Two longtime College of Agricultural Sciences faculty members have been named 2025 Nutrien Scholars of Agricultural Sciences, an annual award that recognizes faculty for outstanding research, teaching and outreach. Stephen Koontz, professor in the Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, and Tony Koski, professor and Extension turf specialist in the Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, were honored on May 6 at the annual College of Agricultural Sciences and Agricultural Experiment Station Awards Ceremony.
Launched in 2020, the Nutrien Faculty Scholars program honors faculty whose work advances the college’s impact across Colorado and beyond. The award is supported by Nutrien, a leading global provider of crop inputs and services.
“Dr. Koontz’s work has shaped national agricultural policy and protected producers across the West,” said Amy Charkowski, associate dean for research in the college. “And Dr. Koski exemplifies what it means to be a land-grant faculty member—his commitment to Extension, teaching and community outreach is unmatched. We’re proud to honor them both.”
At the awards ceremony, Paul Bonnett, senior director of Nutrien Agronomy, highlighted the company’s goals for the program and its broader relationship with CSU.
“We are proud to support the Nutrien Scholars program, which reflects our commitment to advancing applied research, student development and innovation across agriculture,” Bonnett said at the awards ceremony. “Dr. Koontz and Dr. Koski exemplify the excellence in teaching, research and engagement that this award was created to recognize.”
Stephen Koontz
Koontz has spent 28 years at CSU conducting research that has influenced national livestock policy. His work helped prevent mandatory cash trade regulations in cattle markets and protected Colorado and other Western states from harmful changes to the National Milk Marketing Order system through collaborations with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and industry groups.
An early innovator in online education, Koontz is also known for creating hands-on, skills-based courses such as the Commodity Trading Experience. His mentorship has launched careers for dozens of students in commodity market analysis and risk management across the Front Range.
Tony Koski
Koski has served as a CSU Extension turf specialist for 36 years, advising the state’s turfgrass, golf course and green industries while shaping regional educational programs. His leadership at CSU includes mentoring junior faculty, revising departmental governance documents and playing a key role in elevating Extension agents to full faculty status.
Known nationally for his expertise in turfgrass, Koski has been featured by media outlets including CBS Denver and The New York Times. He once delivered webinars from his hospital bed following major surgery and donates more than 300 hours each year to the Larimer County Master Gardener program, where he is widely respected for his generosity and dedication.
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