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What a busy and exciting fall semester this has been! I enjoyed the many activities this time of year brings – Field Days, CAFNR Week, and Homecoming, to name a few.
It is an understatement to say that I am inspired by the people I have met in my first four months on the job. I am humbled to be a part of the CAFNR Family – faculty, staff, students, alumni, donors and friends – that works tirelessly to strengthen our college, agriculture, and the natural resources in the state and nation.
On Sept. 6 I attended the CAFNR Scholarship Donor Recognition Dinner with a record number of attendees. It was my first opportunity to meet many of our donors who do so much for our students and our college. I was thrilled to participate in my first gift announcement that evening when we honored Chuck and Ina Rae Brazeale for bequesting their beloved farm to CAFNR. This gift will make the Brazeale Family Scholars Program one of the largest on the MU campus.
The annual Litton Scholars Program dinner was held Oct. 3. This year was special as it also included the second Litton Lecture as part of the festivities. Our guest lecturer was Dr. Peter H. Raven, President Emeritus of the Missouri Botanical Garden. Raven’s lecture, “Sustainability: How to Achieve It,” was very well received by a large audience of faculty, students, and the general public.
My family and I had the pleasure of taking in many MU Homecoming festivities. I was asked to serve as parade float judge – talk about pressure! Later in the day my son Max and I hosted CAFNR friends at the football game and thoroughly enjoyed our win over Idaho.
Last month Chancellor Alexander Cartwright gave his “First 100 Days” address and in it announced new scholarships for students from neighboring states and for children of alumni. See the Chancellor’s complete “First 100 Days” address here.
In the coming months, our college will be working to develop a shared vision that will guide us in building on CAFNR’s many strengths and make us distinct among our peers. You will hear more about the process as we pursue input from our many stakeholders. I urge you to email me directly with your ideas, questions, or concerns at cafnrdean@missouri.edu.
I look forward to working with all of you on CAFNR’s drive to distinction. We are CAFNR Proud!
CAFNR Proud!
Christopher R. Daubert
Vice Chancellor and Dean
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