College of Education and Human Sciences honors seven 2025 Outstanding Seniors

Tuesday, April 15, 2025

Media Contact: Kirsi McDowell | Communications Coordinator | 405-744-8320 | kirsi@okstate.edu

The Oklahoma State University College of Education and Human Sciences has recognized seven Outstanding Seniors for 2025.

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. 

The Outstanding Seniors will be honored in a reception on April 23.

Chloe Behrends, from Mendon, Michigan, is an aerospace administration and operations student with an option as a professional pilot and minors in aviation security and marketing. Behrends is considered a valuable asset to OSU Aviation, serving as a student dispatcher, maintaining master flight schedules, and managing the unit’s social media presence. She is an active member of the Flying Aggies and the OSU Chapter of Women in Aviation International. As a first-generation pilot committed to her own high standards, Behrends intends to be an OSU flight instructor upon graduating until she has obtained her required flight hours, allowing her to become a pilot for Delta Airlines and serve in a marketing and recruiting role. 

Advice from Chloe: “College goes by so quickly! These are some of the best experiences of your life, so take advantage of every opportunity and don't be too hard on yourself.”

 

Kenzlee Camp, from Broken Bow, Oklahoma, is a human development and family sciences student with a concentration in family and consumer sciences education. Maintaining a 4.0 GPA, Camp’s academic excellence has been solidified by her designation to the President’s Honor Roll, participation in the Honors College program and selection for numerous scholarships. She has served in several leadership roles in a Panhellenic Sorority, in the Student Government Association, President’s Leadership Council, and as a co-facilitator for Say Yes to FCS Day at OSU. Camp says her studies, preparation and involvement are all for the benefit of her future students as she pursues her passion in becoming a leading educator in family and consumer sciences. 

Advice from Kenzlee: “Find balance. Many of my achievements in college happened outside of the traditional classroom setting. I would tell my freshman self to work hard in class and strive for academic excellence, but also make time for the things you are passionate about and be willing to explore new opportunities. You never know until you try!”

Aryn Johnson of Bentonville, Arkansas, is a public health student with an option in community health and a minor in emergency management. Johnson notably served as a Congressional Intern during the summer of 2024 for the U.S. House of Representatives. In addition, Johnson has participated in an internship practicum with the Indian Health Service, allowing her to apply her learned skills to a real-world setting and reaffirming her passion for serving communities through public health. Beginning her academic career as a member of the Freshman Research Scholars program, Johnson has found a calling to serve others and make a lasting impact in healthcare with a holistic view, taking into consideration individual patient care needs as well as social determinants that shape systemic health care. 

Advice from Aryn: “Don’t be afraid to forge your own path. It’s okay to take a route that looks different from others—what matters most is that it aligns with your passions and values. Take every opportunity that excites you, but remember that balance is key; growth doesn’t come from being overwhelmed. You’ll face challenges and make mistakes, but those moments will shape you—how you respond will define your strength and character. Most importantly, stay true to yourself, chase your dreams unapologetically and never let others define your potential.”

Taylor Johnson, from Grove, Oklahoma, is a double major in secondary education and mathematics. Johnson is an Honors College student who has co-authored a research paper published in the “Journal of Mathematical Behavior.” During her time at OSU, she has served in leadership roles in the Student Government Association and President’s Leadership Council, and she has held positions with the LASSO Center and OSU Math Department. Johnson has participated in study abroad opportunities for business colloquium in Austria, Hungary and Slovakia, as well as music and culture in Italy and Greece. After graduation, Johnson will pursue a master’s degree in pure mathematics at OSU before teaching high school geometry, with long-term goals of a career in higher education or curriculum development. 

Advice from Taylor: “I would share the same advice I was given — you're not called to be busy; you're called to be fruitful. As much as I love hustle and bustle and academic success, it's really important to remember that you aren't doing things for the sake of being busy. Being intentional with how you spend your time and making sure you do things for yourself outside of class will serve you far better than just being absorbed in work. I'd say it helps make those wins even sweeter and gives you so much more to remember fondly!”

Jenna Warneke, from Grand Prairie, Texas, is a student in the Department of Design and Merchandising who will continue her academic career at OSU pursuing her master’s degree in interior design. Warneke stands out to her professors for her critical thinking, creativity and ability to deeply engage with complex concepts. During her undergraduate career, she has co-authored several conference presentations and journal submissions on topics such as culturally sensitive design, indoor air quality, and luminance comparisons in university lounges. Warneke is a student chapter member of the Environmental Design Research Association, U.S. Green Building Council, International Interior Design Association, American Society of Interior Design and International Facilities Management Association and serves as vice president of the OSU Native American Student Association and is a student leader for the Center for Sovereign Nations. After completing her master’s degree, Warneke plans to work for a design firm specializing in tribal nation design so that she can give back to her community.

Advice from Jenna: “Don’t give up. Your grades don’t define you. Let your passion and heart lead you through your academic journey, and trust that you’re capable of more than you think. Lean on your community and be the community for others. Embrace your differences because that’s what makes you special.”

Faith Wood, from Amarillo, Texas, is a recreation therapy student in the school of kinesiology, applied health and recreation. Wood is currently completing her clinical rotation as a student therapist for children and adolescents at Mustang Public Schools. Beyond her academic achievements, she has participated in volunteer opportunities with Turning Point Rance, Lions Meadows of Hope and the Andera Foundation in Ethiopia. Wood has provided community-based recreational therapy to individuals with Parkinson’s disease as a member of a research team, of which she has presented findings at the OSU Research Symposium, the American Therapeutic Recreation Association’s annual conference in St. Louis, and the Oklahoma Recreational Therapy Association annual conference. Through her coursework and research efforts, she has gained a passion for helping children and hopes to provide recreational therapy to those with behavioral and mental health diagnoses.

 

Advice from Faith: “Don’t be hesitant about jumping right in! Opportunities are everywhere, and it is okay to try new things.”