Oklahoma State University student Savannah Smith of Talihina has been awarded a Morris K. Udall Foundation Scholarship for her senior year. 
2008-04-09

Savannah is the sixth OSU student ever to receive this scholarship. Although Savannah is majoring in Environmental Science, we in Plant and Soil Sciences consider her one of our own.  She is currently working in Dr. Chad Penn’s environmental soil chemistry lab and is planning to continue with her Masters degree in PaSS.

Smith, an environmental science major with an option in environmental policy, is the sixth OSU student to receive this scholarship, according to Dr. Robert Graalman, director of the OSU Office of Scholar Development and Recognition.   Graalman and last year’s Udall Scholarship winners Cortney Timmons and Sara-Jane Smallwood were among many on hand to surprise Smith with the announcement during one of her classes. “Everyone at OSU is proud of Savannah,” said President Hargis. “This is a major achievement and a wonderful reflection on Oklahoma State University. This award is what this university is about, and that’s quality students who make a real commitment to changing our world.” The Udall scholarship provides $5,000 for educational expenses to outstanding sophomores and juniors who are studying the environment and related fields, or are Native Americans or Alaska Natives in fields related to health care or tribal public policy. The scholarship was created in 1992 to honor Congressman Morris K. Udall of Arizona. For three decades, the congressman fought to preserve and to protect the nation’s environment, public lands, and natural resources. He also was a champion of tribal self-governing rights for Native American and Alaska Natives. As part of the application process, Smith had to complete an 800-word essay discussing a significant public speech, legislative act, or public policy statement by Congressman Udall, and its relationship to her interests or coursework. She will attend the Udall Scholar Orientation Weekend in Tucson, Ariz., in August. “I am honored to be named a 2008 Morris K. Udall Scholar. Receiving a scholarship named after one of the most productive and creative legislators of our time who had such a love for the environment has changed my life,” Smith said. “Along with many other dedicated students on OSU’s campus, I aspire to create environmental awareness and make a difference today and in the future.” According to Graalman, Smith’s potential for the award was evident. “Her candidacy was first recognized and encouraged by last year’s winners, which is a sign of campus enthusiasm for this enterprise. She will really make a mark as a protector of the environment,” he said. She was selected for the prestigious freshman OSU President’s Leadership Council, based upon leadership potential, service and academic achievement, and also has received a four-year Academic Achievement Scholarship. Smith serves Environmental Science Club president, is vice chair of the Student Government Association Tailgate Recycling Committee, is group coordinator of the Oklahoma Water Resources Board Water Watch, and is a member of the ECO-OSU Club, a grassroots environmental organization dedicated to creating better environmental awareness. “Savannah possesses balance of leadership, communication, technical and academic skills that sets her apart from her peers,” said Dr. Jeff Hattey, professor of plant and soil sciences, academic adviser and co-faculty adviser of the Environmental Science Club. “Her leadership and participation in the OSU community will have a long-lasting impact on the environment and sustainability.” Dr. Ed Miller, associate dean for academic programs in the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, said interaction with students like Smith is a highlight for the college. “Savannah is so humble about her capabilities,” he said. “When good things happen, she is so surprised and amazed. She is going to have wonderful opportunities to interact in Tucson with other Udall Scholars who have similar interests.” Smith credits her interest in environmental science to her parents. Her stepfather has worked as a park ranger for the U.S. Forest Service in Southeast Oklahoma for more than 30 years, and her mother returned to school at the age of 43, leading to a career serving the Choctaw Nation as a registered nurse specializing in preventative healthcare of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. “My parents have given me much, but most importantly they have given me the strength to follow my dreams and the passion to care about people and the environment in which we live,” Smith said. “I have inherited my parents’ work ethic, and I am fortunate to have wonderful professors and challenging courses in environmental science that will turn my career goals into reality.” While serving as an environmental intern in Dallas last summer, she witnessed poor and minority communities being exposed to high pollution as a result of large tollway projects, which solidified her desire to enter the field of environmental justice and environmental conflict resolution, and eventually to receive a law degree. “A law degree will strengthen my resume and give me a powerful blend of policy and science knowledge,” she said. “I am confident that my academic path will successfully lead me to a career working at an environmental planning firm where I can identify and address disproportionately high and adverse environmental impacts on low income and/or minority communities.”     Smith, the daughter of Suzy and Gary Howard of Talihina, is a 2005 graduate of Talihina High School where she served as president of the Student Council. Following her graduation from OSU, she plans to pursue a master’s degree in plant and soil science.