Today, Truman's words come alive through the Harry S Truman Scholarship, which recognizes skills in community service, education, premier leadership and competition. In 2000, the recognition included Oklahoma State University's Kent Gardner.
     Gardner, agricultural economics senior, became OSU's sixth Truman Scholar in the past seven years, and the third Truman Scholar from the agricultural economics department, following in the footsteps of 1997 Truman Scholar Shannon Ferrell and 1998 Truman Scholar Chris Stephens.
     "Chris Stephens, Shannon Ferrell and I were all involved in FFA and 4-H in high school," Gardner said. "Those organizations gave us a good work ethic and a good base in community development."
     Gardner grew up in Sharon, a small town in western Oklahoma. He has three older sisters and one older brother who attended Oklahoma State University. Gardner's parents still live in Sharon. His father is a high school math teacher at Sharon-Mutual High School.
     "I have the best family in the entire world," said the 22-year-old. "They're a big part of my success. I give them all of the credit."
     Gardner's diversification in high school contributed to his success in college. Gardner's activities in college prepared him for the Truman Scholarship.
     After graduation, Gardner plans to return to the rural area where he grew up. He said he has many rural development ideas and wishes to help farmers.
     "I really want to work with farmers and ranchers as a financial adviser," he said. "I think farmers should have the same information and opportunity to achieve financial success as the next person in the business world."
     When Gardner began his college career at OSU, the Truman Scholarship hadn't even crossed his mind.
     "I never planned to apply for the Truman Scholarship. It just happened," Gardner said.
     Wes Holley, College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources assistant dean, approached Gardner and encouraged him to participate in the program.
     "Kent is a well-rounded, impressive individual," Holley said. "His dedication to public service as a college student and before he came to college is very important to the Truman Scholarship committee."
      The OSU agricultural economics department's dominance has piqued the interest of the Truman Scholarship committee. Truman Foundation Executive Director Louis Blair visited the campus and said he hopes to find out how the department is so successful with the Truman Scholarship. Blair honored OSU as a Truman Honor School in December. Oklahoma State is one of only five institutions in the nation receiving this honor, including the University of Kansas, the University of Texas, the University of Minnesota and the University of Millamette, Ore.
      "It has been thrilling for the agricultural economics department to have so much success," said Robert Graalman, director of the OSU Office of Scholar Development and Recognition. "It shows the talent of the students and the support of the ag college. It is unusual for one department to be so dominant in the award."
      The preparation process for the scholarship is extensive. Candidates have to first become the Truman candidate for the university. After that process, each candidate writes a public policy analysis, goes through mock interviews and fills out the application.
     "The application process is a very long, extensive process," Gardner said. "Dr. Graalman provided help without the pressure. He is very good at his job, and he made the process easier for me."
     Graalman said his office is designed to be in a leadership role for each prestigious scholarship. The department encourages all applicants to be well-rounded in school and community service and have a broad education base.
     "We have had great success with the Truman," Holley said. "Right now we have young people who know where they want and ought to be in their collegiate careers. We want all of our students to achieve all that is possible. We want to encourage all of them to follow through."
     Even though Gardner was well-prepared for the process, he still could not believe he received the award.
     "I was in shock!" he said. "It is awesome that OSU is being nationally recognized as a Truman Honor School. Each student knows this is the best school. Now we're getting the recognition we deserve."
     Gardner commented on all the support he received from the agricultural economics department and his academic adviser, Joe Williams.
     "Every agricultural economics professor I ever had in class was in the room when it was announced that I had received the Truman Scholarship," Gardner said.
    "That shows how much our professors care about our education. It makes me proud to be a Cowboy."
     Truman's words still ring true: "Progress occurs when courageous, skillful leaders seize the opportunity to change things for the better." With leaders like Gardner, Oklahoma and Oklahoma State University will be at the forefront of change throughout the 21st century.