The Eastern Oklahoma State College Board of Regents, along with Eastern President Dr. Randy Harp, presented the Eastern Impact Award to National Livestock at a recent board meeting. (Left to right): Regent Brian Lott, Regent Cara Bland, Chairman Latt Jeffrey, Regent Jerry Hamilton, Scott McCornack of National Livestock, Regent Eric Bilderback, Regent Larry Spradley, Harp and Regent Leland Walker.
WILBURTON, Oklahoma – Eastern Oklahoma State College presented National Livestock with the Eastern Impact Award during a recent Board of Regents meeting held on the college’s Idabel campus, which is operated in partnership with Southeastern Oklahoma State University.
The award, presented by the regents, recognizes individuals or organizations whose contributions have significantly influenced the college’s direction and success. Scott McCornack accepted the award on behalf of National Livestock.
Latt Jeffrey, chairman of the board, said the partnership is helping reshape Eastern’s agricultural programs.
“With the reconstruction of our stocker cattle management degree program, originally piloted by Earl Shero and supported by the Shero Ranch and its owners, the partnership with National provides a unique, hands-on educational opportunity while reshaping the future of the EOSC ranch,” Jeffrey said. “Under Dr. Randy Harp’s leadership, we are rebuilding the ranch program into one of the most educational, profitable and innovative in the country.”
Eastern President Dr. Randy Harp said partnerships like this are key to advancing the college’s agricultural mission.
“With guidance from our Farm Advisory Committee and strong industry partners, we are positioning Eastern at the forefront of agricultural innovation,” Harp said. “These efforts are creating meaningful opportunities for our students and strengthening the industry.”
The Eastern Farm Advisory Committee, which includes Harp, several regents and industry professionals, has helped guide new initiatives across the ranch operation. Among them, the partnership with National Livestock has proven especially impactful, with the company sourcing cattle for the stocker program and enhancing hands-on learning opportunities.
McCornack, director of National Livestock’s Grazing Division, said the organization is proud to support the program.
“We jumped at the opportunity to partner with Eastern and be part of the stocker program,” McCornack said. “Educating the next generation of ranchers is critical, and we believe strongly in the vision Eastern has for its operation.”
Under the leadership of Ranch Manager Joe McAlester, the program has seen growth in both educational value and revenue, supporting equipment and facility upgrades.
“The relationship with National Livestock has provided a strong foundation to grow a successful stocker operation,” McAlester said.
“It is with great pride that we honor National Livestock with this award,” Harp said. “They are a deserving recipient and an integral partner as we continue to grow this program.”
In addition to the stocker program, Eastern maintains a registered Angus cattle operation supported by former American Angus Association president John H. Pfeiffer Jr. and livestock judging coach Andrew Anderson. The program utilizes top-tier genetics and offers spring and fall Angus bulls for public sale.
Eastern’s combination of stocker cattle management, purebred operations and a commercial Angus herd provides students with valuable hands-on experience and strong career pathways in agriculture.
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