Cassidy Tolle’s Family Legacy Holds Generations of Dedication to OPSU

The air is filled with reflection and gratitude as the holiday season envelops Goodwell in its festive embrace. For Cassidy Tolle, OPSU has a deep connection between her family and Oklahoma Panhandle State University that spans over six decades.

Cassidy’s journey with OPSU is more than just a chapter in her life; it’s a story steeped in tradition and heritage. Her great-grandparents, Don and Bonnie Shepherd, were instrumental in shaping the university’s agricultural program. Graduating in 1961, the Shepherds were entrusted with caring for the sheep and dairy barn—a role that saw them tending to the livestock and making the barn their home. In what was then a modest apartment within the sheep barn, the Shepherds’ commitment to their work was symbolized by a sign that still hangs on the original door: “The Shepherds.” It was a clever nod to their last name and their shepherding duties.

This past summer, Cassidy had the chance to care for sheep in that very barn where her great-grandparents once worked. As she tended to the flock, she couldn’t help but feel a profound connection to her family’s legacy. The sight of the barn, unchanged in many ways, was a vivid reminder of her family’s historical bond with OPSU.

Moved by this sense of history, Cassidy shared her reflections with her grandmother. She spoke of the barn’s significance and legacy to her and how honored she felt to continue the work her great-grandparents had started. Understanding Cassidy’s connection to the barn, her grandmother created something special: a detailed replica of the barn, complete with a miniature sign reading “The Shepherds.”

This replica now holds a place of honor in Cassidy’s office, serving as a testament to her family’s enduring ties to OPSU. Each time she looks at it, she is reminded of the values of dedication and service that her great-grandparents exemplified and how she, as the third generation of Aggies, is part of a living tradition.

For Cassidy, the values passed down through generations remain at the core of her teaching and coaching at OPSU. “I teach animal science and crop and soil science classes, as well as coach the Livestock Show Team,” she shares. “The lessons I learned from my great-grandparents through their work at the OPSU College Farm are centered around hard work, respect, and the importance of education. From them, I learned that dedication and persistence are key to success, whether in agriculture or any other field.”

Cassidy’s connection to OPSU as a third-generation Aggie adds a deep sense of purpose to her role. “Being a third-generation Aggie holds a special meaning to me, especially since I attended OPSU and now work here. It’s a unique feeling to be part of a legacy that spans generations in my family,” she reflects. Her family’s influence at the university shaped her commitment to education and her desire to give back. “Working at OPSU allows me to give back in a way that feels personal. I see the impact of the education I received here every day in my work, and it reminds me of how important it is to invest in future generations.”

Dean of the College of Agriculture, Science, and Nursing Tracy Kincannon, who also has deep family ties to OPSU, resonates with this shared legacy. “Our university is built on the dedication and hard work of those who came before us, and it’s inspiring to see individuals like Cassidy continue that tradition,” Kincannon shares. “As someone whose family has also been a part of this institution for generations, I understand the pride and commitment that comes from being an Aggie. It’s a legacy of resilience, community, and a steadfast belief in the power of education to transform lives.”

The holiday season, emphasizing giving and remembering those who came before us, is the perfect time to celebrate Cassidy’s story. It reminds us of the importance of legacy and the joy of giving back to a place that has given so much. For Cassidy Tolle, Christmas is not just a time for celebration but also for honoring the past and continuing a family tradition that has enriched the lives of many.

In this season of reflection and gratitude, Cassidy’s story illuminates the spirit of OPSU—a place where past and present come together and where the legacy of those who came before us continues to inspire and guide the next generation.