The Oklahoma Gaslight has announced the finalists for its prestigious “Brightest Mind of Oklahoma” award, recognizing public figures whose statements have shaped local and national conversations. For 2025, the leading contenders are U.S. Sen. Markwayne Mullin and OU student Samantha Fulnecky, both nominated for their remarkable contributions to Oklahoma’s academic landscape.
Mullin was nominated after questioning the state of education in Oklahoma by asking, “What was we ranked,” unaware that the state currently sits at 50th nationwide. He strengthened his bid for the award by asserting that President Trump cannot be racist simply because they are “best friends,” noting his own Cherokee identity as evidence.
“Fulnecky secured her spot after stating that, as a pre-med major, she does not actually know how to write because she has never completed a writing assignment at OU.”
Samantha Fulnecky’s nomination comes from her now-famous essay asserting that “women want to do womanly things” and labeling gender theory as “demonic.” Despite being a junior pre-med major, she has stated that writing is “new” to her, as she claims to have never taken an English class or completed a writing assignment during her time at the University of Oklahoma.
Regardless of who wins, we must thank both geniuses for the enlightenment they have brought to the state. Before his Senate career, Mullin worked as a plumber, while Fulnecky continues her path in medicine without the burden of written literacy.
Tell me. Who do you think should win? Who is your money on? Do you want to nominate someone else? Tell me in the comments.
