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2023 has been an incredible year for CAFNR! Next week we will unveil the latest report on our “Drive to Distinction,” covering the most recent two years of our strategic plan. It is full of exciting progress toward our goals, including record-highs in research awards, student retention, graduation rates, connections with Missourians through our extension programs, and more. I enjoyed sharing some of these highlights with you last month at Novemberfest. Thank you for helping us on our “Drive to Distinction!”
We are kicking off three big building initiatives – the Meat Sciences Laboratory (MSL), the Center for Energy Innovation (CEI) and the NextGen Institute for Innovative Medical Research (IMR). These are exciting projects. The MSL, with funding and support from the State, will bring meat processing to a new and exciting space for research, teaching and extension purposes. The CEI is a joint project with the Colleges of Engineering and Arts & Science, and will advance research in energy, data and policy. Finally, the IMR project will translate large animal models for interdisciplinary and collaborative precision health research. Tomorrow is the “best day in the life of a university” – commencement! I am excited to congratulate our December 2023 graduates as they embark on the next chapter of their lives. CAFNR’s ceremony begins at 2:30 p.m. in the Hearnes Center. This month has also included the following activities: - Semi-finalist interviews for the Vice Chancellor for Extension & Engagement
- MSL, CEI and IMR planning meetings
- Meetings with the CAFNR Foundation
- Missouri Farm Bureau annual meeting
- Institute of Food Technologists leadership meetings
- Meetings with prospective faculty hires
- DASS division director interviews
- MU Campus Master Plan Workshop
- REEC Directors Retreat
- Meetings with Bradley Schad, MO Corn Growers Association, and Garrett Hawkins, MO Farm Bureau
- Council of Deans meeting
- CARET Strategic Action Implementation Committee meeting
- Visit to Burger’s Smokehouse
- Dairy improvement planning meeting
- President’s Holiday Open House
- Meeting with Vice Chancellor for Inclusion, Diversity & Equity Maurice Gipson
- MU Engagement & External Relations meeting
- Governor’s Cup Awards Reception
- SW-REEC Advisory Board meeting
- Meetings with Bridgford group
I extend my best wishes to all for a peaceful and joy-filled holiday season. I look forward to what we will accomplish, together, in 2024! With so much to celebrate, I am CAFNR Proud! Christopher R. Daubert, Ph.D.
CAFNR Vice Chancellor & Dean |
