Johnson receives Ferguson College of Agriculture Alumni Early Career Achievement Award

Tuesday, October 6, 2020

Oklahoma State University’s Ferguson College of Agriculture Alumni Board has selected Myriah Johnson of Lindsay, Texas, as a 2020 Early Career Achievement Award winner.

The award winners are selected by the Ferguson College of Agriculture Alumni Board for their outstanding achievement in the early years of their careers.

“Myriah has always had an unwavering commitment to helping the agricultural industry problem solve,” said Kirby Smith, Ferguson College of Agriculture Alumni Board president. “Her reputation as a strategic thinker with a commonsense approach has garnered her a seat at some of the most influential tables in the industry. Her expertise is highly sought-after, and her work continues to enact progress. Myriah has always stayed true to her OSU roots and with every professional and career opportunity, proactively found ways to elevate our college.”

Johnson began her education in the Ferguson College of Agriculture in 2005. After completing her bachelor’s degree in agricultural economics at OSU, Johnson went on to obtain her master’s in agricultural economics and doctorate in animal science from Texas A&M University. While at OSU, Johnson was a member of Alpha Zeta, an officer in Aggie-X, and also served on the Oklahoma Ag Credit Student Advisory Board. She was honored as an OSU Senior of Significance and an OSU Top Ten Freshman Woman as well as being awarded the Ferguson College of Agriculture Outstanding Senior award.

Johnson serves as the Senior Director of Beef Sustainability Research with the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and leads the Beef Checkoff’s sustainability research program. She is responsible for not only setting the direction of the research program; but also developing and implementing checkoff-funded programs that validate and benchmark how beef is responsibly and sustainably raised.

“My time with the Ferguson College of Agriculture, whether as a student or as an alumna, has been instrumental in shaping my career,” Johnson said. “The education I received was a foundational key in achieving my career goals. However, it was the time and effort that the faculty and staff poured into me that made the difference. They constantly worked to mentor, build and support me along my path and continue to do so even today. Without their dedication, I would not have achieved a fraction of what I have in my career.”

Johnson serves as an adjunct faculty member in the OSU Department of Agricultural Economics where she has served on three graduate student committees and created research opportunities for each of these students. Johnson was a member of the Oklahoma Ag Leadership Program Class XIX and continues to contribute to OSU as a scholarship donor and contributor to the New Frontiers campaign.

The Ferguson College of Agriculture believes in the value of hands-on education and the importance of having a well-rounded student experience. The college’s award-winning faculty members are dedicated to developing students and are passionate about adding value to the total educational experience. With 16 majors, a variety of study options and more than 60 student organizations, the college is committed to expanding minds and inspiring purpose.

MEDIA CONTACT: Maggie Martens or Melissa Mourer | Agricultural Communications Services | 405-744-3737 | melissa.mourer@okstate.edu