Oklahoma Legislators Receive Higher Education Distinguished Service Awards

Eight Oklahoma legislators are recognized by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education and the public college and university Council of Presidents as recipients of 2026 Distinguished Service Awards for Higher Education, which honor individuals who demonstrate extraordinary leadership and support of Oklahoma higher education during the legislative session.

The 2026 awards are conferred in the following categories: Outstanding Legislative Leadership, Outstanding Committee Service, Workforce Champion, and Trailblazer.

“These legislative leaders have played a vital role in advancing higher education opportunities for Oklahoma students,” said State Regents’ Chair Courtney Warmington. “Their commitment has helped expand access through strategic innovation, promote student achievement, and ensure our public colleges and universities are equipping graduates with the knowledge and skills needed to meet Oklahoma’s changing workforce needs.”

2026 Distinguished Service Award for Higher Education: Outstanding Legislative Leadership

Sen. Julie Daniels and Rep. Mark Lawson received Distinguished Service Awards for Higher Education for their work in support of higher education as Senate Floor Leader and Majority Leader of the House, respectively.

“We thank Sen. Daniels and Rep. Lawson for their exceptional leadership and dedication to improving public higher education,” said Chancellor Sean Burrage. “Through their influential roles in the Legislature, they have championed policies that strengthen our colleges and universities, promote modernization, and help ensure Oklahoma students have access to high-quality educational opportunities.”

“I have enjoyed working with and learning from both state regents and university leaders on issues ranging from three-year degrees to greater protections for the free speech rights of students and those who work in our university communities,” Daniels said. “The unique structure of higher education in our state constitution makes it imperative that legislators and regents work together to resolve problems and advance new ideas.”

“Receiving this award is humbling,” said Lawson. “I am where I am today because so many, especially in my undergraduate and post graduate studies, poured into me. I’m lucky that I get to serve in a way to pay that forward; to support our higher education institutions and the students they’re preparing for brighter futures.”

2026 Distinguished Service Award for Higher Education: Outstanding Committee Service

Sen. Jo Anna Dossett, Sen. Kelly Hines, Rep. Bob Ed Culver and Rep. Ronny Johns have been recognized with Distinguished Service Awards for their steadfast support of our public colleges and universities. Through their service on key education and postsecondary committees, each has helped move forward policies that expand student opportunity and strengthen Oklahoma higher education.

“We’re proud to recognize these legislative partners for consistently providing thoughtful leadership and valuable insight,” said Burrage. “As strong advocates of policies that serve Oklahoma students and our business community, their contributions have been transformational.”

“Thank you to our hard-working regents and college and university presidents for conferring this year’s designation on me and my esteemed legislative colleagues,” Dossett said. “It’s been an honor to work together with these stakeholders to keep the dream of higher education alive for Oklahoma students.”

“I wouldn’t be where I am today without my exceptional university experience in Oklahoma, which is why I’m incredibly honored to receive the 2026 Distinguished Service Award for Higher Education,” said Hines. “The success of this state depends on our future graduates, and that starts with providing students a quality education. I look forward to continuing to work with the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education and the Council of Presidents on building a bright future for every student.”

“We all know the value of college in preparing students for the workforce, which in turn helps them achieve the career they desire, earn a higher wage and live better lives,” Culver said. “I appreciate the recognition of my work to support this mission.”

“I am grateful to receive this recognition for legislative leadership and proud to help establish the Regional University System of Oklahoma Caucus, which will support the continued growth and success of higher education across Oklahoma,” said Johns. “This caucus will bring lawmakers together to expand career opportunities for students across our state. I am especially honored to partner with East Central University and support its continued growth and success. I look forward to working with ECU, RUSO and my colleagues in the Legislature to make higher education even better for all Oklahomans.”

2026 Distinguished Service Award for Higher Education: Workforce Champion

Rep. Brian Hill has been awarded the Distinguished Service Award for Higher Education in recognition of his tireless advocacy for policies that align higher education with workforce needs, establish credentials that lead to strong employment and economic mobility, and build a resilient workforce to support Oklahoma’s continued economic growth.

“Throughout his legislative service, Rep. Hill has consistently reinforced higher education as a driver of workforce development,” Burrage said. “He has championed data-driven outcomes, encouraged meaningful collaboration among education and workforce partners, and advocated long-term strategies that help students prepare for and succeed in high-demand careers.”

“Oklahoma is growing, and the greatest opportunity we have as a state is making sure Oklahomans are prepared to grow with it,” said Hill. “Our higher education institutions are essential partners in building a skilled workforce by providing Credentials of Value that connect education to the careers and opportunities our businesses need now and in the future. When we invest in our students, our workforce, and our higher education system, we are investing in the future of Oklahoma and creating the opportunities needed to unleash our best and move Oklahoma forward.”

2026 Distinguished Service Award for Higher Education: Trailblazer

Rep. Rob Hall, member of the Common Education Committee, is recognized as a “trailblazer” for his forward-thinking leadership, focus on innovation, and commitment to strengthening Oklahoma’s education pipeline.

“We thank Rep. Hall for his visionary leadership and commitment to student success at every stage of the educational journey,” Burrage said. “An unwavering advocate for Oklahoma students, his efforts have helped create more meaningful opportunities for academic achievement, workforce readiness and lifelong success.”

“I’m honored to receive this Distinguished Service Award from the State Regents,” said Hall. “Much of my legislative work this past session centered on K-12 education, and I’m grateful the Regents recognize the critical role those early years play in the success of our higher education system. Raising the minimum number of instructional days, strengthening early elementary literacy and expanding facilities access for public charter schools are all part of building a stronger foundation for Oklahoma students. When we get those early years right, we give more students the opportunity to succeed in college, the workforce and beyond.”

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