STILLWATER, Oklahoma, May 28 -- Oklahoma State University issued the following news: Growing up on a farm in southwest Oklahoma, Erin Slagell learned what it meant to work hard, show integrity and think critically. During her four years at Oklahoma State University, she applied those skills in a way that earned her the 2024 Louis and Betty Gardner Outstanding Senior award for the OSU Ferguson College of Agriculture. Slagell, a 22-year-old food science major from Hydro, Oklahoma, accepted the h  more

STILLWATER, Oklahoma, May 28 -- Oklahoma State University issued the following news: The blaring sound of the alarm goes off before sunrise. Sounds stir as the world wakes up and coffee brews. Just as the sun rises, the words "calf prices are high" fill the air from the "Oklahoma Farm Report" radio host. Time to take some calves to the sale barn. "Beef is a premium product and premium protein for Oklahoma and the nation," said Michael Kelsey, Oklahoma Cattlemen's Association executive vice pre  more

VINITA, Oklahoma, May 30 -- The Cherokee Nation, a federally-recognized Native American tribe, issued the following news on May 29, 2024: The Cherokee Nation and U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs Eastern Oklahoma VA Health Care System officially opened its VA Clinic inside the tribe's Vinita Health Center this week. The historic partnership now provides a VA clinic inside the Cherokee Nation Vinita Health Center for area Veterans. The 1,300 square feet of leased space with a VA Primary Care T  more

ADA, Oklahoma, May 30 -- The Chickasaw Nation, a federally-recognized Native American tribe, issued the following news release: Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby and Murray State College President Dr. Tim Faltyn recently acknowledged their respective institutions' partnership in a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Climate-Smart grant, which focuses on enhancing climate-smart agriculture practices. "We are grateful for Governor Anoatubby and the opportunity to collaborate on the Clim  more

STILLWATER, Oklahoma, May 28 -- Oklahoma State University issued the following news: In the flat expanses of western Oklahoma, researchers are studying mule deer to learn more about this animal's movement, demography and survival. The research team is gathering data for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation to set regulations for these ruminants. "Currently, there are no protocols for managing mule deer, which makes it difficult to understand their population numbers," said Marcus   more

STILLWATER, Oklahoma, May 28 -- Oklahoma State University issued the following news: From lush green hills in Ireland to the rocky roads of Scotland, Oklahoma State University Ferguson College of Agriculture students extended their agricultural education far beyond the classrooms of Agricultural Hall through a summer study-abroad course. The two-week study-abroad course in June 2023 provided an eye-opening opportunity for students in the Ferguson College of Agriculture, said Derrell Peel, agri  more

STILLWATER, Oklahoma, May 28 -- Oklahoma State University issued the following news: A single spotlight hits the Student Union Theatre stage, immediately pulling you into another world, one of an Indian wedding complete with costumes and music. As the performance ends, you are left captivated by the dance you just witnessed. The dancer was Navdeep Saasan, not a professional dancer or storyteller but an Oklahoma State University doctoral student. Originally from Punjab, India, Saasan came to O  more

STILLWATER, Oklahoma, May 28 -- Oklahoma State University issued the following news: In 2020, people were confined to their homes, expected to keep the world turning despite a global pandemic. As Zoom calls became the new normal, lack of connectivity posed a large issue for Americans living in rural communities without high-speed internet access. "One of the few good things that came out of the pandemic was people realizing, 'Hey, broadband really is important, and we need to get people connec  more

STILLWATER, Oklahoma, May 28 -- Oklahoma State University issued the following news: In the realm of agricultural education, instructors and professors at Oklahoma State University devote themselves to preparing undergraduate students for student teaching and their future careers. Tailored courses within OSU's agricultural education program cultivate hands-on instruction, said Nathan Smith, agricultural education instructor and coordinator of student teaching placement. The program focuses on   more

STILLWATER, Oklahoma, May 28 -- Oklahoma State University issued the following news: Nearly 30 years ago, two engineers in the Oklahoma State University Ferguson College of Agriculture forged a plan to provide engineering assistance to manufacturers across rural Oklahoma. Today, their plans have expanded and continue to help hundreds of businesses throughout the state. In 1997, the OSU Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering united with the Oklahoma Manufacturing Alliance to crea  more

STILLWATER, Oklahoma, May 28 -- Oklahoma State University issued the following news: Nestled among the sweeping plains outside of Hudson, Colorado, lies a centennial farm, its roots planted in the spirit of entrepreneurship. This cherished farm holds a special place in the heart of Oklahoma Pork Council executive director, Kylee Deniz. As a small child, Deniz spent her summers amid the flat, irrigated farm ground of her family's production alfalfa farm, where the rhythmic task of bailing hay b  more

