EDUCATION

Previous page, top: Regent Davis and Jason Ramsey addressing the students about higher education.

Above, L-R: Hannah Lauden, Colby Cook, Katelynn Lewis, Sharriell McHenry, Ali Munzenrider, Callee Good, Regent Rick Davis of Guthrie, Okla., President Ron Ramming, Jason Ramsey, CEO of Board of Regents, Madison Gourd, Madison McElyea, Kylea Terrell, Jayla McGuire, Tell Dixon.

Right: Regent Davis, Dr. Ramming, Jason Ramsey share a laugh.

AFR/OFU Gifts $10K for CSC Endowed Scholarship

On January 26, American Farmers & Ranchers/Oklahoma Farmers Union (AFR/OFU) Cooperative gifted Connors State College (CSC) an endowment scholarship of $10,000. The gift will be used to fund a scholarship award for the CSC Top Agricultural Student each year.

Members from AFR/OFU attended a short program and luncheon hosted by Connors State College in order to extend an appreciation for the gift to the school and its’ students.

AFR/OFU Cooperative is a membership services organization established in 1905 as Oklahoma Farmers Union. AFR/OFU provides educational, legislative and cooperative programs across the state and serves as a watchdog for Oklahoma’s family farmers and ranchers and rural communities. The organization is actively supportive of the state’s agricultural industry and rural population with membership consisting of farmers actively involved in production agriculture and non-farmers adding their voice in support of AFR/OFU principles.

Connors State College cowboy family is honored to receive the endowment.

“We are so pleased to announce this addition to our education platform,” said AFR/OFU Cooperative President Scott Blubaugh. “Throughout our history, the AFR/OFU Cooperative’s three core principles—‘Education, Legislation and Cooperation’—have remained central to our mission. Today, we continue to work toward a better rural Oklahoma and what better way to contribute to that cause than to contribute to the education of the future leaders of our state and our industry.”

Contributing to postsecondary education is just one part of AFR/ OFU Cooperative’s dedication to the youth of Oklahoma. The organization also hosts a youth leadership summit, statewide scholarships, speech contests, livestock judging and grading competitions, and many other development opportunities.

While AFR/OFU Cooperative supports agricultural postsecondary education throughout the state, the organization’s link to Connors State College is special. CSC’s namesake, John P. Connor, served as the first vice president of Oklahoma Farmers Union. The partnership between AFR/ OFU and Connor, and by extension CSC, dates back to statehood.

“AFR/OFU has been a longtime supporter of our students at Connors,” said CSC President Ron Ramming. “We are proud of our students and grateful AFR/OFU saw our students the same way we do—bright and full of potential to make a difference in the world.”

Members of the CSC Community who attended the luncheon are as follows: President Ron Ramming; Robin O’Quinn, Interim VPAA; Mike Lewis, Dean of Fiscal Affairs; Jake Lawson, Assistant Dean of Students; Dr. Krystle Lane, Connors Foundation; Debby Golden, Division Chair for Agriculture; along with three agricultural instructors – Jake Walker, Sierra Walker, and Jesse Henson; and four Ag Ambassadors: Blayke Bolen, Katie Kempen, Tristen Walling, and Mesa Ware.

To learn more about this scholarship, and how to apply, visit connorsstate.edu. –

Above, L-R: Kempen, Walling, AFR Jim Pilkington, Randy Gilbert, Joann Ogden, John Ogden, Ryan Plemmons, Scott Blubaugh, Dr. Ramming, O’Quinn, Henson, Lewis, Lawson, Golden, Walker, Dr. Lane, Bolen, Walker and Ware.