2021-2022 Oklahoma State University Animal Science Scholarship Recipients
Matilyn Allen, Maysville, Oklahoma
Caden Arnold, Medina, TX
Corrine Burrus, Farmington, Arkansas
Taryn Cook, Lindsay, Oklahoma
Macey Goretska, Abilene, Texas
Grace Harris, Horatio, Arkansas
Mamie-Cate Haydon, Weatherford, Texas
Mattie Haynes, Jay, Oklahoma
Danielle Nading, Fort Scott, Kansas
Madalyn Neuschwander, Shedd, Oregon
Natally Owen, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Rhett Pursley, Locust Grove, Oklahoma
Phoebe Rogers, Hennessey, Oklahoma
Tanner Stevens, Yukon, Oklahoma
Johnna Stottlemyre, Luther, Oklahoma
Raylyn Thompson, Adair, Oklahoma
Kyler Vernon, Arroyo Grande, California
Matilyn Allen
Hometown: Maysville, Oklahoma
Major: Animal Science with an option in business
Year: Senior
OSU and Industry Activities: Growing up showing pigs and livestock judging, I love going back home and helping younger members with their projects.
Future Plans: After graduating OSU, I plan to continue working at Payne County Farm Bureau. At PCFB, I will be involved in Business Development where I will be taking part of activities in the county including working closely with county 4-H and FFA members.
Caden Arnold
Hometown: Medina, Texas
Major: Animal Science Pre-Vet
Year: Junior
OSU and Industry Activities: OSU Livestock Judging Team
Future Plans: I plan to be a large animal vet.
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Corrine Burrus
Hometown: Farmington, Arkansas
Major: Food Science
Year: Senior
OSU and Industry Activities: Undergraduate Research Assistant in FAPC
Future Plans: After graduation, I plan to pursue a graduate degree in food science. I plan to be involved in the food industry with a focus on Research and Development.
Taryn Cook
Hometown: Lindsay, Oklahoma
Major: Animal Science
Year: Senior
Future Plans: After receiving my bachelor's degree in Animal Science, I plan on continuing my education here at Oklahoma State and working on getting my Master's in Livestock Nutrition. I hope to one day become a sales representative or to make new rations for a large feed company.
Macey Goretska
Hometown: Abilene, Texas
Major: Animal Science, Business
Year: Senior
OSU and Industry Activities: I am currently a Leader of Excellence in Animal and Food Science, the Secretary of the Block and Bridle, and a member of Oklahoma Collegiate Cattlewomen.
Future Plans: After graduating in May I hope to continue my education and pursue a Master's Degree in Animal Science.
Grace Harris
Hometown: Horatio, Arkansas
Major: Animal and Food Science dual major with a Pre-Vet concentration.
Year: Junior
OSU and Industry Activities: Member of the OSU Livestock Judging Team, past OSU Meat Judging Team member, All-American meat judge, Leader of Excellence in Animal and Food Sciences, Ferguson College of Agriculture Ambassador, Freshman Student Mentor, National Society of Leadership and Success Secretary, Pilgrim’s Pride Intern, Livestock show volunteer at Oklahoma Youth Expo, Arkansas Youth Expo and Arkansas State Fair, Past Arkansas FFA State Secretary.
Future Plans My future plans include finishing my double major in Animal Science and Food Science and then furthering my academic career by obtaining my master’s and PhD in meat science. I hope to secure a longtime career working to provide protein to power the world. My ultimate goal is to work for one of the leading protein companies in the world in research and development to ensure we are producing enough protein for the growing population. I also hope to focus my work in increasing efficiency and decreasing the footprint of the meat industry.
Mamie-Cate Haydon
Hometown: Weatherford, Texas
Major: Animal Science: Pre-Veterinary Science with a minor in Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness
Year: Senior
OSU and Industry activities: As a freshman/sophomore, I was a resident and active member of the Freshman in Transition Program in what was then known as CASNR. Additionally, I acted as a professor’s assistant for the introductory course for Animal Science with Dr. Stein. As a junior, I became involved in not only the OSU Block and Bridle Club and Meat Science Association. I had the privilege of competing in the Intercollegiate Meat Judging realm on behalf of OSU with many talented individuals and even more wonderful coaches. Furthermore, this past semester, I also joined the OSU Ranch Horse Team in hopes of furthering my horsemanship skills. Additionally, in an all-encompassing manner, I am currently interning at the R. A. Brown Ranch in Throckmorton, Texas as a production operations intern.
