When Ernie Verslues joined MFA Incorporated in 1987, he never envisioned one day serving as president and CEO of the cooperative. He said multiple opportunities within the company, as well as supervisors who put their trust in him, made his current role a reality. Verslues has served as president and CEO of MFA Incorporated since 2015. “It’s been humbling for…
Office of Advancement ⋅ Page 1
Q&A with Nathan Hansen
Hansen is the senior director for CAFNR Advancement
What are your job duties/job responsibilities in the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources? I am thrilled to serve as the senior director of advancement for CAFNR, working under the executive director, Shawn Poore. In my role, I visit with CAFNR alumni, friends and corporate sponsors to build relationships and raise funds for things like scholarships, special initiatives and…
CAFNR Honors Exceptional Alumni
Six of the college’s outstanding alumni recognized at the 2021 Column Awards ceremony
The College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources recently honored the six individuals chosen to receive the 2021 CAFNR Column Award for Distinguished Alumni. This is the only award specifically for alumni presented by the college. The awardee class includes one graduate from each of CAFNR’s six divisions, reflecting the six historic columns at the University of Missouri. Animal…
Making a Difference
Shawn Poore joins CAFNR as Executive Director of Advancement
Shawn Poore wants to make a difference in the lives of others. And in his new role as the Executive Director of Advancement at the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources at Mizzou, he says he is getting that chance to affect the lives of both alumni and students. Shawn joins CAFNR Sept. 1. “I like to work where…
A Lifelong Learner
Darcy Wells retires as CAFNR senior executive director for advancement after 30-plus-year career in higher education
As Darcy Wells looks back on her 30-plus-year career in higher education, the majority of which took place at the University of Missouri, there’s one experience she does her best to overlook – a year at the University of Kansas. “It’s a little bit of an unmentionable experience that I definitely get a lot of grief for,” Wells joked. “Honestly,…
A Humble Giver
Doug Allen's gifts have opened the door for unique collaborations
Sarah Lovell officially joined the University of Missouri College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (CAFNR) in August 2019, as the H.E. Garrett Endowed Chair Professor and director of the Center for Agroforestry. Two months later, Lovell, who became just the second individual to hold the endowed chair position after Shibu Jose served eight years in the role, welcomed guests…
Digging up a New Hobby
Stefanie Gray becomes a Master Gardener
Little did Stefanie Gray’s neighbors know that when they let her borrow their tiller, she would soon be on her way to becoming a master gardener. When she’s not cultivating relationships with donors as the senior manager for donor relations in the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources’ Office of Advancement, Stefanie’s busy cultivating her backyard. With an undergraduate…
‘An Important Family Feel’
CAFNR Office of Advancement strengthens its team with two staff additions
The College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources’ Office of Advancement strengthened its team with two staff additions, who joined the office at the beginning of the year. Stefanie Gray and Amber Strong Helwig officially began their respective roles in January. Gray is the senior manager of donor relations. Strong Helwig joins the team as an executive assistant. Both come…
Showing Gratitude
Express your appreciation to Mizzou as part of Giving Day 2019
Mizzou and CAFNR mean many things to many different people. A caring college catapulting its students to career and life success. A supportive workplace for faculty and staff. Home to life-long memories and friendships for alumni. Whatever CAFNR has meant to you over the years, we encourage you to show your appreciation on March 13-14 as part of Mizzou Giving…
Returning Home
Kaleigh Summers named CAFNR Alumni Relations and Lead Annual Giving Officer
The first concert Kaleigh Summers ever attended was a Martina McBride show at the American Royal in Kansas City. As she waited for McBride to take the stage, she couldn’t stop watching the stage crew as they prepared for the show. It was something Summers felt would be fun to do. “Right away I told my mom that’s what I…