CASNR students excel across campus
When OSU chose the 2003 Top 12 seniors from across the university, five CASNR students who have excelled in scholarship, leadership and campus activities received the honor.
Bart Fischer, Cathy Herren, Trent McKnight, Chas Robbins and Carrie Trentham are the outstanding students who possess strong leadership qualities that started as early as junior
high school.
Leaving the days of blue and gold jackets and 4-H Roundup behind, these students have embarked on new leadership challenges.
Organizations and activities such as Freshman in Transition, Agricultural Ambassadors, student academic mentors, Agricultural Student Council and numerous departmental clubs have allowed them to continue being leaders while attending OSU.
Fischer of Frederick, Okla., who earned degrees in agricultural economics, accounting and finance, received CASNR’s Paul and Mary Hummer Outstanding Senior Award. Fischer demonstrated leadership by serving as the president of Aggie-X, Ag Student Council vice president for business affairs and in Blue Key National Honor Society.
Herren, agricultural business alumna from Ramona, Okla., was also recognized as one of the top five seniors in CASNR. She attributed her experiences in 4-H activities to be part of her success at OSU.
While at OSU, she was involved in Ag Ambassadors, Ag Council, Collegiate Farm Bureau and Blue Key.
“The faith that people had in me while I was in these organizations has given me the confidence to achieve the goals I set for myself,” said Herren.
Leadership opportunities are not limited to CASNR, they extend across the campus.
Trentham, agricultural economics alumna from Balko, Okla., displayed her leadership as homecoming executive director and was recognized as a Leadership Legacy. She was also a member of the National Agricultural Marketing Association, Agricultural Ambassadors and Blue Key.
“The college of ag does a great job preparing students for leadership roles within the college and across campus,” said Trentham. “The preparation I gained through CASNR helped me with positions I had while at OSU.”
CASNR students always plays an active role in homecoming, either through student organizations or individual executive and steering committee members. CASNR is contributing to Homecoming 2003 festivities, with five of eight executives and 22 of the 67 steering committee members from the college.
“I can always count on students from the college of agriculture to bring a lot of leadership to the homecoming committees,” said Anne Scott, director of awards, travel and student programs for the OSU Alumni Association.
Students also have leadership responsibilities representing CASNR and OSU in national organizations.
McKnight, agricultural economics alumnus from Throckmorton, Texas, played such a role in the National
FFA Organization.
“Having the honor of serving as National FFA president was a great opportunity,” said McKnight. “Being a representative of our college, OSU and the American agricultural industry was an experience of a lifetime.”
McKnight served as an Ag Ambassador and was involved with the Student Government Association and Blue Key while at OSU.
“I really like how the college encourages leadership and gives students the opportunity for growth,” said McKnight. “These skills have helped me to extend my leadership skills across the nation.”
Opportunities for leadership are not limited locally or nationally. CASNR also has ties internationally.
The study abroad program gives students the opportunity to show their leadership in an international setting.
Robbins, agricultural economics alumnus from Spiro, Okla., was also recognized as a top five CASNR senior. As a student, he had the opportunity to study abroad and share his experiences with others.
Robbins has received the Rotary Ambassadorial Scholarship that allows students the opportunity to study internationally.
“I will study at the University of Manchester in England and look forward to taking the leadership skills that I have learned at OSU and applying them in an international setting,” said Robbins.
While at OSU he served as president of both Blue Key and Ag Ambassadors, in addition to being a member of Phi Kappa Phi honor fraternity.
Robbins said he is prepared to continue using his leadership skills as he studies abroad.
“It will be a wonderful experience to go abroad, not only be a representative for our college and university, but to learn about other countries’ cultures, as well,” said Robbins.
CASNR gives students a plethora of opportunities to practice their leadership skills and excel when those skills are applied in leadership positions. When students seize these opportunities it allows for personal growth and a chance to become a leader for a lifetime.