Crosswhite honored with award for Excellence in Undergraduate Student Advising and Mentoring
Friday, May 12, 2023
Media Contact: Kristin Knight | Agricultural Communications Services | 405-744-1130 | kristin.knight@okstate.edu
Mellissa Crosswhite, instructor in the OSU Department of Animal and Food Sciences, was recognized with the award for Excellence in Undergraduate Student Advising and Mentoring at the Ferguson College of Agriculture Scholarship and Awards Banquet in March.
Crosswhite’s two primary responsibilities are teaching and advising undergraduate students, focusing on freshmen and sophomores.
"Her students love her advice and mentoring so much that there is always some sadness when they become juniors and have to leave her,” said Richard Coffey, animal and food sciences department head.
In addition to her heavy advising load, Crosswhite teaches four courses each school year. She uses both beginning-of-semester and mid-semester surveys to learn about her students and to give them an opportunity to contribute to the learning styles that will be used in class.
“I always try to keep an open mind. We have a variety of students with different backgrounds, and going in with an open mind helps you to meet students where they’re at,” she said.
Crosswhite is the faculty advisor for the Beta Psi Chapter of the Sigma Alpha Sorority and the Oklahoma Collegiate Cattlemen’s Association and co-advisor for the Leaders of Excellence in Animal and Food Sciences. She routinely represents the department at student recruitment activities, and she supports the department’s student development efforts by providing weekly internship bulletins for students to help them with career preparation.
“Dr. Crosswhite has a passion for the students she advises and provides valuable support to help them make the transition from high school to college life,” said Cynda Clary, associate dean of the Ferguson College of Agriculture.
Crosswhite hosts numerous recruitment meetings with prospective students and their families throughout the year and is a valuable member of several departmental committees that impact students. She has also authored or coauthored six teaching-related, scientific abstracts.
Crosswhite said with students, she tries to be “in their corner” no matter what they are doing.
“I think that’s part of my job, whether they’re changing their major or having a hard time in classes. It’s about helping them through it. Many times, students just need someone to listen to them,” she said.
Crosswhite, a native of Florida, said she grew up surrounded by agriculture.
“I wanted a livestock job to pay for my livestock habit,” she said.
She started out studying to be a veterinarian and realized quickly that was not the path she wanted to take.
“I took different classes that showed me that I liked education a lot,” she said. “At the time, I had no interest in teaching. That was never really a career path I was going to go into until I got into my master’s degree. I really felt at home and fell in love with teaching and the students.”
Crosswhite said what she likes most about advising students is getting to know them.
“I have forged lasting relationships with so many students,” she said. “Receiving this award means a lot. I really put my heart and soul into advising, and it’s an honor to be recognized and to have people notice that what I do means something.”
The Ferguson College of Agriculture emphasizes hands-on learning and prioritizes 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 a diverse set of majors and study options, plus more than 60 student organizations, the college is committed to expanding minds and inspiring purpose. Learn more at agriculture.okstate.edu.
Written by Alisa Boswell-Gore