennedy speaking

Eastern Student Kelbie Kennedy, from Buffalo Valley, recently spoke in the Oklahoma House of Representatives chamber during Higher Education Day at the state capitol.

Eastern graduate legislators
Eastern Oklahoma State College President Dr. Steve Smith, right, spent time recently during Higher Education Day at the state capitol to visit with four Oklahoma legislators who are also Eastern graduates. They include from left: Senator Jerry Ellis, District 5 from Valliant, 1967 graduate; Senator Reichard Lerblance, District 7 from Hartshorne, 1967 graduate; Representative Neil Brannon, District 3 from Arkoma, 1960 graduate and Representative Dennis Bailey, District 1 from Broken Bow, 1973 graduate.