Dan Shoup, professor in the OSU Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management, was recognized with the Excellence in Undergraduate Advising and Mentoring Award at the Ferguson College of Agriculture Scholarships and Awards Banquet in March.
Shoup, who has taught in the Ferguson College of Agriculture since 2005, has advised more than 250 students at OSU. His teaching in the department focuses on undergraduate and graduate students in the fisheries and aquatic ecology option.
“His mentoring extends well beyond formal advising appointments,” said Jason Harmon, department head of natural resource ecology and management. “It is embedded in his daily interactions with students, his leadership of student groups and his sustained investment in helping undergraduates clarify their goals, navigate challenges and develop confidence in their academic and professional trajectories.”
Colleagues and students in the department lauded Shoup for his open-door policy—a simple gesture that encourages students to come talk with him. With this small action, Shoup hopes students understand he wants to be involved in their academic journey.
Shoup’s classwork is field-intensive and requires individualized instruction. To build rapport with students, Shoup focuses on meaningful, informal interactions.
“Often, we’re starting out with a conversation about their latest fishing exploit, then we stumble into something that becomes a career mentoring moment,” Shoup said. “They weren’t coming in to talk about something like classwork, but I’m then able to speak to that situation and give some advice.”
Shoup, who grew up in Ohio, had an early interest in fish and wildlife. Paired with his enjoyment of science, he was initially drawn to research as a career. But while working on his master’s degree, he fell in love with teaching.
“I think each student is unique,” Shoup said. “You really need to approach each one differently. That can be hard in the classroom. Where I really like that philosophy is when I get to do individual work with students.”
Outside of the classroom, Shoup prioritizes undergraduate research as the best way to learn science. Students lead their own projects from planning to completion, and to date, 13 students have completed independent research projects in his laboratory.
“I wish we could get every student involved in a project,” Shoup said. “It’s such a valuable thing to do.”
Additionally, Shoup serves as an advisor for two clubs at OSU. Since 2005, he has worked with the Oklahoma Student Chapter of the American Fisheries Society, and Shoup has spent the past 20 years as advisor for the OSU Bass Fishing Team.
“Dr. Shoup’s impact on students goes far beyond the classroom,” said Cynda Clary, associate dean for academic programs. “His mentoring philosophy is rooted in the idea that every student matters as an individual, and he lives that out through his genuine investment in their personal and professional growth.”
Shoup’s philosophy on mentoring required a heavy investment. But getting to see students land their first job out of college, walk across the graduation stage or pursue a graduate degree makes it a worthwhile experience for him.
“It’s rewarding when you see the enthusiasm and realize they’re really excited about what they get to do,” he said. “Most of it was them but getting to play a small role in that is really rewarding.”
The Ferguson College of Agriculture believes in the value of hands-on education and the importance of having a well-rounded student experience. The college’s award-winning faculty members are dedicated to developing students and are passionate about adding value to the total educational experience. With 16 majors, a variety of study options and more than 60 student organizations, the college is committed to expanding minds and inspiring purpose. Learn more at agriculture.okstate.edu
