The College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources honored six recipients with the 2026 CAFNR Column Award for Distinguished Alumni at an event Thursday, Nov. 5. The Column Award is the only award specifically for alumni presented by CAFNR and is the highest honor bestowed by the College in celebration of outstanding alumni. The awardee class includes one graduate from each of CAFNR’s six divisions, reflecting the six historic columns at the University of Missouri.
Animal Sciences
Nichole F. Huntley
BS Animal Sciences ’12, Minor in Captive Wild Animal Management
MS Animal Sciences – Ruminant and Comparative Nutrition ’14
Nichole Huntley is a senior nutritionist at Mazuri Exotic Animal Nutrition and excels at translating complex research into practical dietary solutions for exotic animal health through collaboration and scientific leadership. In addition to receiving her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees at Mizzou, she went on to earn a Ph.D. at Iowa State University in Animal Science-Swine Nutrition.
Huntley has been at Mazuri since 2018. In this role she provides technical nutrition expertise for zoo and aquarium customers and internally for sales, marketing, manufacturing, quality and customer service teams; conducts research, diet formulation and new product development; and is the research grant coordinator.
In addition to working as a laboratory manager at Iowa State University and laboratory assistant at Mizzou during her studies, Huntley interned at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo, the Saint Louis Zoo and the Smithsonian National Zoological Park in nutrition and nutrition research.
She is the author of book chapters and journal articles on animal nutrition, and has received grants and invitations to present on the same topic. Nichole has participated in leadership and mentorship programs throughout her career and studies, and is a member of the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) and the American Society of Animal Science; an advisory council member for The Dr. Abigail Ross Foundation for Applied Conservation; and as industry liaison for the Comparative Nutrition Society’s Board of Directors. She also has worked with AZA as a nutrition advisor on their Sloth Species Survival Plan.
Biochemistry
Amanda C. Brodeur
BS Biochemistry ’00
MD ’06, PhD Biochemistry ’06
Dr. Amanda Brodeur is a pediatrician and director of the Division of Medical Genetics at Mizzou’s School of Medicine. She is one of only eight board-certified physicians in Biochemical Medical Genetics in the state, and consults with prospective parents and treats children with inherited metabolic conditions. Dr. Brodeur is a “physician scientist,” which is vital in her rapidly evolving area of medicine.
“Dr. Brodeur’s field is both technical (genetics, metabolism and the chemical analysis to monitor metabolites) and requires exceptional humanistic skills in helping (and educating) vulnerable children and parents,” said Michael Chapman, director of the Division of Biochemistry. “As recounted in the nomination letter from her PhD mentor, Professor Emerita Charlotte Phillips, she has, from her student days, had both the abilities and the dedication to excel in both arenas, and to help train the next generation of future physicians in biochemical genetics.”
She recently returned to Mizzou after serving as associate professor at Missouri State University, where she received awards for research, teaching and service. Dr. Brodeur is a diplomate of the American Board of Medical Genetics and Genomics and member of the Society for Inherited Metabolic Disorders.
Brodeur was a Conley Scholar, selected for early admission to the University of Missouri Medical School, a Howard Hughes Research Fellow during her undergraduate studies and an NIH Molecular Biology Pre-doctoral Training Grantee. She received additional graduate fellowships to attend and present her work nationally, and in 2006 her thesis research was published in a top nephrology journal.
As Mizzou did not have a formal MD/PhD program at the time of her training, a student interested in pursuing both had to be accepted into each program as well as meet the entire requirements of both programs. At the Honors Convocation for her School of Medicine graduation, Dr. Brodeur received the two highest honors awarded to a medical student in pediatrics, the Sunil Batchu Memorial Award and the Robert L. Jackson Award for Outstanding Performance.
“She is one of those rare individuals whom you can see through her lifelong pursuits and choices has always kept a commitment to helping others in the foremost of all she does,” Phillips said. “This commitment to serve others is clearly evidenced both in the clinic with the care often of the most vulnerable patients with complex genetic disorders or in the setting of education and research where she serves the next generation of future citizens, scientists, researchers, and physicians.”
Division of Applied Social Sciences
Keith Dietzschold
BS Animal Sciences ’82
MEd – Practical Arts in Vocational and Technical Education (PAVTE) ’84
Keith Dietzschold recently retired as director of the agriculture, food and natural resources section of Missouri’s Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and Missouri State FFA Advisor. He had been part of DESE since 2011, when he joined as a district supervisor and Missouri FFA Executive Secretary, moving to the director role in 2021. Before joining DESE, he taught agriculture education at the high school and technical school level.
