A Successful Balancing Act

A SUCCESSFUL

COLLEGE NAMES 2022 OUTSTANDING SENIORBalancing Act

As many high-achieving individuals will tell you, few successes come without personal sacrifice.

In the fall of 2020, this held true for the 2022 Ferguson College of Agriculture Louis and Betty Gardner Outstanding Senior, Leslie Smith, of Mutual, Oklahoma.

“My grandma reached a point in her health where 24-hour care was a necessity,” said Smith, an agribusiness and animal science senior. “I decided to move home for the semester and take care of her full time while attending most of my classes virtually.”

Through the relationships built within the Ferguson College of Agriculture, she created a plan with each of her professors to allow her to finish the semester online while giving her grandma the care she needed, Smith said.

“Leslie stayed involved in not only one but two departments and held jobs in both departments, as well, through all of this,” said Cynda Clary, associate dean for the Ferguson College of Agriculture. “This shows true passion and resilience.”

Smith did everything within her power to stay involved on campus through the trials life was throwing her way, Clary said.

“I commuted to Stillwater every Friday evening after my mom had finished her work week, worked the weekend in Stillwater, and attended an in-person lab on Mondays,” Smith said. “I drove back each Monday evening to stay with my grandma until Friday.” “This was by far the hardest season of my life and the biggest challenge I have ever faced,” she added.

Even when trials arise, support stands steady, Smith said.

Through the Ferguson College of Agriculture, she developed countless friendships she knows will last a lifetime and more mentors than she probably deserves, she added.

“My professors and bosses within the college were absolute saints during this time,” Smith said. “I in no way could have overcome this challenge without the willingness of my professors and the support from this college.”

The Ferguson College of Agriculture changed her professionally, personally and academically in ways she never deemed possible, she said. “Through the relationships that have been built, the leadership and philanthropic opportunities I have been given, and the knowledge I have gained, I have zero doubt in believing I will accomplish everything I wish,” Smith said.

The Louis and Betty Gardner Outstanding Senior award is presented annually to students who are involved, committed, and strive for academic excellence — Leslie Smith is exactly that, said Eric DeVuyst, agricultural economics professor and Smith’s academic adviser.

“I have served in more leadership positions at OSU than I would have ever deemed myself capable of,” Smith said. “I credit OSU for everything I am today and all I have accomplished.” Coming from a single-parent home, where she was raised primarily by her grandparents, she was no stranger to added responsibility, she said.

“I have always had lots of responsibility,” Smith said. “After my grandpa endured a farming accident in 2007, helping run our family’s farming and ranching operation became one of those responsibilities.”

Throughout her time at OSU, Smith served to showcase her abilities through multiple professional organizations, such as Block and Bridle, Oklahoma Collegiate Cattlewomen, the

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OSU Spirit Rider team, the OSU Horse Judging Team, and the Oklahoma AgCredit Student Board of Directors.

Smith was determined to be involved in both departments, Clary said.

“Applying to graduate with two Bachelor of Science degrees, a minor and a certification through the Ferguson College of Agriculture as a first-generation college student is one of my most significant accomplishments,” Smith said.

Learning about an industry she is passionate about while being able to travel the country and win a national title as a member of the OSU Horse Judging Team was a pivotal point, Smith said.

The past four years have been full of astronomical growth, she added. “We as educators can always see it,” DeVuyst said. “Since the first time we met during her freshman year, I knew she was going places. She is responsible and determined, and those two qualities alone will take her so far.”

KELSEY VEJRASKA Leslie Smith’s relationships with her family and Ferguson Family along with her drive for success led to her recognition as the 2022 Ferguson College of Agriculture Outstanding Senior. Photo by Kelsey Vejraska.

