A Cowboy Crowned: Payne named Mr. OSU

Wednesday, May 3, 2023

Media Contact: Jordan Bishop | Editor, Department of Brand Management | 405-744-7193 | jordan.bishop@okstate.edu

Oklahoma State University students competed on Thursday for the Mr. OSU title in the annual  scholarship pageant hosted by the Student Union Activities Board. 

Four students competed for the title in the Student Union Theater, consisting of: Cameron Payne, a sophomore studying management information systems; Chance Green, a senior majoring in agricultural education; Cade Claggett, a freshman studying multimedia journalism; and Temitope (Tobi) Olopade, a senior studying mechanical and aerospace engineering. 

The event included a presentation of colors by OSU ROTC, a parade of candidates, on-stage questions that covered pertinent, global issues along with a talent portion that included musical performances and card tricks as well as an evening wear portion. 

At the end of the night, Payne was crowned the 2023 Mr. OSU. 

“I get to represent the greatest school in the land,” Payne said. “I couldn’t be happier.”  

The panel of three judges included OSU professor Bryson Baker, OSU hype man Les Thomas and Aly Akers, Miss OSU 2012 and the OSU twirling coordinator. Current Miss OSU Tatum Shelton served as the host. 

Payne was awarded a $500 scholarship and the runner-up, Claggett, was awarded a $225 scholarship. Olopade was awarded crowd favorite and received a $150 scholarship. 

“I thought this would be fun,” Claggett said.  “Just putting myself out there and I think Mr. OSU would be an amazing title and an honor and privilege to have.”

Story By: Olivia Trolinger | olivia.trolinger@okstate.edu