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WARNER, Oklahoma – At Connors State College, a new group of young women are making waves in the beef industry. The Connors State Collegiate Cattlewomen, a chapter of the Oklahoma Collegiate Cattlewomen (OCW), has completed its inaugural year with impressive growth and a clear vision for the future.
The Connors State Oklahoma Collegiate CattleWomen organization was founded in October 2023, aligning with the broader mission of the Oklahoma CattleWomen. Deborah Mullen, the chapter advisor and Vice President of Education for the Oklahoma CattleWomen, saw Connors State as “a perfect fit for our goal in promoting beef.”
The Collegiate CattleWomen partner with the Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association (OCA) and the Oklahoma CattleWomen’s (OCW) organization to promote the positive impacts of the beef industry, educate consumers on the nutritional values of beef, and communicate goodwill on campus and within the community and state.
Starting with just eight members, the chapter experienced remarkable growth, expanding to 25 members by the end of the Spring 2024 semester. Mullen noted, “The biggest challenge was finding a time when the girls could meet as they were all involved in other activities such as the Show Team, Livestock Judging, Rodeo and Aggie Club.” Despite these challenges, the group settled in and found time to pursue the organization’s goals.
Mullen couldn’t be more pleased with the results: “They have been the best group of young ladies I have ever had the opportunity to work with. The future looks bright with these women emerging as our next leaders.”
The Connors State Collegiate CattleWomen recently attended the Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Convention on July 19 & 20, where they set up a booth to showcase their organization and Connors State. They fundraised and raffled off a gift basket filled with items donated by campus supporters.
Mullen emphasized the importance of this event: “The Convention is held each July and is a time for ranchers in the state of Oklahoma to convene and discuss policies and legislation that involve the beef industry. It’s a great time for networking, sharing ideas and visiting with fellow members of the ag community.”
A highlight of the convention was the recognition of Connors State sophomore Prenny Prenovost (Surprise, Arizona), who was awarded the 2024 Oklahoma CattleWomen’s Scholarship. This $2,000 award is given annually to two full-time college students pursuing degrees in agriculture or related fields.
She added, “As the Connors State Collegiate CattleWomen advisor, I feel the Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Convention is a great time for collegiates to meet and visit with people who are involved in the cattle industry and to see all of the businesses that cater to the specific needs of ranchers and cattlemen. It’s a great opportunity for students to see and experience firsthand the different areas of agriculture that are available for them to pursue as a career.”
As the Connors State Collegiate Cattlewomen chapter looks toward the future, their trajectory is clear: continue to grow their membership, increase their impact on campus and in the community, and foster the next generation of leaders in the beef industry.
With a successful first year behind them and the support of the broader Oklahoma CattleWomen organization, the future looks bright for these young women. As they continue to promote the beef industry, support their peers, and develop their skills, the Connors State Collegiate Cattlewomen are poised to make a lasting impact on Oklahoma’s agricultural landscape.
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About Connors State College:
Connors State College has a long history of providing the people of eastern Oklahoma with access to higher education. Since seating its first class of 17 students in 1908, the institution has grown into a comprehensive, multi-campus, two-year college that enrolls more than 3,000 students annually. To learn more about Connors State College or how to enroll, please visit connorsstate.edu.