The CAFNR Alumni Association is thrilled to present its annual awards, which honor and celebrate exceptional contributions and service to the association and the college. These awards highlight the dedication and commitment of individuals who have gone above and beyond to support and uplift the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources community.
Honorary Membership
Kyle Aubuchon
Kyle Aubuchon, Chief of Staff to Missouri Sen. Jason Bean, has been named the 2025 Honorary Member of CAFNR’s Alumni Association for his support of the college.
Aubuchon has dedicated his career to public service as a team member for Gov. Mike Parson, Congressman Jason Smith and Sen. Doug Libla. Throughout this career, he has played a critical role in shaping Missouri’s agricultural policy and higher education initiatives. In his current role with Sen. Bean, Aubuchon lends his industry expertise and ability to navigate complex policy issues that directly impact CAFNR’s mission and the future of agriculture in Missouri as a trusted advisor to Sen. Bean, Chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee.
In his previous role as the Director of Boards and Commissions under Gov. Parson, he worked to appoint leaders to Missouri’s agriculture and higher education boards. These efforts strengthened key institutions, ensuring strong leadership in sectors crucial to Missouri’s economic success, while fostering deeper partnerships with statewide and local leaders, county officials and faith-based organizations, encouraging collaboration and strategic partnerships that benefited communities across Missouri.
“Through every stage of his career, Kyle has demonstrated a deep respect for agriculture, education and public service,” said Sen. Bean (BS Agriculture ’94), nominator. “His leadership has had a tangible impact on CAFNR, the University of Missouri and Missouri’s rural economy. His dedication, strategic leadership and passion for service make him highly deserving of Honorary Membership in CAFNR.”
True Tiger Award
John Kleiboeker (BS Ag ’95)
John Kleiboeker has been awarded the 2025 True Tiger Volunteer Award from the CAFNR Alumni Association.
Kleiboeker has served in a variety of agricultural leadership roles that eventually led him back to the family farm in Pierce City. He served as Missouri FFA President in 1990 (one of six Kleiboekers to hold a state FFA office since 1960) and National FFA Central Region Vice president in 1992, before completing his bachelor’s degree in general agriculture in 1995.
In addition to farming, Kleiboeker also served the agricultural industry in many off-farm jobs, including agricultural lending, Missouri Farm Bureau Insurance, Director of Field Services for the Missouri Soybean Association, Mid-America Biofuels Board of Directors member and Missouri Beef Industry Council Executive Director.
Today, Kleiboeker raises turkey poults for Butterball and works with R.A. Brown Ranch in Throckmorton, Texas, to produce Angus, Red Angus and SimAngus bulls. He is passionate about implementing modern techniques on his farm and sharing those discoveries with the next generation of agriculture by hosting Farm Field Days and working with the Southwest Missouri Youth Performance Steer Project for 4-H and FFA members.
Kleiboeker is an active member of the Southwest Missouri MU Alumni Association, and also serves on the Advisory Board for the Southwest Research, Extension and Education Center (REEC).
“I know I am not alone when I declare: John Kleiboeker’s life has echoed the four values of the University of Missouri – Respect, Responsibility, Discovery, and Excellence, in the authentic fashion of a True Son,” said Nathan Isakson (BS Agriculture Systems Management and Agricultural Education ’14), award nominator and Southwest Missouri Cattlemen’s Association President, Lawrence County Farm Bureau Board of Director’s Member and Ash Grove FFA Advisor.
Citation of Merit
Todd Graves (BS Ag Econ ’88)
Todd Graves, BS Agricultural Economics ’88, has been awarded the 2025 Citation of Merit from the CAFNR Alumni Association.
Graves serves as the Chair of the University of Missouri Board of Curators. He is also a lawyer in private practice with the law firm Graves Garrett Greim in Kansas City, representing clients nationwide before federal and state courts and administrative agencies.
“While Todd is known for his distinguished legal career, his commitment to Missouri’s farming communities, rural development, and civic leadership makes him truly deserving of this award,” said nominator Robin R. Wenneker.
“Todd masterfully balances his legal career with his farming operation north of Kansas City,” said Wenneker. “Raised on a farm in Tarkio and now operating the family farm in Edgerton has given him a first-hand understanding of production agriculture. This informs his work as an advocate for Missouri’s agricultural economy and rural communities.”
“Serving as U.S. Attorney for Western Missouri and creating a highly successful law practice, Todd has continued to serve and advocate for the traditional agriculture industry in the state and across the country,” said nominator Steve Knorr.
