'Voices of Our Community’ topic of 2026 leadership summit March 27

Cameron University's Office of Student Development will host its 2026 Leadership Summit on Friday, March 27. "Local Leadership: Voices in Our Community!" is the topic of this year's event and features sessions led by community organizers, city leaders and CU alumni from a variety of occupations.

The event is free, open to the public and includes a complimentary lunch. Registration is required. Three separate sessions - each lasting about 45 minutes - will take place in the Mary Lou and W. Carey Johnson Auditorium located inside Cynthia Ross Hall on CU's Lawton campus. Participants can check in starting at 8:30 a.m.

"We want everyone to be part of an inspiring morning filled with meaningful conversation, authentic connection and a shared commitment to strengthening our community," said Dr. Jennifer Pruchnicki, director of the Office of Student Development. "This event brings together a wide section of individuals who will share insights, experiences and ideas that truly matter to the future of our community."

The first session - "Community Leadership: Action. Service. Impact." - begins at 9 a.m. Panelists Dr. Brenda Spencer-Ragland representing Embrace Hope of Southwest Oklahoma, Adriene Davis from Hungry Hearts Feeding Ministry and Bernita Taylor of MIGHT Community Development & Resource Center will lead an inspiring conversation about their efforts to make a difference through non-profit organizations. The panel highlights the passion, purpose, and perseverance behind their work, offering insight into how grassroots efforts and community partnerships create lasting impact.

The second session, "Lawton City Council: Shaping Our City," begins at 10 a.m. Mayor Stan Booker; Ward 2 Council member Taron Epps, Ward 3 council member Kirby Brown, and Ward 7 council member Sherene L. Williams will explain how leadership shapes the future of Lawton. The panel will discuss the importance of listening to constituents, lessons learned in public office, and how cooperation can turn vision into action.

The final session, "From Learning to Leading," will feature alumni from CU's Presidential Leaders and University Scholars program, and begins at 11:30 a.m. immediately after the complimentary lunch is served. Panelists Lizzy Reeves from the United Way of Southwest Oklahoma, Spencer Brown with FTG Brown & CDBL. Inc., Kyndall Brown with Ink Boutique Oklahoma, and Danielle Blackburn with Hatch, Croke & Associates, P.C. will share lessons they carried from college into successful careers and community engagement. Now established professionals, they continue to invest their time, talents, and resources back into their communities.

To register for the 2026 Leadership Summit registration, visit https://www.cameron.edu/student-development/summit. Funding is provided by CU Lectures and Concerts.

PR#26-023