Global Oklahoma serves as a vital connector in expanding Oklahoma’s international reach, uniting leaders from business, education, and diplomacy to promote global understanding. On February 2025 on International Recognition Day, a group of international students visited the state’s capitol to build relationships with and interact in a question-and-answer dialogue with legislators.
Through strategic partnerships and diverse expertise, the organization cultivates relationships that strengthen Oklahoma’s role on the world stage and opens doors for impactful international collaboration. One way it expands its reach in education is through the international students studying at Oklahoma’s universities and colleges.
International Recognition Day is an event that brings international students and state leaders together in celebration, dialogue, and a shared vision for the future.
On this day, international students are given the unique opportunity to deepen their understanding of Oklahoma’s history through guided tours of the Capitol. They also learn about the legislative process firsthand and meet with legislators representing their districts.
These lawmakers warmly welcome students into their offices, engaging in thoughtful conversations that foster a space for sharing appreciation as well as the challenges international students face.
One of the planned events for the legislators and students included an invitation to gather at the Judicial Building, where a panel discussion over lunch focused on a variety of topics relevant to the students. This rich exchange of perspectives culminated in a citation of recognition signed by Gov. Kevin Stitt, honoring the students’ contributions and presence in the state.
The significance of international students extends far beyond cultural exchanges. In 2023, NAFSA (National Association of Foreign Student Advisers), recognized as the Association of International Educators, released new data revealing that over one million international students enrolled in U.S. colleges and universities contributed more than $40 billion to the national economy during the 2022-23 academic year.
The figure not only highlights the rich cultural diversity and global perspectives these students bring to campuses across the country, but also underscores their economic impact, especially within states like Oklahoma. These students fuel the local economy through tuition, housing, dining, and other living expenses, making them significant economic drivers in Oklahoma’s educational institutions and broader community.
Tourism is the second-largest industry in Oklahoma, bringing in billions each year and supporting thousands of jobs. This shows how welcoming people from outside the state directly benefits the economy. International students have a similar impact; they boost local businesses, add cultural diversity, and help build a stronger, more connected Oklahoma.
Their presence fosters a vibrant, interconnected environment that benefits both the academic landscape and the state’s economic growth.
What began as a lively cultural celebration, initiated by Dr. Stephen J. Miller, a member of the Governor’s International Team, has grown into a significant and evolving tradition that connects international students with the heart of Oklahoma’s legislative process.
In its early years, the event took the form of a cultural fair, where students showcased their heritage through traditional food, music, and dance. It included a special moment of recognition on the floor of the House, with students gathering in the gallery, often dressed in cultural attire, as legislators acknowledged their attendance and contributions.
However, like many public gatherings, the event was reshaped by the COVID-19 pandemic, reducing attendance from nearly 400 participants to a more intimate group of 70 to 80. Yet, this challenge sparked a transformation from a festive showcase to a purposeful forum aimed at fostering dialogue.
The emphasis shifted toward creating genuine opportunities for international students to engage with state leaders, voice their experiences, and explore civic participation. Legislators such as St. Reps. Mark McBride (R-Dist. 53) and Trish Ranson (D-Dist. 34) have played active roles in nurturing this new vision, helping bridge the gap between young global voices and Oklahoma’s policy makers. Rep. McBride, who ended his term in November 2024, was the former assistant majority floor leader in the House, while Rep. Ranson currently serves as the minority caucus chair.
Recent enhancements to the event, including seating students from different schools and countries together during lunch, have encouraged cross-cultural conversations and lasting friendships. Additionally, structured opportunities to speak directly with legislators have turned the day into more than a symbolic gesture.
The annual event is now a platform for empowerment and advocacy. Though the exact year of its inception remains unclear, the event has remained under the consistent guidance and support of Global Oklahoma (formerly known as the Governor’s International Team), which continues to fund and champion the gathering of legislators and students.
Dr. Doug Price, director of Faculty Development and Global Learning and event coordinator for Global Oklahoma, said, “Voice matters. The intentional connectivity with others and speaking your voice can lead to change. By intentionally making decisions to step out of one’s way, to go meet people, and then to be able to express your thoughts, your voice matters.”
Today, it stands not just as a celebration of diversity, but as a powerful testament to the role of international students in shaping the state’s cultural and political landscape.
For more information on Global Oklahoma, visit https://www.globaloklahoma.org/