OSU Agriculture celebrates distinguished alumni and champions for 2025

OSU Agriculture celebrates distinguished alumni and champions for 2025

Monday, October 6, 2025

Media Contact: Mandy Gross | Sr. Manager, Strategic & VP Communications | 405-744-4063 | [email protected]

Oklahoma State University honored an exceptional group of individuals who have brought distinction to the Ferguson College of Agriculture and demonstrated a continuous commitment to agricultural sciences and natural resources.

OSU Agriculture, comprised of the Ferguson College of Agriculture and two state agencies - OSU Extension and OSU Ag Research - held an Honors ceremony on Oct. 3 to recognize the recipients of the 2025 Distinguished Alumni and Champion for OSU Agriculture awards.

"The awards presented at OSU Ag Honors represent the highest recognition our division can offer," said Jayson Lusk, vice president and dean of OSU Agriculture. "This year's honorees exemplify excellence, whether through advancing the land-grant mission, creating impactful student scholarships, achieving distinction in their careers or championing the agricultural industry. We are proud to celebrate their remarkable contributions."

Shannon Angle of Wichita, Kansas, Bill Clymer of Amarillo, Texas, Robert Hodgen of Houston, Texas, M. John Kane IV of Pawhuska, Oklahoma, and N. Malone Mitchell of Sanderson, Texas, were honored as the 2025 Distinguished Alumni Award recipients.

The Distinguished Alumni Award was established in 1983 and recognizes individuals who serve as models for current and future Ferguson College of Agriculture students.

Rhonda and Thomas Coon of Portage, Michigan, were honored as 2025 Champions for OSU Agriculture.

Established in 2011, the Champion for OSU Agriculture Award recognizes individuals who are not graduates of the Ferguson College of Agriculture but have made significant contributions to the division.

Lyndall Stout, OSU Agriculture Office of Communications and Marketing senior director and host of the television show "SUNUP," served as the event's master of ceremonies.

"OSU Ag Honors is one of my favorite events each year," Stout said. "It's a special opportunity to celebrate our remarkable honorees and hear their inspiring stories through thoughtfully produced videos."

The 2025 honorees received custom-designed, commemorative buckles for their achievement.

In addition, the presenting sponsor for the event was the Dean's Advisory Council.

"We extend our appreciation to the Dean's Advisory Council for serving as the presenting sponsor and stepping up to help fund our event," Lusk said. "We are grateful for their continued generosity and commitment to honoring excellence within OSU Agriculture."

Visit OSU Agriculture Honors to learn more about this year's honorees and past recipients of the Distinguished Alumni and Champion for OSU Agriculture awards.