“Those traits have been on full display with his appointment to the Board of Curators of the University of Missouri,” said Knorr. “His passion for CAFNR is evident as he is always advocating for CAFNR funding and recognition within the university but also with the highest level of our political leaders.”
Alumnus of the Year
Jason Bean (BS Agronomy ’94)
Sen. Jason Bean, BS Agronomy ‘94, has been awarded the Alumnus of the Year Award from the CAFNR Alumni Association.
“Sen. Bean has demonstrated outstanding dedication to agriculture, public service and community development in Missouri,” said nominator Maggie Pfaff.
A fifth-generation Missourian from the Bootheel, Bean transformed his family farm into a thriving agribusiness. Serving on the United Soybean Board from 2002-11, he participated in trade missions to boost American soybean exports while also working with the USA Rice Producers Board and National Cotton Council to promote Missouri’s cotton and rice internationally.
Bean has championed agricultural research and education. As interim superintendent and chair of the Advisory Board for the Fisher Delta Research, Extension and Education Center, he has advanced scientific research benefitting farmers in southeast Missouri. He won the 2015 Missouri Governor’s Award for Agricultural Achievement, the 2019 Southern Cotton Ginners Agricultural Achievement Award and was appointed commissioner for the Missouri Agriculture and Small Business Development Authority in 2016.
Bean was elected to the Missouri Senate in 2020 and re-elected in 2024; he is serving his third consecutive year as Chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee.
Bean remains deeply involved in his community and is a passionate supporter of Mizzou athletics.
“Through his contributions to agriculture, economic development and public service, Sen. Jason Bean exemplifies the mission and values of CAFNR,” said Pfaff.
Dana Brown Haynes Service Award
The CAFNR Alumni Association has recognized five honorees with the Dana Brown Haynes Distinguished Service Award for 2025: Darla Eggers, Stephanie Gable, Kate Geppert, Carol Hein and Anita Vanderwert.
The five recipients are dedicated supporters of CAFNR, the agriculture industry, and their cherished friend, Dana Brown Haynes. They are recognized for the care and commitment they show to the college, say nominators.
Sadly, the CAFNR community lost Dana, our long-time director of alumni relations, in October 2024; her friends Darla, Stephanie, Kate, Carol and Anita served as honorary pallbearers.
Clay Haynes, Dana’s husband, shared this following about this remarkable group of friends: “Dana would always say that even if she had not seen one of the ‘girls’ for several months, they could strike up a conversation like they had seen each other the day before. I think that is a sign of true friendship.”
Each of these alumnae has made incredible contributions to different fields across their careers, said Bryan Setzer, past CAFNR Alumni Association president.
Darla Eggers (BS Ani Sci ’84)
Darla received her bachelor’s degree in Animal Sciences, and has served as executive director of the Missouri Cattlemen’s Foundation. Since 2010, she has been the office manager for Sydenstricker Genetics. Darla and her husband, Ben, were recognized as Angus Heritage Foundation inductees. She has served on the Angus Foundation’s Board of Directors and as secretary of the Missouri Angus Association.
Stephanie Gable (BS Ani Sci ’94)
Stephanie received her B.S. in Animal Sciences; she also holds a Master’s in Journalism from Mizzou and her MBA from Murray State University. She has worked in business strategy, marketing and communications for companies including Farm Journal Media, Vance Publishing, Fort Dodge Animal Health, Novus, Bayer CropScience and the Missouri Soybean Association. She is the chief commercial officer for EVOIA, whose novel technology boosts plant resilience. Stephanie also has served as president of the National Agri-Marketing Association (NAMA).
Kate Geppert (BS Ag J ’89)
Kate received her bachelor’s degree in Ag Journalism, and has spent her career working as a journalist and editor in the dairy industry. She has served as the dairy superintendent at the Missouri State Fair and on the Missouri State Milk Board. Kate is a past president of the National Holstein Women’s Scholarship Board of Directors and has served as a Mizzou dairy judging coach and volunteer with the Dairy Hall of Honors, from which she received the Dairy Leadership Award in 2018. She also received the True Tiger Volunteer Award from the CAFNR Alumni Association, recognized especially for her work with CAFNR Unlimited and for serving as the association’s president.
Carol Hein (BS Ag J ’91)
Carol has served on the Mizzou Alumni Association Board of Directors, and as the CAFNR Alumni Association president. She is also a 4-H leader, has held various offices in the Missouri Pork Association, and served on the National Pork Board. She graduated from CAFNR with her degree in Agricultural Journalism, and works for GRM Networks, a member-owned cooperative providing communication services to customers in Northern Missouri and Southern Iowa. Previously, she had roles at CMA Consulting (now Look East), Premium Standard Farms, and the University of Missouri-Rolla (now Missouri S&T).
