The Oklahoma State University College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources awarded more than $330,000 in scholarships to nearly 150 students at the annual CASNR Scholarships and Awards Banquet March 29.

The scholarships, made possible by the generosity of CASNR alumni, friends, faculty and staff, made up in part the $1.5 million in total scholarships students will receive during the 2018-2019 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.

“It is an honor and a privilege to award scholarships to help fund their CASNR experience,” said Dr. Cynda Clary, CASNR associate dean of academic programs. “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. CASNR Week is our opportunity to celebrate our college and everything we represent. With students and faculty from all over the world, our college is comprised of a diverse group of individuals whose different strengths make CASNR special.”

Megan DeVuyst was named the 2018 Louis and Betty Gardner Outstanding Senior. DeVuyst is an agribusiness major from Morrison, Oklahoma. Additionally, Jordan Cowger was recognized as the 2018 Charles and Magda Browning Outstanding Freshman. Cowger is a biochemistry and molecular biology and animal science double major from Kansas City, Missouri.

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:

Julianna Albrecht, Howard, South Dakota, animal science and agricultural communications

Cody Dean, Agra, Oklahoma, agricultural education

Megan DeVuyst*, Morrison, Oklahoma, agribusiness

Hammons Hepner, Freedom, Oklahoma, agricultural economics and finance

Grayson Kuehny, Elmore City, Oklahoma, agricultural economics

Jenna Maltbie, Burlington, Oklahoma, agribusiness and agricultural communications

Courtney Mapes, Alva, Oklahoma, animal science

Taylor Neilson, Meeker, Colorado, animal science and biochemistry and molecular biology

Grage Ogden*, Muskogee, Oklahoma, plant and soil sciences

Macy Perry, Prather, California, animal science

Alexandria Schut, Belding, Michigan, animal science

Alexis Shanes*, Wichita Falls, Texas, agricultural communications

Madison Slawson, McAlester, Oklahoma, biochemistry and molecular biology

Gatlin Squires*, Kingfisher, Oklahoma, agribusiness

Liza Van der Laan*, Frederick, Oklahoma, plant and soil sciences

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

Beatrix Haggard, Early Career Award for Excellence in Teaching, Department of Plant and Soil Sciences

Udaya DeSilva, Excellence in Undergraduate Student Advising and Mentoring Award, Department of Animal Science

Kris Giles, Excellence in Graduate Student Advising and Mentoring Award, Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology

Dwayne Cartmell, Award for Excellence in Teaching, Department of Agricultural Education, Communications and Leadership

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:

Trent McKnight, Throckmorton, Texas, agricultural economics ’03, rancher, businessman and founder of AgriCorps

Bambi Sidwell, Goltry, Oklahoma, agribusiness ’03, vice president of Sidwell Insurance Agency and co-owner of Sidwell Farms, Inc.

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 52 study options, plus more than 60 student organizations, the college is committed to expanding minds and inspiring purpose. Learn more at casnr.okstate.edu.