By Matthew Rahn
Murphy’s Law states that anything that can happen will happen. This perfectly sums up the past few months for Governor Jacob Murphy. Earlier this semester on October 20th, Governor Emeritus Peyton Sweatman made an unexpected announcement.
“Ladies and Gentlemen, I regret to inform you all that I am resigning as Governor, effective immediately.”
This abrupt and surprising news rippled through social media just hours after then Lieutenant Governor Murphy was notified. Unexpectedly and without much warning, Gov. Murphy was thrust into the highest leadership position in the Oklahoma Intercollegiate Legislature, the governorship. With nerves and anxieties high, OIL stood in limbo to see how well Murphy would step into such a challenge. Murphy admits he was on the eve of a tremendous undertaking.
“I knew I had big shoes to fill, Sweatman is great at what he does.”
Despite any reservations as to how well Murphy would do as governor, he has stepped into his new role almost seamlessly. As usual, this session has not been without its tribulations, and Gov. Murphy has handled each with the intelligence and integrity that you would expect from the governor. It’s no fluke that Murphy makes such a great leader in OIL, his qualities often speak for themselves.
When Jacob Murphy walks into a room, his presence is immediately noted as heads turn and conversation dwindles to a low roar. At 6 foot 11 inches tall, his height towers over everyone, commanding attention and respect. However, his large physical status is met with a gentle and jovial demeanor that wins the love of every delegate. Senator Hocutt remarks on this delightfully surprising characteristic.
“He is a naturally big man, but his soul and spirit are also very large.”
Hocutt went on to say that “Murphy’s willingness to help others makes him a great leader … and that as students and members of this organizations, we couldn’t ask for anything more.”
Teddy Roosevelt once said, “do what you can, with what you have. Where you are.” Hearing these words, I can’t help but be reminded of Gov. Murphy’s approach to his time in the executive branch. The Governor lives by the motto “don’t stress, just put your mind to it.” It is this simple mantra that has lead Murphy to overcome adversity as governor. Amongst the many issues on his plate at any given time, taking care of the delegates as a whole weighs on him the most.
Thursday night, the House floor heard a speech by a seemingly random lawyer local to the area. He invited OIL as a whole to a fundraising and benefit dinner to be held at the Oklahoma History Center, which was an event that otherwise would have cost over 100 dollars for each delegate to attend. The speaker offered these seats for free. Gov. Murphy, concerned for the best interest of our delegates, toiled over how to respond to such a generous offer that came so unexpectedly from a man who knew very little of our organization. Murphy’s primary concern was that with the lack of physical tickets (merely an open invite), delegates might arrive to find out no spots were indeed open. The Governor, sensitive to the self-esteem of our organization, feared that an error in communication would lead to an embarrassing encounter at a formal event in which prominent members of the community were sure to attend. For what seemed like the entire morning before the event, Gov. Murphy fretted over how to voice his concerns to the Senators and Representatives of OIL while maintaining a professional tone that was not conveyed as overly authoritative.
Relying on his motto, Murphy stopped stressing and put his mind to it. He resolved to write a brief speech expressing that delegates had the right to spend their time however they wanted, but to be weary of attending the dinner. As is most everything Gov. Murphy does, his decision was swift and precise, yet logical and understanding. Each time Murphy approaches the lectern to address the body, you can see in his eyes that every word he speaks is honest and heartfelt.
Governor Murphy’s sympathetic approach to leadership gives him the most high respect from OIL as a whole. It is this respect, above all else, that leadership needs in order to gain support for any endeavor that is undertaken.
Peyton Sweatman stepping down as governor was a shock to OIL, and his presence at session has undoubtedly been missed. However, blessings often come in disguise, and so is the case of Jacob Murphy. Our governor rose to meet the occasion and has graced the state capitol with his stunning leadership and cheerful mood. Jacob exceeded our expectations for a governor who had so little preparation, and in doing so proved that a great leader can step forward when he is called to serve the people.