Oklahoma State University honored an exceptional group of individuals who have brought distinction to the Ferguson College of Agriculture and demonstrated a continuous commitment to agricultural sciences and natural resources.

OSU Agriculture, comprised of the Ferguson College of Agriculture and two state agencies – OSU Extension and OSU Ag Research – held an Honors ceremony on Oct. 16 to recognize the recipients of the 2026 Distinguished Alumni and Champion for OSU Agriculture awards.

“The Ferguson College of Agriculture Distinguished Alumni and Champion for OSU Agriculture Award recipients exemplify the dedication, leadership and generosity that strengthen our land-grant mission,” said Jayson Lusk, vice president and dean of OSU Agriculture. “We were honored to recognize these outstanding individuals during the OSU Ag Honors ceremony and celebrate the lasting impact they have on our students, faculty and programs. Their support helps advance transformative initiatives across OSU Agriculture, including the Agronomy Discovery Center, the Beef Center of Excellence and the modernization of the Robert M. Kerr Food and Agricultural Products Center, ensuring we continue to provide world-class teaching, research and Extension programs that serve Oklahoma.”

Joe Caughlin of Tonkawa, Oklahoma; Marc Conrady of Anthony, Kansas; Claudia Humphreys of Stillwater, Oklahoma; Randy Ratliff of Glencoe, Oklahoma; and Mark Shaw of Canyon, Texas, were honored as the 2026 Distinguished Alumni Award recipients.

The Distinguished Alumni Award was established in 1983 to recognize individuals who serve as role models for current and future Ferguson College of Agriculture students.

Mark Vaughan of Oklahoma City was honored as the 2026 Champion for OSU Agriculture.

Established in 2011, the Champion for OSU Agriculture Award recognizes individuals who are not graduates of the Ferguson College of Agriculture but have made significant contributions to the division.

Lyndall Stout, OSU Agriculture Office of Communications and Marketing senior director and host of the television show “SUNUP,” served as the event’s master of ceremonies.

“The OSU Ag Honors ceremony is truly my favorite night of the year because it gives us the opportunity to celebrate the people whose leadership, service and support have made a lasting difference for OSU Agriculture,” Stout said. “One of the most meaningful parts of the evening is sharing the videos that tell each honoree’s story. These videos bring their accomplishments to life in a powerful way, helping our audience understand not only what they have achieved, but also the impact they have had on our students, programs and the future of agriculture. It’s always inspiring to see those stories unfold and to recognize the individuals behind them.”

The 2026 honorees received custom-designed commemorative buckles in recognition of their achievement.

In addition, the presenting sponsor for the event was the Dean’s Advisory Council.

“We extend our appreciation to the Dean’s Advisory Council for serving as the presenting sponsor and stepping up to help fund our event,” Lusk said. “We are thankful for their continued generosity and commitment to honoring excellence within OSU Agriculture.”

Visit OSU Agriculture Honors to learn more about this year’s honorees and past recipients of the Distinguished Alumni and Champion for OSU Agriculture awards. The video features of the 2026 honorees will also air over the next few months on "SUNUP," which airs at 7:30 a.m. on Saturdays and 6 a.m. on Sundays, on OETA across Oklahoma.

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