OSU students make their mark as national FFA officers

OSU students make their mark as national FFA officers

Monday, November 10, 2025

Media Contact: Jeff Hopper | Communications and Media Relations Manager | 405-744-5827 | [email protected]

Two Oklahoma State students step into national leadership roles, representing OSU and FFA members across the country

Oklahoma State University students Jael Cruikshank and Trey Myers are taking their Cowboy spirit to the national stage.

Myers, an applied exercise science major in the College of Education and Human Sciences, was elected national FFA president. Cruikshank, an agribusiness major in the Ferguson College of Agriculture, will serve as national FFA western region vice president.

For Myers, leadership has been a lifelong pursuit rooted in service, community and faith. Growing up in Perkins, Oklahoma, he joined FFA in eighth grade, a decision that set the foundation for his future and connected him deeply to OSU.

"Something we say at Oklahoma State is, 'Being a Cowboy isn't in our clothes, it's in our character,' and I couldn't agree more," Myers said.

Myers is honored to be selected for this position and comments that this role is much more than just "wearing the blue corduroy jacket."

"It isn't the jacket itself that defines the person wearing it, it's the continuous decision to place other people's needs before your own, and truly embody what it means to 'Live to Serve,'" Myers said. "None of us are born with character or have the ability to receive it from the clothes we wear; each of us has to wake up every single day and make the conscious decision to develop our own character."

Being the national FFA president is a position of significance, but it comes with difficulty. The role requires sacrifice, all while balancing its responsibilities.

"Countless days will be spent on the road, in hotels by yourself, and away from your family and the hometown that raised you," Myers said. "However, even in the midst of difficulty, this role isn't about me."

Over the past few months, while Myers has been preparing for the position in Indianapolis, he's committed to approaching the role with authenticity.

"This position is an incredibly high honor, but at the end of the day, it doesn't change who Trey Myers is or what I believe in; it simply provides the platform to serve other people," Myers said. "In the midst of difficulty, this role isn't about me, it is about the opportunity to impact FFA members and leave a legacy for the generation to come."

Myers is the first Oklahoman in over a decade to lead the organization that has grown beyond its Future Farmers of America roots. He intends to do it with transparency and character.

"The FFA Creed ends with this line: 'I believe American agriculture can and will hold true to the best traditions of our national life,' even in the midst of change, one thing that will never change is the value of service," Myers said. "This year, I will give it my absolute all to ensure I can stand solid in my part for that inspiring task."

Like Myers, OSU student Cruikshank was recently elected to hold a national FFA title.

Raised in Bend, Oregon, Cruikshank was introduced to FFA at a very early age. Her connection to the organization is a family tradition, with several relatives having served in the organization before her.

Backed by her family's encouragement, Cruikshank said OSU gave her the tools and opportunities to serve in her new position.

"I always knew there were people I could reach out to and talk about agriculture, practice interviews, or simply process the journey," Cruikshank said. "I'm very thankful for the Ferguson College of Agriculture and the supportive environment at OSU."

This opportunity opens a new chapter for Cruikshank, one filled with possibilities she's eager to explore.

"I'm incredibly excited for this next year, but I also recognize the responsibility that comes with representing FFA members across the nation," Cruikshank said. "I have so much gratitude for the people who have challenged me to grow into a better person every day, and I hope to share some of the love and encouragement they've poured into me."

Cruikshank hopes to grow in this unique position and be intentional with the people she encounters.

"I believe God gave us two ears and one mouth for a reason. I hope to listen to members' stories, concerns and celebrations this year, and to learn from them," Cruikshank said.

As both Myers and Cruikshank take on their new roles, they carry with them the Cowboy values instilled at OSU: character, service, and community.

Their journeys from Stillwater to the national FFA stage reflect not only their personal dedication but also the spirit of OSU students who strive to make a difference wherever they go.

Story By: Annelise Vinson | [email protected]