Sterling Zoe Rubottom
Lieutenant Governor Lacey Hickey had originally no intentions of joining the Oklahoma Intercollegiate Legislature, when she arrived at Oklahoma State University in fall 2017.
Growing up in Roosevelt, New Jersey, neither of her parents were involved in politics. But Lacey decided to give OIL a chance in the spring of her freshman year after the persuasion of her 3-years-older sister Jessie Hickey. Now, she and Jessie lead together in the 51st legislature.
Jessie, who was a senior when Lacey came to college, is now an OSU graduate student and serves as this years’ house speaker pro tempore.
“It’s kind of the brunt of the joke almost. Like, ‘there are two Hickeys on the steering committee!’” said Lacey. “But I love that we’re both passionate about the same things, so I enjoy that we enjoy these things together.”
At OSU, she served as secretary of the College Republicans club and currently serves as a secretary and treasurer in the Off-Campus Student Association.
Lacey earned Best House Delegate and Best Legislation honorable mention at the 2nd session of the 50th legislature. A then-3-star, she served as the OIL Journalism Coach for Oklahoma State University in 2018 and ran for Lieutenant governor in spring 2019.
“Getting through my first lunch,” said Lacey, regarding what she felt had been most rewarding so far. “I just want everyone to be happy, and food is such a touchy thing—people are picky. First day went smoother than I expected it to, so that was a feat.”
Other than lunch, Lacey says one of the most challenging things so far has been planning the 50th Anniversary gala, which is tonight at 6:30 p.m. at the Skirvin Hilton hotel.
Studying strategy communication as a junior at OSU, Lacey would like to go into political campaign management and “stay in the HR realm” rather than going to law school.
But her make-believe dream, she says, is it to be a comedian.
“I like to think I’m funny. I always go for the joke.”
Whether she stands up for comedy or social issues, Lacey will no doubt pursue her future endeavors.