Future Plans: As for future career aspirations, I aim to pursue a career in the animal health field with intentions to better serve producers and consumers by assisting them in a way that will not only benefit the animal’s overall health but will create a better and more profitable product in the industry.
Mattie Haynes
Hometown: Jay, Oklahoma
Major: Animal Science & Agribusiness
Year: Senior
OSU & Industry Activities: OSU Livestock Judging Team, OSU Meat Animal Evaluation Team, Leader of Excellence in Animal and Food Sciences, Ferguson College of Agriculture Freshmen Transfer Council, OSU Honors College Student & General Honors Award Recipient, AFR Women's College Mentorship Mentee, Project Manager for Bio S.I. Technology
Future Plans:Following the completion of my duo of B.S. degrees at Oklahoma State University, I plan to pursue an M.S. and Ph.D. in Animal Science. I have an interest in research that evaluates the interaction of immune function and the rumen microbiome. I feel this is an area that is key to the sustainability and profitability of beef cattle operations. Professionally, I hope my work makes an impact and as a result, I will be positioned to receive a faculty position at a land grant university. I believe a career in academia will provide me with a vast opportunity to give back not only educationally, but by striving to be a motivational role model for students.
Danielle Nading
Hometown- Fort Scott, Kansas
Major: University Studies in Ferguson College of Agriculture. Minors in Ag Leadership and Animal Science.
Year: Senior
OSU and Industry Activities: I am a member of the livestock judging team at OSU, and this past year I was the media Intern for the Eastern Kansas Swine
Show Series. I have been a member of the NJSA and EKSSS for many years and am still actively involved in the swine industry.
Future Plans: After graduation, I plan to obtain a career in the Agriculture Industry where I have the opportunity to advocate for Agriculture. I would like to have a career in a livestock organization where I also have the chance to work with youth.
Madalyn Neuschwander
Hometown: Shedd, Oregon
Major: Agricultural Communications and Animal Science
Year: Senior
OSU and Industry Activities: OSU Block and Bridle, OSU Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow, Oregon Cattlemen's Association Member
Future Plans: After college I would like to have a career in advocating for farmers and ranchers, through an organization or business. I hope to include photography within my career.
Natally Owen
Hometown: Mustang, Oklahoma
Major: Animal Science
Year: Senior
OSU and Industry Activities: Livestock Judging Team, owner of my own club lamb operation called Owen Southdowns
Career Aspirations: Being a feed scientist in a small ruminant division at a feed company.
Rhett Pursley
Hometown: Locust Grove, Oklahoma
Major: Animal Science
Year: Senior
OSU and Industry Activities: Member of the 2020 OSU Livestock Judging Team, currently working for OSU’s vet school at the OSU Center for Veterinary Medicine Ranch, member of the Honors College
Future Plans: I hope to continue my education at Oklahoma State University through graduate school and then find a career working in the swine industry.
Phoebe Rogers
Hometown: Amber, Oklahoma
Major: Animal Science
Year: Senior
OSU and Industry Activities: I am a current member of the Livestock Judging Team at Oklahoma State University.
Future Plans: My goals after college include going to veterinary school, and one day opening my own practice. I would like to become a large animal vet that primarily focuses on embryo transfer and artificial insemination.
Tanner Stevens
Hometown: Yukon, Oklahoma
Major: Animal Science
Year: Junior
OSU and Industry Activities: I currently work at Express Ranches in Yukon, Oklahoma. I would like to join the swine club as well as the block and bridle club in my time as a student at OSU.
Future Plans: I plan on pursuing a career with a livestock pharmaceutical company to distribute medication to farmers and ranchers across the country.
Johnna Stottlemyre
Hometown: Luther, Oklahoma
Major: Animal Science/ Business
Year: Senior
OSU and Industry Activities: Livestock Judging Team
Future Plans: After college I plan to attend Law school in hopes to become a Corporate Attorney, and hope to use my degrees at an agriculture based company down the road.
2020-2021 Oklahoma State University Animal Science Scholarship Recipients
Luke Altermatt, Tulare, California
Braden Alwert, Fairmont, Oklahoma
Miles Cunningham, Springer, Oklahoma
Brandon Curry, Wellington, Kansas
Macey Goretska, Abilene, Texas
Mami Cate Hayden, Weathorford, Texas
Reagan Horan, McKinney, Texas
Aspen Hornback, Belle Union, Indiana
Tanner Komlodi, Gilbert, Arizona
Megan Newlon, Hugoton, Kansas
Dillon Ponder, Bristow, Oklahoma
Rhett Pursley, Locust Grove, Oklahoma
Trey Roberts, Washington, Oklahoma
Kacie Roof, Hydro, Oklahoma
Jaelyn Sewell, Ada, Oklahoma
Kindal Stricklen, Bennington, Oklahoma
Lane Williams, Duncan, Oklahoma
Luke Altermatt
Luke Altermatt is an animal science sophomore from Tulare, California. Altermatt serves as the vice president of business for the Ferguson College of Agriculture Student Council and is a member of the OSU Collegiate Cattlemen’s Association. He was inspired to attend OSU because of the welcoming staff of the department of animal and food sciences and the constant improvement of agricultural facilities. “A Cowboy goes above and beyond being reliable or fun,” Altermatt said. “Being a Cowboy means you will drop whatever you are doing to help someone in need anytime, anywhere. It also means you are a part of a family, and one I’m proud to be a member.” After graduation, Altermatt wants to get back to the roots of agriculture by working in a production agriculture setting.
Braden Alwert
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Introducing Braden Alwert as a 2020-2021 ASAA Scholar! Alwert is an animal science senior from Fairmont, Oklahoma. Alwert is involved in the OSU Swine Club where he serves as a jackpot coordinator. Alwert was a member of the Ferguson College of Agriculture Freshman in Transition program and as a junior he was selected for the inaugural Pig Industry Group Class hosted by the Oklahoma Pork Council. Choosing OSU was an easy decision for Alwert because he grew up as an OSU fan and could not pass up the opportunity to attend one of the best agricultural schools in the nation, located only an hour away from his hometown. “To me, being a Cowboy is not just being tough and a steward of the land,” Alwert said. “A Cowboy can be anyone who stands up for what they believe in and is loyal and truthful when there is a friend in need. A Cowboy will stand up when times are hard and everything is against them. The Cowboy is not afraid to show a little sadness when their loved one or favorite animal is sick. That is a Cowboy.” After graduation, Alwert wants to continue raising hogs with his dad at Alwert Show Pigs.
Mami Cate Hayden
Introducing Mami Cate Hayden as a 2020-2021 ASAA Scholar! Hayden is an animal science senior from Weatherford, Texas. Hayden was a member of the 2020 OSU Meat Judging Team and is a member of the OSU Block and Bridle Club and Meat Science Association. She was also a member of the Ferguson College of Agriculture Freshman in Transition program and worked as a teaching assistant for the introduction to animal science course. Hayden chose Oklahoma State University because she felt the warm atmosphere of the community and the helpful and knowledgeable faculty would be the best fit for her to acquire the best education. “To be a part of the cowboy family means to be a part of a lifetime of tradition and connections,” Hayden said. “‘Connected for Life’ is undoubtedly something the cowboy family does not take lightly. I believe the same feeling of pride, tradition, and connection resides in the heart of every OSU cowboy and it is apparent in their attitudes.” After graduation, Hayden plans to pursue a career in the animal health field as either a veterinarian or ruminant nutrition consultant and use her passions to improve the quality of life for animals and profitability for producers.
Reagan Horan
Introducing Reagan Horan as a 2020-2021 ASAA Scholar! Horan is an animal science and biotechnology junior from McKinney, Texas. Horan is an officer in the OSU Block and Bridle Club and the Best Buddies program while also serving as an ambassador for Pete’s Pet Posse. Horan was inspired to attend OSU because the faculty and staff were all incredibly welcoming and genuinely interested in her career goals and interests. She said the students were very welcoming and knew she would have the support system to be successful as an OSU student. “Being a cowboy means having a school that feels like home, having faculty and staff that are truly invested in our lives and professional goals, and having a family of other students that are always encouraging and spreading the cowboy spirit across campus,” Horan said. “OSU is truly my home away from home and I am so thankful for everyone that has been a part of my journey.” After graduation, Horan plans to attend occupational therapy school where she wants to help people through animal-assisted therapy.
