By Journalist Olivia Kopang (OSU)
Senator Phyllis Bell (OU) is an OIL native, but she is hardly done with her time in politics and public service.
Senator Bell has been attending OIL for years and has accumulated seven stars. First serving in the House and then moving to the Senate and genuinely finding her place, currently serving as Director of Senatorial Affairs for the University of Oklahoma.
Describing herself as a shark in the Senate and House, her political aspirations hardly stop at describing her time within OIL. Bell has the goal of going to law school, working in corporate law, and eventually diving back into politics – going as far as she can, including President of the United States.
“I intend on running for office, and if that takes me all the way to the Presidency – slay, and if takes me to State House – slay, if it takes me to US House- slay, said Bell. “I just know I want to serve, and I know I’m capable of doing so. You have to have the stomach for it, and I think I do.”
Senator Phyllis Bell (OU)
Bell, who is originally from Yukon, Oklahoma, also spoke on OIL’s evolution over the years and how she and other members have worked hard to grow the Senate, House of Representatives, and press competition.
“We’ve really been trying over the years to grow and evolve these competitions and the organizations, so it’s really awesome to see that come to fruition,” said Bell. “Tradition is one of the things that makes OIL so special in some ways. It’s good that we can still change and amend things. We’ve had plenty of ALU bills come in the times that I’ve been here. Things are constantly changing and evolving.”
In addition to her long-time involvement in OIL, she is also currently serving on Governor Evan Shaw’s cabinet, appointed as Director of Diversity and Inclusion. Bell feels immense gratitude for being able to serve the current administration and knows that it is only helping her prepare even more for a life in politics.
Bell’s bill passed unanimously in the Senate on Friday afternoon. The bill titled “Anti-Fungi” Act of 2023 is an act relating to tenant’s rights and holding landlords accountable for keeping living spaces clean for residents.
Bell is not just a bystander when it comes to political aspirations or wanting to serve others; she feels strongly that OIL has prepared her for whatever may come her way in the future.