Who is Stratton Taylor?
Answer
A lifelong believer in the importance of education, Taylor graduated from Alluwe High School in 1974. He began his college career at Claremore Jr. College, now Rogers State University, with a Presidential Scholars Scholarship. During his sophomore year, he was elected President of the Student Senate at RSU, the first of many successful elections during his lifetime.
He graduated from CJC with an associate's degree in political science in 1976 and transferred to the University of Tulsa where he earned a bachelor's degree in education and later a law degree. During his days at TU, he continued to live and work in Claremore. In 1978, at the age of 22, he campaigned for a seat in the Oklahoma House of Representatives while a senior at TU. During the campaign, he continued to work as a grocery clerk, a job that allowed him to pay for college and listen to the concerns of the citizens of Rogers County. He won the race by a two-to-one margin.
Taylor led a distinguished career in the House of Representatives and was elected to the Oklahoma Senate in 1983. He was elected unanimously by members of both parties as President Pro Tempore of the Senate in 1995. He holds the record for service as President Pro Tempore by being elected to the position for four terms.
As a Legislator, Taylor was the author of more than a dozen bills enacted into law providing for the advancement of RSU, including a measure that led to the transformation of RSU into a four-year regional university. Through the years, Taylor was instrumental in assisting RSU to receive important grant funding and legislative appropriations allowing the university to pursue major expansion projects.
Taylor is the founding partner in a Claremore law firm and has been a strong financial supporter of RSU as a private citizen. In 1985, he was named a Distinguished Alumnus of RSU, the university's highest honor. He and his wife Dr. Carolyn Taylor have two children and live in Claremore.
From RSU Web Archives 10-31-2006, "Sen. Stratton Taylor to Give Address at RSU Alumni Dinner Nov. 9".