Anastasia Poull Named 2023 Outstanding Student in Animal Science

Anastasia Poull, a 2023 South Dakota State University animal science, agricultural leadership, and agricultural science graduate, was recently selected as the 2023 Outstanding Student in Animal Science.

"I was honestly surprised to receive this award," Poull said. "All of the nominated students made an impact while at SDSU. It is an incredible honor to be chosen as the Outstanding Student in Animal Science, and I will not forget the support the Department of Animal Science gives its students."

The Outstanding Student in Animal Science award recognizes senior animal science students involved in leadership positions on and off-campus, extra-curricular activities and community service while maintaining high academic performance.

Poull is originally from Port Washington, Wisconsin, and was heavily involved in a variety of extracurricular campus activities including Little International, Country Swing Dance Club, the Pride of the Dakota's Marching Band, Adopt-Brookings, Horse Club, American Sign Language Club and served as a CAFES Ambassador.

By being actively involved in both the campus and Brookings communities, she liked being able to develop her passions that were not directly related to her coursework and meeting people both inside and outside of her academic program area.  

"I am so proud,” said Michael Gonda, professor in the Department of Animal Science. “We had so many outstanding seniors who were nominated. Anna does not have an ag background, yet she jumped right in and participated in Little International, was a CAFES Ambassador, participated in two ag-related internships, and was active in Alpha Zeta and Horse Club. She also participated in the Animal Science Academic Quadrathlon Competition. The selection committee was impressed with her dedication to community service which included volunteering for service projects for Little International, serving as the Adopt Brookings Club Co-Mentoring Chair, being a peer mentor and teaching English online as a second language, and serving as the social media chair for the Learning Disabilities Association of America. It is not just agriculture for her – you can sense she has a passion for helping rural communities." 

When asked what she loved most about the Department of Animal Science at SDSU, Poull said, "All of my professors were happy to help me outside class. I often went to office hours for course questions and questions about different internships or career opportunities. The department is led by a great faculty team that works together to help support students."

Student organizations, faculty, and staff nominate students who they believe matches the award description. Nominees are asked to submit an application, including a personal statement and resumé. This year, eleven students were nominated for the award.

Individuals that were nominated and applied for the award are Kyerra Carter from Starbuck, Minnesota; Cade Currier from Onida, South Dakota; Amanda Dean from Spearfish, South Dakota; Aidan Friesen from Olivet, South Dakota; Tessa Herman from Barnesville, Minnesota; Aletta Husmann from Houston, Texas; Josephine Jenson from Welch, Minnesota; Johannah Nielsen from Tyler, Minnesota; Emily Nold from Brookings, South Dakota; Anastasia Poull from Port Washington, Wisconsin; and Samantha Thyen from Waverly, South Dakota.