The Oklahoma State University Ferguson College of Agriculture recognized six second-year students for their academic performance, service, campus involvement and achievements during their freshman year.
Ty Jones was named the 2026 Charles and Magda Browning Outstanding Freshman. Additionally, Sawyer Beggs, Sophia De Leon, Josie Jennings, Alexa Smieja and Callen Veit were recognized with Freshman Excellence Awards.
“While each of these students’ journeys is unique, they share a common commitment to excellence and engagement,” said Dr. Cynda Clary, associate dean of academic programs. “They have embraced the opportunities available through the Ferguson College, excelled in the classroom and developed as leaders. We are proud to recognize their achievements and look forward to the impact they will make in the future.”
Ty Jones
Ty Jones is an animal science major from Scottsville, Kentucky. During his first year at OSU, he became actively involved in numerous student organizations, including Aggie-X, Block and Bridle, the Meat Science Association, Oklahoma Collegiate Cattlemen’s Association and the Swine Club.
His interest in livestock production and meat science led him to become an undergraduate assistant in the OSU Meats Lab and pursue research as a Freshman Research Scholar. Through this experience, he investigated the effects of freezing and thawing cycles on the tenderness of fresh pork loins and presented his findings at both the Freshman Research Scholars Symposium and the OSU Undergraduate Research Symposium. Jones also competed on the Meat Science Quiz Bowl Team, where he strengthened his knowledge of the industry while developing teamwork, communication and leadership skills.
“My first year at OSU helped me become more confident in myself and my abilities,” he said. “The Ferguson College has provided opportunities, relationships and experiences that will continue to shape me long after college, and I am grateful for the impact it has already had on my life.”
Sawyer Beggs
Sawyer Beggs, from Sims, Arkansas, is majoring in agricultural communications and agribusiness. A first-generation college student, Beggs quickly found his place in the Ferguson College through involvement in Collegiate Farm Bureau, Oklahoma Collegiate Cattlemen’s Association and the OSU Student Government Association.
His experiences led to his selection as a Ferguson College Global Engagement Leader for the 2026-27 academic year and a communications internship with the U.S. House Committee on Natural Resources in Washington, D.C., which he completed in summer 2026.
“I realized we are not defined by a title, award or accomplishment, but by the work we put in, the effort we give and the relationships we build along the way,” Beggs said. “When I stopped constantly looking ahead and started investing in the people, opportunities and moments around me, college became much more meaningful.”
Sophia De Leon
Sophia De Leon is a biochemistry and molecular biology major from Tulsa. During her first year at OSU, she became involved in organizations including the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Association, Health Occupations Students of America and the Minority Association of Pre-Med Students, while also conducting research under Dr. Xia Lei, associate professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.
De Leon was admitted early to OSU’s College of Osteopathic Medicine through the Freshman Med Bound Program and currently serves as the AgriTalks: Global Perspectives chair for the Global Engagement Leaders. She is passionate about research, medicine and creating opportunities for students to learn about international agriculture.
“My first year as a Ferguson College student taught me that the faculty and staff truly want students to succeed,” De Leon said. “However, you will only get as far as you want to. So, take every opportunity you can and make the most of it.”
Josie Jennings
Josie Jennings is an agribusiness and agricultural communications major from Springfield, Ohio. Throughout her first year, she pursued opportunities that combined her interests in agriculture, communications and policy, including serving on the Oklahoma AgCredit Student Board, competing on the Aggie-X Quiz Bowl Team and working with Shannon Ferrell, professor in the Department of Agricultural Economics, on farm transition projects.
Additionally, Jennings gained hands-on experience through photographing the OSU Ranch Horse Team at competitions and attending the Commodity Classic Conference through Agriculture Future of America. She recently concluded an internship with the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry.
“The most valuable growth from my first year was personal,” Jennings said. “Being surrounded by high-achieving students challenged me to learn from those around me while becoming more confident in myself. The Ferguson College showed me that success is not just about achievement, but about who you are becoming in the process.”
Alexa Smieja
Alexa Smieja, from Belgrade, Montana, is pursuing degrees in agricultural education and agricultural leadership. During her freshman year, she immersed herself in college involvement through Collegiate FFA, Agricultural Leadership Club, Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow, Agronomy Club and Swine Club. Through these organizations, Smieja expanded her leadership skills, built meaningful connections and challenged herself to grow beyond her comfort zone while balancing a full schedule of academic and extracurricular commitments.
Now a sophomore, Smieja serves as a Freshmen in Transition Student Academic Mentor and represents the Agronomy Club on the Ferguson College of Agriculture Student Council, applying the leadership skills she developed during her first year at OSU.
“Being the first person in my family to pursue out-of-state education has been as rewarding as it has been challenging,” Smieja said. “I have had the chance to explore a new state, new traditions and new ideas. Being at OSU and a part of the Ferguson Family helped me get through the hard parts and reminded me of all the reasons I chose this path for myself, and for that I am forever thankful.”
Callen Veit
Callen Veit is an agribusiness major from Stillwater. Throughout his time at OSU, Veit has participated in Aggie-X, led his fraternity pledge class as president and served on the Ferguson College of Agriculture Freshmen and Transfer Council. He said his involvement on the council challenged him to listen more intentionally, work effectively with others and develop leadership skills that continue to serve him both in and out of the classroom.
Veit has paired his academic interests with professional experience as a legal assistant at Ellis & Ellis Law, where he assists with legal research and case preparation. The experience has provided valuable insight into how legal and business principles shape the agricultural industry and has further fueled his interest in pursuing a career in agricultural law.
“Coming into the Ferguson College of Agriculture, I expected to gain knowledge in my field of study, but what I did not anticipate was how quickly I would be challenged to grow and step into roles that would shape who I am and who I want to become,” Veit said.