The Oklahoma State University College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources awarded more than $300,000 in scholarships to nearly 200 students at the annual CASNR Scholarships and Awards Banquet March 30.

The scholarships, made possible by the generosity of CASNR alumni, friends, faculty and staff, made up in part the $1.4 million in total scholarships students will receive during the 2017-2018 academic year from both the college and its academic departments.

Others also recognized Thursday included students, faculty and staff for their accomplishments and contributions to CASNR, as well as alumni for their success in the industry.

“We are fortunate to have many high caliber students in the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources,” said Dr. Cynda Clary, CASNR associate dean of academic programs. “It is an honor and a privilege to award scholarships to help fund their CASNR experience. The banquet is also our time to congratulate and recognize our outstanding students, faculty, staff and alumni for their hard work and accomplishments each year.”

Dillon Johnson was named the 2017 Louis and Betty Gardner Outstanding Senior. Johnson is an agribusiness and plant and soil sciences major from Afton, Oklahoma. Additionally, Clay Daily was recognized as the 2017 Charles and Magda Browning Outstanding Freshman. Daily is an animal science major from Mayville, Michigan.

CASNR also recognized 15 Seniors of Distinction. Of the 15, five were honored with the Dean’s Award of Excellence (indicated by an * in the list below). Their names, hometown and major include:

Jesse Belvin, Stuart, Oklahoma, plant and soil sciences
Allison Christian, Duncan, Oklahoma, animal science
Lauren Clark*, Eagle, Idaho, agribusiness
Laurie Fitch, Stillwater, Oklahoma, agricultural communications
Klair Hartzold, Danvers, Illinois, animal science/agribusiness
Dillon Johnson*, Afton, Oklahoma, agribusiness/plant and soil sciences
Courtney Karr, Canyon, Texas, animal science
Christian Ley*, Colorado Springs, Colorado, biosystems engineering
Anna O’Hare, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, natural resource ecology and management
Garrett Reed, Locust Grove, Oklahoma, agribusiness
JD Rosman*, Creston, Washington, agricultural communications
Ricki Schroeder*, Nash, Oklahoma, agricultural leadership
Will Shaffer, Carthage, Missouri, animal science
Chandler Steele, Midland, Michigan, animal science
Jason Wetzler, Clackamas, Oregon, agricultural education

Four CASNR faculty members were recognized for their teaching, advising and mentoring of undergraduate and graduate students. Their names, award and academic department include:

Angel Riggs, Early Career Award for Excellence in Teaching, Department of Agricultural Education, Communications and Leadership
Don Ruhl, Excellence in Undergraduate Student Advising and Mentoring Award, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Chanjin Chung, Excellence in Graduate Student Advising and Mentoring Award, Department of Agricultural Economics
Dan Stein, Award for Excellence in Teaching, Department of Animal Science

Finally, two CASNR alumni were recognized for their outstanding achievement and early success in their careers within the agricultural and natural resources industries. Their names, hometowns and current careers include:

Shannon Angle, Wichita, Kansas, agricultural economics/accounting ’02, Koch Fertilizer LLC finance director
John Marc Holt, Midlothian, Texas, agribusiness ’03, Target Corporation senior operations manager

The Oklahoma State University College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources believes in the value of hands-on education and the importance of having a well-rounded student experience. Our award-winning faculty members are dedicated to developing students and are passionate about adding value to the total educational experience. With 16 majors and 59 study options, plus more than 60 student organizations, the college is committed to expanding minds and inspiring purpose. Learn more at casnr.okstate.edu.

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REPORTER: Rachel Metzger

MEDIA CONTACT:
Melissa Mourer
Communications Coordinator
Agricultural Communications Services
144 Agriculture North
Oklahoma State University
Stillwater, OK 74078
Phone: 405-744-3737
Fax: 405-744-5739
Email: melissa.mourer@okstate.edu

Oklahoma State University, U. S. Department of Agriculture, State and Local governments cooperating: Oklahoma State University in compliance with Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Executive Order 11246 as amended, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and other federal and state laws and regulations, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, age, religion, disability, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices, or procedures, and is an equal opportunity employer.