Seminole State College freshman Emma Buchanan, of Stroud, recently attended the Nigh Institute Leadership Academy held in Oklahoma City.
Buchanan joined college students from across the state for the four-day academy from Feb. 4-7. Over the course of the event, Buchanan and her peers volunteered at the Oklahoma Regional Food Bank, enjoyed an OKC Thunder game, toured the Oklahoma City National Memorial, visited the Bob Funk Ranch and experienced the First Americans Museum.
Students listened to presentations by Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education (OSRHE) Chancellor Dr. Allison Garrett, Executive Director of the Association of Oklahoma General Contractors Bobby Stem and Former Gov. George Nigh and First Lady Donna Nigh.
“I am honored to have earned the opportunity to represent Seminole State College at the 2023 George and Donna Nigh Leadership Academy,” Buchanan said. “This experience allowed me to make friends from colleges across the state and learn about public service from the perspectives of other students and state leadership. I enjoyed hearing former Governor Nigh and his wife Donna speak to us each night. He encouraged us that we can be successful and make an impact right here in Oklahoma.”
Buchanan is a 2022 graduate of Davenport High School. She is the daughter of Jason and Jessica Buchanan.
The George and Donna Nigh Public Service Scholarship was established on April 19, 1999, by the Oklahoma State Legislature and former Gov. Frank Keating. The purpose of this scholarship is to allow each of the two- and four-year higher educational institutions, both public and private, to select and honor one student each year as a Nigh Scholar. Each student is selected and nominated by their institution’s president and receive a one-time $1,000 Leadership Scholarship.
This academy is supported by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, which contracts with the Nigh Leadership Academy for implementation. During the history of the academy, more than 600 students have been awarded the title of Nigh Scholar.
