Although she didn’t grow up with a traditional agriculture background, Bailey Henry found a passion for the industry through the National FFA Organization. That passion led her to the University of Missouri – and eventually to a career where she is educating high school students about all things agriculture. Henry earned her agricultural education degree from Mizzou in 2019. She…
Alumni ⋅ Page 2
From Student to Specialist
Nick Wesslak, who earned two degrees from CAFNR, is putting his education to use as an agronomy field specialist with MU Extension
As a high school student in Salem, Mo., Nick Wesslak was an active member of his local FFA chapter. That experience not only introduced him to the University of Missouri, it also showed him an interesting career path – one that he is now serving in with MU Extension. Wesslak earned two degrees from Mizzou – a bachelor’s degree in…
Pursuing His Dreams
CAFNR Celebrates Black History Month: Young alum Dorian Giles has built a strong career in player representation, marketing and brand building in the sports industry
Dorian Giles had a tough decision to make early on as a student at the University of Missouri. Giles, an avid basketball player throughout his youth, had dreamed of one day suiting up at the collegiate level. While those dreams were put on the back burner as Giles chose to attend Mizzou, during his sophomore year he was in contact…
Turning a Passion into a Career
CAFNR Celebrates Black History Month: Young alum Kaija Caldwell found a passion for horses while at Mizzou
“Horses are my career.” Kaija Caldwell said the words still feel surreal coming out of her mouth. When Caldwell first arrived at the University of Missouri she wasn’t sure where her interest in animals was going to take her. She certainly wasn’t expecting to fall in love with horses. “I knew that MU had a great animal sciences program, which…
An Incredible Experience
Sophie Cunningham Classic offers students a look at organizing a high-profile event
In early December, high school girls basketball teams from three states took part in the inaugural Sophie Cunningham Classic, a three-day shootout in Columbia created by women athletes for young female athletes. The Classic allowed those athletes to take center stage and allowed Cunningham to give back to the community where she dominated opponents on the court as a high…
Growing Together
Anna Hartke and Mark Wendell have grown professionally and personally while pursuing degrees at MU
While the Swine Club at the University of Missouri was valuable professionally for both Anna Hartke and Mark Wendell, it also proved to be special on a personal level. Hartke and Wendell grew up in different parts of Illinois and both arrived at Mizzou as animal sciences majors in 2016. They had a couple of courses together during their freshmen…
A Genetic Pioneer
Jerry Litton's dedication to data advanced the Charolais breed on a national stage
In a small town in northwest Missouri, a small farmhouse without electricity and running water stood against the rural landscape that was the Litton Charolais Ranch. This was the childhood home of Jerry L. Litton, the successful cattle rancher and United States Congressman – and the namesake of the Animal Sciences Research Center, known to few as Litton Hall. Litton…
Growing His Writing Portfolio
Joe Butler's job with Gardener's Path allows him to combine his two passions – plants and writing
Through numerous hands-on learning opportunities as a plant sciences major at the University of Missouri – and a variety of jobs and internships – Joe Butler gained valuable experiences that he knew would one day prepare him for the workforce. Those experiences showcased multiple industry options to Butler, who realized that he wanted to find a career where he could…
Meeting Her Goals
Verónica Negrón-Pérez's educational journey has brought her back to Puerto Rico for an important research role
After finishing her undergraduate degree in animal science at the University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez, Verónica Negrón-Pérez was excited to continue to her educational journey. Negrón-Pérez set a very specific goal for herself – she would spend the next 10 years gaining important research and hands-on learning experiences through the pursuit of advanced degrees. After those 10 years were up, she…
An Advocate for CAFNR
Alex Muñoz shares all CAFNR has to offer as director of student recruitment
During a college visit to the University of Missouri as a high school senior, Alex Muñoz was ready to go home. Munoz said his morning meeting didn’t quite go to plan and he was ready to skip out on his second session, which was to take place with a representative from the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (CAFNR).…