Editor's note: This story was updated at 8:27 p.m. Jan. 13 to reflect that Natalie Armour served previously as director of communications under the Glasscock-Mortazavi administration.
The OU Student Government Association inaugurated Carter Strickland and Avery Dunlap as its 2025 president and vice president Monday morning in the Oklahoma Memorial Union.
Strickland, a political science junior, and Dunlap, an economics and public and nonprofit administration junior, ran uncontested under their REAL campaign: relationships with you, embrace the Southeastern Conference and arts, aim for a stronger regional community and looking towards the future.
Strickland said he was grateful to his campaign team, family, friends, predecessors, running mate and every student who helped him get elected.
“This university has given me, and every student, the opportunity to become more insightful, empathetic and bold,” Strickland said. “We all care about OU because this place deeply means something to all of us.”
Strickland reflected on his time at OU and expressed his commitment to the university and its students.
“We’re all fortunate enough to walk onto this campus every day and impact lives,” Strickland said. “To fulfill the mission of OU, we must always work together for the common purpose, because one of us alone is not capable to do it. Avery and I promise to work with you and for you every day that we hold these offices.”
Dunlap expressed her gratitude to everyone who supported her and Strickland during their campaign and spoke of her commitment to the university and its students.
“Today, we begin a new chapter together. One rooted in the belief that our collective voice is powerful, our actions impactful and our community capable of incredible things,” Dunlap said. “Being chosen to represent this incredible student body is both a privilege and a responsibility, and I’m excited for what this year will bring.”
Dunlap said she will work to support the OU community and hopes to encourage unity during her term.
“Through this platform, I hope to support our student body becoming impactful and positive members of their communities,” Dunlap said. “The good can be enhanced and the bad can be addressed only when we work together and we have a collective effort and voice.”
Outgoing SGA president Caden Glasscock commended the efforts of his cabinet and thanked SGA faculty and staff for their support during his term. He expressed his excitement for the incoming administration and offered parting advice to Strickland and Dunlap.
“Always listen to those around you,” Glasscock said. “Leadership is not about standing alone, it’s about standing with others. The students, the team and the people who surround you will always be your greatest resource.”
Cyrus Mortazavi, outgoing SGA vice president, said his time in office was deeply impactful and said he was thankful for Glasscock, his cabinet and all they were able to accomplish together. He also thanked members of the audience for their commitment to the university.
“To everyone here today, thank you for your dedication and your ongoing commitment to the success of this university,” Mortazavi said. “Let’s continue to collaborate, learn from each other and work towards making a positive impact on this campus.”
This story was edited by Anusha Fathepure and Ana Barboza. Andrew Paredes and Sophie Hemker copy edited this story.
