CASNR Seniors Lead by Example
by Jen Biser

Ten seniors from the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources capped their experience at Oklahoma State University by receiving Top 10 Senior honors at the college's annual banquet.

Jordan Russell from Freedom, Okla., received the Paul Hummer Outstanding Senior Award for his leadership and accomplishments.

"OSU and the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources have opened many doors," Russell said, describing what OSU has afforded him.

While at OSU, Russell studied in Europe, served as a Congressional intern in Washington, D.C., "meeting friends who will last a lifetime."

As an agribusiness major with an emphasis in pre-law and a minor in political science, Russell is well on his way to achieving his dreams.

On campus, Russell was an active member of the Agricultural Student Council, Student Government Association, Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity and Student Alumni Board.

Russell attributed his experiences from his hometown for his leadership skills and desire to give to others.

"I come from a small town," Russell said. "The same people you see at home are the same people who you see helping others, which has taught me to serve and act selflessly."

Russell thanked his grandparents for teaching him what it means to give to others.

"They have led by example," he said. "They taught me it's important to be involved, to be a respected community member and to keep the community running."

This summer, Russell participated in an OSU Agricultural Leadership Encounter where he and 12 peers from OSU immersed themselves into the Brazillian culture for two weeks. The tour was accompanied by Oklahoma agricultural industry leaders from across the state, including key political leaders.

This fall, Russell has two options: to accept a policy position in Washington D.C.; or to attend law school at the University of Oklahoma.

Russell's long-term plans are to pursue a career at a financial institution focusing on financial and estate planning and help rural economic development efforts in Oklahoma.

Although the future has many options, Russell still has his family to support him. He said even if his plans do not work out, he can always help at the Russell family cattle ranch and work for his grandfather in the family-owned and operated Freedom State Bank.

Four CASNR seniors joined Russell in March to receive the Dean Fred LeCrone Leadership Award: Ashleigh Boggs, Michael Albert, Ashley Nichols and Zachary Pogue.

Boggs grew up in Cyril, Okla., and remembered who has stood behind her during her time at OSU.

"I would like to thank my parents, grandparents, friends and collegiate mentors for being constant sources of inspiration and encouragement," Boggs said. "I would also like to thank my uncle, Kent Boggs, for always being there for me. I will forever be grateful for his support and interest in my endeavors."

Boggs said her time at OSU kept her busy. As an agribusiness major with a pre-law option and an English minor, Boggs was an Agricultural Ambassador for three years and served as the 2005-06 president. Other achievements include being honored as CASNR's Browning Outstanding Freshman; serving as a Student Academic Mentor for AG 1011, as Chief Justice of the OSU SGA; and being an initiate in Phi Kappa Phi.

"My dream is to practice environmental law and ultimately be a judge in Oklahoma," Boggs said.

Albert of Beaver, Okla., was a landscape architecture major with a minor in international business.

"My education has shaped me into an individual who appreciates agriculture and the future opportunities it possesses," Albert said. "The college has instilled intellectual, social and professional values, all of which will aid in my future endeavors."

Albert was active in AGR fraternity and the Agricultural Student Council, served as a Student Academic Mentor, led the university as the executive director of Homecoming and served as the OSU president of Sigma Lambda Alpha National Honor Society.

Albert's accomplishments included the Romshe Outstanding Undergraduate Senior Award, the Mosel Top GPA Senior Award and an American Society of Landscape Architects award for design; he also was selected as an OSU Leadership Legacy and a Senior of Significance.

In addition to his on-campus activities, Albert participated in internships in China and Poland.

Nichols of McAlester, Okla., said an education includes being involved in activities outside the classroom.

As a pre-veterinary major, Nichols personified this perspective through her involvement with on-campus activities: The Pre-Vet Medicine Club, Freshmen In Transition, Student Academic Mentor, Alpha Zeta and the CASNR Scholarship and Awards Committee.

Nichols said Agricultural Ambassadors allowed her the opportunity to give back to the university, college and department that "provided her with so much support."

As an applicant to the OSU Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, Nichols' passion to be involved in the agricultural industry and desire to be challenged will be the driving force to help her through veterinary school and into the future.

Pogue of Velma, Okla., earned a bachelor's degree in animal science a minor in agricultural economics.

In addition to taking on the responsibilities of teaching assistant for Rodney Geisert's animal reproduction class and serving as an Agricultural Ambassador, Pogue stayed active as a member of the 2005 Animal Science Quadrathalon team, Alpha Zeta, Phi Kappa Phi, and Golden Key.

Topping off the Top 10 seniors are Jess Waddell, animal science, Sutton, Neb.; Laura Townley, pre-vet, Little Rock, Ark.; Traci Harp, biochemistry and molecular biology, Pawnee, Okla.; Grace Hale, animal science, Glencoe, Okla., and Tyler Dean, agribusiness, Forgan, Okla.

The college presented several other awards at the 2006 CASNR annual banquet.

Lindsey Kuzma of Lodi, Wisc., received the 2006 Charles and Magda Browning Outstanding Freshman award as a result of her leadership through her participation in OSU's Horseman's Association, President's Leadership Council, Iota Kappa and the OSU women's polo team.

This year marked a record in scholarships awarded to CASNR students. The college presented $815,900 in scholarships for 2006-07.

"The college was exceptionally fortunate to have such loyal donors to make this record possible," said Ed Miller, associate dean for CASNR.

"To our donors, giving back to the students through scholarships is a personal thing — a feeling of service and wanting to give back to the system which helped them."

"What better way is there to invest in the future?"