Oklahoma Secretary of Agricu
layne Arthur is no stranger to an early morning, hazy sunrise commute into Oklahoma City, but this year, she makes her commute as the first female secretary of agriculture for the State of Oklahoma. The 37-year-old Arthur grew up in Chickasha, Oklahoma, on her family’s wheat, soybean, cattle and equine operation. Her childhood experiences 38 | COWBOY JOURNAL
allowed her agricultural roots to develop at a young age, she said. “Growing up, 4-H and FFA programs had a strong influence on me,” Arthur said. “The people I like working with the most are folks with an agricultural background, and being involved in the agricultural industry is a natural fit for me.” After graduating from Chickasha
High School, she attended Oklahoma State University, where she received a bachelor’s degree in agricultural economics from the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources. “OSU was a great place for me to go to school, especially with the family feel CASNR has,” Arthur said. Through involvement in campus activities, Arthur gained the tools to