STILLWATER, Oklahoma, May 28 -- Oklahoma State University issued the following news: In a world where wanderlust tugs at the hearts of many, Haley Butler's adventurous life path stands out. Butler's roots run deep at Oklahoma State University, where she not only earned her undergraduate degree in natural resource ecology and management but also completed her master's in entomology and plant pathology with unwavering determination, Butler said. Yet, in 2017 she stepped into the unknown, signin  more

STILLWATER, Oklahoma, May 28 -- Oklahoma State University issued the following news: What do milk, ice cream, yogurt and butter have in common? Although dairy might be your first guess, the answer is pecans. Food scientists in the Robert M. Kerr Food and Agricultural Products Center at Oklahoma State University are developing these pecan-based products as a new alternative to traditional dairy products. Ravi Jadeja, associate professor in the OSU Department of Animal and Food Sciences, leads t  more

STILLWATER, Oklahoma, May 28 -- Oklahoma State University issued the following news: In his adopted home state of Nevada, Oklahoma State University alumnus Dillon Davidson continues what he started in Stillwater, Oklahoma: a mission to expand awareness and elevate the agricultural industry. "Agriculture has been in my blood since birth," Davidson said. "I love being around it and advocating for it." Raised in rural Upper Sandusky, Ohio, Davidson developed a love for the agricultural world, wh  more

STILLWATER, Oklahoma, May 28 -- Oklahoma State University issued the following news: The Oklahoma State University Ferguson College of Agriculture is home to dozens of national titles and championships earned by Cowboys and Cowgirls who take competition seriously. Behind these achievements, coaches encourage students to do their best, including some coaches who are students themselves. OSU Agriculture hires graduate students with previous experience in their selected discipline to assist head  more

STILLWATER, Oklahoma, May 29 -- Oklahoma State University issued the following news: MedWise Urgent Care announced a strategic partnership with the OSU Center for Health Sciences aimed at enriching the education and training opportunities for physician assistant students. Through this collaboration, MedWise will serve as a clinical rotation site for PA students at its urgent care facilities, offering invaluable hands-on experience under the guidance of seasoned profess  more

STILLWATER, Oklahoma, May 30 -- Oklahoma State University's Center for Health Sciences issued the following news: MedWise Urgent Care announced a strategic partnership with the OSU Center for Health Sciences aimed at enriching the education and training opportunities for physician assistant students. Through this collaboration, MedWise will serve as a clinical rotation site for PA students at its urgent care facilities, offering invaluable hands-on experience under the guidance of seasoned pro  more

STILLWATER, Oklahoma, May 28 -- Oklahoma State University issued the following news: The florescent lights flickered in the early morning hours, dancing off the leaves in the greenhouse. The sounds of water and shifting flowerpots filled the air. While most people were just starting their day, a young Rodd Moesel was finishing his chores before catching the bus to school. As he helped load the last crate of plants onto his family's produce truck, excitement consumed him. Today was produce sal  more

OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma, May 30 -- The Oklahoma House issued the following news release on May 29, 2024: The Oklahoma House of Representatives Wednesdays approved the final language of a measure that would make major changes to Oklahoma's criminal code. House Bill 1792 by Rep. Mike Osburn, R-Edmond, categorizes all felonies into classes according to the Oklahoma Criminal Justice Reclassification Council's recommendations, which followed three years of study. The Council was created by the Legi  more

OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma, May 29 -- The Oklahoma State Senate posted the following statement on May 28, 2024, from Senate Democratic Leader Kay Floyd, D-Oklahoma City: * * * Senate Democratic Leader Kay Floyd released the following statement after Tuesday's Senate passage of SB 1125, the budget bill for Fiscal Year 2025. "For years, Senate Democrats have advocated for a more transparent, inclusive budget process. "This session, we saw marked improvements in transparency, yet the process still  more

OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma, May 29 -- The Oklahoma State Senate posted the following statements on May 28, 2024, from Senate Pro Tem Greg Treat, R-Oklahoma City, and State Sen. Chuck Hall, R-Perry: * * * Senate Pro Tem Greg Treat, R-Oklahoma City, and his Appropriations Chairman, Sen. Chuck Hall, R-Perry, today released the following statements after the state budget bill for Fiscal Year 2025 passed off the Senate floor this morning. Senate Bill 1125 passed off the Senate floor 31-11. "This has  more

OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma, May 30 -- The Oklahoma House posted the following statement on May 29, 2024, from State Rep. Chris Banning, R-Bixby: * * * Rep. Chris Banning, R-Bixby, released the following statement applauding State Auditor and Inspector Cindy Byrd for her Federal Single Audit of the expenditures made during Fiscal Year 2022. This annual audit, mandated by federal law and released in April, examines whether the State of Oklahoma has spent federal grant money in compliance with feder  more

OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma, May 30 -- The Oklahoma State Senate issued the following news release on May 29, 2024: The Senate overrode the governor's veto of Senate Bill 922 Wednesday. The legislation, authored by Sen. Blake Cowboy Stephens, R-Tahlequah, provides that at least 90 percent of hunting tags be issued to Oklahomans for hunting seasons with a limited number of tags available. "Thousands of Oklahomans take part in the time-honored traditions of outdoorsmanship and contribute to our stat  more

STILLWATER, Oklahoma, May 28 -- Oklahoma State University issued the following news: While growing up, being involved in numerous activities was normal for Karen Hickman. Now as the director of the environmental science undergraduate program in the Oklahoma State University Ferguson College of Agriculture, little has changed. As a youth, Hickman lived in Alva, Oklahoma, during the school year; however, she spent her summers on her family's farm. She found ways to immerse herself in farm life,  more

STILLWATER, Oklahoma, May 28 -- Oklahoma State University issued the following news: In the heart of rural Oklahoma in 1969, Dr. Edward McCrary opened the McCrary Veterinary Hospital. Three generations later, McCrary veterinarians continue to care for animals and serve their community in Watonga, Oklahoma. Ed McCrary received his undergraduate degree in agricultural education at Oklahoma State University with every intention of becoming an agricultural education teacher, said Justin McCrary, h  more

STILLWATER, Oklahoma, May 28 -- Oklahoma State University issued the following news: Every year, the tree line widens a couple more feet until the once empty prairie is thick with brush and mangled trees. If nothing is done to reduce this growth, the grasslands across the Great Plains will slowly disappear. Researchers and faculty at Texas A&M University, the University of Nebraska and Oklahoma State University are collaborating on The Prairie Project to share current research about methods to  more

STILLWATER, Oklahoma, May 28 -- Oklahoma State University issued the following news: Within 10 miles of the Kansas-Oklahoma border, the DeWitt family operates Willow Creek Farms, a fifth-generation family farm that helps FFA chapters raise money for their programs and activities. Steve Dewitt, who represents the fourth generation, works part time on the farm and has been the leader of the farm's business expansion. "I grew up on my family's farm in Braman, Oklahoma, and reside there today," D  more

STILLWATER, Oklahoma, May 28 -- Oklahoma State University issued the following news: By 2050, farmers and ranchers will be responsible for feeding almost 10 billion people, according to the United Nations. "Whether in the field or the lab, Oklahoma State University works toward making an impact on agriculture," said Brian Arnall, plant and soil sciences professor. As part of the land-grant mission, OSU Agriculture strives to feed the world, improve the Oklahoma economy, and preserve natural r  more

BRISTOL, Connecticut, May 30 -- SEC Network, a part of ESPN, issued the following news release on May 29, 2024: Ahead of their official introductions to the Southeastern Conference, Texas and Oklahoma are each set for a day of campus celebrations as they become member institutions of the SEC on July 1. SEC Network will feature live, on-site programming surrounding each university's kickoff parties for fans, alumni, students and more. On Sunday, June 30, SECN will be live from the Forty with SE  more

STILLWATER, Oklahoma, May 28 -- Oklahoma State University issued the following news: An Oklahoma game warden's primary job is to enforce the fish and wildlife laws of the state, but becoming one takes more than a love for the outdoors. "One thing I don't think people realize about game wardens is that a lot of time and education goes into preparing them to be in the public eye," said Sue Fairbanks, associate professor in the Oklahoma State University Department of Natural Resource Ecology and   more

STILLWATER, Oklahoma, May 28 -- Oklahoma State University issued the following news: In the heartland of Oklahoma, Josh and Logan Hering, identical twin brothers, carry on a tradition of innovation within the meat industry. The brothers spent their childhood helping at Ralph's Packing Co., a fourth-generation family-owned meat processing business in Perkins, Oklahoma. Their first job was folding boxes, which they turned into a brotherly competition. "Do you know the commercials of the Domino'  more

NORMAN, Oklahoma, May 30 (TNSres) -- The University of Oklahoma issued the following news release: An interdisciplinary team of researchers from the University of Oklahoma has received a portion of a $36 million grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to evaluate strategies designed to strengthen educational support for Oklahoma's children, ages birth through five years. Oklahoma's Department of Human Services, in collaboration with the Oklahoma Partnership for School Readin  more

STILLWATER, Oklahoma, May 28 -- Oklahoma State University issued the following news: When Harleigh Moore-Wilson thought about her future, she knew being an Oklahoma State University Cowboy was in the cards. "It was Bullet, the OSU Spirit Rider's horse," Moore-Wilson said. "At the age of 6, I said I was going to OSU because of Bullet. I never had any other thought of where else I would go." Moore-Wilson enrolled at OSU to obtain a Bachelor of Science degree in biosystems engineering from the F  more