OSU Hargis Leadership Institute

05/01/2026

Week 4, our final week of celebrating our graduating seniors throughout HLI: HLI and TLX Student Directors, PLC Facilitators, and McKnight Scholars Mentors 🎓

Lexi:
We want to express our sincere appreciation for the dedication and creativity Lexi brought to the Hargis Leadership Institute as the Student Director of Marketing through InternOSU. Her work has done more than promote programs, she helped shape how our story is told and how our community is experienced. Lexi’s ability to bring ideas to life, highlight the voices of our students, and create meaningful connections has made a lasting impact. Because of her, our work has been seen, felt, and remembered in new ways. Lexi will truly be missed. At the same time, we’re incredibly hopeful and excited for what lies ahead for her. There’s no doubt that her talent and vision will continue to open doors and create impact wherever she may go. Lexi, we wish you continued success and all the best in what’s to come! Congratulations on your graduation!

Danielle Buttrum
It has been a privilege to have Danielle Buttrum as part of the Hargis Leadership Institute, beginning as a member of the inaugural transfer cohort of PLC and continuing as a Transfer PLC Facilitator and TLX Student Director of Workshops. Her time in these roles reflects a deep level of commitment, intentionality, and care for the work she does. Danielle is an extremely hard worker who leads with purpose and quiet confidence. While she may not always seek the spotlight, the way she shows up, follows through, and supports others speaks volumes. Her leadership has helped create meaningful space for transfer students and has strengthened the PLC community in lasting ways. Her impact will continue to be felt, and we are incredibly grateful for the role she has played in shaping this program. Congratulations on your graduation, Danielle!

Jacob McCoy
It has been a privilege to watch Jacob McCoy grow over the course of his time with the Hargis Leadership Institute. From PLC Facilitator to TLX Experience Director to serving the past two years as PLC Student Director, Jacob’s leadership journey reflects intentional growth, deep commitment, and a genuine investment in others.
Those who have worked closely with him have seen the way he leads with humility, clarity, and care. He has poured into this program and into the students around him in ways that will have a lasting impact. And if there is one thing everyone knows, it is that Jacob has been the ultimate PLC hype man, bringing energy, pride, and belief into every space he is in. There is so much to be proud of in the leader Jacob has become, and there is no doubt his influence will continue far beyond PLC. This community will truly miss him. We are incredibly grateful for the role he has played in shaping PLC. Congratulations on your graduation, Jacob!

Tatumn:
Congratulations to Tatumn Kennedy on an outstanding career at OSU! From Meeker, Colorado, Tatumn has exemplified leadership and academic excellence through her involvement in the Ferguson College of Agriculture Student Council, American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers, Tau Beta Pi, and as a UNIV 1111 Student Academic Mentor. She also currently serves as a McKnight Mentor for Class XV, continuing to invest in the success of others. Being named the 2026 Louis and Betty Gardner Outstanding Senior in the Oklahoma State University Ferguson College of Agriculture is a testament to her hard work and impact. The future is bright!

Brancen:
One of the most charismatic facilitators in PLC, Brancen can easily take charge of a room, and he uses this to bring about real change. He shows his passion for sustainability with his geophysics research and impactful leadership in the nonprofit Wishes for Water! Brancen is extremely intelligent, and equally funny, which will no doubt serve him well has he begins this next chapter in life!

04/23/2026

Week 3 of celebrating our graduating seniors throughout HLI: HLI and TLX Student Directors, PLC Facilitators, and McKnight Scholars Mentors 🎓

Gage:
It has been a privilege to watch Gage Tennyson grow throughout his time with the Hargis Leadership Institute. Serving as a PLC Facilitator for two years and as the TLX Student Director of Experience, Gage has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to leadership and the student experience.
Gage leads with a high standard of excellence and a desire to get things right. He holds both himself and those around him to that standard, which has elevated the quality of the experiences he helps create. Watching his growth as a leader has been incredibly rewarding, and his development over time has been both noticeable and meaningful.
His leadership has made a lasting impact on PLC and TLX, and this community is better because of the role he has played in it. Congratulations on your graduation, Gage!

Vera:
Veraniqua is one of our most decorated facilitators, serving for 3 years as a mentor to 4 different small groups totaling over 40 students. She has had one of the most visible impacts on PLC, with many of her students serving in impactful leadership roles today. If a student or peer needs advice, Vera has been the go to person. She leads with passion and strength, and her optimism is contagious!
Vera will undoubtably have a major impact in her community as she enters this next stage!

Juliana:
Congratulations to Juliana Cueva on reaching this exciting milestone! From Palestine, Texas, Juliana pursued Biology with a concentration in pre-medical sciences while staying actively involved in Alpha Delta Pi, Global Medical Brigades, and serving as a McKnight Mentor for Class XV.
Whether she’s serving others or traveling the world (one of her favorite things to do! ✈️🌎), Juliana is making the most of every opportunity. We can't wait to see where her journey in medicine takes her next!

04/22/2026

Celebrating our graduating seniors today 🎓

We are so incredibly proud of all the hard work, growth, and dedication you’ve shown throughout your time at Oklahoma State University.

It’s hard to imagine this place without you, but we’re so excited to see where life takes you next. Just know we’ll always be cheering you on and supporting you, wherever you go!

