Photo of Ferguson College student Karstyn Cantrell wearing an orange graduation cap and gown with regalia from various student organizations. She has long, curled brown hair, an enthusiastic smile and is standing on a staircase at Oklahoma State University and holding up a "pistol's firing" hand sign.

Cantrell named Ferguson College of Agriculture Orange Gown honoree

Thursday, December 12, 2024

Media Contact: Sophia Fahleson | Digital Communications Specialist | 405-744-7063 | sophia.fahleson@okstate.edu

Karstyn Cantrell has been selected as the Oklahoma State University Ferguson College of Agriculture’s orange gown recipient for the fall 2024 semester. Cantrell will wear the distinguished orange gown and represent the college as its gonfalon carrier during the fall commencement ceremonies in Stillwater on Dec. 14.

Every semester, one graduating student from each academic college is selected to wear the orange cap and gown at commencement based on their achievements, involvement and academic success during their time at OSU.

Cantrell will receive a bachelor’s degree in agricultural communications. She is from Collinsville, Oklahoma, and is the daughter of Steve and Michelle Cantrell.

“Karstyn is a student whose drive for excellence is matched by her genuine commitment to serving others,” said Dr. Cynda Clary, associate dean of the Ferguson College of Agriculture. “Her passion for making a difference is unwavering, and she approaches every challenge with a joyful spirit that inspires everyone around her.”

Cantrell has been involved in several student organizations, including the OSU Student Government Association First Year Representative Council, OSU Alumni Association Student Network Board, Agricultural Communications of Tomorrow, Collegiate American Farmers and Ranchers, and Collegiate Farm Bureau. She served as executive reporter and vice president of student affairs of the Ferguson College Student Council and assistant editor of the Cowboy Journal.

“By creating a firm foundation of proactive involvement and personal development from the moment I first entered campus, I was able to be shaped with the necessary skills of time management, service to others and academic accountability,” Cantrell said. “These opportunities and honors have contributed positively to my collegiate experiences.”

In 2023-2024, Cantrell was elected the National FFA central region vice president and dedicated one year of service to the National FFA Organization and its members. She was also named an OSU Senior of Significance, a member of the 2024 Homecoming Royalty Court and a Hatton W. Sumner’s Pre-Law Scholar.

Cantrell said she credits the Ferguson College of Agriculture for positively influencing her time at OSU and instilling in her a strong sense of generosity through leadership and service opportunities.

“I’ve grown up knowing that generosity isn’t what you do, but it’s who you are,” Cantrell said. “Generosity is about giving your time and being available to lend a helping hand and sharing resources of knowledge with other people. I’ve found in the Ferguson College that faculty are not shy to share what they’ve learned, and you’re always going to be surrounded by people who want you to be the best you can be.”

Cantrell said she is grateful for those who have supported her college career, and she has found life-long friends, peers and mentors who will continue to build her up.

“Not only is being the orange gown recipient a highlight of my college career, but it’s also a testament of gratitude for the people who have gotten me to where I am today,” she said. “My parents, my friends and my family sacrificed a lot for me to come to Oklahoma State, so getting to wear the orange gown is going to be a really unique opportunity not only for me, but also for the family and community that has supported me throughout this experience.”