College of Education and Human Sciences honors Outstanding Seniors for 2024

Friday, April 12, 2024

Media Contact: Christy Lang | Manager, Marketing and Communications | 405-744-9740 | christy.lang@okstate.edu

The Oklahoma State University College of Education and Human Sciences is pleased to recognize seven Outstanding Seniors for 2024.

Representing the top 1% of the college, these individuals were selected by their school or department for the prestigious honor based on their commitment to OSU’s land-grant mission through exceptional leadership, campus involvement, academic achievement and professional development related to career goals.

Each Outstanding Senior will receive a commemorative stole to wear at graduation and receive their first year of membership in the OSU Alumni Association at no cost thanks to the generosity of the College of Education and Human Sciences Alumni Society. 

Cara York, from Muskogee, Oklahoma, is a design and merchandising major with an option in fashion merchandising. York represents the program as a dedicated student with a 4.0 GPA. She spent a semester abroad in Florence, Italy, in the Fashion Design, Marketing and Merchandising program at the prestigious Lorenzo de’ Medici International Institute. York has spent her time at OSU serving her college as a student leader in roles such as CEHS Ambassador and CEHS Student Council vice president.

Mia Feehan, from Tulsa, is a public health major with an option in exercise and health. Feehan has maintained a 4.0 GPA while gaining practical experience as a Peer Health Educator with the Take Control Initiative, educating on reproductive health topics. She also works as a nurse tech at Saint Francis Joint Replacement Center, providing patient care and support. Her certifications from the American Red Cross and American Heart Association further demonstrate her commitment to health care. Outside of academics, Feehan serves as the president of the OSU-Tulsa Health Promotions Club and is a member of the President’s Leadership Society.

Tara Bartley, from Stillwater, is an applied exercise science major with an option in strength and conditioning. Bartley is an exceptional student with a 4.0 GPA, actively involved in research. As an undergraduate research assistant in the Musculoskeletal Adaptations to Aging and Exercise Lab, she applies her studies and technical knowledge to her interests. Bartley is working on an honors thesis project investigating the relationship between past sports participation and the risk of low energy availability in collegiate athletes. Bartley’s involvement outside of academics as a dance instructor, and active member of Pi Beta Phi sorority and the Sports Medicine Club, show her dedication to learning through experience.

Emma Dunnigan, from Ponca City, Oklahoma, is an aerospace administration and operations major with an option in aerospace security. Throughout her time at OSU, Dunnigan has applied her studies as an honors student and exemplary leader of the OSU Flying Aggies. As an elected community outreach officer for the club, she has organized events to promote the advancement of aviation education. Dunnigan has also coordinated volunteer efforts of the club, increasing engagement and goodwill in the surrounding community. 

Marah Martinez, from Ringling, Oklahoma, is a nutritional sciences major with an option in dietetics. As an undergraduate research assistant, Martinez is examining the relationship between nutrient intake and health outcomes related to ultra-processed food consumption. Martinez has interned with the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program, aiding in nutrition assessments, counseling and education sessions. Martinez is an active member of several organizations on and outside of campus, including the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Oklahoma Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and the Oklahoma State Nutritional Sciences Club, as well as serving as a supplemental instructor for nutrition courses.

Leslie Rodriguez, from Tulsa, is a human development and family science major with an option in family and consumer sciences education. Rodriguez is pursuing teacher certification through coursework, exams and a clinical practice internship at Cushing High School. She is a residential partner for the Opportunity Orange Scholars program and works for the FCS State Extension Office. Rodriguez exemplifies leadership as president of the Oklahoma Association of FCS Student Unit and Chair of the AAFCS Student Unit. She is also actively involved in volunteering and judging FCCLA events.

Elizabeth Alcantar, from Edmond, Oklahoma, is an elementary education major. Alcantar has gained valuable teaching experience through classroom observations at the elementary and middle school levels, assisting students with subjects like math and collaborating with lead teachers. As a tutor at the OSU Reading and Mathematics Center, she assessed students' abilities, created personalized lesson plans and provided detailed progress reports. Alcantar’s additional experiences as a library assistant and teacher assistant have allowed her to develop skills in classroom management and organization. She is also a member of the American Sign Language Club and a Freshman Ambassador for the College of Education and Human Sciences.

Story By: Jillian Walker | jillian.walker@okstate.edu