Harvey Steps Up as President
by Autumn Ankenman

From Okmulgee County 4-H and Beggs FFA to the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry, Jason Harvey has represented success. The Agriculture Alumni Association should expect nothing less from its newly elected president.

"I wanted to be in a position to represent agricultural alumni and also be able to give back to the college," Harvey said.

Between growing up in the rural community of Beggs, Okla., and observing his father teach agriculture, Harvey developed a passion for agriculture and achievement at a young age. He credits his accomplishments to his sturdy family relationship.

"My family was always very supportive but never overly pushy," Harvey said. "They always encouraged me not only to be involved in agriculture but also in other organizations such as church and athletics."

During high school, Harvey balanced academics, athletics and agriculture while helping his father with their show pig and cow/calf operation. He said he was always enthusiastic and involved.

"I've been very fortunate to have grown up with team-oriented goals constantly being reinforced around me," Harvey said.

After graduating from Beggs High School in 1991, Harvey decided to attend Eastern Oklahoma State College in Wilburton.

He started junior college to pursue an associate degree with the expectation of becoming a physical therapist. However, it did not take long for him to return to his agricultural roots.

"After my first year of studying physical therapy, I realized I wasn't as happy as I should have been with my major," Harvey said.

Harvey switched his major from physical therapy to animal science and found his place. After graduating from Eastern Oklahoma State College, Harvey transferred to Oklahoma State University to pursue a degree in agricultural education, focusing on the professional service option.

"If you are going to be at OSU, you might as well be a leader," Harvey said.

While attending OSU, Harvey became involved in many campus organizations, including Agricultural Ambassadors, Agricultural Student Council and Collegiate FFA. He was an active member of the Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity. Harvey said becoming more involved in these organizations helped him to develop into a well-rounded individual.

"One of the things that helped me the most when I was at Oklahoma State was AGR," Harvey said. "I was pretty shy growing up, and AGR helped me to become involved on campus and prevented me from becoming a face in the crowd. AGR helped me to become somebody who was there to make a difference."

By listening to the enthusiasm in his voice when he talks about the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, it is evident he is passionate about the prosperity of CASNR and the university.

"The students and faculty make the college unique," Harvey said. "The faculty has a heart for students and wants to see them succeed. The college of agriculture is just like a huge family."

Harvey graduated from OSU in 1995 with a bachelor's degree in agricultural education and a minor in agronomy; he completed a master's in agricultural education in 1997.

Since 1997, Harvey has been an agricultural marketing coordinator for ODAFF. Harvey coordinates programs that help rural Oklahoma develop and thrive in the agricultural industry. Harvey said many of the skills he practices every day are skills he attained while attending OSU.

" Oklahoma State prepared me for many obstacles and challenges that I have had to face in the work force," Harvey said.

Some of the skills Harvey said he learned at OSU were time management, multi-tasking, leadership and public speaking.

"Also, Oklahoma State taught me how to relate with a variety of different kinds of people," Harvey said.

This is Harvey's third year on the Agriculture Alumni Association board of directors. He previously served as the secretary/treasurer of the board. Barry Bessinger serves on the board with Harvey.

"He's young and energetic with an easygoing style and attitude that everyone likes," Bessinger said.

Brent Kisling, former Agriculture Alumni Association board president, said he has high hopes for Harvey.

"Jason brings to the board his ability to lead," Kisling said. "He always seems to be on top of every issue that arises, and he has a vision of how we as an organization can better serve OSU and our alumni all across the state."

Harvey said his appreciation for the alumni association began when he was a student at OSU.

"Being involved in Agricultural Student Council, I was always aware of the activities that the alumni association held," Harvey said.

"I could see that they were all people who were making a difference in the field of agriculture across the state of Oklahoma."

Harvey said he recognizes the importance of the Agriculture Alumni Association and has an enormous amount of respect for the group.

"Jason will be a great president because he loves Oklahoma State University," Kisling said. "He understands the agricultural industry, and he is a very organized leader."

The board of directors remains confident in its new president.

"His predecessors, Brent Kisling and Sean Kouplen, did such a good job," Bessinger said. "Jason is definitely in that league; he will, without a doubt, do a good job and lead our group forward."

Harvey is an example of what knowledge and the will to succeed can do.

"Jason is the same mold as many of our past leaders of the Agriculture Alumni Association," Kisling said. "He comes from strong OSU roots, and he has a knack for getting the job done regardless of what level of effort it takes."

Harvey humbly credits his family, OSU and agriculture for the person he is today.

"I'm hoping to give back to the college," Harvey said, "and maybe be a little bit of an inspiration to future alumni."

 

For more information about the Agriculture Alumni Association, please see page 49.