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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

2023 Distinguished Alumni Award

Lionel Bentley

The late Bentley graduated with a bachelor’s degree in agronomy with a focus on turf management from OSU. Bentley had a successful career at the City of Norman and at Bentley Turf Farms, which he owned and operated until his passing in 2022. He was a great supporter of the OSU turfgrass program and was known as a turfgrass sod pioneer in Oklahoma.

Heather Buckmaster

Buckmaster, a third-generation OSU graduate, grew up on a wheat and cattle farm in Hydro. She received both her bachelor's and master's degrees in agricultural economics from OSU. As the executive director of the Oklahoma Beef Council, she is well-known across the state by beef cattle producers as a champion for the industry.

Gary Clark

Clark graduated with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in agricultural education from OSU and a Juris Doctor from the University of Texas. He was a member of the OSU / Oklahoma A&M Board of Regents and served as vice president and general counsel for the OSU Foundation. Before retiring in 2021, he worked as senior vice president and general counsel for OSU.

Andy Cole

Cole received a bachelor’s degree in agriculture with an animal science option and a minor in biology from West Texas State University, followed by a master’s degree in animal science and a doctoral degree in animal nutrition with a minor in biochemistry from OSU. He is an internationally recognized scientist whose contributions have impacted the beef cattle industry.

Eddie Fields

Fields received a bachelor’s degree in animal science from OSU. As president of Fields Ranch Inc. and Fields Land and Livestock LLC, he has learned to value soil, water and natural resources on his family ranch. His passion for agriculture led him to public office in the Oklahoma legislature.

Terry Tippens

Tippens graduated with a bachelor’s degree in agricultural economics from OSU and a Juris Doctor from the University of Oklahoma. Tippens, of counsel at Fellers, Snider, Blankenship, Bailey and Tippens, has practiced law for more than 52 years, trying some of the largest business cases in Oklahoma.

2023 Champion Award

Win and Kay Ingersoll

Both Win and Kay Ingersoll attended OSU in the early 1960s, where they reconnected before marrying in 1965. The couple took over the McFarlin Ranch as the fourth generation to manage operations. The ranch was one of the first and largest Oklahoma ranches in the 1900s and continues to thrive today under the guidance of Win Ingersoll’s widow, Kay, and the couple’s family.

Jon Newell

Newell received both his bachelor’s degree and doctoral degree in chemistry from OSU. He spent 30 years working as a senior research manager and scientist at Anheuser-Busch Inc., where he worked on a multitude of projects benefitting the food industry. He also received a business degree and currently owns a commercial real estate rental business in Hemet, California.

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. 20, 2023
Join OSU Agriculture as we honor and celebrate the recipients of the Distinguished Alumni Award and Champion Award on Oct. 20. 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.
Honors medallions for award recipients
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