McKnight Scholars Leadership Program

03/06/2026

Last Friday, our McKnight Scholars came together for a special service opportunity, creating beautiful floral arrangements and delivering them to local nursing homes. 💐

Students designed thoughtful bouquets and shared them with residents in the community, bringing smiles, conversation, and a little extra color to their day. 💛🌸

Service like this reminds us how small acts of kindness can make a big impact. Thank you to everyone who helped design, arrange, and deliver!

01/28/2026

Big things from our McKnight Scholars! Way to go, Chance!

01/28/2026

Student Spotlight: Callie Conyers

As a senior McKnight Scholar, Callie Conyers has gained more than financial support — she’s found leadership development, mentoring, study abroad opportunities, and a family invested in her success.

Over her four years in the McKnight Scholars Leadership Program, Callie has served as a recruitment ambassador, mentor, and student director, pouring back into the same community that helped shape her journey.

Congratulations on medical school, Callie! We are so proud of you and your McKnight family is cheering you on every step of the way 🧡

👉 Read the full story here:

As a pre-medical student, Conyers knew her path wasn’t going to be paved for her, and she would need to grow outside Gruver’s confines. She would have to dream as big as the large Texas panhandle sky above her hometown.

01/23/2026

Interested in joining the McKnight Scholars Leadership Program?

Second-round applications are still OPEN! Apply by Feb. 1, for the chance to receive:

🏫 Full out-of-state tuition waiver (4 years)
💵 $5,000 annually for four years
✈️ Funded study abroad opportunity
📚 Leadership coursework and coaching
🤝 Mentorship and professional connections

Your leadership journey starts here.

https://leadershipinstitute.okstate.edu/mcknight.html

12/16/2025

We’re excited to relaunch the McKnight Scholars Leadership Program newsletter!🎉

This biannual publication will share scholar successes, alumni impact, and the continued growth of the McKnight community. We’re proud to share these stories with you, so stay tuned for our next release in 2026.

If you are an alumni and would like to update your contact information for our email list, please send us a DM!

11/05/2025

We’re so proud of Hoyt for presenting his research at the Rural Renewal Symposium in Woodward, Oklahoma! His work, “Bridging Education and Community: Teacher Insights on Engagement Education Strategies,” offers valuable insights on how teachers help build stronger connections between schools and the communities they serve.

11/02/2025

Congratulations to current McKnight Scholar, Jael Cruikshank, for being elected to serve as a National FFA Officer!! We’re beyond proud of you and know you will serve this organization well!

10/28/2025

Interested in becoming a McKnight Scholar?
Apply by our priority deadline, Nov. 1, for the opportunity to receive:
🎓 Full out-of-state tuition waiver (4 years)
💰 $5,000 per year for 4 years
🌍 Funded McKnight Scholars study abroad program
📘 Exclusive leadership courses & coaching
🤝 Mentorship and lifelong connections with fellow Scholars

Be part of a legacy of leadership.

https://leadershipinstitute.okstate.edu/mcknight.html

10/23/2025

On October 6th, we had the privilege of welcoming Ross McKnight to campus to speak with our Class XV McKnight Scholars.

Ross shared valuable insights from his career and life experiences, inspiring students to think deeply about leadership, integrity, and community impact. This annual event is a favorite amongst our scholars.

We’re incredibly grateful for his time, wisdom, and vision for the McKnight Scholars Leadership Program.

10/23/2025

09/26/2025

McKnight cookies? Yes, please! 🍪

Huge shoutout to McKnight Scholar Anna Ewing for bringing us some homemade sweet treats. We’re so lucky to have students who bring creativity (and snacks!) into our office. Too cool and too delicious not to share! Thank you Anna! ☺️

09/24/2025

🎉 McKnight Scholars Alumni Reunion 🎉

We’re bringing McKnight Scholars back together for a special reunion! Join us on October 11th at the McKnight Center for the Performing Arts for the chance to reconnect with fellow scholars before the OSU vs. Houston kickoff.

✨ Come-and-go style
✨ Hors d’oeuvres provided

We can’t wait to welcome our McKnight Scholars back for this celebration! Please spread the word with other McKnight Scholars. Hope to see you there 🧡

👉 Register now http://bit.ly/3VZwAEC

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