Oaklee Trogstad's Love of the Outdoors is Paying Off

Oaklee Trogstad, a wildlife science student at Utah State University-Uintah Basin (USU-UB), was awarded the Linda Gurr Stuart Memorial Scholarship at the College of Natural Resources (CNR) awards banquet in Logan on Saturday, March 25. Trogstad is already reaping the benefits of being paid to do what she loves.

At a very young age, Trogstad had a desire to spend the majority of her time outside. “Since I can remember, I’ve always had a love for the outdoors. Almost all of my hobbies are outdoor-based: hiking, hunting, conservation, fishing, archery and so much more.” Trogstad grew up in the Basin, giving her nearly limitless access to pursue her hobbies. “I regularly compete in archery competitions throughout the year. It keeps me in shape and gets me ready for the big game archery hunts in the fall – that’s the highlight of my year.”

Trogstad’s dedication to the outdoors translated to her education. She took advantage of concurrent enrollment and was able to graduate high school with enough college credits to be considered a Sophomore at USU-UB. Considering her drive for school and passion for the outdoors, it’s as if the wildlife science degree was designed specifically for her. “I knew this degree would open up a lot of doors for me,” said Trogstad. “I hope to spend the rest of my life doing what I love – working with wildlife. Earning this degree at USU-UB allows me to earn a bachelor’s degree without leaving my family, friends, and places I love.”

The Linda Gurr Stuart Memorial Scholarship, established by James “Jeb” Elwell Brown Stuart in memory of his wife, Linda Elaine Gurr Stuart, was created to assist CNR students who are from the Uintah Basin and have at least a 3.0 GPA. Jeb Stuart received a bachelor’s degree in wildlife management with a minor in range management in 1968 from USU. The recipient needed to embody what it means to care deeply for the outdoors, and have a background that showed that commitment. Trogstad was a perfect match.

“Oaklee worked for me for two years as part of the Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) in the U.S. Forest Service. The first year she did so well, I hired her the second year as a YCC crew leader,” said Rich Etchberger, USU vice provost and CNR faculty member. “She really shined that second summer as the other students looked up to her as they completed projects on the forest. One day when we were building fence, I was thrilled when she told me she was interested in a wildlife science degree. Since then, she has done very well in class and has earned the scholarship.”

This summer, Trogstad will continue working for the U.S. Forest Service, hanging up her YCC hat and joining a seasonal range crew. Upon completion of her bachelor’s degree, she hopes to find a job that will get her closer to her ultimate goal – becoming a wildlife biologist.