College of Agricultural Sciences

Two Animal Sciences Students Earn MISA Scholarships

The Meat Industry Suppliers Alliance (MISA) Scholarship is one of the most prestigious awards given to students in the Meat Science industry. It began in March of 1989 when the MISA established the MISA Foundation Scholarship Fund in hopes of distributing donations, as scholarships, to qualified students expressing a specialized interest in the meat industry. The Alliance awards two separate types of scholarships: the Siemens-MISA Scholarship which is very highly prized and worth $10,000 and the MISA Foundation Scholarship worth $5,000. The selection process is exclusive as there are several qualified candidates that apply. With that said, we are proud to recognize two Colorado State University, College of Agricultural Sciences students as 2009 MISA Scholarship recipients.

The winner of the Siemens-MISA Scholarship is Cheyenne Dixon. Cheyenne grew up in Des Moines, New Mexico where her family ran a small custom meat processing plant. With legacy in mind, she decided to enroll at Colorado State, “I chose to come not only because my parents and grandparents both attended, but because I knew and liked many of the Animal Science faculty members.” She arrived at Colorado State in 2005, eager to complete her Animal Science degree. Cheyenne just recently started graduate school here at Colorado State and is pursuing a Master of Science degree in Meat Science. When asked about receiving this huge honor she gratefully said, “I was very humbled and honored to find out that I had won.” After completion of her Masters Degree, Cheyenne plans to pursue a career in either international meat trade or work for a branded beef program.

Samantha Plaggemeyer, also a recipient, was awarded the MISA Foundation Scholarship. This scholarship is given to three senior-level undergraduate students who are earning a degree in a meat science related field. Samantha, also a Colorado State student, is originally from Big Timber, Montana. She is a senior double majoring in Animal Science and Agricultural Business. An outstanding student, she is involved in several student organizations including Ag Ambassadors, where she holds the position of Development Chair. She is also a member of the Seedstock Team.

Congratulations Cheyenne and Samantha for receiving this honor and for representing Colorado State University so well! Best of luck!