Student Awards

Award Descriptions

Undergraduate Awards

The CAHNRS Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Undergraduate Student Award is presented annually to any student obtaining a degree within the College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences. The purpose of this award is to recognize a student who demonstrates leadership in building inclusive spaces within the college for minoritized groups and the community.

Award Eligibility

Have a 3.00 GPA. Currently enrolled as a student in the College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences. Has shown active participation in inclusive community building within the college and community.

Qualifying Majors

Any student obtaining a degree in CAHNRS.

Nomination Guidelines

Submit one electronic PDF document that includes each of the following numbered documents and email the PDF to CAHNRS Student Success and Academic Programs, cahnrs.majors@wsu.edu.

Nomination Packet Materials
  1. Fill out Student Award Nomination Form (pdf).
  2. Answer the application Question Responses

As part of your application, please answer the following questions:

  1. In one paragraph, briefly describe your DEI leadership commitment.
  2. List organizations for which you are (or were) a member and describe your personal DEI contributions to each organization.
  3. List any WSU honors and achievements (including scholarships) you have received, noting the significance (i.e. selection criterion, prestige, etc.) of each award.
  4. Describe your career goals in relation to diversity, equity, and inclusion and why is it important to you.
  5. Explain what type of influence you hope to have in CAHNRS inclusive community building.
  6. Explain why you should be considered for this DEI leadership award.
  7. If you work (to finance your education) during the school term, indicate the job and hours you work per week.
  8. Letters of recommendation: Two letters are required. One of them must come from a CAHNRS affiliate (faculty, staff, graduate student).

Cashup Davis Merit in Agricultural & Human Resource Sciences Award recognizes an outstanding undergraduate student from agricultural and natural resource science programs in the College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences. The Cashup Davis merit is an acknowledgement of a student who demonstrated a balance among academic achievements, leadership, extra-curricular activities, engagement within communities at Washington State University and/or in local communities.

Award Eligibility 

Student must be in good academic standing. December 2024, May 2024, or August 2024 graduating students are eligible. Nomination by the department chair, faculty, or staff. One nomination for each major/option may be submitted. Qualifying majors: Agricultural Biotechnology; Agricultural Education; Agricultural and Food Business Economics; Agricultural Technology and Production Management; Agriculture and Food Security; Animal Sciences; Economic Sciences – Agricultural Economics option; Environmental and Ecosystem Sciences; Earth Sciences; Field Crop Management;  Food Science; Forestry; Fruit and Vegetable Management; Landscape, Nursery, and Greenhouse Management; Organic & Sustainable Agriculture; Turfgrass Management; Viticulture and Enology; Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Sciences. We encourage each department to nominate deserving students enrolled in their majors.

Nomination Packet Guidelines

Submit one electronic PDF document that includes each of the following numbered documents and email the PDF to CAHNRS Student Success and Academic Programs, cahnrs.majors@wsu.edu.

Nomination Packet Material
  1. Fill out Student Nomination Form (pdf).
  2. Write a comprehensive one-page personal statement in Times New Roman, 12-point font. Describe your leadership skills, progression in research, internships, jobs, course work. Club involvement, presentations, and/or career goals/aspirations (other activities and interests may be included).
  3. Resume limit to two pages, please include:
    1. Activities (within department, College, University, or community)
    2. Honors (within department, College, University, or community)
    3. Research Experience (within department, College, University, or community)
  4. Letters of Recommendation: two letters of recommendation are required. One letter is required to come from a CAHNRS affiliate (staff, faculty, advisors, or department heads), the second letter can be submitted by a CAHNRS affiliate, another college, industry, and/or community work.
  5. 150-word biography will be used on the CAHNRS website

Cashup Davis Merit in Human Sciences Award recognizes an outstanding undergraduate student from a human sciences program in the College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences. The Cashup Davis merit is an acknowledgement of a student who demonstrated a balance among academic achievements, leadership, extra-curricular activities, engagement within communities at Washington State University and/or in local communities.

