The Oklahoma State University Ferguson College of Agriculture Alumni Society Board recently recognized Jeremy Bennett with the Early Career Achievement Award.

“Even though my name is on this award, it reflects the professors, mentors and staff who invested in my education and opened doors for me,” Bennett said. “Receiving the Early Career Achievement Award is deeply meaningful because the Ferguson College is where my professional foundation was built.”

Bennett earned his bachelor’s degree in environmental science in 2011 and his master’s degree in agricultural economics in 2013. During his time at OSU, he was actively involved in the Environmental Science Club, the Student Academic Mentor Program and OSU’s tailgate recycling program. As a graduate student, he served as a graduate teaching assistant for AG 1011, the introductory agriculture course where many students begin their Ferguson College experience.

AG 1011 also played a meaningful role in Bennett’s personal life.

“That class is where I met my wife,” Bennett said. “It eventually became part of our family story and even inspired the name of a small wedding business we started, 10eleven Coordinating & Creations.”

Bennett pursued opportunities that broadened his perspective and strengthened his leadership skills. He studied abroad in China, participated in a summer program at Cambridge, United Kingdom, and lived in Ethiopia for three months as an Oklahoma State University goodwill ambassador. Bennett also spent two summers in Washington, D.C., working on agriculture and Native American policy while completing coursework at American University.

“These experiences helped me see how agriculture, policy and public service intersect and ultimately shaped the path I’ve followed ever since,” Bennett said.

Bennett credits his coursework in agricultural policy and faculty mentorship for preparing him for a career in public policy and regulation.

“My agricultural policy coursework prepared me more than anything else for a decade-plus career in policy and regulation,” Bennett said. “Classes and mentorship by Dr. Larry Sanders, Dr. Shannon Ferrell and Dr. Jody Campiche gave me a strong foundation in how policy is designed, implemented and evaluated, and how it impacts industries, communities and markets.”

After graduation, Bennett served as a district field representative and Oklahoma agriculture liaison for Congressman Frank Lucus during the implementation of the 2014 Farm Bill.

Today, Bennett serves as Avangrid’s manager of policy, regulations and markets within the Midcontinent Independent System Operator footprint, the regional electric grid operator serving 15 Midwest states. In this role, he develops regulatory and market strategy across wholesale power markets and works with regional transmission organizations, state regulators and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to track policy developments and translate them into strategic opportunities for energy infrastructure and investment.

Bennett continues to support the Ferguson College of Agriculture as an engaged alumnus. He previously served on the college’s Alumni Society Board of Directors, including a term as president, and helped lead initiatives such as the Access Tour, which highlighted Oklahoma agricultural operations and rural communities for alumni.

“Ferguson College invested in me early, and I believe deeply in the land-grant mission of developing leaders who serve their communities,” Bennett said. “That’s why I continue to give back through mentorship, service and supporting the next generation of Ferguson students.”

Story By: Elisabeth Moser | elmoser@okstate.edu