Enid city attorney Melissa Blanton speaks at NOC Enid Student Government Speaker Series
Enid City Attorney Melissa Blanton spoke at Northern Oklahoma College Enid last Friday as part of the Student Government Association Speaker Series, sharing reflections on leadership, community collaboration and the influence of women in her life during Women’s History Month.
Blanton said the opportunity allowed her to recognize the women who shaped her path.
“I haven’t done anything amazing, but many who came before me have,” she said. “This is a great opportunity to discuss ways that lead to better futures and how we can work together to make that happen.”
Blanton said people in her life helped her see her potential.
“I have done a number of different things in my life because people have invested in me and showed me who I could be,” she said.
She added that one of her passions is helping people connect with resources available in their communities.
“I love to find ways that people can plug into resources that are available,” she said. “It’s important for people to know what tools are available and how they can tap into those tools.”
During the presentation, Blanton included interactive exercises designed to give attendees practical ideas they could take back to their communities.
She also shared personal items from women in her family to encourage participants to reflect on the women who influenced their own lives.
“I have placed some items on the tables from women in my family,” she said. “While that won’t mean anything to you, hopefully it will encourage you to examine the women in your life and how they have affected you. We all have so many people who have helped us on our paths in life.”
Blanton encouraged attendees to record family stories and histories so they are not lost to future generations.
In discussing leadership, Blanton emphasized the importance of collaboration.
“One thing I want everyone to realize is that leaders make changes in the community through collaborations and partnerships,” Blanton said. “You cannot do it alone. You need to see who is at the table and who you can connect with.”
Blanton also spoke about recognizing individuals in the community for their contributions.
“So many people do amazing things that are never really noticed,” she said. “It’s a way of recognizing people for important work they do that many may not notice.”
She encouraged attendees to write a note to a woman who influenced their life.
“We don’t write notes anymore,” she said. “But it is a great way to honor the women in your life. It will encourage and inspire them in so many ways.”
Blanton also showed videos illustrating teamwork and leadership. One highlighted how geese fly in formation to increase the strength of the flock, with geese in the back honking to encourage those in front to maintain speed. Another showed how one person dancing in a park inspired others to join.
“One person following is sometimes all you need,” Blanton said.
Jeremy Hise, vice president for NOC Enid, thanked Blanton for her presentation and recognized the Student Government Association, led by Dean Ryan Paul and SGA sponsor Chance Blackdeer.
“Ms. Blanton, you said that you had not done anything exceptional,” Hise said. “But I beg to differ. You have done and are doing many things that I hope inspire our NOC students in the future. We appreciate your leadership in the Enid community and across the state.”
NOC President Diana Morris also thanked Blanton for speaking.
“Melissa, thanks for your challenge today regarding family history,” Morris said. “I have my great-grandmother’s autobiography, and that is something special for me to have, so thank you for challenging our students. Thank you for challenging us to empower leaders in our communities.”
Morris also praised Blanton’s emphasis on followership.
“In all the talks I have heard about leadership, I’ve never heard the focus on being a gifted follower,” Morris said. “I think that’s genius and I’m so glad you shared that today.”
Blanton also serves as an assistant district attorney for Grant and Garfield counties. She specializes in violence laws, victims’ rights and facilitating collaborative, multidisciplinary responses to community issues.
NOC Enid Hispanic Club member Enrique Gonzales welcomed NOC faculty, staff, students and community members to the event. Hispanic Club member Nancy Real introduced Blanton. Dr. Mary Ann McCoy is the SGA sponsor.
Northern Oklahoma College, the state’s first public two-year community college, is a multi-campus, land-grant institution that provides high quality, accessible, and affordable educational opportunities and services.
NOC serves nearly 3,100 students through the home campus in Tonkawa, Enid, and NOC/OSU Gateway Program in Stillwater, and the University Center in Ponca City. Of these students about 80% receive financial aid and/or scholarships. 75% of NOC students complete their degree with zero debt.
The college is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and offers associate degrees in three general areas: Arts, Science and Applied Science; the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs; and the Accreditation Commission for Education and Nursing.
For more information about Northern Oklahoma College please call (580) 628-6208 or visit the NOC website at www.noc.edu.
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