It has been a busy month, wrapping up a challenging year! I enjoyed annual meetings with our college’s external leadership groups, including the CAFNR Administrative Leadership Council and the CAFNR Foundation. I shared with these friends the tremendous work we’ve been doing this past year, as well as the budget difficulties we are facing. In addition, I attended the annual meeting of the MO Soybean Seed Advisory Council; welcomed our partners in agriculture around the state, and CAFNR experts, at the 2020 Ag Market and Policy Outlook Webinar earlier this month; and met with leaders from Kansas City’s hospitality industry at the Agricultural Business Council of Kansas City’s annual meeting and webinar. I hope you were logged in to virtually celebrate our CAFNR December 2020 graduates on Friday! We enjoyed showcasing their accomplishment as part of Mizzou’s virtual commencement celebration. If you missed it, you can still see videos and other media online at both Mizzou and CAFNR’s websites. Thank you to Biochemistry for the opportunity to participate in their recent Town Hall. I also appreciated the opportunity to participate in a Town Hall with CAFNR staff, coordinated by our dedicated Staff Advisory Council. The Council has engaged with staff and are keeping current on their needs during the pandemic. We talked candidly about how we’re feeling in these days of social distancing and budget woes. I remind faculty and other supervisors to be mindful of the stress our students and staff are experiencing as the pandemic continues. I charge you to lead with compassion, kindness, encouragement and flexibility to accommodate their needs. These attributes are the bedrock of our college. Strive to find a work style that works best for each employee – whether that is working remotely, on campus or a combination. Establish consistent expectations and communication. Make sure you are checking in with them more than you usually would. Encourage your team to take care of themselves, especially mentally. Mizzou provides wonderful resources for mental health care, including the Employee Assistance Program and the Sanvello app. Never hesitate to take advantage of these resources. Taking care of your mental health is just as important as your physical health, especially in a time of extended social isolation. Lead by example, and make sure you are taking days off, respecting evenings and weekends, and spending quality time with your family. Read carefully the UM System guide “Returning to the Workplace” and become familiar with the guidance within. Please take care of each other – always, but especially during this time. Be kind to and patient with yourself, and each other. Let’s make 2021 the year of teamwork and collaboration. We are truly better together. I sincerely hope all of you enjoy a relaxing, refreshing and rejuvenating winter break – my best wishes for happy and healthy holidays to you and your family. CAFNR Proud, Christopher R. Daubert, Ph.D.
CAFNR Vice Chancellor & Dean |