(STILLWATER, Okla., September 2, 2014) – Alumni Ross and Billie McKnight are realizing their vision through a unique program that has already provided more than 133 student leaders with scholarships to Oklahoma State University in the last three years. The program recruits students from rural communities, outside Oklahoma, to attend OSU. There are 51 McKnight Leader Scholars for the 2014-15 academic year. Of those selected for the upcoming year, 14 are students with majors in the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources.

The McKnights, who met while attending OSU, established the McKnight Leader Scholars Program to develop ethical leaders who will help lead the way for others. The program includes a renewable waiver of out-of-state tuition fees, $10,000 in scholarships over two years, and opportunities to develop leadership skills through exclusive courses and seminars.

The scholarship recipients, who’ve exhibited their own leadership potential, are brought together at OSU, where we challenge them to make an impact, explained Marshall Baker, director of the program.

“McKnight Leader Scholars are encouraged to find a cause meaningful to them, join, and begin the journey of influence. The emphasis is not on titles and awards but how the students can make a positive difference through their personal involvement and leadership,” said Baker.

The students attend special classes to provide support for their journey, take an active role in service projects to build community and model the way, benefit from access to successful mentors, and connect with a community of scholars.

“Ultimately, these students will be equipped to have a profound impact on the community and career they choose,” said Baker.

The McKnight Leader Scholars Program rewards students based on leadership and extracurricular activities such as community service, job experience, 4-H, FFA and high-school student government.

Nominations for incoming freshmen or transfer students must be submitted by a high school administrator, non-parent OSU alumnus, former McKnight Scholar, 4-H or FFA leader, or other community group leader for which the student has been involved and served in a leadership position. For more information, visit OSUgiving.com/McKnight.

Listed below are the CASNR students is this year’s class, including hometown, proposed major, and high school.

California

Prather

Macy Perry, Animal Science, Clovis East High School

Colorado

Del Norte

Jordyn McMaster-Neely, Animal Science, Monte Vista On Line Academy

New Mexico

Tatum

Kylie Wheeler, Animal Science, Tatum High School

Texas

Abilene

Bailey Turner, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Wylie High School

Amarillo

Chloe Narrell, Agricultural Leadership, Bushland High School

Jeffrey Schuman, Agribusiness, Amarillo High School

Canyon

Courtney Karr, Animal Science, Canyon High School

Cody Price, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Canyon High School

Graham

Tayler Sullivent, Agricultural Leadership, Graham High School

Gunter

Jordan Newman, Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Gunter High School

Hondo

Corban Hemphill, Natural Resource Ecology & Management, Hemphill Home School

Seymour

Mariah Walker, Agricultural Leadership, Seymour High School

Weatherford

Emily Albert, Animal Science, Weatherford High School

Wichita Falls

Libby Schultz, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Wichita Falls High School

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CONTACT: Jacob Longan | OSU Foundation | jlongan@osugiving.com | 405-385-5612

About the OSU Foundation

The Oklahoma State Foundation serves as the private fundraising organization for OSU, as designated by the OSU Regents. Its mission is to unite donor and university passions and priorities to achieve excellence.

About OSU

Oklahoma State University is a modern land-grant university that prepares students for success. OSU is America’s Brightest Orange.  Through leadership and service, OSU is preparing students for a bright future and building a brighter world for all.  As Oklahoma’s only university with a statewide presence, OSU improves the lives of people in Oklahoma, the nation, and the world through integrated, high-quality teaching, research, and outreach. OSU has more than 37,000 students across its five-campus system and more than 25,000 on its combined Stillwater and Tulsa campuses, with students from all 50 states and around 120 nations. Established in 1890, OSU has graduated more than 240,000 students to serve the state of Oklahoma, the nation and the world.