Student Spotlight: Harry Cracknell
Harry Cracknell’s path to the University of Science & Arts of Oklahoma started with a dream of living in the United States and a passion for soccer. It wasn’t until USAO’s Soccer Head Coach Jimmy Hampton offered him a spot on the team that Cracknell discovered the university and the opportunity to turn his dream into reality.
Cracknell, a communication major from Brighton, England, is set to graduate in spring 2025. His journey to USAO was largely influenced by his loving mother, who encouraged him to pursue a college degree in the United States. “I knew that in order to achieve my dream of living in the States, I needed to use the skills I had acquired from playing soccer throughout my teenage years to attain a decent scholarship,” said Cracknell.
In addition to his athletic achievements that earned him a spot on USAO’s soccer team, Cracknell has maintained a steady focus on his academic and career pursuits. “My goal is to use the skills I’ve learned in communication to navigate the non-profit arena,” he said. His coursework has allowed him to explore group projects, public speaking, and even graphic design, all of which he hopes will help him achieve his dream of working for organizations like the American Red Cross or the ALS Association.
Through his studies, Cracknell has developed a passion for group collaboration, public speaking, and graphic design. One of his favorite classes was Persuasion, where he delivered speeches with the aim of convincing others to take action. “Communication has evolved immensely in recent years, and understanding digital media is key for increasing engagement in any ‘real world’ organization,” he said.
Cracknell has been a vital leader on campus. Since becoming Student Government Association president in spring 2024, he has actively collaborated with faculty and staff to enhance student life. “Our mission is to engage, unify, and leave a legacy on campus,” Cracknell explained. “It’s given me an opportunity to meet university administrators and see their great initiatives with students in mind. Their leadership inspires me to be better.”
In addition to his work with SGA, he participated in the Red Cross Collegiate Leadership
Program in Washington, D.C., where he learned about servant leadership from top leaders,
including the former president and CEO, Gail McGovern. He has also interned with Shelter
Insurance, gaining valuable insights into sales and marketing.
Currently, Cracknell is interning with the USAO Foundation, gaining valuable skills
that will benefit him in the non-profit sector. He is actively assisting with several
fundraising campaigns, including the Senior Gift, Athletic Sponsorships, and initiatives
related to the 1908 Society and Giving Day.
Looking ahead, Cracknell plans to further his education by pursuing a master’s in public administration, with aspirations to work in the non-profit sector. “I fundamentally believe there are more opportunities available in the U.S. than anywhere else in the world,” he said.
Reflecting on his time at USAO, Cracknell expressed gratitude for the support he has received. “I feel USAO has given me all the preparation I need to go out into the real world. From the moment I stepped foot on campus, I’ve received incredible support from faculty, staff, and my peers. As I look forward to the future, I’ll always consider USAO as my home away from home.”
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.