Award Eligibility 

Student must be in good academic standing. December 2024, May 2024, or August 2024 graduating students are eligible. Nomination by the department chair, faculty, or staff. One nomination for each major/option may be submitted. Qualifying majors: Apparel, Merchandising, Design and Textiles; Human Development; and Economic Sciences. We encourage each department to nominate deserving students enrolled in their majors.

Nomination Packet Guidelines

Submit one electronic PDF document that includes each of the following numbered documents and email the PDF to CAHNRS Student Success and Academic Programs, cahnrs.majors@wsu.edu.

Nomination Packet Materials
  1. Fill out Student Award Nomination Form (pdf).
  2. Write a comprehensive one-page personal statement in Times New Roman, 12-point font. Describe your leadership skills, progression in research, internships, jobs, course work. Club involvement, presentations, and/or career goals/aspirations (other activities and interests may be included).
  3. Resume limit to two pages, please include:
    1. Activities (within department, College, University, or community)
    2. Honors (within department, College, University, or community)
    3. Research Experience (within department, College, University, or community)
  4. Letters of Recommendation: two letters of recommendation are required. One letter is required to come from a CAHNRS affiliate (staff, faculty, advisors, or department heads), the second letter can be submitted by another college, industry, and/or community work.
  5. 150-word biography will be used on the CAHNRS website

The Graduating Agricultural & Natural Resource Sciences Research Award recognizes an outstanding undergraduate student from agricultural and natural resource science programs in the College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences. The purpose of this award is to recognize the student who demonstrated outstanding progression towards publishing and/or presenting research completed during their undergraduate studies.

Award Eligibility 

December 2024, May 2024, or August 2024 graduating students are eligible. Nomination by the department chair, faculty, or staff. One nomination for each major/option may be submitted. Qualifying majors: Agricultural Biotechnology; Agricultural Education; Agricultural and Food Business Economics; Agricultural Technology and Production Management; Agriculture and Food Security; Animal Sciences; Economic Sciences – Agricultural Economics option; Environmental and Ecosystem Sciences; Earth Sciences; Field Crop Management;  Food Science; Forestry; Fruit and Vegetable Management; Landscape, Nursery, and Greenhouse Management; Organic & Sustainable Agriculture; Turfgrass Management; Viticulture and Enology; Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Sciences. We encourage each department to nominate deserving students enrolled in their majors.

Nomination Packet Guidelines

Submit one electronic PDF document that includes each of the following numbered documents and email the PDF to CAHNRS Student Success and Academic Programs, cahnrs.majors@wsu.edu.

Nomination Packet Materials
  1. Fill out Student Award Nomination Form (pdf).
  2. Write a comprehensive one-page personal statement in Times New Roman, 12-point font. Describe your leadership skills, progression in research, internships, jobs, course work. Club involvement, presentations, and/or career goals/aspirations (other activities and interests may be included).
  3. Resume limit to two pages, please include:
    1. Activities (within department, College, University, or community)
    2. Honors (within department, College, University, or community)
    3. Research Experience (within department, College, University, or community)
  4. Letters of Recommendation: two letters of recommendation are required. One letter is required to come from a CAHNRS affiliate (staff, faculty, advisors, or department leads), the second letter can be submitted by another college, industry, and/or community work.
  5. 150-word biography will be used on the CAHNRS website

The Graduating Human Sciences Award recognizes an outstanding undergraduate student from human science focused programs within the College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences. The purpose of this award is to recognize the student who demonstrated outstanding progression towards publishing and/or presenting research completed during their undergraduate studies.

Award Eligibility 

December 2024, May 2024, or August 2024 graduating students are eligible. Nomination by the department chair, faculty, or staff. One nomination for each major/option may be submitted. Qualifying majors: Apparel, Merchandising, Design and Textiles; Human Development; and Economic Sciences. We encourage each department to nominate deserving students enrolled in their majors.

Nomination Packet Guidelines

Submit one electronic PDF document that includes each of the following numbered documents and email the PDF to CAHNRS Student Success and Academic Programs, cahnrs.majors@wsu.edu.

