STILLWATER, Okla. – Dillon Johnson, an Oklahoma State University student from Afton, Oklahoma, recently was named Louis and Betty Gardner Outstanding Senior in the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources. Johnson was recognized at the annual CASNR Scholarship and Awards banquet March 30, where the college awarded more than $300,000 in scholarships and recognized student, faculty and alumni leaders.

Johnson is a plant and soil sciences and agribusiness major. He is a 2013 graduate of Afton High School and is the daughter of Scott and Kim Johnson.

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.

Johnson’s collegiate activities include serving as the 2016-17 president of the OSU Student Government Association and 2015-16 president of CASNR Student Council. He also has conducted research focusing on rural economics with associate professor David Shideler.

“To say the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources has had an impact on my personal and professional development would be a huge understatement,” Johnson said. “The people in CASNR are some of the best I've ever known, and wearing that orange gown on graduation day will represent the greatest honor of my life.”

Johnson was named a 2016-2017 OSU Senior of Significance and Outstanding Senior and was awarded the Dean’s Award of Excellence by CASNR. He was named a 2015 OSU Top Twenty Freshmen Man, and recipient of both the Wentz Leadership Award and CASNR Undergraduate Research Fellowship Award. Johnson also chosen as a President’s Distinguished Scholar and a Cambridge Scholars Program recipient.

“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 Dillon a high-achieving student academically and professionally, he is an outstanding individual based on his character and heart for service to his community, industry and nation.”

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:

Jesse Belvin, Stuart, Oklahoma, plant and soil sciences

Allison Christian, Duncan, Oklahoma, animal science

*Lauren Clark, Eagle, Idaho, agribusiness with a marketing/management minor

Laurie Fitch, Stillwater, Oklahoma, agricultural communications with an agricultural economics minor

Klair Hartzold, Danvers, Illinois, animal science and agribusiness

*Dillon Scott Johnson, Afton, Oklahoma, agribusiness and 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 with a legal studies minor

*JD Rosman, Creston, Washington, agricultural communications with minors in animal science and agricultural economics

*Ricki Schroeder, Nash, Oklahoma, agricultural leadership

Will Shaffer, Carthage, Missouri, animal science

Chandler Steele, Midland, Michigan, animal science with a minor in food science

Jason Wetzler, Clackamas, Oregon, agricultural education

The OSU 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. The college’s award-winning faculty members are dedicated to developing students and passionate about adding value to the total educational experience.  With 16 majors and 59 study options, plus more than 60 student organizations, CASNR is committed to expanding minds and inspiring purpose. Learn more at casnr.okstate.edu.

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REPORTER:
Paige Crawford

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.