Mauree Turner is the first student from Oklahoma State University to be selected to participate in the NEW Leadership conference, set for early May at the University of Oklahoma. NEW Leadership is a national bi-partisan program with a mission to educate, inspire and empower college women to become political leaders since they are currently underrepresented in politics, political service and other leadership roles.

Turner, a senior from Ardmore, is a triple major in sociology, animal science and political science. She currently serves as chairwoman for SGAs Multicultural Affairs committee, OSU NAACP vice president, vice chairwoman for the committee on student organizations, vice chairwoman of the OSU Big Event, and secretary of the off-campus student association. 

“All that may seem like a bit much, but I am just not sure yet where I want to be,” Turner said. “What I do know is that I give every bit of myself to these organizations because I love them and live for them. If I couldn’t help people, I don’t know what I would do with my life.”

Kent Sampson, director of campus life, has highly recommended Turner for the leadership conference.

“She is a proven leader on this campus, who doesn’t make a lot of noise, but people listen when she speaks,” Sampson explained. “She makes her presence known in tangible, significant ways. She is a perfect example of servant leadership.”

Turner’s service-oriented commitment is evident in her immediate plans following graduation.

“I want to go into the Peace Corps upon completion of my degrees, either into its agricultural or youth and development branch,” Turner said. “That’s why I’m excited about the upcoming conference, which promises to help foster young women's courage and ability to thrive in political aspects of life by motivating us to do things we would have never thought of, or never thought we could possibly do. Not only will it motivate us, but it will help us form lifelong friendships and connections with one another.”

Story by Alex Marianos