DURANGO® BOOTS AWARDS THIRD ANNUAL $30,000 ‘NATIONAL DAY OF THE COWGIRL’ SCHOLARSHIP
Scholarship Recipient Presley Cooper is an Undergraduate Agricultural Business Student at CSU Fresno
Nelsonville, OH (August 19, 2026) – Durango® Boots and the Dude Ranch Foundation (DRF) are proud to celebrate Presley Cooper as the recipient of the third annual National Day of the Cowgirl Scholarship, an award created to honor young women who embody the strength, confidence, and resilience of a cowgirl. Presley is a student at CSU Fresno pursuing her degree in Agricultural Business with a minor in Water Studies. She also plans on pursuing a law degree to specialize in Agricultural Law. Receiving the National Day of the Cowgirl Scholarship means more than financial support for Presley; it is a recognition of hard work, dedication, and the responsibilities that come with agriculture and rodeo.
Shares Presley, “I am so honored to join the amazing group of girls who are continuing these traditions and making an impact in the agricultural communities. This scholarship motivates me to keep working hard and to represent the values I believe in.”
Presley’s background reflects a lifelong connection to Western culture. She began in 4-H at age 5, showed livestock, held leadership roles, rode horses throughout her childhood, and entered her first rodeo at age 11. In high school, she continued her involvement through FFA and High School Rodeo while developing leadership and public speaking skills. She is currently working toward a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Business and a minor in Water Studies at CSU Fresno, with plans to pursue a law degree and specialize in Agricultural Law. Her passion for water and land rights is rooted in a desire to protect agricultural communities and defend the future of farmers and ranchers.
“The National Day of the Cowgirl Scholarship was created to celebrate and support young women, like Presley, who are shaping the future and preserving the Western way of life,” said Erin DeLong, marketing manager at Durango® Boots. “We’re proud to recognize the next generation of cowgirls who lead with purpose, strength, and authenticity.”
The National Day of the Cowgirl Scholarship is presented by Durango® Boots and the DRF to support first-year female college students who are pursuing careers that serve agriculture, farm and ranch, equine, and Western sports communities. The scholarship aims to support women who fit these criteria by providing financial assistance towards their education in preparation for a future career in the Western industry.
Continued Presley, “To all the young cowgirls out there – don’t be afraid to get involved and try something new. The agricultural and western lifestyles teach you skills that go far beyond any arena or show ring. This lifestyle will build your confidence, teach you responsibility, and definitely shape your character. If you work hard, stay consistent, and surround yourself with people who support your goals, the opportunities will be endless.”
About Durango® Boots
Founded in 1966, Durango® Boots manufactures and markets quality-crafted western and fashion footwear for men, women, and children. It is a division of Rocky Brands™, a publicly traded company on NASDAQ® under the symbol: RCKY. For more information visit www.durangoboots.com.
About the Dude Ranch Foundation
The Dude Ranch Foundation preserves the heritage and advances the future of America’s dude ranching industry by funding scholarships for higher education, conducting horse safety programs, stewarding a free Western Museum, and protecting millions of acres of historic ranchlands. The Dude Ranch Foundation is a duly incorporated nonprofit organization under the Internal Revenue Service code 501(c)(3).
