Joe Dorman

2024 Distinguished Alumni

B.A. Political Science '94

Joe Dorman graduated in 1989 from Rush Springs High School as a 4-H national project winner. He then attended OSU where he majored in political science, earning his degree in 1994. While at OSU, Joe was a President’s Distinguished Scholar and participated in the President’s Leadership Council. He was a member of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, served as the chairman of the SGA Student Senate, and was an officer in the Oklahoma Intercollegiate Legislature.

Joe started his career in the mail room of the Oklahoma House of Representatives, working in several roles until 2002, when he sought and won the office of state representative. For 12 years, Joe served House District 65, which covers Caddo and Comanche counties. While in office, he authored key pieces of legislation for public safety and government accountability.

In 2014, Joe was a nominee for Oklahoma governor and served as a town council member in Rush Springs, as well as the chairman of their Watermelon Festival. 
Joe is a graduate of Leadership Oklahoma and was selected by The Journal Record as one of the 50 most influential Oklahoma CEOs in 2022.

Dorman serves as the chief executive officer for the Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy, the nonprofit “voice for Oklahoma’s children,” in shaping and improving youth policies.