ok_gov_BOYD
STATE REP. LAURA BOYD
Age: 49 Born: June 5, 1949; Charlottesville, Virginia Education: American Commonwealth University, Ph.D. (1982); Marywood College, M.S. (1977); Duke University, B.A. (1970) Military: None Family: Married - David Rambo; Two children, one grandchild Hometown: Norman, Oklahoma Religion: Episcopalian Career: OK House of Representatives (1993-present); Adjunct professor, Univ. of Oklahoma (1990-present); Marriage and family therapist (1975-present) |
• Boyd was born in Charlottesville, Virginia and grew up in Virginia and North Carolina. Her father is a retired minister, and her mother is an aide in the NC state legislature. She graduated from Duke University in 1970 and earned her masters in 1977 from Marywood College in Scranton, Pennsylvania. In 1982, she was awarded her Ph.D. in counseling psychology from American Commonwealth University, formerly International College, in Los Angeles.
• A licensed marriage and family therapist, Boyd has been practicing for more than 22 years. She launched her own practice in 1975 in Doylestown, Pennsylvania. After moving to Norman, Oklahoma in 1978, she joined the Family Center, where she is senior therapist. Boyd also teaches in the department of human relations at the University of Oklahoma.
• Before she ran for public office, Boyd was active in lobbying the state legislature on issues affecting her field. When the Democratic incumbent in Boyd's legislative district announced her retirement, Boyd decided to seek her seat.
• Boyd was elected to the Oklahoma House of Representatives in 1992, and she was re-elected in 1994 and 1996. She has won each of her elections with more than 60% of the vote. In the legislature she chairs the committee on Community and Family Responsibilities, and she has been an advocate for youth and families.