NEO Agriculture Hall of Fame honors 2026 inductees

Miami, Okla. — Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College celebrated the rich tradition and legacy of its agriculture program on August 22 during the 2026 NEO Ag Alumni & Hall of Fame Banquet at the Calcagno Family Ballroom.

The annual event brought together alumni, agriculture supporters, friends, and members of the NEO community to celebrate the accomplishments of two outstanding alumni.

This year, NEO welcomed Michael Kelsey and Kelley Wainscott as the newest inductees into the NEO Agriculture Hall of Fame.

Kelsey, a 1990 NEO graduate and former member of the livestock judging team, has built a distinguished career advocating for cattle producers and agricultural communities across the country. After earning his degree in Animal Science from Oklahoma State University, Kelsey served in agricultural extension and leadership roles in Texas, South Carolina, and Nebraska before returning to Oklahoma. He currently serves as Executive Vice President of the Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association, where he continues to advocate for the cattle industry and Oklahoma producers.

Wainscott, a 1995 NEO graduate, has established an exceptional career in the equine industry as a competitor, trainer, judge, and educator. During her time at NEO, she competed on the livestock and horse judging teams and contributed to multiple national championships. Today, she and her husband, Adam, operate Covenant Show Horses in Texas, where their program has produced hundreds of champions. Wainscott is also a respected leader in national equine organizations and continues to educate and mentor the next generation of industry professionals.

“It was an honor to build upon the rich history of the NEO Agriculture Hall of Fame by welcoming Kelley Wainscott and Michael Kelsey as our newest inductees,” said John Littlefield, NEO Agriculture Department Chair. “Truly ‘Branded in Tradition,’ both exceptional individuals represent the absolute pinnacle of agricultural excellence, leadership, and service. Their remarkable achievements have not only shaped the agriculture industry but have also paved a clear path for the NEO students following in their footsteps.”

The evening featured a social hour, dinner, and an opportunity for guests to reconnect with fellow NEO agriculture alumni while honoring the continued impact of the college’s agriculture program.

NEO Agriculture remains committed to preparing students for careers in agriculture while carrying forward a tradition of excellence, leadership, and service. The NEO Agriculture Hall of Fame recognizes alumni whose accomplishments reflect that tradition and inspire future generations of Norse agriculture students.