Bravo! Bravo! OSU Agriculture IT team earns inaugural Bravo award for pioneering technology
Wednesday, May 21, 2025
Media Contact: Sophia Fahleson | Digital Communications Specialist | 405-744-7063 | sophia.fahleson@okstate.edu
Behind every groundbreaking project is a team whose hard work might go unnoticed.
In December 2024, the OSU Agriculture Information Technology Team received the inaugural Bravo Award for their preparation and ability to execute the technology plans for the new Agricultural Hall, a key facility to research and education.
The team, however, was unaware they would receive an award.
“It was a surreal moment because it was a huge surprise for all of us when our names were called to receive the Bravo Award,” said Mike Rasmussen, OSU Agriculture IT manager.
IT teams are not used to having the spotlight on them, he added. Team members like to stay behind the computer and receive satisfaction from positive feedback from faculty and staff, he added.
The Bravo Award recognized the OSU Agriculture IT team for their behind-the-scenes contributions that made Agricultural Hall operational, said Jayson Lusk, vice president and dean of OSU Agriculture.
“The work included new technologies that advanced the educational opportunities for students,” said Dwayne Hunter, senior director of OSU Agriculture IT.
The planning process to implement the technology infrastructure was monumental because of the timeliness of the project, Lusk said.
“We were tasked with integrating technology that wasn’t used anywhere else on campus,” Hunter said. “It was a big challenge, but also it was a huge opportunity for us.
“We had to ensure every system worked seamlessly and met the needs of both the faculty and students,” he added. “It was groundbreaking for our division, and it set a new standard for the kinds of tools we can provide.”
The IT team got a first look at the building before moving technology to allow the team to approach this project appropriately, Hunter said.
Faculty members had visions and goals they wanted to meet in the new building regarding technology, Rasmussen said.
“We really listened to the faculty about what they needed in the new space,” Rasmussen said. “The five new computer labs were designed with that feedback in mind, and they are equipped with more advanced technology than ever before.”
OSU Agriculture includes more than 150 faculty members, and each one has computers, monitors, and often multiple devices. For those moving into the new building, this technology had to be relocated and set up in a timely way, Lusk said.
The challenge was not only moving the equipment but also ensuring the software functioned as seamlessly as it did before, Hunter said.
The new computer labs needed to operate correctly — including a new agricultural communications classroom where Cowboy Journal is produced — and required entirely new systems, he added.
This meant installing new computers, loading applications, and ensuring everything was properly set up, Lusk said.
Despite the challenge, Hunter and Rasmussen had a solid team to support each other, Lusk said. Each person had a pivotal role, he added.
Rasmussen was entrusted in setting up the computer labs, Hunter said. Other team members prepared faculty suites and huddle rooms.
“Everyone had a clear role,” Hunter said. “Each person took ownership of their area. The real sense of teamwork made all the difference.”
This dedication and teamwork brought about the surprise recognition, which the team received at the 2024 Annual Employee Appreciation Awards Luncheon.
“We had no idea we were even getting the award,” Rasmussen said. “Dwayne Hunter just asked us to come to the luncheon, which is normal, so it took us completely by surprise.”
Lusk knew the importance of recognizing IT’s contributions, he said.
“The Bravo Award is a way to say thank you and job well done,” Lusk said. “I don’t think we do enough of that at times. Certainly, when we step back and think about the individuals or groups who are deserving of an extra pat on the back, IT was the first to come to mind.”
Hunter was a bit uneasy about going on stage to receive the award, he said, but pleased because he felt the team’s efforts were appreciated.
“I think to have that tangible recognition allows us to feel what we’ve done is valued,” Hunter said. “It shows the effort and energy we spent on the project was worth it.”
With the Bravo Award now established, the OSU Agriculture IT team has set an example for departments and other college to follow, Rasmussen said.
“Recognizing exceptional work helps set standards for excellence,” Hunter said. “It is a reminder that behind every successful project, there’s often a team making it all possible.”
Story by Elena Santiago | Cowboy Journal