RSU student Cate Campbell addressed the Oklahoma legislature during Higher Education Day at the Capitol April 15. She was one of only three college students in the state to do so.
On a normal working day, members of the Oklahoma House of Representatives introduce and vote on bills and resolutions, provide legislative oversight for state agencies, and help to craft the state’s budget.
But recently, House members surrendered the floor to RSU sophomore Cate Campbell during Higher Education Day. Campbell is a Claremore native, majoring in business management. She is on track to graduate from RSU in the spring 2027 semester.
Held Tuesday, April 15, Higher Education Day 2025 is an annual event at the state Capitol to recognize the impact and importance of higher education.
RSU’s delegation of attendees included Interim President Dr. Mark Rasor, Student Activities Coordinator Meg Thompson, Professor Christi Mackie, Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs Jeana Rae Conn, Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. Jerrett Philips, and nine students from the university, including Campbell.
Over the course of the visit, the group met with local lawmakers, including Rep. Mark Lepak, Sen. Ally Seifried, and others. During the afternoon assembly, Campbell spoke from the House floor about her childhood and her experiences at Rogers State University.
“Higher Education plays a significant role in individuals’ lives, whether it be finding a place in the workforce, economic development within a community, or simply building connections with the people around us,” Campbell said. “When I think about my current experience as a student at Rogers State, I am reminded of all the opportunities that this incredible university has provided me.
RSU student Cate Campbell
“I’m in an amazing Honors program that has built not only my mind, but my worldview and my abilities as a leader,” she continued. “I have incredible business professors who pour into me and help guide me on my career journey. I have connected deeper with my heritage as a Cherokee Nation citizen through our Native American Student Association and through other Cherokee Nation organizations, such as the Indian Women’s Pocahontas Club. I have made connections that will last me a lifetime and provide encouragement, mentorship, and who have shared such incredible wisdom with me. I have also made some of the greatest friendships, as well as leading and enjoying a group of wonderful sorority sisters who always have my back.”
“The impact of faculty and staff that surround me is felt deeper than I think any of them realize. I look up into the gallery where many are sitting today, and I cannot imagine a better group of people to guide me and share experiences with me.
“To my friends from Rogers State, staff, and peers, thank you especially for entrusting me with this opportunity. To the state representatives and senators, this is what Rogers State has made possible for me. This is what other four-year institutions, two-year colleges, and community colleges make possible for more than 169,000 students in the state of Oklahoma.”
During her remarks, Campbell also emphasized the importance of programs such as Oklahoma’s Promise, and initiatives to increase funding to programs such as nursing and engineering, which directly contribute to the growth of necessary fields in the workforce.
“Know that the decisions this legislature makes have a profound impact on students within higher education in Oklahoma,” she said. “To the representatives and senators here today, know that you may not get the chance to meet every one of your constituents but believe that every one of your constituents feels the impact of your contributions. Your work helps to empower, embolden, and enable the next generation of workers, the next generation of learners, and the next generation of leaders in the state of Oklahoma. Oklahoma is growing, and it is my hope that we continue to grow with it.”
Campbell was one of only three Oklahoma students selected to make remarks, the others being Maci Passmore from Carl Albert State College in Poteau and Josie Castles from the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma in Chickasha.