Five College of Education and Human Sciences students make Mortar Board’s Top 10 Freshmen List
Wednesday, October 18, 2023
Media Contact: Kirsi McDowell | Senior Communications Specialist | 405-744-9347 | kirsi@okstate.edu
The Oklahoma State University chapter of the Mortar Board national honor society has recognized the Top 10 Freshmen Men and Women for the Fall 2022 to Spring 2023 academic year.
The College of Education and Human Sciences is represented with two men and three women receiving the prestigious award.
Students in their sophomore year are eligible to apply and are selected based on their scholarship, outstanding leadership and community service efforts during their first year in college.
Top 10 Freshmen Men:
Jason (Jay) Heath — applied exercise science — Paris, Texas
During his freshman year, Heath held a variety of offices within the Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity, was a member of student organizations for his major, and participated in intramural sports including flag football and ultimate frisbee. In addition to campus involvement, Heath gave back to the local community through property clean-up efforts and provided coaching assistance for his hometown athletics department.
Justis James — nutritional sciences, option in pre-medical sciences — Eufaula, Oklahoma
James is a member of FarmHouse fraternity, was active in Into the Streets, a cast member in Freshman Follies and served as a member of First-Year Representative Council. In his spare time, he attended various Bible study groups and fellowship opportunities on and off campus.
“As I continue navigating through my remaining time here at OSU, I hope to live to serve others and always lend a helping hand.”
Top 10 Freshmen Women:
Virginia (Ginna) Buller — elementary education — Turpin, Oklahoma
During her freshman year, Buller was a member of President's Leadership Council, CEHS Ambassadors, the Emerging Leaders Alliance and served on the Student Union Activities Board. She was additionally a participant in many academic and athletic events.
Outside of school, she gave back to the community through organizations like Into the Streets, Our Daily Bread and Stillwater Life Services.
Callie Conyers — nutritional sciences, option in pre-medical science — Gruver, Texas
Conyers is a member of the Chi Omega sorority, the McKnight Scholars Leadership Program, the National Women’s Fraternity, the OSU Student Foundation and served in both the OSU Alumni and CEHS Ambassadors programs. Beyond her scholarly engagements, she also participated in numerous activities and gave her time to local philanthropies.
“Going into freshman year, I was worried about finding my place among our large student population. However, I knew the second that I stepped onto campus last fall that OSU was more than just where I would be for the next four years, it would be something that shaped the entirety of my life from that moment forward.”
Kate Dillon — nutritional sciences — Mustang, Oklahoma
In her freshman year, Dillon served as a member of President’s Leadership Council as well as the CEHS Student Council where she is now the Alumni and Community Engagement Officer. She was also a presenter at the Freshman and Undergraduate Research Symposiums and engaged in various events across campus. Dillon also volunteered her time to benefit local organizations.