Bringing the World Within Reach: Series facilitates global connections for students
Friday, December 19, 2025
Media Contact: Sophia Fahleson | Digital Communications Specialist | 405-744-7063 | sophia.fahleson@okstate.edu
An Agricultural Hall classroom is filled with students eager to hear real-world experiences from a guest speaker. Immersed in global agriculture, students are transported to another region of the world without ever leaving the building.
The AgriTalks: Global Perspectives series, hosted by Ferguson College of Agriculture’s Global Engagement Leaders, aims to engage the college’s community with global agricultural topics, said Arakssi Arshakian, Ferguson College of Agriculture student engagement and international experiences director.
AgriTalks: Global Perspectives series began in Fall 2024 as a way for students to broaden their understanding of global agriculture, Arshakian said. This was developed into a recurring series each semester, connecting classroom learning with global agricultural practices, challenges and opportunities, she added.
Speakers are selected during weekly meetings by the Global Engagement Leaders, said Samantha Buie, Global Engagement Leaders’ president and horticulture senior. The committee considers faculty and industry professionals who bring experiences from around the world, she added.
The series also bridges the gap between global agriculture development and study abroad, Buie said.
“We want students to understand the importance of global agriculture without having to go abroad because we understand not everybody can,” Buie said.
Guest speakers provide students with valuable insights and expand their understanding of global agriculture, she added.
“AgriTalks brings in a lot of different perspectives, exposing you to different areas within agriculture,” said Monica Ferris, Global Engagement Leaders’ marketing coordinator and agribusiness and agricultural communications senior.
“This is what makes AgriTalks so exciting,” Ferris said. “There are so many things I previously did not know, and it is exciting to walk away curious and wanting to learn more.”
Students often leave with fresh perspectives and an appreciation for the global aspects of agriculture, said Karleigh Erramouspe, AgriTalks: Global Perspectives attendee and agricultural communications sophomore.
“It was a great way to step out of my bubble and meet other individuals,” Erramouspe said.
At a Fall 2025 session, Liberty Galvin, plant and soil sciences assistant professor, shared her master’s research in international agriculture. Drawing experiences from both OSU and Njala University in Sierra Leone, she explored how extension tools can be adapted and applied in diverse agricultural settings.
Galvin, who is also an OSU Extension weed science specialist, spoke about adapting community engagement initiatives worldwide. Erramouspe, who attended Galvin’s talk this fall, said she remembered a story Galvin told about creating a water filter in Sierra Leone.
“Galvin’s experience was a great reminder to work hard, dream big and to not live in fear of failure, because failing is ultimately part of the process and the pathway to success,” Erramouspe said.
“We wanted to bring the cultural aspect of the world to the U.S. for students to experience the differences in agriculture,” said Jayson Lopez, Global Engagement Leaders’ vice president and animal science senior.
Looking ahead, Global Engagement Leaders plan to continue growing the series by inviting speakers from within and outside OSU, Lopez said.
The series offers an opportunity for students, faculty and staff to learn from experts and each other through meaningful conversations, inspiring individuals to make a positive impact wherever they go, Arshakian said.
Global Engagement Leaders also aim to incorporate global agricultural topics that connect with nearly every major within the Ferguson College of Agriculture, making the series relevant and engaging for a broader range of students, she added.
Creating opportunities for students to explore the world, build connections and deepen their understanding of global agriculture reflects the true impact of the series, Arshakian said.
Story by Emily McGough | Cowboy Journal