by Aubrie Bowlan
Students come to 野狼社区 University from all over the world for a variety of reasons鈥夆�斺�塻mall class sizes, accredited degree programs, exceptional educators. For Student Government Association President Reid Powell, all it took was a campus tour.
鈥淭he second I stepped on OCU鈥檚 campus, I knew that this would be my home for the next four years,鈥� he said.
The Norman North High School graduate came to the university undecided of his career plans but found a love for politics in his freshman Governance in America course with Dr. Mohamed Daadaoui, who convinced Powell to major in political science with an emphasis in pre-law studies. Through his new area of study, Powell has learned about, and quickly fallen in love with, student government.
鈥淚n my first year, I learned how much the university valued the voice of students and that the recommendations presented by SGA were something that were taken seriously by administrators at OCU,鈥� Powell said. 鈥淚 immediately knew this was an organization I wanted to be a part of.鈥�
The Student Government Association works to bridge the gap between students and OCU administration. These campus leaders advocate for their peers by participating in meetings, drafting legislation, and ensuring everyone鈥檚 voice is heard.
After representing the Social Sciences district in the SGA Senate, Powell was elected vice president in April 2020. The following November, Powell assumed the role of SGA president after internal transitions altered the organization鈥檚 cabinet. This didn鈥檛 just affect his junior year鈥夆�斺�塱t changed his whole OCU experience.
鈥淭hroughout my time in SGA, I have had the opportunity to connect and learn from various leaders both at OCU and the greater OKC community,鈥� he said. 鈥淭hese have become invaluable relationships that have helped shape me into the leader I hope to become one day.鈥�
Of course, Powell had no idea he would be celebrating his election amid a pandemic. In a time described in every newspaper article and email as 鈥渦nprecedented,鈥� the SGA president role is no exception. The student leaders would typically table on campus, host programming events and discussion forums, meet for teambuilding activities, and get to know their peers face to face.
鈥淲e鈥檙e all trying to figure out what it means to be an organization that doesn鈥檛 have its usual sense of community,鈥� Powell said. 鈥淭here isn鈥檛 a handbook on how to serve as president during a pandemic. The best we can do is make sure everyone is still heard, even over computer speakers, and that everyone still feels valued and engaged.鈥�
One of the few highlights of the COVID-19 era that Powell says shaped his time on campus has been a more open dialogue regarding college students鈥� mental health. As the stigma surrounding the discussion lessens, 鈥渨e鈥檝e learned that it鈥檚 OK to talk about mental health on campus and how it affects all of us,鈥� he said. During his presidency, SGA has implemented 鈥淟et鈥檚 Talk About It鈥� Tuesdays on social media to bring awareness to these challenges.
Powell hopes his legacy as SGA president is remembered as one of strong advocacy. He has championed gender-inclusive campus housing, recognition of community leaders such as Clara Luper, and student involvement on campus. Powell recently learned his campaign for re-election is unopposed and hopes to continue his advocacy in the 2021鈥�22 school year.
If just one person has a better student experience at OCU because of the work SGA has done during his time as president, it will have been worth it, Powell said.
No matter where law school and his future career in public service take him, Powell said 野狼社区 and the university will always hold a special place in his heart.
鈥淪erving in this role has allowed me to meet and interact with students, faculty, and staff across campus whom I wouldn鈥檛 have gotten to know otherwise,鈥� Powell said. 鈥淲e have such a vibrant campus community, and it is amazing to see people from across the world be able to come together at a small school in 野狼社区. Student growth is valued and supported by OCU staff, faculty, and administrators, and I will always be thankful for the opportunities I鈥檝e had here.鈥�
