Thirteen Northwestern Oklahoma State University graduates have been selected as the 2026 Outstanding Seniors.
This year’s Outstanding Seniors include Karolina Juresiute Arensdorf, Hadley Bohlen, Isabella Bowers, Ko Brooks, Jaxy Cloud, John Cloud, Haley Combs, William Kates, McKenzie Killian, Ashlan Light, Jack McCoy, Teagan Wright and Johnathan Ylitalo.
This award honors outstanding graduating seniors and is sponsored by the Northwestern Foundation & Alumni Association. Recipients must have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.5, have completed at least 60 credit hours at Northwestern, have never been subject to academic or disciplinary action, have been involved in campus and/or community activities, and show promise of future achievement.
2026 Outstanding Seniors
Karolina Juresiute Arensdorf, a native of Pratt, Kan., graduated in December 2025 with a Bachelor of Science in Media and Communication. Arensdorf served as a resident assistant in Cunningham Hall, a student assistant for Sports Information with Northwestern Athletics and a student reporter for the Northwestern Newspaper.
Hadley Bohlen, a native of Ringwood, Okla., will graduate in May as summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting. Bohlen is a third-generation Ranger. She was a member of the President’s Leadership Class, a Northwestern Scholar Ambassador and a member of the Student Government Association. For the past two years she has served as a student worker in the Business Office.
Isabella Bowers, a native of Woodward, Okla., will graduate in May with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. Bowers is a student worker in the Student Success Office. She is a Northwestern Scholar Ambassador and is a member of the Psychology Club. Previously, Bowers was a member of the Northwestern Women’s Golf team and a member of the leadership team for the Baptist Collegiate Ministry.
Ko Brooks, a native of Alva, Okla., graduated in December 2025 as summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. Brooks was a peer leader for the freshmen Ranger Connection class, treasurer of the Chemistry Club and president of the Medical Sciences Club. In August of 2026, Brooks plans to attend Oklahoma State University College of Veterinary Medicine.
Jaxy Cloud, a native of Enid, Okla., will graduate in May with a Bachelor of Science in Media and Communication. Cloud has served as a peer leader for the freshmen Ranger Connection class, was a Northwestern Scholar Ambassador and was named Ranger Queen in 2025. She currently serves as a NWTV7 news anchor.
John Cloud, a native of Enid, Okla., graduated as summa cum laude in December 2025 with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. Cloud was a member of the Presidents Leadership Class, a Northwestern Scholar Ambassador and president of the Computer Science and Esports Club. He currently serves as an academic advisor and student coach in the LASSO Center.
Haley Combs, a native of Hinton, Okla., will graduate in May with a Bachelor of Science in Health and Sports Science. Combs served as a student worker for the J.R. Holder Wellness Center and was a member of the Great American Conference Academic All-Conference Team for Northwestern Women’s Cross Country team. After graduation, Combs plans to pursue her Doctorate of Physical Therapy.
William Kates, a native of Tuttle, Okla., will graduate in May with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Business Administration. Kates is a member of the Northwestern Baseball team and Student Athletic Advisory Committee. He was in the President’s Leadership Class and has been on the President’s Honor Roll.
McKenzie Killian, a native of Cimarron, Kan., will graduate in May with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. Killian serves as a student worker in the LASSO Center. She was a peer leader for the freshmen Ranger Connection class and a Student Government Association senator.
Ashlan Light, a native of Garber, Okla., will graduate in May with a Bachelor of Science Education in Mathematics. Light served as an assistant in the Math Department. She has also been a math tutor in the Academic Success Center.
Jack McCoy, a native of Hillsdale, Okla., graduated in December as summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Health and Sports Science. McCoy was a Northwestern Scholar Ambassador and a member of the President’s Leadership Class. He currently serves as project advisor for the TRIO Student Support Services at Northwestern.
Teagan Wright, a native of Enid, Okla., will graduate in May with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. Wright was a member of the President’s Leadership Class and was a peer leader for the freshmen Ranger Connection class. She is a Northwestern Scholar Ambassador.
Johnathan Ylitalo, a native of Enid, Okla., will graduate in May with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Chemistry. Ylitalo is a member of the Northwestern Men’s Cross County and Track & Field teams. He has served as the Student Government Association secretary, resident assistant and an officer in both the Chemistry and Medical Science Club.
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Other Award Recipients:
The deSERVING Ranger Award – Alana Shotpouch
The deSERVING Ranger Award is designed to recognize an outstanding Northwestern Oklahoma State University student serving within the Northwestern communities and campuses. Nominees demonstrate a dedication to service and a sense of responsibility to the Northwestern Student Learning and Civic Engagement vision, serve as community service models for other students, possess exceptional leadership and organizational skills, and exhibit a consistent work ethic and availability.
Dr. Joe Dollins Merit Award – Teagen Wright
This award is given in honor of Dr. Joe Dollins who served as a Northwestern faculty member from 1946-1948 and 1957-1970. It is given annually to a student who has completed the student teaching professional semester. Selection is made on cumulative grade point average and promise of future achievement in the field of education.
Outstanding Psychology Student of the Year Award – Isabella Bowers (Alva), Jordan Bergdall (Enid), Macy Eads (Woodward)
This award is given to an outstanding student majoring in psychology. Established in 1991 by the Northwestern Psychology Club, the criteria for selection includes grade point average, field- related activities, classroom participation and potential of continued success.
John Sheffield Teacher of the Year Award – Dr. Dean Scarbrough
The Northwestern Oklahoma State University Student Government Association honors the memory and ideals of Dr. John Sheffield in annually making this award. The recipient must show genuine enthusiasm for people, courage to give of self to others, and faith to trust in his or her honored profession.
John Ted Meier Student Teaching Award – Baylan Byrd
This award is made annually to a student completing requirements for the teaching certificate. Criteria for selection include fairness, empathy for all students, a sense of humor and academic achievement.
Sara L. Bosworth and Mary DeLisle Scholarship – Jamie Niblett
Sarah L. Bosworth and Mary DeLisle were the first two teachers at Northwestern Normal School. This scholarship, established in their names, provides monetary support for teacher candidates in their professional semester of student teaching.
T.C. Carter Award – Summya Adigun, Hadley Bohlen, Isabella Bowers, Ko Brooks, Jason McCarty, Levi Nichols, Jacob Setzer, Taylor Whitfield and Teagen Wright
This award is named in honor of Dr. Thomas C. Carter, chairman of the Biology Department from 1916 until his retirement in 1952. It is presented to the graduating senior with the highest grade point average.
John F. Kennedy Award – Isabella Bowers
The Northwestern Oklahoma State University Student Government Association honors the memory of John F. Kennedy by annually presenting this award. The recipient must serve the university, community and country; display school spirit; promote the university; possess leadership; participate in organizations; and strive for academic betterment and achievement.