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Student Development Board

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We are accepting applications until 5 p.m., Dec. 6, to serve on the 2010 CAFNR Student Development Board.

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The mission of the Student Development Board is to serve as the student arm of the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources development program. The Student Development Board is comprised of exceptional students from various academic divisions in the College.

Members assist with the cultivation and stewardship of donors through phone calls, personal visits and attending events. The efforts of this group advance the mission of the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources.

Taylor Bauman

Taylor Bauman is a senior animal sciences major with a minor in business. Taylor grew up on a diversified farm outside of Rosendale, Mo. She is also active in Sigma Alpha Professional Agricultural Sorority. After college Taylor plans on becoming a sales representative for an animal pharmaceutical research and development corporation.

"As a transfer student coming to Mizzou, I didn't know a lot of people and was hesitant to get involved in CAFNR without knowing someone. I decided to join Sigma Alpha and gain the friendships of several other girls who share the same passion for agriculture as I do. All of my sisters strongly encouraged participating in mud volleyball for CAFNR week so I did, and it was a blast! I had so much fun and realized how much I was going to enjoy CAFNR in the future."

Rebecca (Becca) Bunton

Rebecca Bunton is a junior agribusiness management major. She was raised on a small family farm just outside Liberal, Mo. Her family is primarily involved in row crop production, with a small herd of registered Angus cattle on the side. Aside from CAFNR Student Development Board, Becca is involved on campus with CAFNR Student Council, Collegiate Farm Bureau, and Ag Econ Club. After graduating from MU, Becca plans to work in the agricultural sales industry.

"After growing up in the small town of Liberal, Mo with a population of 750, walking onto the MU campus for the first time was overwhelming! I remember thinking to myself, how am I ever going to fit in here? I don't know anybody, I won't know where my classes are going to be, and the classes are going to be huge! I ended up living in the Agricultural FIG, where to my surprise I met people I had class with every day! This really wasn't so bad after all; I even got to know my professors, who weren't nearly as big and bad as I had thought. After a week or so I figured out that being in CAFNR was like being in a big family. If you ever need help or just a friend to stand by you, both students and faculty are there willing to help!”

Dana Burkemper

Dana Burkemper is a senior Agricultural Economics major from the small town of Moscow Mills, Mo. In addition to Student Development Board, she is involved in Kappa Delta Sorority, Ag Club, CAFNR Week Steering Committee, and is a John Brown Scholar. After college, Dana plans on working in the agricultural industry wherever it may lead her.

“My favorite part about CAFNR is how everyone is dedicated in helping you succeed. Whether in the form of academics, career success or just getting out there and making new friends. I feel as if the college is my best resource on campus and I know exactly where to go if I need any kind of assistance.”

Kyle Eckler

Kyle Eckler is a senior majoring in Agricultural Education with minors in both Agricultural Economics and Plant Sciences. Kyle was raised near Shelbyville, MO on his family’s sheep and row crop farm. He has been an active member of the Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity, CAFNR Ambassadors, Homecoming Steering Committee, and is the CAFNR Student Council President. Following graduation, Kyle plans to obtain a position in agricultural sales or public relations.

“As a student within CAFNR, I find it very beneficial to have professors who truly care about the students and the experience they receive while being at Mizzou. Many CAFNR professors are actively involved with the students through the many clubs and organizations that are offered within the college. Some professors are even academic advisors to students within their respected major, which truly shows how much they care about the students’ education.”

Cheryl Ficken

Cheryl Ficken is a senior agricultural education major with a double minor in agricultural economics and plant sciences. Cheryl grew up on a diversified farm outside of Green Ridge, Mo. She is active in Sigma Alpha Professional Agricultural Sorority, Ag Ed Society, Dickinson Scholars Program, and is the CAFNR Student Council Vice President. Cheryl also works in the CAFNR Office of Advancement and Communications. After college Cheryl plans on becoming a high school agricultural instructor.

"My freshman year, I was hesitant to participate in CAFNR Week, especially skit night. When a couple upperclassmen asked me to be in a skit, I kindly tried to decline. They asked me to give it a shot, and consequently I accepted a small part. At skit night I was shaking with nerves but, to my surprise, once I hit the stage I was only focused on making people laugh. I actually loved breaking out of my shell and now skit night is my favorite activity in CAFNR Week.”

