Carl Albert Congressional Research and Studies Center

For over 40 years, the Carl Albert Center has hosted the Julian J. Rothbaum Distinguished Lecture in Representative Government. Our speakers are asked to turn their lectures into a book to be published by the University of Oklahoma Press. Frances Lee's 2023 lectures, Two Cheers for Congress: A Defense of Shared Power for a Polarized, Distrustful Society was just released, now titled: A Case for Congress. You can purchase your copy here https://www.oupress.com/9780806196756/a-case-for-congress/

We’re excited to share that members of the OK Votes Executive Team were honored at the Spring Campus Awards for their leadership, scholarship, and impact across campus. These students don’t just talk about engagement - they lead it.

Jhvani Patel - OU Outstanding Senior and emcee of the honor list
Randi Wright - Letzeiser Honor List
Barrett Love - President’s Award for Outstanding Sophomore

Congratulations to each one of you!! We're proud of the way you represent OK Votes and the Carl Albert Center.

A big thanks to Derek Sparks, Rep. Rosecrants, Rep. Menz, and Rep. Pae for visiting with our Capitol Scholars interns this semester. Our students have learned so much from your experiences in government.

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We're very proud of our Civic Engagement Fellow Jhanvi Patel who spoke today at the TEDxOU event about the power of civic engagement and what it takes to build real participation. She shared that meaningful engagement starts by "meeting students in their world, on their own time." When people feel like they belong in the conversation, real civic participation begins. Congratulations Jhanvi on a successful talk!

A big congratulations to Carl Albert graduate fellow Nathan Barron on accepting a tenure track job in the political science department at Florida Atlantic University. Nathan will defend his dissertation this summer and start with the Owls in the fall!

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The Carl Albert Center is saddened to hear about the passing of civil rights activist Jesse Jackson. Jackson ran for president in 1984 and 1988. You can watch many of his campaign ads here

Black Political Leaders Share your videos with friends, family, and the world

We're excited to share this video celebrating Jhanvi Patel, one of our incredible Civic Engagement Fellows who has been with OU Votes for four years.

As a Carl Albert Capitol Scholar, a Top Ten and Outstanding Senior (2025-2026), she is the definition of commitment and excellence.

All of us at the Carl Albert Center are very proud of this young woman and all she has accomplished during her time at OU. We know her future is bright!

Leading to Civic Engagement: Jhanvi Patel | University of Oklahoma Jhanvi Patel shares how affordability and accessibility made it possible for her to attend the University of Oklahoma, and how that opportunity has shaped he...

This morning we kicked off the inaugural class of the Public Service Leadership Program. This program is designed to match OU students interested in careers in public service with professionals currently in public service jobs. The goals are to connect students with mentors, help them learn about public service careers, and keep OU talent in Oklahoma after they graduate. Thanks to Faith Martin and Melissa Houston for their hard work to get the program going and the mentors for volunteering their time and expertise.

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As we approach Winter Break, we would like to thank everyone who contributed to this year's successful Laurie McReynolds Monnet Hall Bicycle Drive. The Monnet Hall elves and donors worked their magic and procured bicycles to donate to the annual Fill-the-Trolley event. The event is organized by OU Parking and Transportation Services and benefits The Christmas Store of Cleveland County. We are happy to help spread some cheer to local families this time of year!

Special thanks to Kay Eddings Blunck, Terri Stubblefield and Kristen McMurray for their wonderful organizing efforts.

Happy Holidays and Happy New Year from those of us at the Carl Albert Center!!