Shell named 2014 CASNR Distinguished Alumni

Wednesday, October 15, 2014

The Oklahoma State University College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources recently named Larry Shell a 2014 CASNR Distinguished Alumni.

Shell, Glencoe, Oklahoma, earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in agricultural education from OSU in 1970 and 1982, respectively. With more than 30 years of service to the university, Shell retired from his position of president of the OSU Alumni Association in 2013.

“It is really fitting that Larry Shell be honored as a distinguished alum with his many years of service to OSU alumni and his lifelong commitment to agriculture,” said Tom Coon, vice president, dean and director of the Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources. “His legacy of serving in schools and then in leadership positions inspires today’s students who are preparing for careers in education, agriculture and natural resources.”

Shell began his career as a vocational agriculture teacher in New Mexico before assuming the same role in Fairview, Oklahoma. In 1978, he became the Oklahoma FFA Executive Secretary, where he coordinated the state FFA convention, supervised state officers and directed media and public relations efforts.

“Larry is regarded highly for every professional endeavor he has undertaken. He was an excellent high school agriculture teacher and mentor to FFA youth and went on to become an effective relationship builder and leader for OSU,” said Rob Terry, agricultural education, communications and leadership department head. “He has a well-earned reputation for being hard working, honest, thoughtful and humble."

In 1982, Shell joined the OSU Foundation to become the university’s first constituent fundraiser serving CASNR. In 1990, he began working with the OSU Alumni Association, serving as vice president and chief operating officer for 18 years, and then president from March 2009 until his retirement.

The lifetime member of the OSU Alumni Association Council, and his wife, Christy, have two children and five grandchildren.

Friends and colleagues are invited to attend a reception for Shell on Oct. 24 at 2 p.m. in 439 Ag Hall at OSU.