Payton Bucki is in her third and final year at Oakland University, with a dual major in Political Science and Social Work and a minor in Criminal Justice. She began working for the Oakland Post in the Winter Semester of 2022 as a Sports Reporter. Payton then transitioned to the Campus Reporter role for the 2022-2023 school year. Payton serves on The Oakland Post's editorial board as an editor for the Politics, Features, and Campus sections. As Content Editor, Payton is responsible for locating story topics, editing all published works, scheduling interviews, and ensuring The Post's staff engages in ethical journalism practice.
Outside of the Post, Payton carries leadership positions in several student organizations on campus. She serves as President of OU Best Buddies, Treasurer of Running Club, the Communications Coordinator for the National Residence Hall Honorary, and a member of the Phi Sigma Alpha Political Science Honors Society. For the past two years, Payton has competed with Oakland University's nationally-ranked Ethics Bowl team. Aside from her job at The Post, Payton works as a Resident Assistant and a Residential Peer Tutor.
Off-campus, Payton volunteers with Michigan Youth in Government, where she serves as an Alumni Volunteer and a member of the Model Judiciary Program Committee. In these roles, Payton assists in developing civic engagement and government education programs for thousands of middle and high school students from across the state. Additionally, Payton currently serves as a Student Ambassador for the National Association of Social Workers.
After graduating from OU, Payton will attend graduate school to study Public Policy. Following graduate school, Payton aspires to attend law school. In her free time, Payton enjoys reading, traveling, backpacking, hiking, and spending time with her dog, Oskey.
