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Ferguson College of Agriculture

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OSU Agriculture has a rich tradition and history of improving the quality of life for all Oklahomans through conducting and disseminating science-based research. This is not possible without the achievements and excellence of its alumni and friends. We annually recognize these outstanding individuals at our OSU Agriculture Honors event.

Distinguished Alumni

The Ferguson College of Agriculture Distinguished Alumni Award was established in 1983 to recognize and honor alumni who have contributed significantly to society, and whose accomplishments inside or outside the agricultural profession have brought distinctive credit to the Ferguson College of Agriculture.

Previous Distinguished Alumni Award Recipients

OSU Agriculture Champion

The OSU Agriculture Champion Award recognizes and honors individuals who are not graduates of the Ferguson College of Agriculture, but who have brought distinction to OSU Agriculture and have demonstrated a continuing interest and commitment in agricultural sciences and natural resources.

Previous Agriculture Champion Award Recipients

2025 Distinguished Alumni Award

Shannon Angle

Angle graduated with a bachelor’s degree in agricultural economics and accounting from OSU in 2002. She currently serves as vice president for Land, Infrastructure, Facilities and Transactions at Koch, headquartered in Wichita, Kansas. With more than two decades of leadership at Koch, she has played a pivotal role across multiple Koch businesses.

Bill Clymer

Clymer, originally from Okemah, Oklahoma, graduated with a bachelor’s degree in agricultural education from OSU in 1965. He went on to become an agricultural instructor at Plainview High School in Texas before returning to OSU to pursue his Ph.D. in entomology with a focus on tick control in eastern Oklahoma.

Robert Hodgen

Raised on a large-scale grain and beef cattle farm in Indiana, Hodgen graduated with a bachelor’s degree in animal science from OSU in 1997, followed by an MBA in finance and management from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania in 2003. Hodgen is currently the CEO of King Ranch Inc.

M. John Kane IV

Kane graduated with a bachelor’s degree in agricultural economics and accounting from OSU in 1984, where he was recognized as one of the top 10 men of his graduating class. Following his time at OSU, he received his law degree from the University of Oklahoma College of Law. In 2019, he was appointed to the Oklahoma Supreme Court.

N. Malone Mitchell Jr.

Mitchell graduated with a bachelor’s degree in animal science from OSU in 1963. He is currently the owner of Mitchell Ranches and has operated the ranch since before graduating from OSU. Acquiring land over the years and producing primarily cattle and goats, he is the largest agricultural producer south of I-40 and east of I-35. 

2025 Champion Award

Thomas and Rhonda Coon

Tom Coon earned a Bachelor of Arts in biology from Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, and a Master of Science and doctorate in ecology from the University of California, Davis. He served as vice president and dean of OSU Agriculture before retiring in July 2014. Rhonda Coon grew up on a beef and grain farm in northwest Iowa. She was active in 4-H for 10 years, culminating in serving as a state 4-H officer from 1973-1974. She graduated from Iowa State University before serving as the county 4-H youth agent in Plymouth County, Iowa, and eventually becoming the executive director of the Iowa 4-H Foundation.

Honors SponsorsTo become a sponsor for 2025, please contact Teresa Gustafson at  tgustafson@osugiving.com or (405) 385.5601.


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2024 Buckle Sponsors

Keith Kisling (team lead), Don Schieber and Matt Waits
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2025 Presenting Sponsor

Dean's Advisory Council

Ceremony Photos

Visit the gallery to view and download photos from the 2024 Agriculture Honors celebration, where we recognized the recipients of the Distinguished Alumni and Champions for OSU Agriculture awards.
OSU Agriculture Honors Ceremony

Annual Celebration

October 3, 2025
Join OSU Agriculture as we honor and celebrate the recipients of the Distinguished Alumni Award and Champion Award on Oct. 3 2025. These individuals have brought distinctive credit to the Ferguson College of Agriculture, contributed significantly to society and have demonstrated a continuing commitment to agricultural sciences and natural resources.
OSU Ag Honors Celebration table
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