Governor Kevin Stitt on Wednesday filled one of his empty cabinet positions and it’s a name familiar to many in Kingfisher.

Stitt named Nellie Tayloe Sanders to serve as the secretary of education.

Sanders lives in Kingfi sher along with her husband, Mike Sanders, the executive director of the Oklahoma Broadband Offi ce, and their two sons, Davis and Walker.

“Nellie has championed innovative paths in education, particularly for those with dyslexic thinking and unique learning styles,” Stitt said in a press release.

“Her advocacy, rooted in her personal experiences and her journey as a parent, has led to impactful and sustainable changes. I am enthusiastic about her bringing this dedication and creativity to the Oklahoma school system, as we strive towards an educational framework that effectively supports and empowers every student.”

Nellie Sanders fills the seat most recently held by Dr. Katherine Curry, who resigned in July of last year after just three months in the position.

Sanders last January was appointed to serve on the Oklahoma Statewide Virtual Charter School Board by Senate Pro Tempore Greg Treat.

Since 2013, she has worked at the Center of Family Love, a nonprofit serving neurodivergent individuals and individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

“It’s a privilege to be part of Governor Stitt’s cabinet as the secretary of education,” said Sanders in the press release.

“In an era where one-sizefi ts-all education falls short, my mission is to revolutionize our approach, ensuring every child finds a pathway to success tailored to their unique needs.”

Sanders speaks from experience. She, admittedly, struggled to learn as a child and those struggles continued even into college.

Although it wasn’t diagnosed at the time, Sanders eventually learned she was dyslexic, though she never publicly acknowledged it.

Then the Sanders’ youngest son, Walker, was diagnosed as dyslexic, which is when she admitted to those closest to her of her own struggles.

Then a state representative, Mike Sanders in May 2020 pushed House Bill 2804, co-authored by him and Sen. Stephanie Bice, that was signed into law by Gov. Kevin Stitt.

It requires screening for dyslexia for students in kindergarten through third grade who aren’t reading at grade level and is now in effect statewide.

Added Sanders in the press release: “My goal is to empower parents with choices and support teachers in unleashing their full potential – moving beyond the constraints of politics and bureaucracy. Governor Stitt’s commitment to educational freedom resonates deeply with me.

“It’s about creating a landscape where every student, irrespective of their background or learning style, is valued and prepared for the future. I’m thrilled to contribute my insights and experience, championing reforms that will equip Oklahoma’s students not just for today’s job market, but for the dynamic opportunities of tomorrow.”

( Ed. note: Sanders granted the Times & Free Press an exclusive interview after her appointment. That interview did not take place until after the deadline of this edition. For more on Sanders, her new role and her plans for the position, see upcoming editions.)