Candidate Packet Materials
  1. Fill out Student Award Nomination Form (pdf).
  2. Write a comprehensive one-page personal statement in Times New Roman, 12-point font. Describe your leadership skills, progression in research, internships, jobs, course work. Club involvement, presentations, and/or career goals/aspirations (other activities and interests may be included).
  3. Resume limit to two pages, please include:
    1. Activities (within department, College, University, or community)
    2. Honors (within department, College, University, or community)
    3. Research Experience (within department, College, University, or community)
  4. Letters of Recommendation: two letters of recommendation are required. One letter is required to come from a CAHNRS affiliate (staff, faculty, advisors, or department heads), the second letter can be submitted by a CAHNRS affiliate, another college, industry, and/or community work.
  5. 150-word biography will be used on the CAHNRS website

The Emerging Leader in Agricultural Sciences award is presented to outstanding 2nd year or above/or transfer students within the College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences. The purpose of this award is to recognize the student who demonstrated a balance between academic achievements, leadership, and activities.

Award Eligibility

Student must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Currently enrolled as a 2nd year student or above, or transfer student within the College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences. Qualifying majors: Agricultural Biotechnology; Agricultural Education; Agricultural and Food Business Economics; Agricultural Technology and Production Management; Agricultural and Food Security; Human Nutrition and Food Systems; Animal Sciences; Economic Sciences – Agricultural and Economics option; Field Crop Management; Food Science; Fruit and Vegetable Management; Landscape, Nursery, and Greenhouse Management; Organic and Sustainable Agriculture; Turfgrass Management; Viticulture and Enology

Nomination Packet Guidelines

Submit one electronic PDF document that includes each of the following numbered documents and email the PDF to CAHNRS Student Success and Academic Programs, cahnrs.majors@wsu.edu.

Nomination Packet Materials
  1. Fill out Student Award Nomination Form (pdf).
  2. Personal Statement answering the question/statements below:
    1. In one paragraph briefly describe yourself
    2. List organizations for which you are (or were) a member and describe your personal contributions to each organization
    3. List any WSU honors and/or achievements (including scholarships) you have received, noting the significance (i.e. selection criteria, prestige, ect.) of each award.
    4. Describe your career goals in relation to agricultural science.
    5. Explain what type of influence you hope to have in agricultural science.
    6. Explain why you should be considered to be an emerging leader in your field.
    7. If you work (to finance your education) during the school term, indicate job and hours worked per week
  3. Letter of recommendation: Two letters of recommendation are required. One letter is required to come from a CAHNRS affiliate (staff, faculty, advisors, or department heads), the second letter can be submitted by another college, industry, and/or community work.
  4. 150-word Biography: this will be used on the CAHNRS website.

The Emerging Leader in Human Sciences award is presented to outstanding 2nd year or above/or transfer students within the College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences. The purpose of this award is to recognize the student who demonstrated a balance between academic achievements, leadership, and activities.

Award Eligibility

Student must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Currently enrolled as a 2nd year student or above, or transfer student within the College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences. Qualifying majors: Apparel, Merchandising, Design, and Textiles; Human Development; and Economic Sciences.

Nomination Packet Guidelines

Submit one electronic PDF document that includes each of the following numbered documents and email the PDF to CAHNRS Student Success and Academic Programs, cahnrs.majors@wsu.edu.

Nomination Packet Materials
  1. Fill out Student Award Nomination Form (pdf).
  2. Personal Statement answering the question/statements below:
    1. In one paragraph briefly describe yourself
    2. List organizations for which you are (or were) a member and describe your personal contributions to each organization.
    3. List any WSU honors and/or achievements (including scholarships) you have received, noting the significance (i.e. selection criteria, prestige, ect.) of each award.
    4. Describe your career goals in relation to human sciences.
    5. Explain what type of influence you hope to have in human sciences.
    6. Explain why you should be considered to be an emerging leader in your field.
    7. If you work (to finance your education) during the school term, indicate job and hours worked per week
  3. Letter of recommendation: Two letters of recommendation are required. One letter is required to come from a CAHNRS affiliate (staff, faculty, advisors, or department heads), the second letter can be submitted by another college, industry, and/or community work.
  4. 150-word Biography: this will be used on the CAHNRS website.

