The Oklahoma State University chapter of Alpha Zeta initiated 38 new members on Nov. 17. The organization is an honorary society for students and industry professionals in the agriculture and natural resources fields.

The OSU chapter in the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources was established in 1916 and recognizes students who excel in academics, as well as embody the organization’s mission of scholarship, leadership, integrity and service.

“Membership in Alpha Zeta honors and recognizes a student’s commitment to both academic excellence and service to others,” said Cynda Clary, Alpha Zeta co-advisor and CASNR associate dean of academic programs. “It is a privilege to work with Alpha Zeta members as they strive to make a positive difference at OSU and in their communities.”

To be invited to join Alpha Zeta, candidates must meet minimum GPA requirements and be an undergraduate student in CASNR. Candidates attend regular meetings and participate in community service projects throughout the year. This year’s new members will have the unique opportunity to organize and attend the 2017 National Agricultural Leadership Conference (NALC) and Conclave, hosted by the Oklahoma Alpha Zeta Chapter on the OSU campus March 9-11.

Founded in 1897, Alpha Zeta is the first and oldest collegiate honorary society for agriculture. The organization has more than 115,000 alumni and more than 3,000 student members at 74 universities.

New members include:

Arkansas
Valerie Murray, animal science, Fort Smith

California
Katlyn Brown, animal science, Woodland
Alexis Hawton, animal science, Orange County
Lauren Pepe, animal science and agricultural communications, Hanford

Colorado
Taylor Dorsey, animal science, Eaton

Delaware
Courtney Lester, animal science, Middletown

Florida
Kathryn Hearn, animal science and agricultural education, DeLeon Springs

Georgia
Charley Rayfield, food science, Bainbridge

Indiana
Jennifer Apple, food science, Greenfield

Kansas
Alexis Ralston, animal science, Shawnee

Maryland
Brittany Lippy, animal science, Manchester

Michigan
Clay Daily, animal science, Mayville
Alexandria Schut, animal science, Belding

Nebraska
Breanna Jacobitz, biochemistry and molecular biology, Hastings

Oklahoma
Abby Arthaud, agricultural communications, Keyes
Steven Baringer, agricultural communications, Sulphur
Bay Bolen, animal science, Idabel
Elizabeth Elliott, agribusiness, Wakita
Layton Heitfeld, plant and soil sciences, Breckenridge
Michelle Helm, animal science and agricultural communications, Geary
Samantha Howe, animal science, Sulphur
Lakan Light, animal science and agricultural education, Enid
Haylee Lindsey, agricultural leadership, Kellyville
Courtney Mapes, animal science, Alva
Samantha Martin, animal science, Oklahoma City
Katlin Ramy, agribusiness, Alva
Seanna Reid, agribusiness, Harrah
Ty Smith, agricultural economics, Mangum
Skylar Snell, natural resources ecology management, Oologah

Tennessee
Victoria Coleman, animal science, Erin

Texas
Colten Bison, animal science, Granbury
Lauren Jones, animal science and biochemistry and molecular biology, Godley
Cameron McMahen, biochemistry and molecular biology, Flower Mound
Cale Merritt, animal science, Rockwall
Katie Plummer, animal science, Kingwood
Alexis Shanes, agricultural communications, Wichita Falls
Ciara Smith, animal science, Prosper
Cayley Strickland, agribusiness and agricultural communications, Jacksboro

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