Ferguson College of Agriculture announces freshmen award winners
Tuesday, February 15, 2022
Media Contact: Jami Mattox | Digital Communications Specialist | 405-744-8061 | jami.mattox@okstate.edu
The Oklahoma State University Ferguson College of Agriculture has recognized five second-year students for their freshman year academic performance, leadership involvement and service contributions.
André Abit was named the 2022 Charles and Magda Browning Outstanding Freshman. Abit is a biochemistry and molecular biology major from Stillwater. He is the son of Sergio and Pamela Abit.
The Brownings established this award to recognize both the academic excellence and outstanding leadership activity during a student’s freshman year at OSU. It is awarded during a student’s sophomore year for their efforts as a freshman in the Ferguson College of Agriculture.
Abit’s campus involvement includes the Freshman Research Scholars Program and OSU First Year Representative Council. He serves as an AG 1011 Student Academic Mentor and interned for the OSU Cowboy Cousins program, which promotes integration and community adjustment for international students. He currently serves as director of this program.
“Having a successful freshman year isn’t just about grades and scholarships,” Abit said. “It’s about being a well-rounded individual. One of the things that really helped me succeed as a freshman was all of the support I gained from family, friends and faculty.”
This year, the Ferguson College will honor four additional freshmen with an inaugural Freshmen Excellence Award.
The 2022 Freshmen Excellence Award recipients are:
- Faith Baxter — food science and agricultural communications — Dripping Springs, Texas
- Georgia Eastham — plant and soil sciences and biochemistry — Davis, California
- Elizabeth Pribil — food science — Hennessey, Oklahoma
- Caleb Snodgrass — plant and soil sciences — Owasso, Oklahoma
“We have so many exceptional freshmen in our college that the decision to recognize more than one came naturally,” said Dr. Cynda Clary, Ferguson College of Agriculture’s associate dean of academic programs. “It is a privilege to work with students across our broad set of academic majors and to see how they thrive in their college experience. I am proud of their commitment to excellence and their ability to make a positive difference in our college and campus community.”
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, plus more than 60 student organizations, the college is committed to expanding minds and inspiring purpose. Learn more at agriculture.okstate.edu.
Story by: Taylor Bacon