This is a difficult moment in our nation and our world – and in higher education and at our university. We miss seeing our students and colleagues face-to-face – not to mention our friends and extended family! And even as we are working harder and with more agility and innovation than ever, we are doing so under the shadow of budget strains.

I have a few updates to share with you today from the past couple of weeks. Our teaching, research and Extension faculty and staff have adapted to many changes, all while keeping the focus squarely on our land-grant mission.

All the hard work has not gone unnoticed! In fact, Extension’s response was even noted in the press: farmprogress.com/extension/hats-extension-staff-going-extra-mile

Our Associate Dean for Research, Dr. Shibu Jose, shares that faculty have been productive in submitting grant proposals during this time away from the office.

And although May commencement has been postponed, our college is excited to celebrate with our graduates virtually next month. Please stay tuned for more information on how you can be part of congratulating our May 2020 graduating class!

Thanks to all of you who joined me and the CAFNR leadership team for CAFNR Cybercafes for both faculty and staff over the past couple of weeks. I appreciated the questions, and that you took the time to “meet” with all of us so we could share information and updates.

While we continue to pursue our strategic priorities and land-grant mission as only the CAFNR community can, I know we have many concerns right now – and budget is top of mind. We and the campus community have been asked to submit plans for a 12.5 percent reduction to our general allocation for next fiscal year, in addition to filling the budget gap created by the recent withholding of state funds for Mizzou’s current budget year (which ends June 30). I assure you our CAFNR administrative team is working hard to address the budget situation on a shortened timeline.

I want you to know that I think of our CAFNR community every day. I appreciate you and all you do for our college, especially in such uncertain times. We have an incredibly resilient college – 150 years of history and successes behind us, and many more ahead of us!

CAFNR Proud! 

Christopher R. Daubert, Ph.D.
CAFNR Vice Chancellor & Dean

Tony Lupo, professor of atmospheric science, has received the SEC 2020 Faculty Achievement Award. The recognition is given out to one faculty member from each school once a year. The SEC then awards one of those candidates as SEC professor of the year. First presented in 2012 and selected by the SEC provosts, these awards honor one individual from each SEC member university who has excelled in teaching – particularly at the undergraduate level – and research.

Tom Spencer, Curators Distinguished Professor of Animal Sciences, has accepted a part-time appointment as the Associate Vice Chancellor for Research and Strategic Initiatives in the Biomedical and Agricultural Sciences. In this capacity, Spencer will work with the Vice Chancellor for Research and Economic Development, as well as the Provost, Deans and Center Directors, to shape and enhance the current research centers, develop strategies for new strategic centers of excellence in research and creative works, support the Research Core Facilities, coordinate among departments and colleges the recruitment of faculty in strategic research thrusts, and plan and drive new strategic initiatives that will enhance MU’s AAU research mission.