2022 SENIORS OF DISTINCTION

Phoebe Austerman Oklahoma City HORT

Dalee Barrick Waurika, Oklahoma AGCM/AGBU Kaylyn Branen Collinsville, Oklahoma ANSI/AGCM Kinzie Burtrum Stillwater, Oklahoma ANSI

Jade Edwards Hamilton, Kansas ANSI

Hailey Freeman Bixby, Oklahoma NREM

Emily Gerstenkorn Waco, Texas ANSI/AGCM Devin Griffith Williams, California AGCM

Bobby Marchy Ceres, California AGCM

Audrey Ochsner Stillwater, Oklahoma AGCM

Jack Palla Clovis, New Mexico ANSI/AGBU Halle Roper Asbury, Missouri AGBU/AGCM Claire Sheppard Biggs, California PASS

Bree Taylor Kingfisher, Oklahoma AGBU

Xin Mei Teng Puchong, Malaysia FDSC

DEAN’S AWARD OF Excellence

CAMERON CATRETT ASHLEY GIN

Luverne, Alabama | FDSC/ANSI Oklahoma City | BIMB Originally from Luverne, Alabama, Cameron Catrett grew up on her family’s farm as a fourth-generation cattlewoman. She remains involved in the beef industry.

After graduation, Catrett plans to attend the University of Georgia to obtain her master’s in meat science and muscle biology. As the youngest of six siblings and OSU graduates, Ashley Gin grew up with her Cowboy roots running deep. While at OSU, she served as the first mental health director for the Student Government Association and helped found the International Genetically Engineered Machine Team.

AMARIE GRIFFETH MADELYN SCOTT

Cushing, Oklahoma | AGCM/AGBU Lawton, Oklahoma | FDSC Raised on a cow-calf operation in Cushing, Oklahoma, Amarie Griffeth grew a passion for the beef industry.

During her time at OSU, Griffeth served as the first Student Government Association director of food insecurity.

Griffeth has accepted a position at the Oklahoma National Stockyards. From showing livestock to being a member of the 2020 Reserve National Champion Meat Judging Team, Madelyn Scott has submersed herself in the agricultural industry. Upon graduation, Scott plans to stay at OSU to pursue her master’s degree in meat science under the guidance of Morgan Pfeiffer.

The 2022 Ferguson College of Agriculture Seniors of Distinction were recognized at the college’s annual banquet: Cynda Clary (front left), associate dean of the OSU Ferguson College of Agriculture; Xin Mei Teng; Madelyn Scott; Dalee Barrick; Claire Sheppard; Amarie Griffeth; Kinzie Burtrum; Audrey Ochsner; Jade Edwards; Ashley Gin; Halle Roper; Bobby Marchy (back left); Phoebe Austerman; Bree Taylor; Cameron Catrett; Emily Gerstenkorn; Jack Palla; Leslie Smith; Devin Griffith; Hailey Freeman; Kaylyn Branen; and Thomas Coon, vice president and dean of the OSU Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources.

2022 FACULTY AWARDS

Excellence in Graduate Student Advising and Mentoring Dwayne Cartmell AGCM

Excellence in Undergraduate Student Advising and Mentoring Sue Fairbanks NREM

Excellence in Teaching Rodney Jones AGEC

Early Career Award for Excellence in Teaching Adel Pezeshki ANSI

2022 FRESHMAN EXCELLENCE AWARDS

Caleb Snodgrass Owasso, Oklahoma PASS/BIMB

Georgia Eastham Davis, California PASS

Elizabeth Pribil Hennessey, Oklahoma FDSC

Faith Baxter Dripping Springs, Oklahoma AGCM/FDSC CHARLES AND MAGDA BROWNING

OUTSTANDING Freshman

ANDRE ABIT

Stillwater, Oklahoma | BIMB From research to leadership, Andre Abit has taken advantage of the opportunities available to students through the Ferguson College of Agriculture.

As a Freshman Research Scholar, Abit received grants from both the Niblack Research Scholar program and the Wentz Research Scholar program.

ALUMNI EARLY CAREER

ALUMNI SOCIETY NEWS ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS

J. CONNOR FERGUSON J. Connor Ferguson serves as a weed scientist and technical agronomist for Sesaco Corp.

Ferguson received his bachelor’s degree in plant and soil sciences with a minor in agribusiness from Oklahoma State University in 2011.

While at OSU, he was named an OSU Outstanding Senior, a Top 10 Senior in the Ferguson College of Agriculture, and the Sitlington Outstanding Student in Plant and Soil Sciences. He also served as president of the OSU Agronomy Club and was a member of Alpha Zeta agricultural honors fraternity.

