Senator Kristen Thompson Receives 2024 Distinguished Service Award from State Regents for Higher Education

OKLAHOMA CITY – Senator Kristen Thompson, R-Edmond, was recently recognized by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education and the public college and university Council of Presidents as a recipient of the 2024 Distinguished Service Award honoree. 

Senator Thompson received the Trailblazers Award for her work to advance legislation that supports higher education initiatives, including bills that better align the workforce with higher education and economic development. She also was honored in part for Senate Bill 1786 that deals with collegiate student athletes Name Image and Likeness (NIL). 

The legislation is a trigger bill that will allow Oklahoma universities to pay student athletes if the conference they are playing in allows it or if federal law changes. Senator Thompson’s bill was signed into law earlier this year. 

“I appreciate this recognition by the State Regents for Higher Education,” Sen. Thompson said. “One of my goals since coming into office has been to improve all forms of education and to better align our workforce with our education system. This will enhance our state and make Oklahoma a more attractive state for companies to relocate or expand. I have also seen national trends for student athletes and the constantly evolving NIL rules and want to ensure we are proactive, instead of reactive. Senate Bill 1786 will ensure our universities are able to recruit the best and brightest athletes, while remaining competitive nationwide.

“By receiving this award, it tells me I am doing what I have set out to do since day one. I congratulate and thank all of the other recipients, and those who have helped me grow into my role as a Senator to help me get important pieces of legislation signed into law.”   

Senator Thompson serves on the Senate Education Committee and as the vice chair of the Senate Education Appropriations Subcommittee. She is also the vice chair of the Senate Business and Commerce Committee. 

To read more about the Distinguished Service Awards, click here.

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For more information, contact: Sen. Kristen Thompson at 405-521-5592 or Kristen.Thompson@oksenate.gov.