Wyandotte, Oklahoma, native, Kalyn McKibben, was named Oklahoma State University’s College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources Louis and Betty Gardner Outstanding Senior for 2016.

McKibben is an animal science major with a minor in agricultural economics. She is a 2013 graduate of Wyandotte High School and is the daughter of Lyndon and Phyllis McKibben.

The Louis and Betty Gardner Outstanding Senior Award is the highest honor a CASNR senior may receive from the college. The Outstanding Senior receives a bronze sculpture, a scholarship and represents CASNR by wearing an orange cap and gown and serving as the college gonfalon carrier at commencement. The award is supported by an endowment established by Brent and Kent Gardner, both previous recipients of the award, in honor of their parents, Louis and Betty.

McKibben’s collegiate activities include serving as the Oklahoma Collegiate Cattlewomen president, serving on the Animal Science Leadership Alliance, mentoring freshmen as an AG 1011 Student Academic Mentor and as an ANSI 1111 SAM. She also served on the 2015 National Beef Ambassador team, was a collegiate representative for the American National Cattlewomen Board of Directors, a teaching assistant in the animal science department and captain of the Animal Science Quadrathlon team.

“It is with great humility that I accept the Outstanding Senior Award,” McKibben said. “I am just one of the by-products of CASNR. I hope to set an inspiring example of what students can accomplish and achieve as a representative of OSU CASNR.”

McKibben was named a 2015-2016 OSU Senior of Significance, the OSU Department of Animal Science Outstanding Senior and was awarded the Dean’s Award of Excellence by CASNR. She was named an OSU Top Twenty Freshman Women in 2014.

“To be named the CASNR Outstanding Senior is to be recognized for going above and beyond the high expectations already set forth by the college,” said Cynda Clary, CASNR associate dean of academic programs. “Not only is Kalyn a high achieving student academically and professionally, she is an outstanding individual based on her character and heart for service to her community, industry and nation. We could not be more proud of our graduating seniors and the students who will follow in their footsteps.”

In addition to its Outstanding Senior, CASNR recognized 15 Seniors of Distinction. Of the 15 students honored at the banquet, five were named Dean’s Award of Excellence recipients (identified by an asterisk in the list below).

Their names, hometowns and majors include:

*Kaylen Baker, Yukon, Oklahoma, agricultural communications and animal science
Nolan Craun, Stillwater, Oklahoma, natural resource ecology and management
Andres Guerrero Criado, Pembroke Pines, Florida, biochemistry and molecular biology, microbiology/cellular and molecular biology
Shanlyn Helfey, Wellington, Kansas, agribusiness
Kyle Hilbert, Depew, Oklahoma, agribusiness
Daniel Jordan, Paradise, Texas, landscape architecture and landscape management
Jena Kellum, Hugo, Oklahoma, animal science
*Lindsay King, Oakland, Nebraska, animal science and agricultural communications
*Julia Matera, Columbia, Missouri, animal science and biochemistry and molecular biology
*Kalyn McKibben, Wyandotte, Oklahoma, animal science
*Gretchan Moore, Muldrow, Oklahoma, biochemistry and molecular biology and microbiology/cellular and molecular biology
Mandy Schroeder, Nash, Oklahoma, agricultural leadership
Katherine Schwartz, Mustang, Oklahoma, natural resource ecology and management
Rebekah Sook, Midwest City, Oklahoma, biochemistry and molecular biology
Mary Temple-Lee, Maysville, Oklahoma, animal science and biochemistry and molecular biology

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 62 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: Lindsay V. King

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.