This Ranger went above and beyond embodying what it means to be a ranger, earning the Deserving Ranger Award for their passion, dedication and impact. Every spring since 2015, the Deserving Ranger Award is given to a student who consistently serves their community and showcases great leadership skills.
The award is sponsored by the SL/CE (Service Learning and Civic Engagement) committee and faculty are asked to nominate students they think are deserving of this award.
“At NWOSU we value service as it is a part of our mission,” said Kaylyn Hansen, director of assessment and institutional effectiveness and lead of the service-learning and civic engagement program, “We are committed to teaching students the importance of service and we like to recognize our students service efforts through this award.”
This year’s award recipient is Krystan Pierce, a senior social work major from Fargo. Pierce has completed more than 200 hours in volunteer opportunities including the Angel Tree Drive, Compassion in Action Dignity Drive, Primp for Prom, Campus Cabinet Food Drive and many other events.
She is also an active volunteer at her church and assisted in the creation of an educational video for the Northwestern Social Work Departments new infant and Childhood mental health minor and micro-credential program.
Pierce has also served with the Hope Center, Traditions Hospice, Western Plains Youth and Family Services along with various other events in Alva, Enid and Woodward communities.
“When doing community service, one often sees how grateful others are for the service,” Pierce said. “So, seeing someone be appreciative and thankful because I am able to help others makes community service easy.”
Pierce also said that winning this award is an honor.
“It’s not so much about the award itself but rather the people and communities I have been able to serve,” Pierce said. “The award encourages me to continue to participate in even more community service.”
She said she was nominated by Dr. Kylene Rehder, who is her professor and advisor for the social work program. “Her ability to engage with local organizations, addresses real-world challenges and inspire peers to take action reflects her commitment to making a meaningful impact,” Rehder said.
Pierce has also 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.
Pierce said when she first found out she was nominated for this award it brought tears to her eyes.
“To be honored for doing something I love is incredibly humbling and inspiring to continue to make a difference where I can,” Pierce said.
