Each month, the A&GS Express newsletter features members of our community and the work they're currently doing. These spotlights highlight the broad range of educational experiences and career paths that our DGES community members experience.
April 29, 2023
Freshman Braelon Palmer has only been at the University of Oklahoma for two semesters, but he's already working hard to make himself part of the community.
February 21, 2023
After completing her PhD with the Department of Geography and Environmental Sustainability, Dr. Dolly Na-Yemeh started working as a Climate Adaptation Specialist with the South Central Climate Adaptation Science Center. She describes her job as dynamic and functioning in a similar way to an agriculture extension position.
The Department provides the following scholarships and awards to outstanding undergraduate and graduate majors. The faculty selects scholarship and award winners each spring semester after reviewing applications from students for these scholarships and awards.
For those scholarships requiring application, please access the applications through the Centralized Academic Scholarship Hub (CASH) at scholarships.ou.edu. The deadline is February 1.
The Gress Family Scholarship was established by Dr. Gary Gress and his wife, Wanda. Dr. Gress earned his Ph.D. in Geography from OU in 2001. He is currently a lecturer in the department, and previously served as the Coordinator of OKAGE, and as the Vice President of the National Council for Geographic Education Executive Planning Board. The Gress Family Scholarship is awarded to a student who is an active contributor to the department via academic endeavors, service projects, and research.
2022 to 2023
Jill Olson
2021 to 2022
Autumn Franklin
The Pugh Pioneer Family Scholarship was established by Dr. Ed Pugh and his wife Shirley to recognize a geography undergraduate major with an outstanding academic record. Ed Pugh received his Ph.D. in geography at OU in 1996 and was a very strong supporter of geographic education in Oklahoma.
2022 to 2023
Brandon Crockett
Luke Christensen
Tyler Franklin
2021 to 2022
Emily Leske
Conner Hurlocker
The Oklahoma Chapter of the Solid Waste Association of North America established a scholarship in 2017. It has been given out annually since.
2022 to 2023
Zoe Mertz
2021 to 2022
Peyton Cavnar
Anna Boals
The Vernon & Sandra Nutter Award is presented to a student for superior academic performance. Vernon Nutter was a 1970 Geography graduate who, upon his passing, wanted to assist outstanding students in the department.
2022 to 2023
Sarah McCarley
Adeline Miller
Olivia VanBuskirk
2021 to 2022
Adam Anwar
Daniela Kosnocova
2020 to 2021
Claire Burch
The Ralph and Margaret Olson Scholarships were established by a very generous donation from the late Ralph and Margaret Olson. Ralph Olson was a member of the Geography faculty for more than 30 years. These scholarships recognize students who have demonstrated commitment to geography, academic excellence, and financial need.
2022 to 2023
Suraya Yamada-Sapién
Xochitl Hidalgo
Gloria Nakyagaba
2021 to 2022
Andrea Lyons
Michael Glessner
Emily Pilgrim
Aditi Singh
2020 to 2021
Joe Gallagher
Adam Anwar
Daniela Kosnacova
Emily Leske
The Charles Standley Memorial Award is presented to a graduate student for an outstanding publication.
2022 to 2023
Joshua "Jay" Wimhurst
Sean Emmons
2021 to 2022
Aparna Bamzai-Dodson
The John Michael Caldwell Memorial Teaching Award was established in memory of Dr. John Caldwell, who earned his Ph.D. in Geography from OU in 1982. Dr. Caldwell was a professor of geography at Louisiana Tech University and an outstanding college teacher. The award goes to graduate students who have demonstrated excellence in college teaching.
2022 to 2023
Valerie Doornbos
2021 to 2022
Jenna Randall
2020 to 2021
Dolly Na-Yemeh
Clyde F. Bollinger was the first geography faculty member to be hired at OU, in 1920. The Clyde F. Bollinger Award is presented to a graduating senior who has shown an enthusiasm for the discipline and has exhibited exceptional involvement with the department.
2022 to 2023
Rachel Koch
2021 to 2022
Julia Manipella
The James C. Davis Geography Early Scholar Award is presented to an academically talented student who declared geography as a major early in his or her academic career.
2022 to 2023
Vivien Dietrich
2021 to 2022
Tyler Franklin
