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I enjoyed meeting with stakeholders and colleagues across the nation, the state, the university and the college this month. Nov. 15-16 I attended APLU’s annual meetings (virtually!), and then over the next two days I was part of the Institute of Food Technologists board of directors meetings. I presented at the Missouri Ag Foundation Meeting Nov. 18, just before the Governor’s Conference on Agriculture kicked off at the Lake of the Ozarks. The next day I attended the MO-5 Consortium Leadership Circle Meeting, part of the Show-Me-State Food, Beverage and Forest Products Manufacturing Initiative. Another part of the initiative is the MO-FEN (Missouri Food Entrepreneurs Network) group – I am pleased that a meeting was also held earlier this month to kick off this portion of the initiative. The ag community in our state has been very supportive of these initiatives – there is big potential here. I met with colleagues at the Missouri Department of Conservation and Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation, also last week. The week after Thanksgiving I will participate in the MFA Inc., annual meeting and luncheon. I joined many of you participating in the General Faculty Meeting Nov. 1 on campus. And Shibu Jose and I continue to share Phase 1 Updates on the Agricultural Experiment Station restructuring with interested stakeholders, both on and off campus. On Nov. 10 I met with the CAFNR Policy Committee, and throughout the month CAFNR deans have conducted fall progress reviews with our division directors. I am pleased to share with you that we announced a gift earlier this month that will help to replenish our vital Missouri forests. The support from Independent Stave Company and other forestry partners will create a new position in our School of Natural Resources to build up forestry outreach efforts, with the long-term goal of making sure Missouri’s family-owned forests are well maintained and healthy long into the future. Missouri white oaks craft many of our country’s whiskey and wine barrels so careful management of these forests is key for many industries! Many of our annual events have been in-person this fall! We enjoyed celebrating both this year’s and last year’s recipients of the CAFNR Column Awards Nov. 6, with two distinguished alumni from each division to honor this year. This past weekend we enjoyed an alumni tailgate before Mizzou kicked off against Florida, and were joined by Joe Tillman and his daughter Cory from the Osage Nation. Joe spoke two years ago when we dedicated our Land of the Osages Research Center, and we appreciate his support and partnership. We were thrilled to celebrate our alumnus, Lowell Mohler, Nov. 12 as he received the Mizzou Alumni Association’s 66th Annual Distinguished Service Award. What a well-deserved accomplishment! Thanks to everyone who joined us for Novemberfest! I appreciated seeing so many of you in person as I shared an update on our college – and I know we all enjoyed the delicious appetizers and desserts afterwards, too. As we celebrate Thanksgiving this week, I thank all of you for everything you do for CAFNR. It’s been an unusual year – but it’s been incredible what we have accomplished together! Strong enrollments, retention and career placement; record grant dollars – our accomplishments are a direct result of your hard work in student services, research and innovation, and outreach to our state. Thank you – and may you enjoy a wonderful holiday with your family and friends! CAFNR Proud, Christopher R. Daubert, Ph.D.
CAFNR Vice Chancellor & Dean |
