DURANT, Okla. – The annual announcement of the Top Ten Freshmen at Southeastern Oklahoma State University was celebrated with a ceremony and reception on Friday afternoon.
The awards are based on academics, leadership, campus involvement, and letters of recommendation, and were presented to students who were freshmen in 2023.
The 2024 Top Ten Freshmen are:
• Evan Ballinger, an Occupational Safety and Health major from Tioga, Texas. He is a member of the President’s Leadership Class, Savage Storm Leaders, Safety Olympics Team, and American Society of Safety Professionals. Evan has participated in the Choctaw LEAD Academy, Higher Education Day at the Oklahoma City Capitol, and Upward Bound mentoring. He is also a recipient of the 2023 Freshman Success Award.
• Emma Berry, a Mathematics major from Celina, Texas. She is a citizen of the Cherokee Nation. Emma is a member of the Honors Program and the Southeastern Track and Field Team. She is a Resident Assistant and works with the Housing and Residence Life Office.
• Kyler Drake, a Communications Media Studies major from Davis. He is a member of the President’s Leadership Class, Student Government Association, Savage Storm Leaders, and SEsports. Kyler also participates in the Choral Union, Chorvettes, and Southeastern’s radio station – 91.9 KSSU-the Storm. He is a Resident Assistant and works with the Housing and Residence Life Office.
• Tessa M. Jinkins, a Criminal Justice major from Bells, Texas. She is a member of the President’s Leadership Class, Savage Storm Leaders, Residence Hall Association, and Resident Community Leaders. Tessa is the Captain of the Color Guard, an officer of the Southeastern Line Dancing Club, and acts as a mentor for Upward Bound.
• Haley Langley, a Clinical Psychology major from Durant. She is a citizen of the Choctaw Nation. Haley is a member of the Honors Program, Student Government Association, Pre-Health Association, and American Chemical Society. She participates in the Honors Advisory Council.
• Reagan McCortney, a Chemistry and Biological Health Sciences double major from Ada. She is a citizen of the Choctaw Nation. Reagan is a member of the John Massey Leadership Scholars Program, Savage Storm Leaders, Southeastern Line Dancing Club, Native American Student Association, American Chemical Society, and Baptist Collegiate Ministry. She is the President of the Pre-Health Association, Vice President of the Student Government Association, and an Ambassador for the Choctaw Nation Freshman Year Initiative.
• Cora McKinney, a Fisheries and Wildlife Science major from Oklahoma City. She is a member of the Honors Program, the Wildlife Club, and the Southeastern chapter of the Sigma Sigma Sigma sorority. Cora has worked as a Field Technician for the University of Arizona Bluebird Project and is now assisting Dr. Douglas Wood at Southeastern with research and data input for a new book he is writing.
• Brookelyn Mitchell, a Chemistry and Biological Health Sciences double major from Mustang. She is a member of the Honors Program, Student Government Association, Baptist Collegiate Ministry, American Chemical Society, Pre-Health Association, and Savage Storm Leaders. Brookelyn is the Social Media Director for the Student Government Association and an officer of the Southeastern Line Dancing Club. She also works for the Southeastern Athletic Department.
• Sydney Reardon, an Aviation Professional Pilot major from Roanoke, Texas. She is a member of the John Massey Leadership Scholars Program, Student Government Association, Southeastern Cheer Team, Choctaw Hall Residential Community Leaders, Speech and Debate Team, and the Soccer Club. Sydney is the Vice President of the Southeastern chapter of Women in Aviation.
• Ryan Schoeppach, an Aviation Professional Pilot major from Clinton. He is a member of the Savage Storm Leaders and the Alumni Legacy Leaders. Ryan is President of the Southeastern chapter of the Sigma Tau Gamma Fraternity. He also works in the President’s Office.
About Southeastern
Founded in 1909, Southeastern Oklahoma State University provides an environment of academic excellence that enables students to reach their highest potential. By having personal access to excellent teaching, challenging academic programs, and extracurricular experiences, students will develop skills and habits that promote values for career preparation, responsible citizenship, and lifelong learning. Our over 6,000 students include 50% first-generation students and 28% students of Native American descent, with 82% receiving financial aid. Southeastern ranks amongst the most affordable schools in the region thanks to out-of-state tuition waivers and is proud of its exceptional affordable accredited MBA program, stellar aerospace and teacher education programs, and outstanding national ranking in graduating Native American students.
