Pierce earns 2025 deSERVING Ranger Award
February 20, 2025
Krystan Pierce, senior social work major from Fargo, has been honored with this year’s deSERVING Ranger Award from the Service-Learning and Civic Engagement (SL/CE) program at Northwestern Oklahoma State University.
Kaylyn Hansen, director of assessment and institutional effectiveness who also leads the service-learning and civic engagement program, said each spring the award recognizes an outstanding Northwestern student who demonstrates the following:
- Dedication to service and a sense of responsibility to the Northwestern service-learning and civic engagement vision
- Serves as a community service model for other students
- Exceptional leadership and organizational skills
- Consistent work ethic and availability
Pierce has completed more than 200 service hours in volunteer opportunities including the Angel Tree Drive; Compassion in Action Dignity Drive; Primp for Prom; Campus Cabinet Food Drive; Kindness Day; Garfield County Child Advocacy Center Wooden Children Project; and the Red Tie event.
She also actively volunteers at her church and assisted in the creation of an educational video for the Northwestern Social Work Department’s new Infant and Childhood Mental Health minor and micro-credential program.
Pierce also volunteered with the Hope Center, Traditions Hospice, Western Plains Youth and Family Services along with various other events in both the Alva, Enid and Woodward communities.
“(Pierce) demonstrates exceptional dedication to her university community through service-learning projects,” Dr. Kylene Rehder, professor of social work and chair of the Northwestern Department of Social Work, said. “Her ability to engage with local organizations, address real-world challenges and inspire peers to take action reflects her commitment to making a meaningful impact.”
Pierce has served as the president of Northwestern’s Social Workers of Tomorrow (SWAT) chapter since the 2024 spring semester and serves on the Woodward Leadership Advisory Board.
"I am truly honored to receive the deSERVING Ranger award,” Pierce said. “When I first heard I was not only nominated but winning this award, it brought tears to my eyes. I've always enjoyed helping others in any way I possibly could, so to be honored for doing something I love is incredibly humbling and inspiring to continue to make a difference where I can."
The deSERVING Ranger Award is awarded once a year to a qualified Northwestern student, who is nominated by a Northwestern faculty or staff member. The award started in 2015 and has been awarded to students from a variety of majors.
To learn more about Northwestern’s Department of Social Work, visit www.nwosu.edu/school-of-arts-and-sciences/social-work or contact Rehder at kdrehder@nwosu.edu or (580) 327-8135.
-NW-
CONTACT FOR RELEASE:
Sean J. Doherty, University Relations Specialist
sjdoherty@nwosu.edu | 580-327-8480