“Keith Dietzschold has built a distinguished career spanning more than four decades in agricultural education, demonstrating sustained excellence as a teacher, state leader, and national contributor,” said Harvey James, director of the Division of Applied Social Sciences. “Beginning as an agriculture instructor and FFA advisor in multiple Missouri school districts, he revitalized programs, expanded student opportunities, and consistently developed high-performing FFA chapters.”
He has been active in the National FFA Organization, serving on the Board of Directors from 2023 to 2025; Missouri Vocational Agriculture Teachers Association (MVATA); and the National Association for Agriculture Educators (NAAE). Dietzschold has received awards for teaching, service, achievement and much more, including the National FFA VIP Citation; Missouri State Fair Friend of the Fair Award; NASAE Outstanding State Supervisor; and NAAE Regional IV Lifetime Achievement Award.
“By fostering strong partnerships and providing guidance and support, he has empowered others to succeed and has strengthened the Agricultural Education network throughout the state,” said Jon Simonsen, professor and program chair, agricultural education and leadership. “His integrity and dedication to improving the lives of students and educators reflect a genuine commitment to service to society.”
Dietzschold is a member of CAFNR’s Agricultural Education and Leadership Advisory Council and the Litton Agri-Science Learning Center Advisory Board, among many community affiliations. In 2025, he received CAFNR’s Frederick B. Mumford Award for Distinguished Service.
“Keith’s loyalty to CAFNR is not symbolic, it is active, consistent, and impactful,” said Bryan Garton, senior associate dean, director of academic programs and professor of agricultural education. “He invests his time, energy, and professional insight to strengthen the very programs that helped shape his career.”
Food, Nutrition and Exercise Sciences
Phillip Kerr
BS Agriculture – Agronomy ’79
MS Agronomy ’81
Phillip Kerr is the Chief Technology Officer – Emeritus at Houdek, building an exceptional career at the intersection of agriculture, food, nutrition and biotechnology.
Through leadership positions at DuPont, Solae LLC, DuPont Nutrition & Health, Indigo Agriculture and other technology-driven organizations, he guided multidisciplinary teams responsible for developing innovative plant-based protein, fiber and nutrition solutions that have improved health and well-being of consumers around the world. His work helped shape scientific foundation associating cardiovascular health benefits with soy protein.
“Dr. Kerr’s contributions are remarkable not only for their scientific excellence, but also for their scale and lasting impact,” said DJ Ryu, director of the Division of Food, Nutrition and Exercise Sciences (FNES). “The technologies and products developed under his leadership have influenced global food systems, helping address critical challenges related to nutrition, health, sustainability, and food security. Throughout his career, he has successfully bridged agriculture, food science, and human health, demonstrating how innovation in one sector can generate meaningful benefits across the entire value chain – from farmers and processors to consumers and communities.”
He has served in many roles including president of the American Oil Chemists’ Society (AOCS), receiving its Lifetime Achievement Award in 2025. Kerr holds 15 patents and has contributed to 54 publications.
“Dr. Kerr’s career is a remarkable story of intellectual range built on a foundation that Mizzou helped lay,” said Bongkosh (Jeab) Vardhanabhuti, associate professor in FNES. “Trained as an agronomist, he went on to earn his PhD in Crop Science and Biochemistry at North Carolina State University, a transition that foreshadowed the breadth of his career to come. Over the decades that followed, he evolved from his roots in crop and plant science into a world-class protein technologist and food ingredient innovator.”
Kerr is a member of multiple university advisory boards, most recently the External Advisory Board for the Division of Food, Nutrition and Exercise Sciences strategic planning. He also has collaborated with FNES faculty members on research projects, and has served as an informal mentor.
“While his professional record speaks for itself, what does not appear on a curriculum vitae is the warmth, the generosity, and genuine love for Mizzou that Dr. Kerr brings to every interaction,” Vardhanabhuti said. “He does not give back because he is asked to – he gives back because it is who he is.”
Plant Science and Technology
Tim Reinbott
BS Agriculture – Agronomy ’84
MS Agronomy ’86
Tim Reinbott has spent his career at Mizzou, first as a research associate, then as superintendent of the Bradford Research Farm, and most recently as director of field operations and communications for the Missouri Agricultural Experiment Station.
