College of Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources // Immeasurable Impact

Dana Brown Haynes mentored CAFNR students for nearly 30 years in her leadership roles in CAFNR Career Services and Alumni Relations. She led students and alumni volunteers, strengthening the college’s reputation and deepening relationships across the state and nation.

Dana Brown Haynes speaks at her recent celebration.

Dana graduated from CAFNR in 1985 and began her career at Vance Publishing (now Farm Journal Media) as a national sales representative for Drover’s magazine. In 1988, she joined the CAFNR family as director of Career Planning and Placement, and in 1990 her position was expanded to include Alumni Relations. Her passion for students has enabled her to successfully establish and augment numerous programs within the college, including Student Council, CAFNR Week and most recently CAFNR True Tigers, to make the student experience the best it can be. Her vision has been broad and forward-thinking in ways to promote the CAFNR Alumni Association, making it the strongest alumni group on the Mizzou campus.

She worked in helping students secure their first job and advance in their careers, organize signature student, alumni and corporate events, as well as effectively lead the CAFNR Ag Alumni Board of Directors. In 2015, the CAFNR Ag Alumni Association created an award in her honor, The Dana Brown Haynes Distinguished Service Award, which annually recognizes a CAFNR faculty or staff member, alumni or student for distinguished service to the college.

Alumna Sheila Jesse Oliver said in her farewell note to Dana: “You are one of those very special people that impacted my college years in CAFNR but possibly even more in my post-college years as an alumni. Your tenacity to keep me and hundreds of others connected to the College is unmatched.”

It is quite fitting that her retirement reception was held in conjunction with the 2018 CAFNR Ag Unlimited event held Saturday, Feb. 10, giving her many fans a chance to sing her praises and wish her well. The Parliament II room was standing room only all the way into the hall as several CAFNR alumni and friends summed up what Dana has meant to so many.

Carol Hein, CAFNR alumna and former CAFNR intern under Dana’s tutelage, said it eloquently.

“Dana lives and breathes MU CAFNR and bleeds black and gold. Her work ethic and professionalism speak for themselves as the Ag Alumni Association created an award in her honor that personifies the character traits she possesses,” said Carol, wiping away a tear.

“I had a wonderful experience as an undergraduate in CAFNR – great advisors and mentors, leadership opportunities, a sound education and tremendous friendships and opportunities,” Dana said. “When I returned to campus as Career Planning and Placement Director and later as Alumni Relations Director, I wanted to be sure other students and then alumni had the same wonderful experiences that I had been blessed with during my tenure as a student. Many students over the years have heard me say that if someone helps you while you are on campus, be sure to help someone else along the way. I think that philosophy is part of what makes CAFNR special.”

Colleagues, friends and family have established a fund at the University of Missouri in Dana’s honor. This fund will provide support for students in the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, especially those seeking career and professional work experiences within CAFNR. Please join us in honoring Dana’s years of service (be sure to put “Dana Brown Haynes” in the notes).