House Minority Floor Leader Emily Virgin was recognized today with the 2020 Distinguished Service Award for Higher Education. She was honored for her support of higher education in her role as House Minority Floor Leader and as a member of the State and Federal Redistricting, Appropriations and Budget, Higher Education and Career Tech, Judiciary-Civil and Rules committees.
“Rep. Virgin has been an effective leader in maintaining the current law regarding weapons on campus and an avid supporter of the concurrent enrollment program for high school juniors and seniors,” said Chancellor Glen D. Johnson. “Since her election to the Oklahoma House of Representatives in 2011, she has been a consistent proponent for properly funding Oklahoma higher education and a strong advocate for the vital importance of our state system colleges and universities.”
The Distinguished Service Awards for Higher Education recognize individuals who demonstrate distinguished leadership and support of higher education in Oklahoma during the legislative session. It is the highest award presented by the State Regents and the Council of College and University Presidents.
“For me, higher education was as much an expectation as it was a goal,” said Rep. Virgin. “I am fortunate to have parents who pushed me to set academic goals and had the resources to help me achieve them. We know, however, those resources aren’t available for everyone. I’m in this fight to expand opportunity for Oklahoma students who have big dreams and few resources to achieve them. I appreciate this recognition and look forward to continuing my advocacy for affordable higher education.”