CAFNR Proud

Faculty members in the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources have received many MU and UM System honors this spring

Written by · May 11, 2018

The University of Missouri and the University of Missouri System give out many awards each spring for teaching, advising, research, engagement, entrepreneurship, service and more. We are proud to have so many faculty members from the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources as recipients of these prestigious honors this year. CAFNR honorees include:

  • Eric Aldrich, instructor of atmospheric science, was named 2018 Professor of the Year by Mizzou Athletics. Aldrich was honored with the award April 16 at the Mizzou ROARS event, which celebrates student-athletes’ successes each spring. The award is presented to the professor who “has inspired their students to exceed their potential and go above and beyond expectations to assist all students.”
  • Antje Heese, associate professor of biochemistry, received both the 2018 Outstanding Undergraduate Mentor Award from the MU Office of Undergraduate Research, and the Ann K. Covington Award from the MU Fellowship Office, which honors faculty who have served as mentors to undergraduates seeking nationally competitive fellowships. She was honored at the MU Excels celebration on April 30 for the Covington Award, and earlier in April for the Undergraduate Mentor Award. She was one of only two faculty members at the university to receive both awards.
  • Shibu Jose, director of the School of Natural Resources, was honored with the Partner in Advancement Leadership Award from MU Advancement. This award recognizes his efforts in engaging with alumni, donors and stakeholders for endowments to strengthen SNR. This spring was the first time this award was given out by the MU Vice Chancellor for Advancement, Tom Hiles; Jose was one of just two recipients.
  • Melissa Mitchum, professor of plant sciences, was named a Presidential Engagement Fellow for the UM System. This is the inaugural class of fellows. Fifteen faculty members were chosen among the four campuses in the UM System. The purpose of the program is to share faculty accomplishments with the citizens of Missouri; fellows are chosen based on their demonstrated excellence as well as their ability to communicate their research to the public. The program is administered through the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Extension and Engagement.
  • Craig Paukert, associate cooperative professor of fisheries and wildlife, received the Gold Chalk Award from the MU Graduate Professional Council. This award is presented to MU faculty who have made significant contributions to the education and training of graduate and professional students. Paukert was honored at a ceremony in April.
  • Bill Wiebold, professor of plant sciences, was surprised with the President’s Award for Service from the UM System during a meeting on April 20. This honor recognizes faculty who show exemplary and extensive service to the university that is above and beyond the normal service expectation, such as mentoring other faculty in the areas of teaching, research, scholarship, outreach and economic development. The UM System President’s Awards are presented annually to faculty members across the four campuses of the UM System who have made exceptional contributions in advancing the mission of the university. Wiebold will be formally recognized by UM System President Mun Choi during an awards celebration in June.