Sami Jo Freeman

Sami Jo Freeman is a freshman agricultural journalism major with a minor in international agriculture. Sami is proud to call Troy, MO her home. She is active in Sigma Alpha Professional Agricultural Sorority, Mizzou Collegiate Farm Bureau and is a member of the 2009 CAFNR Week Steering Committee. Sami’s future plans are to work for an agricultural publication promoting agriculture and its positive message.

"The first memory that I have from the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources has to be one of my favorite, and was courtesy of Stephanie Chipman. I was told by upperclassmen to attend ‘interviewing strategies’ that was being co-hosted by CAFNR Career Services and Sigma Alpha. So, I dressed up in professional attire and chose my seat carefully, not knowing many people in the room. During the program, the director of Career Services, Stephanie Chipman, asked if there were any freshman in the room. Of course, I raised my hand, not knowing what I was getting myself into. Before I knew it, I had been persuaded to sign up for a mock interview with one of the judges and had one of the most productive experiences of my life. It just goes to show you that CAFNR always has opportunities right in front of you and you never know when another will come your way!"

Katie Higgins

Katie Higgins is a sophomore majoring in biochemistry with a minor in statistics from Jefferson City, Missouri. She is involved in the Discovery Fellows Research Program, Sigma Phi Lambda, Big Brothers Big Sister Tutoring Progam, is a Rooted Counselor and plays on the club tennis team. After graduation Katie plans to attend medical school and become a physician.

"The summer before my freshman year, I visited Mizzou to pick out a major. I met with all the colleges, but none of them stood out to me like CAFNR did. I was able to meet with actual professors in CAFNR who helped me develop an individual plan to meet my needs. CAFNR was the most personal college and everyone I met at the school had a positive attitude and wanted to be there. I love that in CAFNR people want to get to know you and help you succeed."

Kayla Hoover

Kayla Hoover is a junior agricultural education major. Kayla grew up on a small beef farm in Halfway, Mo. She has been involved with CAFNR Steering Committee and is excited to be a part of the Student Development Board. After she finishes school, Kayla wants to teach agriculture to both young and old somewhere in southwest Missouri.

“When I first came to Mizzou, I was extremely concerned about how I would fit into such a big school. I was accustomed to my town of only 176 and worried about how it would feel not to be one of few but one of many. After discussing my schedule and where things were on campus with my advisor and others at the administrative office, I felt at home. It was so comforting to feel a sense of belonging even though I was in a much bigger community. The people in CAFNR are honestly loving and caring people, and it made all the difference in my transition to college.”

Charlotte Jackson

Charlotte Jackson is a senior Agricultural Education major with an emphasis in Leadership and Communications. Charlotte grew up on a small dairy farm in New Cambria, Mo. She is very active in CAFNR where she serves as the Secretary of Mizzou Collegiate 4-H, Treasurer of the Agricultural Education Society, and a member of Mizzou Collegiate Cattlewomen. She also is a member of Alpha Zeta honor society. Last summer Charlotte had an internship with the Missouri Department of Agriculture, and this summer she will be interning with Archer Daniels Midland. After college, Charlotte plans to work in communications, marketing, or training.

"CAFNR is the land of opportunity. I remember my first ever Introduction to Agricultural Education class. As students we were all so different, but all still very alike in our love for agriculture. That is what is great about CAFNR. Some of the people I met in that class are my best friends now, and I have that introductory class to thank for them."

Shane Kinne

Shane Kinne is a junior majoring in Agricultural Education with a minor in Agricultural Economics. Shane originates from Eagleville, MO where he grew up on a Registered Angus Seedstock operation. He is currently active with Ag Ed Society, CAFNR Student Council and does work at The Food and Agricultural Policy Research Institute (FAPRI). After school Shane plans on becoming an Agricultural Education Instructor.

“Before I came to Mizzou I did not realize what it really meant to be a student in CAFNR. In my first semester it quickly became apparent that being part of CAFNR is like having your own family on campus. Activities such as CAFNR week showed me that the students and staff really do have a one on one relationship and everyone will know you by name. This college is definitely an environment that encourages the success of its students.”

