Thanks to everyone who attended our second annual Novemberfest last week. We had a tremendous turnout – it was standing room only! I enjoyed sharing highlights with you from the past year – and some delicious food in anticipation of Thanksgiving.

I am pleased to share with you that I have named Dr. Shibu Jose the CAFNR interim associate dean for research (ADR) and director of the MO agricultural experiment station. Currently, Dr. Jose is the division director for our School of Natural Resources and superintendent of the Horticulture and Agroforestry Research Center in New Franklin, Mo. His new appointment is effective Jan. 1, 2019. I will be working with SNR faculty and staff in the coming weeks to identify an interim director of our School of Natural Resources.

The CAFNR commencement is scheduled for 12 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 15, at the Hearnes Center. I’m looking forward to celebrating with our outstanding students, and invite you to join us for this special time.

Thank you to each and every one of you for all you do for CAFNR! I wish you a wonderful Thanksgiving celebration with your loved ones.

CAFNR Proud!

Christopher R. Daubert
CAFNR Vice Chancellor & Dean

CAFNR set a one-year college-wide retention record of 90.7 percent this fall. This is the first time in the history of the college that we surpassed a 90 percent retention. Last fall’s entering freshmen were academically successful at a record pace, which is a result of quality students and excellent student support services across the college.

Don’t Miss!
The Connector is hosting a “Broader Impacts 101” workshop to guide researchers in creating compelling Broader Impacts statements and effectively incorporating them into proposals for National Science Foundation grant submissions. The workshop will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 29, in the Eyler Room, S110 Memorial Union. Open to all faculty, staff and students; lunch will be provided. Please RSVP to theconnector@missouri.edu. 

Did You Know?
A total of 23 students, four faculty, and two staff members are taking part in the 2018 Agribusiness Career Connection Program in Indianapolis. The program started Saturday and runs through Tuesday. The group will visit employers including Corteva Agriscience, Eli Lilly and Elanco Animal Health. The purpose of the program is introduce CAFNR undergraduate students to various agribusinesses and to further strengthen our relationships with these industry partners.

CAFNR hosted its second annual student-run International Education Week (Nov. 12-14) with 140 participants in all. Events included info booths to get your passport ‘stamped’ for a free ‘walking’ taco, a study abroad panel and popcorn session, and an International Trivia Night at the Heidelberg. Franny Bruner won the photo contest with her photo of a rescue elephant in Thailand, and Eze Pojmann-Ezeonyilo won the drawing for the five-piece luggage and travel set for his upcoming spring semester in Costa Rica.