CASNR announces 2013 Distinguished Alumni

Friday, September 27, 2013

The College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources at Oklahoma State University has announced Randy Davis, Robert “Bob” Sherrer and J.L. “Butch” Meibergen as the CASNR 2013 Distinguished Alumni.

“The outstanding achievements of each one of these DASNR alums are testaments to the impact our graduates can and do have in their career fields and in their communities,” said Mike Woods, interim dean and vice president for agricultural programs. “They are all wonderful examples of sustained excellence in their industries.”

Davis, Tahlequah, earned his Bachelor of Science degree in horticulture from OSU in 1976. He has since gone on to achieve great industry success and currently serves as president and CEO of Greenleaf Nursery in Park Hill. Greenleaf, the third largest nursery in the world, is known for its innovative production, plant introductions and unique marketing techniques.

Davis’ success and cutting-edge work in capturing all water runoff at the Oklahoma Greenleaf operation was a first of its kind in the late 1990s and received a national environmental EPA award. His example of environmental stewardship has been emulated continuously on a national level.

Sherrer, Claremore, grew up in Snow, Okla. and received his Bachelor of Science degree in agronomy from OSU in 1967. Following graduation, he served in the United States Army as a commanding officer and was awarded the Expert Infantryman Badge and the U.S. Army Commendation Medal for his service.

Sherrer joined the Tom James Company, the world’s largest retailer of custom clothing, in 1970 where he served as a regional vice president, division president and company president before being elected to chairman of the board in 1997. He served in that capacity until his retirement in 2011.

Meibergen, Enid, earned a Bachelor of Science degree from OSU in agricultural economics in 1979 and quickly joined what is now Johnston Enterprises to eventually become the fourth generation of his family to operate the company as president and CEO. Johnston Enterprises includes the foundational W.B. Johnston Grain, Johnston Seed, Johnston’s Ports and bulk handling.

The company has 24 country elevator locations in Oklahoma and Texas and handles approximately 20 percent of Oklahoma’s annual wheat crop. Established in 1893 in Enid as W.B. Johnston Grain Company, Johnston Enterprises is now the oldest and largest privately owned grain company in the state.

Friends and colleagues are invited to receptions on Friday, Oct. 18 for this year’s honorees. The reception for Sherrer will be from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in 374 Ag Hall; Meibergen from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. in 410 Ag Hall; and Davis from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. in 374 Ag Hall.