Anita Vanderwert (BS Ag J ’89)
Anita has served as the business development director for Brownfield Ag News since 2015. Her ag marketing and sales experience also includes working at BMKholdings.com, Learfield, Osborn & Barr, Rhea & Kaiser, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, and The American-International Charolais Association. She received her bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Journalism with a minor in Animal Sciences. Anita has received the RC Ferguson Award from the National Agri-Marketing Association (NAMA); she has also been active in the National Association of Farm Broadcasters, served as president of the CAFNR Alumni Association and trustee of the CAFNR Foundation.
“These exceptional women are recognized not only for their impressive professional achievements, but also for their enduring commitment to CAFNR, to each other, and — most meaningfully this year — to their deep bond with the award’s namesake. Their steadfast friendship with Dana Brown Haynes and their continued service to the college embody the very spirit of this distinguished award,” said nominator Robin Wenneker.
The Dana Brown Haynes Award is given to an outstanding CAFNR faculty or staff member, alumnus or student who has demonstrated a long-term commitment of service to the College.
Past President
Deanna Schnuck (BS Ag Ed, Plant Sci ’03; MS Ag Ed ’05)
Deanna Schnuck has exemplified leadership, dedication and impact throughout her career as an agricultural educator and advocate. With more than two decades of service in the classroom — most of them at Boonslick Technical Education Center in Boonville — Deanna has shaped countless student experiences in agriculture. Her influence extends well beyond the classroom. She served as President of the National Association of Agricultural Educators (NAAE), following years of national and regional leadership within the organization. She also brought Missouri’s voice to the National FFA Board of Directors, where she championed belonging and engagement.
Deanna’s service to the University of Missouri’s College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (CAFNR) has been just as impactful. As the immediate past President of the CAFNR Alumni Association Board, she brought passion and purpose to alumni engagement. Her leadership helped advance key events including CAFNR Unlimited and the Tiger Classic Golf Tournament, supporting scholarships and student success.
From her roots as a young entrepreneur at a local farmers market to being recognized with state and national honors, Deanna’s career is marked by excellence and a deep commitment to agricultural education. She continues to give back as a mentor for future educators and as a steward of Missouri agriculture through her family business, The Veggie Patch.
The CAFNR Alumni Association is proud to recognize Deanna Schnuck for her outstanding service and leadership.
“Deanna is a selfless and dedicated leader who served in leadership roles with the CAFNR Alumni Association, the National Association of Agricultural Educators, and National FFA — all in the same year,” said Brett Wessler, 2025-26 CAFNR Alumni Association Board President. “She consistently steps up where help is needed, bringing creativity and determination to every challenge.
“During the COVID-19 pandemic, Deanna co-chaired CAFNR Unlimited as a live virtual event featuring dueling pianos to ensure continued support for CAFNR student scholarships and activities. She is one of the few CAFNR board members to have chaired both major fundraising events, and served as president of the board. Her dedicated service and leadership have left a lasting impression, and strengthened the bond between alumni, students, and the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources.”
“Deanna has been a rock since joining the board. She is as involved as anyone on the board but has prioritized her involvement with CAFNR,” said Bryan Setzer, 2023-24 CAFNR Alumni Association Board President.
Leadership Society
The CAFNR Leadership Society honors individuals who have demonstrated exceptional dedication and service to the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources and its Alumni Association. This recognition not only celebrates past achievements but also encourages continued engagement with the CAFNR community.
Bryan Setzer: Growing up in Butler, MO, Bryan Setzer (BS ’90, Ag Econ and Food Science) served on the CAFNR Alumni Board from 2016-2025.
Nancy Barcus: Originally from Monroe City, MO, Nancy Barcus (BS ’02, Plant Science and Agricultural Education, Leadership & Communications) served on the CAFNR Alumni Board from 2017-2024.
Dustin Johansen: From Tipton, MO, Dustin Johansen (BS ’99, Ag Economics) served on the CAFNR Alumni Board’s executive board from 2014-2023.
Stacey Follis: Hailing from Pettis County, MO, Stacey Follis (BS ’98, Agriculture; MS ’00, Animal Science) served on the CAFNR Alumni Board from 2014-2022, holding positions such as Tiger Classic Golf co-chair/chair and ultimately president.
The CAFNR Alumni Association helps develop future leaders of agriculture and its supporting industries through student recruitment and career development, scholarship fund development, leadership recognition, and CAFNR collegiate activity support. Learn more at CAFNR Alumni Association // College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources.