By now, backpacks equipped with orange bandanas and teal pins have become a familiar sight across Oklahoma State University’s campus.

The bandanas and pins identify Cowboys Care ambassadors — students, faculty and staff who are trained to connect people experiencing mental health issues to OSU’s numerous resources.

The Cowboys Care program, which began last year under the leadership of First Cowgirl Angela Hess, welcomed 276 new ambassadors on Tuesday. Each new ambassador completed an online Question, Persuade, Refer training, which equipped them with the tools and resources needed to guide individuals to OSU’s mental health resources.

For many ambassadors, this program is an opportunity to use their own experiences to assist their peers.

“My favorite part is saying, ‘you're not alone,’” said Destiny Duggins, a current Cowboys Care ambassador. “‘I've been through something comparable to what you've been through, and I get it. But there's help here.’”

At the ceremony, Hess shared her family’s mental health journey. Struggling at a time when mental health was taboo led her to become a devoted advocate for those who suffer in silence.

This inspired her to begin the Cowboys Care movement.

“I have overcome because of the support of people like all of you who locked arms with me and said, ‘I see you, I hear you, I will support you,’” she said to the new ambassadors. “So, to say that I thank you is an incredible understatement. You all are making a difference in the lives of students across this campus.”

Since it began in the fall of 2025, Cowboys Care has raised $106,300, gained 690 ambassadors and helped countless people across campus. This widespread engagement and support reflects the Cowboy family’s readiness to rally around those who may be struggling.

Cowboys Care ambassadors have a particular dedication to this cause.

“To be an ambassador is to actively seek out those in need, to notice those quiet struggles, and do everything we can to make sure those people are seen, understood and helped,” said Cooper P. Brandy, vice president of Cowboys Care. “When we wear the bandana, we're not just donning memorabilia. We're stepping forward as a beacon to others. We're letting everybody know we’re here to walk with them. Together, we can find strength.”

On Tuesday, the movement did not just gain 276 new bandanas and pins. It gained 276 new ways for OSU students, faculty and staff to find strength and healing.

Story By: Adrienne Frye | adrienne.frye@okstate.edu