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CAFNR has been celebrating “homecomings” for the past few weeks, and it has been inspiring! On Friday, Oct. 20, we were honored to dedicate the Tom and Alice Payne Plaza. Dr. Payne is vice chancellor and dean emeritus, and led our college from 1999-2016. Visiting with Dr. Payne, his family, friends and colleagues was a joy, and I thank both he and Alice for all they did for this college, including welcoming Katie and me to Columbia in 2017. See photos from the event online. The following morning we hosted more CAFNR friends and alumni for the first event at the Payne Plaza – the 2023 Homecoming parade watch party! Friday, Nov. 3, we celebrated with our 2023 CAFNR Column Award winners. Each year we honor one distinguished alumnus from each of our six divisions, reflecting Mizzou’s six columns. Hearing from each honoree about their time in CAFNR and how it influenced their careers is always moving. Learn more about this year’s recipients. Earlier this week, we welcomed Dr. Wamwari Waichungo, Vice President, Global Safety Assessments & Regulatory Affairs, SC Johnson, to campus as Executive-in-Residence. Dr. Waichungo holds two degrees from CAFNR, both an MSc and a PhD in Food Science, and she brought a wealth of experience and knowledge to share with our students! I also enjoyed meeting with stakeholders from across the state and country recently, including: - Representatives from the American Food Group
- Bradley Schad from Missouri Corn Growers Association
- Gary Wheeler from Missouri Soybean (and President of our CAFNR Foundation)
- MO-FEN participants and Chris Chinn, director of MDA
- CAST Board of Trustees
To finish out the month I will: - Attend APLU meetings in Seattle
- Travel to Chicago for IFT Board of Directors meetings
- Conduct Meat Science Training Lab architect interviews
- Meet with Provost Latha Ramchand
- Meet with Vice Chancellor & Chief Business Officer Rhonda Gibler
CAFNR leaders, faculty and students will attend the Missouri Governor’s Conference on Agriculture next week at the Lake of the Ozarks. If you are traveling to the Lake, make sure you stop by the CAFNR booth! I look forward to seeing you all this afternoon for Novemberfest 2023. Please join us at 3 p.m. in Monsanto Auditorium for our annual college update as well as for delicious food. We will share our progress on the Drive to Distinction, highlighting those who are helping us get there! I hope you all enjoy the Thanksgiving break with your family, celebrating the blessings of the year! CAFNR Proud, Christopher R. Daubert, Ph.D.
CAFNR Vice Chancellor & Dean |