Ferguson received his master’s degree in agronomy with a weed science specialization from the University of Nebraska in 2013 and his doctorate in agricultural weed science from the University of Queensland in 2016. He previously worked as an assistant professor of weed science at Mississippi State University and a plant protection specialist and assistant professor at Northwest Missouri State University.

Ferguson’s work has been featured in publications including Agronomy, Weed Technology and Crop Protection. He has served in leadership positions in several organizations, including the Weed Society of America, American Peanut Research and Education Society, and Mid-South Association of Wheat and Feed Grain Scientists.

In 2017, Ferguson established the James C. “Jim” Ferguson Memorial Scholarship in Plant and Soil Sciences in memory of his late father.

Emily Shuping serves as the agricultural marketing coordinator for the Made in Oklahoma Coalition, a public-private partnership that is part of the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry.

Shuping received her bachelor’s degree in agribusiness in 2015 and her master’s degree in international agriculture in 2019 from the Ferguson College of Agriculture. While at OSU, Shuping was vice president of the Student Organization for International Agriculture. She also was a member of the Alpha Beta Chi service sorority.

Shuping works closely with coalition members and the Robert M. Kerr Food and Agricultural Products Center to assist Oklahoma food and beverage companies in bringing new products to market. She helps members understand their markets and develop strategic marketing plans. Shuping connects companies to resources across the globe and develops creative solutions for Oklahoma companies to fill gaps and pivot their processes to keep the food supply chain moving.

In addition to her career, Shuping is co-owner of EJL Cattle Co., a stocker cattle operation located in northwest Oklahoma. She was honored as a 2021 Woman of Influence in the Food Industry by the Shelby-Griffin Report and serves as an inaugural class member of the Oklahoma Grocers NextGen Leadership Program.

She is a member of the Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association, Texas Cattle Feeders Association, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and Pawhuska Chamber of Commerce. EMILY SHUPING

FERGUSON COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE

HOMECOMING CELEBRATION

Please join fellow alumni and friends at the Ferguson College of Agriculture Homecoming Celebration, Friday, Oct. 21, 2022, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Refreshments, giveaways, activities and more for the whole family to enjoy will be provided.

The Ferguson College of Agriculture Homecoming Celebration will be held at the Charles and Linda Cline Equine Teaching Facility, which is located at 2601 W. McElroy Road, just east of the Totusek Arena.

Parking will be available at the Totusek Arena.

At 3:30 p.m., the 50-, 25- and 10year graduates of the college will be recognized and will receive a pin.

Following the graduate recognition, the Ferguson College of Agriculture Alumni Society Board will host a brief annual meeting, including the election of new board members and acknowledgment of the retiring members.

For more information, visit agriculture.okstate.edu/alumni.

WELCOMING NEW BOARD MEMBER

JUSTIN ANDERSON STILLWATER, OKLAHOMA Justin Anderson is a two-time graduate of the Ferguson College of Agriculture. He received a bachelor’s degree in agribusiness in 2004 and a master’s degree in agricultural economics in 2014.

He serves as the site manager for P&K Equipment Inc. in Stillwater. Prior to this, he was a regional manager and global accounts manager for Ditch Witch. Anderson said he looks forward to giving back to the Ferguson College of Agriculture as a member of the Ferguson College of Agriculture Alumni Society Board.

FERGUSON COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE ALUMNI SOCIETY BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Rick Reimer

President Claremore, Oklahoma Northeast District

Travis Jones

Secretary/Treasurer Roff, Oklahoma At-large Member

Justin Anderson

Stillwater, Oklahoma At-large Member

Phillip Cowley

Morrison, Oklahoma At-large Member

Matt Gard

Fairview, Oklahoma Northwest District

Mechelle Hampton

Tulsa, Oklahoma Northeast District

Jon Marc Holt

Sharon, Oklahoma Northwest District

Charles Rohla

Roff, Oklahoma Southeast District

Meg Stangl

Okarche, Oklahoma At-large Member

Becky Walker Chandler

Stratford, Oklahoma Southeast District

Cowboy Journal Oklahoma State University Department of Agricultural Education, Communications and Leadership 448 Agricultural Hall Stillwater, OK 74078-6031