The Emerging Leader in Natural Resource Sciences award is presented to outstanding 2nd year or above/or transfer students within the College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences. The purpose of this award is to recognize the student who demonstrated a balance between academic achievements, leadership, and activities.

Award Eligibility

Student must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Currently enrolled as a 2nd year student or above, or transfer student within the College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences. Qualifying majors: Earth Sciences; Environmental & Ecosystem Sciences; Forest Ecology and Management; Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Sciences.

Nomination Packet Guidelines

Submit one electronic PDF document that includes each of the following numbered documents and email the PDF to CAHNRS Student Success and Academic Programs, cahnrs.majors@wsu.edu.

Nomination Packet Materials
  1. Fill out Student Award Nomination Form (pdf).
  2. Personal Statement answering the question/statements below:
    1. In one paragraph briefly describe yourself
    2. List organizations for which you are (or were) a member and describe your personal contributions to each organization
    3. List any WSU honors and/or achievements (including scholarships) you have received, noting the significance (i.e. selection criteria, prestige, ect.) of each award.
    4. Describe your career goals in relation to natural resource sciences.
    5. Explain what type of influence you hope to have in natural resource sciences.
    6. Explain why you should be considered to be an emerging leader in your field.
    7. If you work (to finance your education) during the school term, indicate job and hours worked per week.
  3. Letter of recommendation: Two letters of recommendation are required. One letter is required to come from a CAHNRS affiliate (staff, faculty, advisors, or department heads), the second letter can be submitted by another college, industry, and/or community work.
  4. 150-word Biography: this will be used on the CAHNRS website.

Every year the CAHNRS Student Senate recognizes a “Superior Club” within the College. The award recognizes a club that has carried out activities to benefit its members both academically and socially. The winner receives a rotating plaque and is recognized at CAHNRS Honors.

Award Eligibility

The club must be active in CAHNRS as well as maintain representation within the CAHNRS Student Senate.

Award Form Guidelines
  • Title Page – Name of club and club advisor(s).
  • Page 1 – List of active members and officers.
  • Page 2 – Club Activities: Report on year’s activities (2023) Please provide a list of your club’s activities for each of the categories: member activities, college activities, university or community activities, state, regional, national or international activities.
  • Page 3 – Expanded Activity: In one page, describe one important activity the club participated in during the past year. Consider the size and quality of the activity, the amount of preparation involved, and the level of participation. Reflect on the benefits of the activity for members, college, community or professional development (speakers, conventions, etc.).
Selection Process

A separate awards committee will select the Superior Club winner. The winner will be announced an awards banquet and will receive a framed certificate, in addition to having the club name engraved on a rotating plaque.

The Outstanding Seniors of each major in CAHNRS are recognized annually for their achievements as an undergraduate as well as celebrate their bright futures after graduation.

Standalone Degree Programs

For department degree programs: Animal Sciences, Apparel, Merchandising, Design and Textiles, Human Development, School of Food Science, School of the Environment, and School of Economic Sciences please follow the criteria below:

Award Eligibility

Each CAHNRS department may select an outstanding senior for each major/option in their program. This is an internal selection process which is not facilitated by Academic Programs.

Nomination Guidelines

Students selected by their department must complete the Standalone Program Nomination Form.

Selection Process

Each CAHNRS department selects their Outstanding Senior(s) and must notify CAHNRS Academic Programs, cahnrs.majors@wsu.edu, of the selections by emailing the completed Outstanding Senior Form(s).

Award Announcement

The winner will be announced at the CAHNRS Student Awards Banquet. If you have any questions about these processes, please contact CAHNRS Academic Programs, cahnrs.majors@wsu.edu.

