(June 19, 2012 Stillwater, OK) – Oklahoma State University’s Center for Veterinary Health Sciences awarded the 2012 Stratton Staff Award to James Hargrave of Cushing, Okla. Hargrave is a second time recipient having earned the award in 1996.

“I am very honored to receive this award,” says Hargrave. “I thought Dean Sander was going to announce one of the other nominees, Dorothy Scarborough or Gayle Manley. I was very surprised.”


Hargrave is the facilities manager for the veterinary complex, which consists of the College of Veterinary Medicine, the Veterinary Medical Hospital and the Oklahoma Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory. He has been with the center for nearly 21 years.
“I get a lot of satisfaction out of making improvements whether it’s renovating a room that once housed sheep into a biosafety level laboratory or updating a classroom complete with the latest technology for our students,” he adds.


Working with older buildings and equipment is not without its challenges.


“Three years ago we were able to make significant upgrades in our heating and cooling systems and the overall ventilation of the veterinary center. These upgrades resulted in enough utility dollars saved to cover the cost of the improvements.”


And like most team players, Jim is appreciative of his team.


“I work with a diverse group of people who are dedicated and focused on doing the best job we can with the resources we have,” smiles Hargrave. “Kudos to my team—I couldn’t do my job well without their support.”


Jim is known for producing quality work in a timely manner using the most economically sound solution.


“We can count on Jim to keep the center running smoothly,” says Dr. Jean Sander, dean of the veterinary center. “I am delighted to present this award to him in recognition of his steadfast dedication.”


The Stratton Award was established upon the retirement of Dr. Louie Stratton in 1989. It was his wish to establish an award to honor outstanding Center for Veterinary Health Sciences staff members for their service and contributions. Nominations are accepted from any employee of the veterinary center and the recipient is selected by members of an ad hoc committee selected by the Dean.



Contact: Derinda Blakeney, APR | OSU Center for Veterinary Health Sciences | 405-744-6740 | This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it


The Oklahoma State University Center for Veterinary Health Sciences is the only veterinary college in Oklahoma and one of 28 veterinary colleges in the United States and is fully accredited by the Council on Education of the American Veterinary Medical Association. The center’s Boren Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital is open to the public and provides routine and specialized care for small and large animals. It also offers 24-hour emergency care and is certified by the American Animal Hospital Association. For more information, visit www.cvhs.okstate.edu or call (405) 744-7000.
Photo available on Flickr.com at http://www.flickr.com/photos/Hargrave - Dr. Jean Sander, Dean of Oklahoma State University’s Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, presents the 2012 Stratton Staff Award to James Hargrave (left), of Cushing, Okla.
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