Class 38 Stillwater & Commencement

Class 38 Reflections

Khalid Hussein
Bridgade Commander
Oklahoma Army National Guard

I look back at our last LOK session in Stillwater, reflecting on how close our classmates have become, and how much we have learned over the past year. The Stillwater session started off with a group of us having a great time on the golf course before getting ready for our breakfast at dinner at Hatch. The evening ended with a couple of brewery tours and then of course the infamous hospitality suite.

Friday’s session turned out be one of the most informative sessions of the year for me. The visit to Meridian Technology center really showcased the many alternatives to a 4-year university degree-producing program. The overview of the Oklahoma Career Tech System, the ensuing Fireside Chat, and the program tour of the facility was extremely informative; it highlighted the many paths to a successful career, with students getting valuable hands-on training. I really appreciated the dedication of both the students and the faculty to developing their future success. Throughout the year we have discussed multiple times the poor ranking of Oklahoma education. This session truly gave me hope that the future is not as dim as it looks due to the dedication and professionalism of the Oklahoma educators that I had the pleasure to meet.

The tour of Boone Pickens stadium was a first for me, and I was so impressed with the Boone Pickens Legacy Museum. The NIL presentation cleared up a lot of the questions I had about the program, and clearly presented the issues facing the future of college athletics. I was stunned at the amount of money paid out to college athletes, and the existing disparities between the different athletic conferences. And having never stepped foot onto the stadium field, that was an enjoyable surprise.

The highlight of the day was the class gift exchange. During the St Crispin retreat debrief, I made the comment that I had never seen a complete group of strangers bond so quickly. You could see the culmination of 10 months of bonding during the gift exchange – the many stories that everyone told about their gift partners were funny, genuine, and the whole event was just so pleasurable to watch.

On Saturday we finally reached the end of our LOK experience. I was shocked (in a good way) to see the emotion of everyone who spoke. This truly is a unique group of impressive leaders who genuinely care for each other, the entire LOK team, and the State of Oklahoma. I had heard about LOK prior to being accepted into this program but clearly had no idea what I was getting into. The education, the access to places I had never heard of, and the relationships we formed far exceeded any expectations I had. I now have a full appreciation of all the planning, logistics, and behind the scenes work that Jodi and the LOK staff did – I am still amazed at what this program does, and it truly was an experience of a lifetime. Thank you all for making this such an unforgettable experience – we are all better leaders because of LOK.



Kaitlyn Kemp
Community & Employee Relations
Kemp Quarries

Our final LOK Class 38 session in Stillwater, Oklahoma, was a powerful reminder that education extends far beyond traditional classrooms. Throughout the visit, I saw how different systems, programs, and community partnerships come together to create meaningful learning experiences that are both practical and impactful.

One of the most memorable parts of the trip was visiting the OSU Student Farm and Our Daily Bread. At the student farm, it was inspiring to see education in action. Students gaining hands-on experience while learning about agriculture, sustainability, and food systems. This wasn’t just theoretical knowledge; it was applied learning with a clear purpose. That purpose became even more evident when we learned about the partnership with Our Daily Bread. The produce grown at the farm is shared with the organization to help feed members of the community, creating a direct connection between student learning and service. Seeing how these two resources collaborate showed me how education can be both experiential and compassionate, benefiting not only students but also the broader community.

Up next was learning more about Oklahoma’s Career Tech System. Hearing how the system is designed to meet workforce needs while giving students practical, career-ready skills was incredibly insightful. It challenged my previous assumptions about education pathways and highlighted the value of hands-on, skills-based learning environments.

Our tour of Meridian Technology Center brought everything we heard about CareerTech to life. My particular group was able to listen to a presentation from a business student at Meridian who had organized a completely free business clothing drive for her fellow peers. It was incredibly refreshing to see a student take initiative in such a meaningful way, recognizing a need within her community and acting on it. That act of leadership and empathy reflected the kind of environment Meridian fosters. One where students are not only gaining technical skills but also developing a strong sense of responsibility and care for others.

Another highlight of the trip was our behind-the-scenes tour of T. Boone Pickens Stadium. Getting to see areas that are typically off-limits offered a unique perspective on the scale and pride associated with Oklahoma State University. More importantly, learning about T. Boone Pickens and his lasting impact on OSU and the state of Oklahoma added a deeper layer of meaning to the experience. His generosity and vision have played a significant role in shaping the university’s growth and national presence. Beyond athletics, his contributions reflect a broader commitment to investing in education, infrastructure, and opportunity across the state. It was a powerful example of how one’s dedication and philanthropy can leave a lasting legacy.