With love,
Your HLI Team

04/20/2026

Our intern Lexi had the opportunity to showcase her work at the InternOSU Showcase hosted by Career Services.

We are incredibly proud of everything she has learned, accomplished, and contributed during her time with the Hargis Leadership Institute.

We’re grateful to have had Lexi on our team during the Fall 2025 and Spring 2026 semesters, and we are excited to see all the great things she will accomplish next.

04/16/2026

Week 2 of celebrating our graduating seniors throughout HLI: HLI and TLX Student Directors, PLC Facilitators, and McKnight Scholars Mentors 🎓

Bri’Ana:
It has been such a pleasure to work alongside Bri’Ana at the Hargis Leadership Institute. Her leadership as Student Director for Leadership Programs and her impact as a Lead4Success facilitator have left a lasting mark on our team and the students she’s supported.
Bri’Ana leads with compassion and purpose, always showing up ready to pour into others and elevate the spaces she’s in. The way she supported programs, developed leaders, and strengthened our community does not go unnoticed.
And the best part is this isn’t goodbye! We’re so excited that Bri’Ana be continuing her journey with us as a Graduate Teaching Assistant this Fall 2026. So proud of her and all that lies ahead.
Bri’Ana, congratulations on your graduation!

Savannah:
Savannah possesses a sharp, analytical mind with a commitment to justice, which is clearly reflected in her pursuit of Political Science and Criminology. As a facilitator for PLC, she has been dedicated to fostering critical thinking within her small group, which encouraged our students to engage deeply with the world around them and to consider all angles.
Her dedication to advocacy will no doubt have an impact as she begins this next chapter, and we are lucky to have her represent our organization!

Adam:
Congratulations to Adam Hartman on his graduation from OSU! Hailing from Paris, Texas, Adam studied Industrial Engineering and Management while making a difference as a McKnight Mentor for Class XIV.
Adam was also recognized as an OSU Senior of Significance, an honor celebrating his commitment to scholarship, leadership, and service. We’re proud of the legacy you’re leaving and excited to see what’s next!

04/14/2026

Make sure to join us tomorrow for our final Leadership Development Series of the semester!

🗓 Wednesday, April 15, 2026
⏰ 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
📍 Student Union, Room 408
🍽 FREE Food
👥️ Come & Go

This session, “AI + You: Leadership Beyond the Algorithm,” will explore how to lead with purpose and authenticity in a world shaped by technology.

This is a great opportunity to grow your leadership skills and connect with others! We’ll see you there!

04/10/2026

Celebrating our graduating seniors throughout HLI: HLI and TLX Student Directors, PLC Facilitators, and McKnight Scholars Mentors 🎓

Kalen:
It has been such a privilege to work with Kalen at the Hargis Leadership Institute. His impact as a Lead4Success facilitator and student leadership coach has been truly meaningful, not just in what he’s done, but in how he’s shown up for others. Kalen leads with intention, authenticity, and care, creating spaces where students felt supported, challenged, and empowered to grow. That kind of leadership leaves a lasting impact, and he’s certainly left his mark here at HLI. Kalen will be deeply missed, but we're so excited to see what’s ahead for him. We have no doubt he’ll continue to lead, inspire, and make a difference wherever he goes. Congratulations on your graduation, Kalen!

Kennedy:
Congratulations to Kennedy Stroebel on an incredible journey at OSU!
From Seymour, Texas to Stillwater, Kennedy made her mark through her involvement in Zeta Tau Alpha, serving as a Ferguson College of Agriculture Ambassador, and previously as a Career Liaison. Her passion for animal science and leadership has set the stage for an exciting next chapter.
Next stop: the Texas Tech University School of Veterinary Medicine! We can't wait to see the impact you'll make in the veterinary world. Your future is bright, Kennedy!

Madeline:
Madeline is inquisitive, deeply intentional, and she carries compassion into her leadership as she strives to improve the quality of life for those around her. She has a passion for speech pathology and accessibility, and is already making a difference through her work with the nonprofit Lou’s Locker!
Through her time as a facilitator for PLC, Madeline has fostered our student leaders to be more insightful and empathetic, which serves as a testament to her character. Madeline will make a significant difference in any community she serves in!

04/09/2026

We are proud to have hosted the Lead Orange Celebration last week in collaboration with OSU Career Services, recognizing students, alumni, and community partners who embody servant-hearted leadership.

This celebration honored Legacy award recipients, leadership scholars, co-curricular certification completion, and valued campus and community partners who are making meaningful impacts across our Cowboy community.

At the Hargis Leadership Institute, we believe leadership is a daily commitment to serve, act with integrity, and create positive change. Each honoree reflects what it means to lead with purpose, uplift others, and contribute to something greater than themselves.

We are grateful for the opportunity to celebrate this community and the continued impact of leadership in action at OSU and beyond.

04/03/2026

04/02/2026

Your voice matters, Cowboys! 🤠

03/31/2026

Last Sunday, our PLC and McKnight Scholars students served the Stillwater community through Into the Streets. This opportunity allowed students to collaborate together and give back through meaningful service.

Thank you to everyone who participated and helped make the day a success! 🧡