OSU Agriculture names 2025 Champions
Tuesday, June 24, 2025
Media Contact: Mandy Gross | Sr. Manager of Strategic and VP Communications | 405-744-4063 | mandy.gross@okstate.edu
Oklahoma State University will honor two individuals this fall who have demonstrated a commitment to agricultural sciences and natural resources.
Thomas and Rhonda Coon are the 2025 Champion for OSU Agriculture Award recipients. They will be recognized during the OSU Agriculture Honors ceremony on Oct. 3.
“Tom and Rhonda exemplify the core values and mission of OSU Agriculture,” said Jayson Lusk, vice president and dean of OSU Agriculture. “Their dedication to advancing science-based research and improving the quality of life for Oklahomans reflects the rich tradition and enduring impact of our land-grant mission. We are proud to honor their achievements and celebrate their lasting contributions.”
Tom Coon earned a Bachelor of Arts in Biology from Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, and a Master of Science and doctorate in Ecology from the University of California, Davis.
He began his career as an assistant professor of fisheries and wildlife at the University of Missouri. He then worked as an assistant professor and associate professor of fisheries and wildlife at Michigan State University before becoming a full professor.
Tom Coon also served as the director of Michigan State University Extension before assuming a leadership role as vice president and dean of OSU Agriculture in July 2014.
He was the driving force behind New Frontiers, a capital campaign to raise funds for a $115 million new state-of-the-art facility for OSU Agriculture.
In addition, he was successful in creating a series of on-campus infrastructure investments, accomplished by external fundraising, agency funds and university buy-in. These included the Charles and Linda Cline Equine Teaching Center, Greenhouse Learning Center, Ferguson Family Dairy Center, Dr. Raymond Sidwell Research Facility, Oklahoma Foundation Seed Stocks Building, Animal Nutrition and Physiology Center and more.
After nine years of dedicated service, visionary leadership to OSU Agriculture, and support from wife Rhonda, Tom Coon retired on July 10, 2023.
While at OSU, the Coons were strong mentors for faculty, staff and students. As a result, members of the Cowboy family endowed the Coon Family Study Abroad Endowed Scholarship to honor Tom and Rhonda’s passion for student study abroad experiences through the Ferguson College of Agriculture.
Rhonda Coon grew up on a beef and grain farm in northwest Iowa. She was active in 4-H for 10 years, culminating in serving as a state 4-H officer from 1973-74.
She graduated from Iowa State University before serving as the county 4-H youth agent in Plymouth County, Iowa. She eventually became the executive director of the Iowa 4-H Foundation.
With more than 25 years of professional experience in alumni relations and fundraising, Rhonda Coon connected with alumni and friends of Iowa State University and Michigan State University before her move to Oklahoma. At OSU, she helped organize and host events in support of OSU Agriculture programs.
Shortly after retiring, Tom and Rhonda Coon moved back to Michigan to be close to family and were elected to the Michigan 4-H Foundation board of trustees in 2023 for a three-year term. They have been dedicated supporters and donors to 4-H in Michigan, Iowa and Oklahoma.
Established in 2011, the Champion for OSU Agriculture Award recognizes individuals who are not graduates of the Ferguson College of Agriculture but have brought distinction to the OSU Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources.
The division comprises the Ferguson College of Agriculture and two state agencies: OSU Extension and OSU Ag Research.
Learn more about Tom and Rhonda Coon by visiting OSU Agriculture Honors online.