Carol Swaim, administrative assistant, Agricultural Education and Leadership program, has been named the recipient of the 2021 Dana Brown Haynes Distinguished Service Award, given by the CAFNR Alumni Association each spring.

Swaim has been part of the Agricultural Education and Leadership team for 16 years, and at Mizzou for 27 years. She is a three-time recipient of the CAFNR Staff Advisory Council’s Above and Beyond award (2009, 2013 and 2018). In 2015 she received an Honorary State FFA Degree – the highest degree presented by the Missouri FFA Association to individuals for their dedication to furthering agricultural education and FFA.

“Carol is often the first face of the program when students, guardians, and stakeholders engage with the Agricultural Education and Leadership program. Her welcoming attitude and true care for people is evident,” said Jon Simonsen, associate professor and chair, Agricultural Education and Leadership program. “She has a way of engaging with students that makes them feel welcome in the Mizzou family and a way of helping parents/guardians feel comfortable in trusting this institution. One of the first stops when our past students visit campus is in Carol’s office to say ‘hello,’ have a piece of candy (or even bring candy to replace what they ate in previous years), and share what is happening in their lives. These meaningful and genuine relationships that Carol has built truly demonstrate the impact that she has made and will continue to make in the future.”

“We are a relatively small academic program, but we pride ourselves in our impact, outreach, and excellence in teaching and scholarship,” said John Tummons, director of undergraduate studies, Agricultural Education and Leadership. “I’m honestly not sure how Carol can keep track of the variety of tasks we ask her to do, but is the glue which holds our program together. A specific example would be Carol’s work during the stressful time of State FFA Convention. When we’re tabulating the results for thousands of students competing in Career Development Events, I know I can count on Carol to be one step ahead of the next issue and never slowing down until the final results are printed for the final session.”

The Dana Brown Haynes Distinguished Service Award recognizes an outstanding University of Missouri and CAFNR faculty or staff member, alumni or student who has demonstrated a long-term commitment of service to the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources.