CASNR awards more than $300,000 in continuing student scholarships at annual scholarships and awards banquet

Wednesday, April 5, 2017

The Oklahoma State University College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources awarded more than $300,000 in scholarships to nearly 200 students at the annual CASNR Scholarships and Awards Banquet March 30.

The scholarships, made possible by the generosity of CASNR alumni, friends, faculty and staff, made up in part the $1.4 million in total scholarships students will receive during the 2017-2018 academic year from both the college and its academic departments.

Others also recognized Thursday included students, faculty and staff for their accomplishments and contributions to CASNR, as well as alumni for their success in the industry.

“We are fortunate to have many high caliber students in the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources,” said Dr. Cynda Clary, CASNR associate dean of academic programs. “It is an honor and a privilege to award scholarships to help fund their CASNR experience. The banquet is also our time to congratulate and recognize our outstanding students, faculty, staff and alumni for their hard work and accomplishments each year.”

Dillon Johnson was named the 2017 Louis and Betty Gardner Outstanding Senior. Johnson is an agribusiness and plant and soil sciences major from Afton, Oklahoma. Additionally, Clay Daily was recognized as the 2017 Charles and Magda Browning Outstanding Freshman. Daily is an animal science major from Mayville, Michigan.

CASNR also recognized 15 Seniors of Distinction. Of the 15, five were honored with the Dean’s Award of Excellence (indicated by an * in the list below). Their names, hometown and major include:

OKLAHOMA

Afton

Dillon Johnson*, Afton, Oklahoma, agribusiness/plant and soil sciences

Duncan

Allison Christian, Duncan, Oklahoma, animal science

Locust Grove

Garrett Reed, Locust Grove, Oklahoma, agribusiness

Nash

Ricki Schroeder*, Nash, Oklahoma, agricultural leadership

Oklahoma City

Anna O’Hare, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, natural resource ecology and management

Stillwater

Laurie Fitch, Stillwater, Oklahoma, agricultural communications

Stuart

Jesse Belvin, Stuart, Oklahoma, plant and soil sciences

COLORADO

Colorado Springs

Christian Ley*, Colorado Springs, Colorado, biosystems engineering

IDAHO

Eagle

Lauren Clark*, Eagle, Idaho, agribusiness

ILLINOIS

Danvers

Klair Hartzold, Danvers, Illinois, animal science/agribusiness

MICHIGAN

Midland

Chandler Steele, Midland, Michigan, animal science

MISSOURI

Carthage

Will Shaffer, Carthage, Missouri, animal science

OREGON

Clackamas

Jason Wetzler, Clackamas, Oregon, agricultural education

TEXAS

Canyon

Courtney Karr, Canyon, Texas, animal science

WASHINGTON

Creston

JD Rosman*, Creston, Washington, agricultural communications

Four CASNR faculty members were recognized for their teaching, advising and mentoring of undergraduate and graduate students. Their names, award and academic department include:

Angel Riggs, Early Career Award for Excellence in Teaching, Department of Agricultural Education, Communications and Leadership

Don Ruhl, Excellence in Undergraduate Student Advising and Mentoring Award, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Chanjin Chung, Excellence in Graduate Student Advising and Mentoring Award, Department of Agricultural Economics

Dan Stein, Award for Excellence in Teaching, Department of Animal Science

Finally, two CASNR alumni were recognized for their outstanding achievement and early success in their careers within the agricultural and natural resources industries. Their names, hometowns and current careers include:

KANSAS

Wichita

Shannon Angle, Wichita, Kansas, agricultural economics/accounting ’02, Koch Fertilizer LLC finance director

TEXAS

Midlothian

John Marc Holt, Midlothian, Texas, agribusiness ’03, Target Corporation senior operations manager

The Oklahoma State University College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources believes in the value of hands-on education and the importance of having a well-rounded student experience. Our award-winning faculty members are dedicated to developing students and are passionate about adding value to the total educational experience. With 16 majors and 59 study options, plus more than 60 student organizations, the college is committed to expanding minds and inspiring purpose. Learn more at casnr.okstate.edu.

Story by Rachel Metzger