Kelsey Mosley – December 2006 Geology Graduate

Dr. John & Millie Naff President’s Distinguished Scholarship

Kelsey Mosley admits she is a bit of a science nerd.

“I’ve always loved science, especially geology and meteorology, even though they’re certainly not the most glamorous subjects,” she laughs.

She’s your typical OSU student; hard-working, vivacious and determined to make a name for herself in her major of study: geology.

While more women are majoring in geology at universities across the country, a national trend shows the percentage of women geologists decreasing as the level of degree increases.

Kelsey Mosley is on a mission to disprove those statistics.

With her sights set firmly on an advanced degree, Kelsey was well aware of the financial challenges that come with pursuing a higher education. Challenges that could be offset by the generosity of others.

“I am only at OSU because of the tremendous scholarships I received,” she stated.

Born and raised in Edmond, Okla. as the younger of two children, Kelsey wrestled with choosing a university for several months during her senior year in high school.

“It was a challenge at first, because I was looking for several elements to base my decision,” she recalled. “I knew I wanted to major in geology, but I was also looking for a university with an Air Force ROTC program but needed financial assistance to be able to juggle the two.”

Unbeknownst to her, Mosley’s interest in both geology and serving her country would run a parallel path to a man she would never meet, but whose inspired life would inspire her own.

Her dream to pursue a profession in geophysical methods became a reality in 2003 thanks to the generosity of geology students who had come before her and the couple who they sought to honor, Dr. John and Millie Naff.

Dr. John Naff arrived at Oklahoma State University in 1949 to assist in building the university’s geology department. Over 30 years later, retirement prompted his past students to honor his life’s legacy by establishing a President’s Distinguished Scholarship in his and Millie’s honor.

A former Army Air Corp captain, Naff’s passion for geology and students is evidenced through the scores of geology recipients he and Millie have helped attain an OSU education over the past 20+ years. The effort was spearheaded by successful Edmond geologist and former pupil, Herb Davis. Students rallied around the opportunity and collectively raised $50,000 in 1981.

“It makes me so proud to have our name associated with this scholarship,” said Millie. “I’ve enjoyed meeting the students, and keeping in contact with them in their years beyond OSU.”

Students, like Mosley, keep Millie connected to OSU and to the department that her husband dedicated his life.

Millie remarked, “I’m incredibly impressed with Kelsey. She’s such a darling, smart person whose intelligence I wish I had!”

Not many women could enjoy a tranquil day pouring through quartz, slate, and gypsum rocks, but both Mosley and Naff have enjoyed afternoons exploring the pieces in Mrs. Naff’s rock garden.

“Mrs. Naff is an incredible woman. She has so much life in her and has experienced so many amazing situations. Her drive and ambition motivate me to continue working hard so I can see my future dreams come true,” Mosley remarked.

Mosley has big plans for the summer as she attends a five week geology field camp to study structural geology in the heart of the Rocky Mountains in Canon City, Colo. She’ll return to OSU in the fall to finish her degree ahead of the class in only three and a half years of study.

“Earning this scholarship means that I have to give back to the University by working hard and using this privilege wisely,” she said.

The President's Distinguished Scholarship, one of OSU’s most highly desired undergraduate scholarships, is a four-year $2,200 per year scholarship funding tuition and books for students exhibiting exemplary academic, leadership and community accomplishments.

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