Early in his career, Reinbott worked with Professor Dale Blevins to help explain the relationship among phosphorus, magnesium uptake and grass tetany risk in cattle.
“I have appreciated Tim’s ability to move between research detail and practical field impact,” said Rob Kallenbach, associate dean for extension. “That ability has been one of the defining marks of his career.”
As superintendent of Bradford Research Farm, Reinbott helped make the center a model for applied research, education and outreach. He expanded field days, tours, workshops and demonstrations that brought producers, students, agency partners and the public to Bradford. Programs such as the Tomato Festival, FFA Field Day, wildlife habitat field days and soil health programs (and CAFNR Showcase at South Farm in his current role) helped broaden the reach of CAFNR and made the work of the faculty more visible.
“Tim has also been a consistent builder of relationships,” Kallenbach said. “He has worked closely with the Missouri Department of Conservation, USDA-NRCS, faculty across many disciplines, students, producers and other stakeholders. Tim has helped bring in significant grant support and has created research and demonstration opportunities that served both science and the public.”
Reinbott has hosted “Tim’s Take” podcast to make science approachable without watering it down, in addition to videos and social media highlighting CAFNR research. Under his direction, the Missouri Agricultural Experiment Station hit the milestone of 20 years as a Partner in Education with Columbia Public Schools. His enthusiasm for his work is contagious, nominators say.
He stewards Sanborn Field, one of the oldest continuous research sites in the world, and right on Mizzou’s campus. Reinbott has been deeply involved with the American Society of Agronomy, serving over the years as leader of the Ag Research Experiment Station community and the solar corridor community, chair of the Land Management and Conservation Section and as a board representative. Over time, he has pushed for modernization of topics, helping make ASA a nimble organization poised to address today’s agricultural challenges.
“His career reflects the best of CAFNR: practical science, service to Missouri agriculture, deep loyalty to the University of Missouri, and a steady commitment to helping others understand and value the work of agriculture,” Kallenbach said.
School of Natural Resources
Susan Trautman
BS Recreation and Park Administration ’80
MPA ’87
Susan Trautman served for 15 years as CEO of Great Rivers Greenway in St. Louis, leading a regional park district serving more than 2 million residents across 1,200 square miles and directing a 300-mile greenway system. She managed partnerships with 200 organizations and 100 municipalities and brought in more than $500 million in capital investments during her tenure, for projects like the Gateway Arch Park and Riverfront Project, Brickline Greenway and the development of the Regional Greenway System, one of the largest interconnected urban greenway systems in the United States. Trautman now serves as a consultant for Brickline Greenway.
Trautman has also served as director of parks and recreation for both the City of Clayton and the City of Des Peres, leading development of major recreation facilities in both municipalities.
“Susan’s leadership transformed the St. Louis region through projects such as the $380 million Gateway Arch Park and Riverfront Project and the $245 million Brickline Greenway initiative,” said Jennifer Wentz, associate teaching professor in the parks, recreation, sport and tourism program. “Her success in building partnerships among municipalities, nonprofit organizations, businesses, and community stakeholders reflects an exceptional ability to unite diverse groups around a shared vision.”
She has been chair of the Board of Directors for the National Recreation and Park Association and is an elected fellow of the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration. Over the years, Trautman has been honored with the Missouri Parks and Recreation Association Retirement Service Award, the FOCUS St. Louis Leadership Award, St. Louis Magazine – 100+ People Shaping the Region, NAACP Ina Boon Social Justice Award, Missouri Athletic Club – Woman of Distinction, and St. Louis Business Journal – Top 25 Influential Business Women. While CEO of Great Rivers Greenway, the organization received honors including the Mayor’s Award, ASLA Award of Excellence, and Focus St. Louis Quality of Life Award.
Trautman volunteers with organizations including the St. Louis Regional Health Commission, the Urban Land Institute and Beyond Housing. She is also a member of the School of Natural Resources Advisory Board.
“Susan’s career reflects a longstanding commitment to public service and community improvement,” said Sonja Wilhelm Stanis, professor, associate director and director of undergraduate studies, School of Natural Resources. “Her leadership has advanced projects that expand recreational access, strengthen regional partnerships, and improve community connectivity across Missouri. Her career demonstrates how visionary leadership can positively transform communities and improve lives.”