Two OSU students named national Udall Scholars

Smallwood and Timmons, both students in OSU’s College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, are the university’s fourth and fifth recipients of the national honor since the scholarship program began in 1996.

The Udall Scholars were chosen by a 12–member independent review committee on the basis of leadership potential, academic achievement and commitment to careers in the environment, health care or tribal public policy.  

Smallwood, a 21-year-old junior majoring in agricultural communications and American Indian studies, is a member of the Choctaw Nation. The Clayton, Okla., native says she plans to use her passions for agriculture and tribal sovereignty to work with federal and tribal governments on issues related to agriculture and environmental issues, specifically water. Smallwood said she aspires to be the environmental director for the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma.

Timmons is a biosystems and agricultural engineering sophomore. The 20-year-old Ada native aspires to design agricultural systems and programs that protect and sustain the quantity and quality of water, soil and other natural resources, while developing techniques to make agricultural operations more environmentally friendly.  

 “The entire OSU system is so proud of Cortney and Sara-Jane,” said Interim OSU System CEO and President Marlene Strathe. “These two students are perfect examples of the result of hard work on their part and the high caliber of instruction all students receive at OSU.”

This year’s Udall Scholars were selected from 434 candidates nominated by 221 colleges and universities. Each will receive one-time stipends of up to $5,000. The majority of the 2007 recipients intend to pursue careers related to the environment. Six Native American/Alaska Native scholars intend to pursue careers in tribal public policy, and four Native American/Alaska Native scholars will study healthcare.

The Morris K. Udall Scholarship and Excellence in National Environmental Policy Foundation was authorized by congress in 1992 to honor Congressman Udall’s legacy of public service. The foundation is supported by a trust fund in the U.S. Treasury and contributions from the private sector and has administered 916 Udall Scholarships since the awards program began. 

The 2007 scholars will gather in August in Tucson, Ariz., to be recognized and meet policy-makers and community leaders in environmental fields, tribal health care and governance.

For a complete listing of the 2007 Udall Scholars and Honorable Mentions and more information on the foundation and related programs visit www.udall.gov.                                                                                                                                        -30- 

Contact: Carrie Hulsey-Greene
405-744-6260
carrie.hulsey_greeene@okstate.edu