MISSOURI—Mark Twain National Forest’s Survey Technician Katelyn (Katie) Jones was recently awarded the O. Dan Lashley Memorial Scholarship from the Missouri Society of Professional Surveyors. Former Missouri state land surveyor and registration board member Mike Flowers presented the scholarship to Jones in person at the supervisor’s office in Rolla, Missouri.

“Katie has been a big asset to our surveying program, and I am excited to see her get this recognition and for the help it gives her to continue her training,” said Chris Ferguson, forest boundary and title manager.

The scholarship is intended for a non-traditional student taking necessary college credits to obtain qualifications for professional licensure as a professional land surveyor in Missouri. This is Jones’ second survey-related scholarship won to date. Soon, she’ll take her initial test to begin the path to licensure as a professional land surveyor.

Fergusson added, “Since being here at the Mark Twain, it’s certain Katie will become an excellent surveyor and a credit to Dan’s legacy.”

The award is presented in memory of Dan Lashley, a longtime surveyor with the Missouri Land Survey Program and past society president. Lashley was recognized statewide for his skill and knowledge of General Land Office survey retracement, his commitment to preserving the history of early surveyors, and being an ardent proponent of education for future surveyors. He was also a friend to all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

About Lashley

Orvis Daniel (Dan) Lashley, a professional land surveyor whose career spanned more than four decades, spent 32 years as a project surveyor and section chief at the Department of Natural Resources' Land Survey Program, Division of Geology and Land Survey in Rolla. Lashley had a love for surveying, educating young people about the surveying profession and encouraging them to consider a career as a professional land surveyor. He was very enthusiastic about establishing this scholarship in 2008 to celebrate his retirement. It was subsequently continued as a memorial scholarship in his memory. Lashley wanted this scholarship to encourage non-traditional students to pursue a career in surveying.