MIAP graduates take OSU training, legacy worldwide

Monday, May 16, 2016

The Master’s in International Agriculture Program has continued to grow since its launch in 2008 with just four students. MIAP has now graduated more than 150 students in its short history, including 14 at last week’s Graduate College commencement.

“The program has gained recognition not only in Oklahoma but across the United States and internationally,” said Shida Henneberry, MIAP director and Regents Professor in the Department of Agricultural Economics. Each year MIAP attracts not only American students, but also international, including from Mexico where MIAP has dual degree programs with two universities. 

MIAP provides students with the background necessary to design, implement, and manage agricultural programs in developed and developing areas. According to Henneberry, MIAP is one of only five interdisciplinary graduate programs in international agriculture in the country.

Henneberry and Thomas Coon, vice president and dean of the Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, led a traditional hooding ceremony for MIAP graduates before their commencement. Coon reminded the graduates that the field they are entering has a rich history at OSU.

“You are part of a tradition here that goes back many decades to our roots in international agriculture working in Ethiopia,” Coon said. “When OSU was Oklahoma A&M, the model for what became the U.S. Agency for International Development began here with our work in Ethiopia.”

MIAP 2016 graduate Gabriella Bragoli continues the university’s efforts in Africa through her thesis research on entrepreneurial training, sustainable agriculture and ag education. This summer she travels to Uganda as a Nobel/MIAP Fellow. Through her research, Bragoli has followed the progress of several African entrepreneurs and noted the similarities in the goals of her research participants.

“They come from different backgrounds but share a common goal to not only better themselves but also the communities in which they work,” said Bragoli, who is from Chico, California. “They want to see long-lasting change.”

Katy Krshka, also a 2016 graduate, said the program has opened doors for her and set the stage for her career in agriculture. Krshka, from Yukon, Oklahoma, was a member of the OSU equestrian team and in 2015 was named the OSU Female Scholar/Athlete of the Year while a MIAP student.

“This program has given us the opportunity to become advocates for the agriculture industry we love and share that passion with others around the world,” Krshka said.

Hooding ceremony speaker and OSU alumna Anne Greenwood told the MIAP students they have an opportunity to represent their alma mater no matter where they go in the world.

“I have a great love of OSU and especially for the students,” Greenwood said. “As you work throughout the world you’re not only representing yourself, but you’re representing all OSU graduates.”

Learn more about the program at http://miap.okstate.edu.

PHOTOS:  https://www.flickr.com/photos/ostatenews/sets/72157665891091174/with/26895282562