Interdisciplinary Degree Programs

For majors in Agricultural and Food Systems and Integrated Plant Sciences, please follow the criteria listed below:

Award Eligibility
  • Student must be in senior standing (+90 credits)
  • Student must have a 3.0 GPA or above
  • Student must be in the top 25% (based on GPA) in their major. Colette Casavant, AFS/IPS Academic Coordinator, will invite qualified students to apply.
Nomination Guidelines

Identified students must complete the AFS and IPS Degree Programs Outstanding Senior Award Application

It is the responsibility of the department to fill out the nomination form.

Selection Process

Each department will use their established process to select the outstanding senior in each AFS or IPS major, and forward that information on to Colette colette.casavant@wsu.edu. Colette will forward final selections to cahnrs.majors@wsu.edu.

Award Announcement

The winners will be announced at CAHNRS Honors. If you have any questions about these processes, please contact CAHNRS Academic Programs at cahnrs.majors@wsu.edu.

Graduate Awards

The College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences Graduate Student Diversity, Equity, and Inclusive Excellence Award recognizes graduate students who have shown active participation and leadership in diversity, equity, and inclusion within their unit, college, or community. This award is for those who made significant positive influence, impact, and/or improvements to minoritized communities. The winner will receive a $1,000 award. Awards to graduate students will be dispersed through the student’s university account. Award may be subject to tax withholding.

To be eligible to participate, entrants must be a graduate student in good academic standing and be registered during the semester of nomination. Self-nominations will not be accepted. Please collect the required information and documents (the nominee must write the narrative portion).

As part of the Student Award Nomination Form (pdf), you will be asked to attach the following:

  • CV or resume
  • Narrative response (maximum of two pages; must be written by the nominee):
    • Describe specific DEI contributions you have made to either your department, the college, WSU, or to the wider communities, and showcase how your efforts provided a positive impact to minoritized groups.
    • Make sure to explain how your contributions exemplifies leadership qualities you have gained and/or developed through your experience as a graduate student and impacts to minoritized communities.
  • One letter of reference (submitted with the application form)
    • The letter should speak to the nominee’s general leadership abilities, and the specific.

DEI impact of the nominee’s efforts within the campus or community.

Selection Procedure

Members of the selection committee will consist of the CAHNRS DEI Committee which will be chaired by the Assistant Dean of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusive Excellence. All nominations will be reviewed, and a decision will be made based on the above criteria.

Graduate students are presently afforded multiple opportunities to be recognized for outstanding academics or scholarship. In contrast, there are few opportunities for them to be recognized for their leadership. The College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences Graduate Student Leadership Award recognizes and celebrates graduate students who have demonstrated leadership that has positively impacted their unit, college, campus, or wider community. The award is not just for longstanding leaders; it is reserved for those who made significant positive contributions or improvements to the operations and functions of these programs, initiatives, or organizations. The winner will receive a $1,000 award. Awards to graduate students will be dispersed through the student’s university account. Awards may be subject to tax withholding.

To be eligible to participate, entrants must be a graduate student in good academic standing and be registered during the semester of nomination. Self-nominations will not be accepted. Please collect the required information and documents (the nominee must write the narrative portion).

As part of the Student Award Nomination Form (pdf), you will be asked to attach the following:

  • CV or resume
  • Narrative response (maximum of two pages; must be written by the nominee):
    • Describe specific contributions you have made to either your department, the college, WSU, or to the wider communities, and showcase how your efforts provided a positive impact.
    • Make sure to explain how your contributions exemplifies leadership qualities you have gained and/or developed through your experience as a graduate student.
  • One letter of reference (submitted with the application form)
    • The letter should speak to the nominee’s general leadership abilities, and the specific impact of the nominee’s efforts within the campus or community.
Selection Procedure

Members of the selection committee will consist of the Executive Leadership Team, which will be chaired by the dean. All nominations will be reviewed, and a decision will be made based on the above criteria.

Student Award Nomination Packets Due March 8, 2024


Selection Process

Students must work with their academic coordinators to complete the nomination process. Final packets are due to cahnrs.majors@wsu.edu