Senior Social Work Student Accepted into the N.E.W. Leadership Institute

April 28, 2021

Northwestern Oklahoma State University social work senior Sara Houchin of Ardmore has been accepted into the National Education for Women’s (N.E.W.) Leadership Institute. 

Each year, about 35 students are selected for the institute through a competitive application process. Houchin was chosen based on numerous factors including, but not limited to: individual leadership potential, maturity, ability to deal with challenges, capacity to reflect on one’s personal strengths and weaknesses, special interests, unique characteristics or diverse experiences that contribute to the N.E.W. Leadership learning goals, interest in politics, public service or public policy, and a commitment to participate fully in the N.E.W. Leadership Institute.

“I am beyond excited and honored to have been accepted to attend the N.E.W. Leadership Institute this summer,” Houchin said. “As a social work major, the training and resources provided at this program will be invaluable as I work to be a public servant and grow in my leadership skills. This program is set up to develop a professional network of women leaders both in the state of Oklahoma and nationally. I believe it will be a great benefit to me in my future career.”

N.E.W. Leadership is an intense, five-day program that takes place each year on the University of Oklahoma’s Norman campus and is designed specifically for undergraduate women from colleges and universities across the state of Oklahoma. This year the event will be June 9-13.

 “The department of social work is excited for Sara to participate in this award-winning program and be connected to policymakers engaged in shaping the public agenda,” Dr. Kylene Rehder, social work department chair, said. 

The award-winning program educates and empowers undergraduate women to participate actively in politics and public service. The program connects students to policymakers and community activists to engage them in shaping the public agenda. Launched in 2002, the program is part of the N.E.W. Leadership National Network at the Center for American Women and Politics at Rutgers University.

The program includes hands-on projects, skill-building workshops, keynote speakers and panels featuring prominent female officeholders, public administrators, community advocates and business leaders. N.E.W. Leadership includes networking opportunities with women leaders and culminates in a day spent with elected officials at the Oklahoma State Capitol.

For more information visit www.ou.edu/carlalbertcenter/womens-leadership/new-leadership.html

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CONTACT FOR RELEASE:
Erin Davis, University Relations Specialist
eedavis@nwosu.edu, 580-327-8480