Attendees of the 2023 Ferguson College of Agriculture Scholarship & Awards Banquet listen to a speaker. — More than 150 students were presented with scholarships worth over $1.8 million during the 2023 Ferguson College of Agriculture's Scholarship and Awards Banquet. Photo courtesy Agricultural Communications Services.

Ferguson College of Agriculture announces continuing student scholarships and awards at annual banquet

Friday, March 31, 2023

Media Contact: Jami Mattox | Agricultural Communications Services | 405-744-1884 | jami.mattox@okstate.edu

The Oklahoma State Ferguson College of Agriculture presented scholarships to more than 150 continuing students at the annual Ferguson College of Agriculture Scholarships and Awards Banquet on March 30.

The scholarships, made possible by the generosity of alumni, friends, faculty and staff, are part of the $1.8 million in total scholarships students will receive during the 2023-2024 academic year from the college and its academic departments.

Others recognized Thursday included students, faculty and staff for their accomplishments and contributions to the Ferguson College, as well as alumni for success in their respective industries.

“The banquet is our time to celebrate our outstanding students, faculty, staff and alumni for their hard work and accomplishments each year,” said Dr. Cynda Clary, associate dean of academic programs. “Through their broad collection of perspectives, experiences and contributions, these individuals reflect our college’s dedication to academics, leadership, research and service.”

Rio Bonham was named the 2023 Louis and Betty Gardner Outstanding Senior. Bonham is a biosystems engineering major from Tishomingo, Oklahoma.

The Ferguson College of Agriculture recognized 20 Seniors of Distinction. Of the 20, four were also honored with the Dean’s Award of Excellence (indicated by an * in the list below).

Natalie Battaglia — Okemah, Oklahoma — agricultural communications and animal science
Rio Bonham — Tishomingo, Oklahoma — biosystems engineering
Jerret Carpenter* — Poteau, Oklahoma — natural resource ecology and management and philosophy
Hunter Gibson — Glenpool, Oklahoma — agricultural communications
Roy Grant* — Muskogee, Oklahoma — agribusiness
Stephanie Gripp — Sheffield, Illinois — animal science
Tess Haddock — Stillwater — agricultural economics
Grace Harris — Horatio, Arkansas — animal science and food science
Cade Jenlink — Jet, Oklahoma — agribusiness
Hannah Kay Kirby — Buffalo Gap, Texas — agricultural communications
Bree Kisling — Enid, Oklahoma — agricultural communications
Hunter McConnell* — Owasso, Oklahoma — animal science
Chance McGill — Barnsdall, Oklahoma — agribusiness and agricultural communications
Hoyt Nebgen — Jacksboro, Texas — agricultural leadership and food science
Megan Newlon — Hugoton, Kansas — animal science and agricultural communications
Macy Rosselle — Adams, Oregon — agribusiness
Traber Smithson — Enid, Oklahoma — agribusiness
Kaitlin Taylor* — Milton, Tennessee — animal science and political science
Addison Wall — Lubbock, Texas — biochemistry and molecular biology
Jade Wilkinson — McKinney, Texas — animal science

Four Ferguson College faculty members were recognized for their teaching, advising and mentoring of undergraduate and graduate students. Their names, awards and academic departments are:

Shelly Legg, Excellence in Teaching, OSU Department of Agricultural Education, Communications and Leadership
Nathan Smith, Early Career Excellence in Teaching, OSU Department of Agricultural Education, Communications and Leadership
Craig Edwards, Excellence in Graduate Student Advising and Mentoring Award, OSU Department of Agricultural Education, Communications and Leadership
Mellissa Crosswhite, Excellence in Undergraduate Student Advising and Mentoring Award, OSU Department of Animal and Food Sciences

Two alumni of the college were recognized for their outstanding achievement and early success in their careers within the agricultural and natural resources industries. Their names and current careers are:

Cody Klein, landscape architecture B.S. ‘09, partner in business for East Coast division, OJB Landscape Architecture
Jerry May, plant and soil sciences B.S. ’08, plant and soil sciences M.S. ‘10, business owner, May Precision Ag, Ninja Ag and Stateline Precision Ag

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.