Aspen Hornback
Aspen Hornback is an animal science junior from Belle Union, Indiana. Hornback is a member of the OSU Livestock Judging Team and Leaders of Excellence in Animal and Food Sciences (LEAFS) program. She was drawn to the OSU Animal Science program because of her background in the livestock industry. “Being an Oklahoma State Cowboy is more than just bleeding orange,” Hornback said. “Being a Cowboy is knowing you will always have a family who supports you no matter what degree path you choose.”
After graduation, Hornback wants to start a national livestock show for special needs children to give them the opportunity to exhibit livestock.
Megan Newlon
Introducing Megan Newlon as a 2020-2021 ASAA Scholar! Newlon is an animal science and agricultural communications sophomore from Hugoton, Kansas. Newlon is a member of the Horseman's Association, Block & Bridle, Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow, Oklahoma Collegiate CattleWomen's Association and the McKnight Scholars Leadership Program. She also worked as an intern for Oklahoma State Cline Equine Teaching Center this past spring. Newlon was drawn to OSU because of the reputation of the animal science department combined with the welcoming staff and a hands-on learning environment.
“Being a cowboy means belonging to a family dedicated to my educational success,” Newlon said. After graduation, Newlon plans to work in the communications, marketing and breeding sectors of the equine industry.
Kacie Roof
Introducing Kacie Roof as a 2020-2021 ASAA Scholar! Roof is an animal science senior from Hydro, Oklahoma. Roof is a member of the Leaders of Excellence in Animal and Food Sciences (LEAFS) program and conducts research with Dr. Spicer. Roof was inspired by her agricultural education teacher to attend OSU. “Being a cowboy has taught me respect, loyalty, and friendship,” Roof said. After graduation, Roof wants to be a college professor.
Jaelyn Sewell
Jaelyn Sewell is a food science junior from Ada, Oklahoma. Sewell was a member of the 2020 OSU Meat Judging Team. In addition to meat judging, Sewell is a member of the OSU Meat Science Association and the Block and Bridle Club. With Sewell’s passion for the livestock industry and being a fourth generation Cowboy, the decision to attend OSU was easy. “I have never known any other way than to be a Cowboy and wear America's Brightest Orange,” Sewell said. “Being a Cowboy defines my way of life.” Sewell is unsure of where she will end up after graduation, but she is drawn to careers with the United States Department of Agriculture, the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, American Meat Science Association and the Oklahoma Beef Council.
Kindal Stricklen
Introducing Kindal Stricklen as a 2020-2021 ASAA Scholar! Stricklen is an animal science senior from Bennington, Oklahoma. Stricklen is working on research with a PhD student in the department. After deciding to pursue an animal science degree, Stricklen knew OSU would be a great fit. “To me, being a cowboy means working hard to achieve your dreams with the help and support of a college family that wants to see you succeed,” Stricklen said. After graduation, Stricklen wants to manage her own cow/calf and seedstock operation alongside an equine operation.
Lane Williams
Introducing Lane Williams as a 2020-2021 ASAA Scholar! Williams is an animal science senior from Duncan, Oklahoma. Williams is a member of the OSU meat judging team and meat science club. Williams was inspired to attend OSU because of family members who are OSU alumni. “Being part of a community where everyone is friendly and willing to lend a hand to those in need,” Williams said. After graduation, Williams wants to have a career in agriculture while also maintaining a cattle herd.
Raylyn Thompson
Hometown: Adair, Oklahoma
Major: Animal Science with a concentration in business
Year: Senior
OSU and Industry Activities: I am a member of the current Oklahoma State Livestock Judging Team and I am the Youth Livestock Program Intern working alongside Extension Specialists.
Future Plans: My hope would be that my educational path would position me to obtain a career as a youth livestock extension specialist at a land grant institution.
Kyler Vernon
Hometown : Arroyo Grande, California
Major : Animal Science
Year: Junior
OSU and industry activities: At OSU, I am a member of the Livestock Judging team.
Future Plans: After finishing up at OSU, my goal is to head back home to California to earn my J.D. and begin practicing as a water law attorney. Aside from law, I'd also like to continue expanding my flock of blackface club lamb ewes.