Clint Klipfel

Clint Klipfel is a senior biochemistry major from Portageville, Mo. Portageville is a small, agriculture based community in the bootheel. Clint's other activities include working as the assistant manager of Tiger Garden and being involved in FarmHouse Fraternity, CAFNR Student Ambassadors, and Biochemistry Club. After college, he plans on attending medical school and hopes to one day become a pediatrician.

"The College of Agriculture Food and Natural Resources is like a second family to me. Going from a small, country town to the widely diverse campus of Mizzou worried me a little before the start of my freshman year. To my surprise, I was greeted by many friendly faces of CAFNR faculty and staff wanting me to feel welcome. It really made Mizzou feel like home and eased my anxiety about fitting in. CAFNR truly provides a family atmosphere and the closeness of it is one-of -a-kind."

Kelin Kruse

Kelin Kruse is a senior agricultural education major. Kelin’s hometown is Fairview, MO. His family raises broiler chickens, beef cattle, and row crops. Kelin is active Agricultural Education Society and AG ED REPS. After graduating from college he hopes to become an agriculture instructor and return to the family farm.

“As a transfer student I was concerned that I may have a hard time fitting in and finding new friends. Thankfully I was wrong. Since I have been at Mizzou and in CAFNR I have made so many new friends and had great experiences. So many of the professors in CAFNR take a vested interest in their students and want to see them succeed, I really didn’t expect that from a big university.”

Kabel Oaks

Kabel Oaks is a junior agricultural education major with a minor in animal science. Kabel comes from a commercial cow/calf and purebred swine operation in Galt, Missouri. In college, he is involved in numerous activities, including CAFNR Student Council, Collegiate Farm Bureau, and Agricultural Education Society. After college, Kabel plans on becoming a high school agricultural instructor and later return to graduate school.

“The day I moved into the dorms my freshman year, I was nervous. This was the real deal; I was going to be on my own. As we stepped out into the hallway of the Agriculture Learning Community on the 7th floor of Hudson Hall, my nerves faded away. Walking from the elevator to my dorm room, I saw three or four people I knew before I ever even got to college. We had something in common, a passion for agriculture. I quickly felt at home in the Agriculture Learning Community and continue to feel at home thanks to the contacts I have made throughout CAFNR.”

Mark Peper

Mark Peper is a senior forestry major. Mark grew up outside of Troy, Mo. He is active in SNR Student Ambassador, SNR and CAFNR Student Council, Society of American Foresters, Forestry Club and FASS. After college he plans to work in the field of natural resources.

"The summer of 2007, I spent six weeks in the forests around Lake Wappapello at University Forest for forestry camp. I spent quality time with my friends while learning hands on forestry techniques and applications as well getting to know the forestry professors. I got to see industries of forestry and the beauty of the Ozarks that most people do not get to see. Now I will never forget the summer 2007 and plus I will always have stories to tell."

Alex Peterson

Alex Peterson is a senior agricultural economics major. Alex grew up on a family dairy farm near Galt, Mo. Alex is also active in Agricultural Economics Club and Collegiate Farm Bureau. After college, Alex intends to make a positive impact on Missouri's agricultural industry.

"My time at Mizzou has opened doors to many new experiences, and one particularly fun one was my study abroad trip. Over the 2007-2008 winter break I was able to spend about a month in New Zealand. Not only did I learn a lot about New Zealand and global agriculture, but I learned a lot about myself. It was truly one of the greatest experiences of my life!"

Jessica Toombs

Jessica Toombs is a senior agricultural education major who plans to earn her teacher's certification. Originally from Gower, Mo., Jessica was raised on her family's beef and forage farm. She enjoys traveling, reading, and trap shooting. Jessica is active in many organizations on campus, including Agricultural Education Society, Study Abroad Ambassadors, and Student Development Board.

"I had wanted to travel overseas for a long time but never had the opportunity to. So when I learned about the Study Abroad program with the College of Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources, I knew I wanted to take advantage of the program. I took my first study abroad trip in the summer of 2007. I was able to travel to Ireland and spend a month traveling along the coast. We studied Irish history, culture, and agriculture. This trip opened my eyes to different cultures and I gained a better understanding of how the world works. I plan to continue to study abroad by studying in Thailand during the winter break of 2008. I am very excited to be able to experience Eastern culture first hand. The CAFNR Study Abroad program has given me my most memorable college experiences."