There was no better way to conclude our session on education than with our own commencement ceremony. After everything we experienced together, it felt especially meaningful to pause and recognize how far we had come. As the “toughest class ever,” we faced what was arguably the biggest challenge of the year…saying our goodbyes. That moment carried a mix of pride, gratitude, and reflection. It reminded me that while education equips us with knowledge and skills, it is also about the relationships we build and the shared experiences that shape us.

Ending the trip, this way made the entire journey feel complete and left me with a deep appreciation for both the lessons learned and the people I learned alongside.

Now, as our Class 38 session comes to an end, the responsibility shifts from learning to leading. We are called to “move with a purpose” to take everything we have experienced, observed, and gained, and translate it into meaningful action. This is not the conclusion of our journey, but the beginning of how we show up in our communities. As leaders, we have an opportunity, and an obligation, to represent our class well and to push for positive change across our great state of Oklahoma. Whether through education, service, or advocacy, the impact we make moving forward will define the true legacy of Class 38. The challenge now is to carry this momentum with intention and to lead in a way that creates lasting difference.

2026 Excellence in Leadership Gala

Leadership Oklahoma celebrated an unforgettable evening of inspiration, connection, and recognition at the 2026 Excellence in Leadership Gala, held April 25 at the beautiful Southern Hills Country Club. The annual gala honors exceptional leaders, organizations, and businesses making a meaningful impact across Oklahoma.

This year’s honorees included:

• Lifetime Achievement Award — Hannibal B. Johnson (Class V), acclaimed author, attorney, and consultant
• Distinguished Graduate Award — Rhonda Hooper (Class XXI), President & CEO of Jordan Advertising
• Statewide Community Leadership Award — Oklahoma Small Business Development Center
• Business Leadership Award — Oklahoma City Indian Clinic

The evening also featured a little friendly competition as Class X proudly took home the coveted “Best Class Ever” award for the second consecutive year, recognizing the class that raised the most support during the End of Year Campaign.

Special thanks to our outstanding Masters of Ceremonies and Gala Chairs, Tiffini Jackson (Class XXIX) and Mike Jackson (Class XXIII, Lifetime Member), for leading a memorable evening celebrating leadership, service, and the people shaping Oklahoma’s future.

Off to the Races Lunch & Learn at Remington Park

Leadership Oklahoma members and guests gathered on May 21 at Remington Park for an exciting and educational Lunch & Learn focused on the world of horse racing and the rich history and operations behind one of Oklahoma’s premier entertainment venues.

Leading the conversation was Matthew Morgan (Class 38),  Special Envoy with Chickasaw Nation, who guided attendees through an engaging discussion alongside an incredible panel of industry experts:

• Dale Day, Announcer/Broadcast Communications Manager
• Mike Chapple, VP Facilities, Protective Services and Racing Relations
• Leah England, Sr. Director of Safety and Racing Operations

Guests had the opportunity to learn about the history of horse racing in Oklahoma, the day-to-day operations of Remington Park, racing safety, broadcasting, and the many moving pieces that create a successful race day experience.

Following the panel discussion, attendees enjoyed a behind-the-scenes tour, offering a unique glimpse into the culture, traditions, and excitement that make race days at Remington Park such a memorable experience.

A special thank you to the Chickasaw Nation and the team at Remington Park for hosting this unforgettable Lunch & Learn experience!

It’s time to update your information for the upcoming 2026-2027 Leadership Oklahoma Directory and renew your membership!

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Interested in becoming a Lifetime Member? 
Lifetime Membership is available for $2,500 and includes permanent membership status and continued connection to the LOK network — with no annual renewals required. Flexible payment options are available. 

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Directory Update Deadline:
June 15, 2026

Upcoming Events:

Get ready for a day of friendly competition, connection, and outdoor fun at Leadership Oklahoma’s Sporting Clay Shooting Challenge!

Join us on June 18, 2026, at Silverleaf in Guthrie for an exciting morning on the course. Whether you're a seasoned shooter or trying sporting clays for the first time, this event offers a welcoming and engaging experience for all skill levels.

The day kicks off with registration at 9:00 AM.  A mandatory safety meeting at 9:45 AM will ensure everyone is prepared before we begin shooting promptly at 10:00 AM. After the competition, stick around to enjoy lunch and awards from 12:00–1:00 PM, where we’ll celebrate top shooters and great camaraderie.

Participants are welcome to bring their own shotgun or rent one on-site, and ammo for 12 or 20 gauge will be provided.

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to connect with fellow leaders, enjoy the outdoors, and take your shot at the title!