WILBURTON, Okla. – Eastern Oklahoma State College sophomore Kinley Bratcher, was recently selected to represent the college at the George and Donna Nigh Leadership Academy in Oklahoma City.

“The most impactful thing I learned from Mr. Nigh was that ‘You can do it from here,’” Bratcher said. “Oklahoma is a great state and any goal you want to achieve can be achieved from right where you are.”

Every year, each participating higher education institution in Oklahoma selects one student representative to attend the academy and receive the $1,000 George and Donna Nigh Public Service Scholarship. Recipients are selected based on academics, leadership qualities and community involvement.

Bratcher, along with the other participants, visited the First Americans Museum, the Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum, the Oklahoma State Capitol, and several other iconic Oklahoma sites. She also volunteered at the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma.

“Most importantly, for me, are the people I met while attending the conference,” Bratcher said. “I made some incredible new friendships during the academy and I am looking forward to building greater connections with them.”

Upon graduating from EOSC in May 2024, Bratcher plans to transfer to Oklahoma State University to complete bachelor’s degrees in agricultural communications and agribusiness. She intends to pursue a career in the agriculture field after graduation in 2026.

“What I learned during my time at the academy will help me in achieving my goals by reminding me that I can make a difference right where I am,” Bratcher said. “Gov. Nigh is a very goal-driven individual. I strive to be just like Gov. Nigh, as he did not just create goals for himself, but he fulfilled them. He has left an impact on everyone he has come into contact with. I hope to leave this same level of impact on those around me.”

George Nigh, an EOSC alumnus, served as the governor of Oklahoma from 1979-1987. The Oklahoma State Legislature established the George and Donna Nigh Public Service Scholarship in 1999.

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