Student Spotlight - Molly Moran

A junior at Missouri State University, Molly Moran is determined to make an impact with conservative ideas on her campus before she graduates.

After attending Luce activist training events over the summer, Molly has taken the lead in her school’s conservative club by bringing conservative speakers like S.E. Cupp and Ann Coulter next fall.

We talked to Molly to find out more about what’s behind her drive to be a conservative leader at MSU:

Luce: How did you become a conservative?

Molly: I was raised conservative, but I really became active after Obama won the election my senior year of high school. I heard the things he spoke of and became very fearful for this country and its citizens.

Luce: As a conservative, what challenges do you face at your school?

Molly: I don’t face much discrimination from anyone. It is mostly just apathy. People here do not care about politics. This scares me more than anything because if you don’t stand for something you will fall for anything, especially with this upcoming election. Students need to be taking a stance and fighting for what is ‘right.’ Simply saying “I don’t care” will not do it anymore. Politics affect every person in this country whether you ‘care’ or not. So stand up!

Luce: What is your most memorable activist experience?

Molly: Over the summer I was lucky enough to have an internship in Congressman Billy Long’s office. It was during my time there that I learned of the things the Clare Boothe Luce Policy Institute does, and through the speakers I heard and the seminars I attended, I became motivated to spread this message. I had the tools I needed and I was ready to bring Missouri State something they have never really experienced, and that is a strong conservative message from women.

Luce: If you’ve hosted a conservative speaker on your campus, tell a little bit about that experience.

Molly: Bringing S.E. Cupp to MSU was the first big thing I have ever done for the conservative movement. Although it didn't garner the attendance I hoped, I have never felt more proud and accomplished. The people who attended know we are here now and not leaving. They know we will continue to bring conservative ideas to this campus.

Luce: Who is your favorite conservative woman leader and why?

Molly: While I look up to figures in the media, no one has influenced me more than my mother. She raised me to be a conservative and even though I didn’t quite get it until leaving for college, I have taken her lessons with me. She has taught me valuable things that have impacted who I am today.

Luce: What advice would you give other conservative students?

Molly: Just don’t give up. If you keep putting the message out there someone will hear it. People are impressionable and if you care for something strongly, they will start to pay attention.

Luce: Where do you hope to be in 10 years?

Molly: I want to be planning large scale fundraising events for candidates or not-for-profits. I hope to be married to a man with the same conservative values I have and eventually start a family.

"Take a stand and fight for what's right!"