Walking the Extra Mile: Celebrating Ferguson Orange Gown honoree for turning opportunity into impact

Walking the Extra Mile: Celebrating Ferguson Orange Gown honoree for turning opportunity into impact

Friday, December 19, 2025

Media Contact: Sophia Fahleson | Digital Communications Specialist | 405-744-7063 | [email protected]

Leadership is more than individual merit; it is about going above and beyond, uplifting others and always being up for the next challenge.

Cody Loganbill, agribusiness senior, was named the Oklahoma State University Ferguson College of Agriculture orange gown recipient for Fall 2025 commencement. Recognized for his widespread impact, Loganbill sets an incredible example of embracing the college's call to community.

A Cowboy fan from the start, Loganbill always knew he would experience a top-notch education at OSU but said he could have never predicted how deeply those relationships would impact him.

Growing up in Lawrence, Kansas, Loganbill was surrounded by Jayhawk and Wildcat fans.

"I was sort of the outlier in school, coming to class on Fridays, fully decked out in orange, to celebrate orange Fridays by myself," he said.

Loganbill's mom, Kelly Loganbill, is an alum, so Stillwater already felt like a second home to him, he said.

"When I toured Ferguson, I was encapsulated by all the innovation going on with the college at the time," Loganbill said. "They had the studs in the ground for the new Ag Hall, and the future vision for the college was something I desperately wanted to be a part of."

During his time at OSU, Loganbill has become a familiar face to many.

Cynda Clary, Ferguson College of Agriculture associate dean, said Loganbill's involvement brought community to others. This honor recognizes students for their holistic contributions to the college, she said.

"It's not just about personal success," Clary said. "It's also about supporting the success of others."

Whether serving as a student success leader, student government representative, or intramural basketball referee, Loganbill left his mark on OSU. Loganbill said countless other students could have been chosen for this honor, which makes being selected even more meaningful to him.

"Every time I was out doing something for Ferguson, there were 10 or 12 other people with me," Loganbill said. "It takes a very tightknit community to make Ferguson what it is."

Early on, Loganbill said he was encouraged by the student leaders around him who inspired him to pour into his peers.

"I was able to see those ahead of me and how they treated others around them," Loganbill said. "I became comfortable in the fact that I'm my own unique person."

Loganbill got involved early as an undergraduate Extension research assistant for Amy Hagerman, agricultural economics associate professor and OSU Extension agriculture and food policy specialist. The two have been a dynamic research duo since.

"Dr. Hagerman has been a super helpful mentor to me, not only academically, but personally as well," Loganbill said. "Being able to put your head down, get to work and get your hands dirty are things she's taught me."

Hagerman describes Loganbill as her "right hand," always willing to learn something new and broaden his perspective. In his tenure as a research assistant, Loganbill studied everything from pecan insurance policies to climate-smart agriculture.

"He is someone who has such a great curiosity about how things work," Hagerman said.

"I was really impressed with how enthusiastic he was and how willing he was to work hard on anything."

She appreciates how Loganbill is never satisfied with standing still and he is always ready to embrace a challenge, she added.

"Cody wrote a journal article as an undergraduate," Hagerman said. "That's not a small thing. It's something faculty members do."

Loganbill is one to "walk the extra mile" and remain flexible while doing it, she added. Over the years, Loganbill's confidence and mentorship skills grew, Hagerman said.

"I've watched him evolve from being the person trying to figure out how to get involved to being the one encouraging others to take on leadership roles," Hagerman said.

Clary echoed this sentiment. "Cody has invested in his own growth," she said. "He's also made it a priority to look at how his growth and talents can benefit other people."

While those around him see his growth, Loganbill admits he struggled with imposter syndrome, in part, because he did not have a traditional agricultural background.

Despite this, Loganbill leaned into his strengths and embraced the call to serve and pour into others.

This mindset aligns with Loganbill's self-proclaimed "favorite" principle of the Cowboy Code: Being a Cowboy isn't in our clothes, it's in our character.

The agricultural sector offers countless opportunities, Loganbill said. Whether it is marketing and outreach or analyzing commodity prices and data, there are all sorts of roles that can positively influence the agricultural industry, he said.

"I think Ferguson does a great job of making sure students understand they can make a change wherever they are," he added. "I've really felt that during my time in the college."

After graduation, Loganbill said he plans to move to Kansas City to work for Cargill Animal Nutrition as a pricing specialist in the management associate program.

He said he hopes to get involved with local organizations to benefit young people interested in starting careers in agriculture.

"He's a learner," Clary said. "He has great work ethic, and he's dependable. These are things that leave a legacy -what you do, not what you say."

Story by: Sarah Mullens | Cowboy Journal