Northwestern Social Work Participates in 2026 LEAD Day at State Capitol

April 3, 2026

Seven members of the Northwestern Oklahoma State University Department of Social Work stand in a line in the marble rotunda of the Oklahoma State Capitol, holding a teal banner reading
Members of the Northwestern Department of Social Work (left to right) Krystin Pierce (alumna); Mona Henos; Mattie Gore; Isabella Burden; Haylee Durrence; Codi Harding, director of social work field education; and department chair Dr. Kylene Rehder pose for a photo at the Oklahoma State Capitol during the 2026 LEAD Day.

ALVA, Okla. — Northwestern Oklahoma State University’s Department of Social Work concluded its celebration of Social Work Month in March by participating in the 2026 Legislative Education and Advocacy (LEAD) Day at the Oklahoma State Capitol.

LEAD Day provides social work students and professionals with an opportunity to deepen their knowledge of the legislative process. Participants engage directly with state lawmakers and their staff to better understand how public policy impacts social work practice and the populations they serve.

During LEAD Day activities, Oklahoma State District 58 House Rep. Carl Newton formally recognized social workers on the Oklahoma House floor, acknowledging their contributions to communities across the state and highlighting the vital role of the profession in advancing social well-being and public policy.

“Participation in LEAD Day reinforces the essential role of social workers in shaping informed public policy and advocating for the well-being of our communities,” said Dr. Kylene Rehder, chair of the Northwestern Department of Social Work and professor of social work. “Engaging directly with legislators and being recognized on the House floor affirms the value of social work voices in advancing meaningful and transformative change.”

The department’s participation in LEAD Day reflects the profession’s 2026 Social Work Month theme, “Social Work: Uplift. Defend. Transform.”

A large group of social work students and professionals from universities across Oklahoma stand together in the marble rotunda of the Oklahoma State Capitol for the 2026 Legislative Education and Advocacy (LEAD) Day in March. Several participants in the front row kneel while holding two signs: one reading
Social Work students from universities across Oklahoma visited the Oklahoma State Capitol for the 2026 LEAD Day in March.

For more information about Northwestern’s social work department, visit their webpage or contact Rehder at kdrehder@nwosu.edu or (580) 327-8135.

-NW-

Media Contact:
Sean J. Doherty, University Relations Specialist
Email: sjdoherty@nwosu.edu
Phone: (580) 327-8480