LaBar receives Ferguson College Early Career Excellence in Teaching Award

Monday, June 16, 2025

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Julie LaBar — an assistant professor in the Oklahoma State University Department of Plant and Soil Sciences — is the 2025 recipient of the Oklahoma State University Ferguson College of Agriculture’s Early Career Excellence in Teaching Award.

Since beginning her career at OSU in 2022, LaBar has significantly impacted student
learning and program enrichment, said Karen Hickman, director of the environmental science undergraduate program.

“Dr. LaBar has enhanced the environmental science program by improving laboratory
experiences, refining curricula and incorporating real-world applications into her
courses,” Hickman said.

A trained environmental scientist, LaBar collaborated with the program’s steering
committee and industry professionals to identify essential environmental sampling
techniques and competencies necessary in preparing students for their future careers.

“We added more sampling and analysis opportunities that weren’t previously there,”
LaBar said. “By incorporating more equipment and supplies and filling these courses
with time for students to get outside the classroom, they have the opportunity to
be in situations where they can touch things, break things and learn from their successes
and mistakes.”

LaBar has taught several courses, including Environmental Sampling and Analysis, Introduction
to National Environmental Policy Act, Environmental Soil Chemistry and Career Development
in Environmental Science. She also co-advises the Environmental Science Club and mentors
undergraduate research students.

“Dr. LaBar stepped into her role with a clear vision and new ideas to enhance student
engagement – and she brought those ideas to life,” said Cynda Clary, associate dean
of academic programs. “Her commitment to innovative teaching, student connections
and academic excellence makes her truly deserving of this recognition.”

LaBar said she encourages teamwork in her coursework, emphasizing its importance in
creating meaningful learning experiences. She enjoys participating in hands-on activities
alongside her students.

“To foster teamwork, it’s important for me to be out in the field with them,” she
said. “I never tell them they are going to something. It’s always, ‘we’re going to
do this together.’”

Additionally, LaBar incorporates real data and reports in her classes for students
to practice solving environmentally related issues.

“Developing knowledgeable and capable environmental scientists is imperative to maintaining
global success, and I use experiential learning and real-world problem solving to
build environmental knowledge and skills in my students,” LaBar said. “I strive to
graduate students who are confident in their abilities to complete good work by building
self-reliance and teamwork skills.”