Student spotlight: Chandler Leamon-Webb
When Chandler Leamon-Webb graduated from the University of Science & Arts of Oklahoma on April 27, 2024, he joined the ranks of three other Leamon-Webb family members as Drover Alumni. While being a legacy influenced his decision, Leamon-Webb, from Mangum, was also drawn to USAO for its engaging courses, intimate class sizes and close relationships with faculty.
“I wanted to major in political science because I have always been interested in how political institutions around the world affect society and vice-versa,” said Leamon-Webb. “I decided to add a second major, history with teacher certification in social studies, after deciding I wanted to teach at the secondary and higher education levels.”
Leamon-Webb’s academic journey was marked not only by his choice of majors, but also by his active involvement in extracurricular activities. Displaying leadership, he participated in Student Government Association and the Oklahoma Student Government Association, demonstrating his commitment to making a difference both inside and outside the classroom. This drive and clarity of purpose propelled him forward on his academic path.
“My time in SGA and OSGA was very impactful to me as a person,” said Leamon-Webb. “Not only did I get to make a change at an institution that had given me so much, but I also was able to work with other people across both USAO and the state of Oklahoma who were just as passionate as me about higher education. These organizations allowed me to gain experiences that will shape how I view local government and how single individuals can come together and make great changes.”
Throughout his time in SGA, Leamon-Webb co-authored and authored numerous bills, including the Just Name It Act, which advocated for including major titles on university degrees. Additionally, he worked to enhance SGA funding to support increased student activities and issued executive orders promoting inclusivity and support measures for foreign students within the university environment.
While serving on OSGA, Leamon-Webb contributed to passing several bills such as raising the work-study minimum wage, implementing a liberal arts general education curriculum for all Oklahoma public universities, creating stipends for student teachers in Oklahoma, and canceling college debt for working Oklahomans.
However, his favorite accomplishment during his time at USAO is the creation of the Students for a Progressive Society club, enabling him to collaborate with fellow politically active students in grassroots events and educational endeavors. Through the club, they organized campus clean-ups, raised funds for various events and campaigns, hosted state legislators, and conducted weekly lectures to educate college students about the political and social landscape.
To prepare him for his career post-graduation, Leamon-Webb actively engaged in clinical experiences, observing and teaching in public school classrooms. His teaching experiences spanned middle school social studies, high school government and American history.
“My plans after graduation are to work with Teach for America as a social studies teacher in Tulsa to improve education and expand opportunities for children who do not have access to equitable education across the country,” said Leamon-Webb.
While working for Teach for America, Leamon-Webb plans to attend graduate school to obtain his master’s and then his doctorate in social studies education.
“Hopefully my fields of study and experience leads me back to USAO to become a professor in either Davis or Gary Hall,” he said.
If you or someone you know would like the same supportive experience that Chandler has, become a Drover! Applications for the 2024 Fall semester are now open. Complete your application at usao.edu/apply.
About the University of Science & Arts of Oklahoma
As Oklahoma’s liberal arts college, the University of Science & Arts of Oklahoma provides a distinctive education in the liberal arts and sciences, supporting both its interdisciplinary core curriculum and major fields of study with superior teaching. USAO fosters diversity of thought and practice to help students realize meaningful, purposeful and productive lives as global citizens in a rapidly-changing world.