Outstanding Student Leadership Award

The CANR Outstanding Student Leadership Award is open for student nominations from each department within the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR). CANR faculty, academic advisers or club advisers may submit nominations. Undergraduate students may not nominate each other.

The award is given each spring and CANR seniors graduating that spring, summer or the previous fall semester are eligible for the award.

Nominees for this award have shown service and leadership in college, department/school and university activities. By tradition, the winner of this award is asked to represent the graduating seniors as class speaker at the CANR undergraduate commencement ceremony.

If you have questions, contact Dr. Dorcia Chaison at chaison@msu.edu.

Recent CANR Outstanding Student Leadership Award Winners & Nominees

College of Agriculture and Natural Resources names 2025's Outstanding Student Leader

Published on May 1, 2025
The MSU College of Agriculture and Natural Resources has honored Kendyll Borchert, who is earning a degree in Construction Management, with the 2025 CANR Outstanding Student Leadership Award
College of Agriculture and Natural Resources honors 2024 Outstanding Student Leader

Published on February 14, 2025
The MSU College of Agriculture and Natural Resources has honored Natali Gonzalez, who earned a degree in Environmental Studies and Sustainability, with the 2024 CANR Outstanding Student Leadership Award
MSU grad talks to the Class of 2021 about the importance of relationships

Published on May 4, 2021
CANR Outstanding Student Leadership nominee, Jessica Diaz, offers thoughts on how our communities support us and encourage our successes.
MSU grad reflects on time at MSU with the Class of 2021

Published on May 4, 2021
CANR Outstanding Student Leadership nominee, Holly Pummell, shares how goals and collective experiences helped shape her learning and Spartan journey while at Michigan State University.
MSU grad shares how the Class of 2021 is poised to make an impact

Published on May 3, 2021
CANR Outstanding Student Leadership awardee, Ashley Prince, talks to undergrads about resilience, empowerment and growth to help change the world for the better.
SPDC student receives 2021 CANR Outstanding Student Leadership Award

Published on April 5, 2021
Recent grad Ashley Prince studied construction management and helped form the Professional Women Builders student organization while at MSU.
AFRE student received 2020 CANR Outstanding Student Leadership Award

Published on May 7, 2020
Senior Lauren Heberling uses her dairy background, MSU education and extracurricular experiences to prepare her for a career in the ag industry.
Student commencement speech shared life lessons for graduates

Published on May 16, 2019
Environmental design graduate student Stephanie Onwenu spoke to 2019 CANR students at commencement about being fearless, open to change and present.
Environmental design graduate student named 2019 CANR Outstanding Student Leader

Published on April 23, 2019
Stephanie Onwenu wants to combine her passion for helping people and protecting the environment through landscape architecture.
Student commencement speech inspires the next generation of CANR leaders

Published on May 7, 2018
Alondra Alvizo spoke to 2018 CANR graduates at commencement encouraging them to be courageous, curious and consistent as they do great things in the world.