The Oklahoma State University Ferguson College of Agriculture Alumni Society Board recently recognized Robby Branscum with the Early Career Achievement Award. Branscum was honored at the annual Scholarships and Awards Banquet on April 3.
Branscum, a two-time graduate of the Ferguson College, earned a bachelor’s degree in animal science and agricultural education in 2013 and a doctorate in agricultural education in 2024.
As an undergraduate student, Branscum was a member of the Freshmen in Transition Living Learning Program, the First-Year Representative Council and Collegiate FFA. In addition to student organizations, Branscum said his coursework prepared him for an agricultural education career.
“I am grateful for Dr. Jon Ramsey, Dr. Rob Terry and Dr. Shane Robinson for their guidance in preparing me to succeed in the classroom and appreciate the field experiences where I visited other agricultural education programs and taught in their classrooms,” Branscum said. “Also, many of the projects I completed in Dr. Bob Kropp’s animal nutrition courses are ones I use in my classes today.”
In 2013, Branscum began his career as an agricultural education instructor and FFA advisor at Oilton Public Schools in Oilton, Oklahoma. He joined Stillwater Public Schools to serve in the same role in 2016.
Branscum is an accomplished educator and has been recognized by the Oklahoma Agricultural Education Teachers Association and the National Association of Agricultural Educators. He also received the 2023 national Carl Perkins Community Service Award from the Association for Career and Technical Education for his efforts to promote student involvement in community service.
A member of Stillwater’s agricultural education team, Branscum has helped Stillwater FFA win several national and state accolades. In 2023, Stillwater FFA was named the National Premier Chapter for Building Communities, a recognition honoring the most innovative FFA chapter in community service. Stillwater FFA also won the Model of Excellence award from the National FFA Association, the highest honor an FFA program can receive. Stillwater FFA boasts impressive individual student achievements, including 78 state and 19 national Agriscience Fair championships, 30 state Agricultural Proficiency awards and over 80 national supervised agricultural experience grants.
“We are thrilled to recognize Robby with the Early Career Achievement Award,” said Justin Anderson, president of the Ferguson College of Agriculture Alumni Society. “His commitment to developing students not only in his classroom but also in the Ferguson College is admirable.”
Branscum continues to support the Ferguson College by serving as a guest lecturer in the OSU Department of Agricultural Education, Communications and Leadership and hosting students for their first teaching experiences in his classroom.
“I believe in the mission of educating others on the importance of the agricultural industry,” Branscum said. “As an agricultural educator, I recognize the necessity of preparing the next generation of educators and love giving back through this endeavor.”
Branscum said receiving this award is meaningful because of his passion for OSU and the Ferguson College of Agriculture.
“For the past 12 years, I have been involved in a career where I can combine my two passions of agriculture and education,” he said. “These passions were instilled in me during my time at OSU, and being recognized for this award by the college that shaped my life is truly an honor.”
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
By Sophia Fahleson
