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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

2024 Distinguished Alumni Award

Jami Longacre

Longacre graduated with a bachelor’s degree in agricultural economics from OSU in 1993. During her senior year, she served as the OSU agricultural legislative intern at the Oklahoma State Capitol, opening the door to a career in public policy and advocacy. Longacre and her husband, John, are devoted supporters of OSU and the Ferguson College of Agriculture. 

Ed Moydell

Moydell graduated with a bachelor’s degree in public horticulture from OSU in 2003, followed by a master’s degree in public horticulture from the University of Delaware in 2006. He has since had an influential career in public horticulture across the country. Moydell is the president and CEO of Holden Forests and Garden in Ohio, overseeing the Holden Arboretum and Cleveland Botanical Garden.

Rob and Mary Shuey

Rob and Mary Shuey graduated with bachelor’s degrees in animal science from OSU in 1981. The couple met as members of the OSU meat judging team. Rob Shuey also was a member of the OSU livestock judging team. The couple’s time and involvement with OSU and their passion for encouraging the future of agriculture have led them to support the university.

Carl Thoma

Thoma graduated with a bachelor’s degree in agricultural economics from OSU in 1971 and a master’s in business administration from Stanford in 1973. He grew up on a cattle ranch in the panhandle of Oklahoma and learned about agriculture at an early age. He continues his family ranch of more than 100 years in northeast New Mexico.

2024 Champion Award

Ronald Elliott

Elliott received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in agricultural engineering from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in 1973 and 1974, respectively, and his doctorate in agricultural engineering from Colorado State University in 1981. Elliott began his academic career as a faculty member in the OSU Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering and was later named department head.

Harvey Schroeder

Schroeder attended OSU but graduated with a bachelor’s degree in education from Southwestern Oklahoma State University in 1969. Following graduation, he taught high school chemistry, physics and general science for six years in Davidson and Tipton, before deciding to pursue farming full-time. A Tillman County native, Schroeder began farming at age 14 and was a diversified farmer and rancher until his retirement.

Ceremony Photos

Visit the gallery to view and download photos from the 2023 Agriculture Honors celebration, where we recognized the recipients of the Distinguished Alumni and Champions for OSU Agriculture awards.
OSU Agriculture Honors Ceremony

Save the Date

Annual Celebration - Oct. 11, 2024
Join OSU Agriculture as we honor and celebrate the recipients of the Distinguished Alumni Award and Champion Award on Oct. 11. 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
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