Alumni

After finding a passion for agriculture in high school through the National FFA Organization, Bailey Henry was incredibly involved during her time at MU, especially with Block and Bridle and the Swine Club. She helped coordinate the Steers and Stripes Cattle Show (pictured here, second from left) and was also active with the Chi Alpha campus ministry. Photo courtesy of Bailey Henry.

April 1, 2023

Finding Her Passion

Although she didn’t grow up with a traditional agriculture background, Bailey Henry found a passion for the industry through the National FFA Organization. That passion led her to the University of Missouri – and eventually to a career where she is educating high school students about all things agriculture. Henry earned her agricultural education degree from Mizzou in 2019. She has been an agriculture instructor and FFA advisor at Marceline High School since finishing her bachelor’s degree. “Once I got involved in FFA, I was really hooked,” said Henry, who also earned her master’s degree in agricultural…
Nick Wesslak earned two degrees from Mizzou – a bachelor’s degree in plant sciences and a master’s degree in natural resources. After stops in two states, Wesslak recently joined MU Extension as an agronomy field specialist where he covers eight counties in northeast Missouri. Photo courtesy of Nick Wesslak.

March 9, 2023

From Student to Specialist

As a high school student in Salem, Mo., Nick Wesslak was an active member of his local FFA chapter. That experience not only introduced him to the University of Missouri, it also showed him an interesting career path – one that he is now serving in with MU Extension. Wesslak earned two degrees from Mizzou – a bachelor’s degree in plant sciences and a master’s degree in natural resources. After stops in two states, Wesslak recently joined MU Extension as an agronomy field specialist where he covers eight counties in northeast Missouri. “I’m really happy to be…
Dorian Giles, a 2016 CAFNR graduate, serves in numerous roles across the sports industry. He is the manager of long-time friend Charles Harris, a defensive end with the Detroit Lions, and worked with Moses Moody, a first round draft pick of the Golden State Warriors, during the Warriors’ championship season (2021-22). Giles currently serves as a consultant to two technology companies, too. He is also the basketball director with Humble Over Hype, a nonprofit focused on making changes through the spiritual development of athletes. It’s a lot to juggle but Giles said he enjoys the freedom that comes with each of his roles. Photo courtesy of Dorian Giles.

Feb. 21, 2023

Pursuing His Dreams

Dorian Giles had a tough decision to make early on as a student at the University of Missouri. Giles, an avid basketball player throughout his youth, had dreamed of one day suiting up at the collegiate level. While those dreams were put on the back burner as Giles chose to attend Mizzou, during his sophomore year he was in contact with a university about a playing opportunity. He suddenly had a life-changing choice to consider. A simple conversation with former men’s basketball player Torren Jones not only kept Giles at MU – it helped jumpstart his career.
Senior Spotlight graphic featuring student wearing suit coat and red tie.

Dec. 12, 2022

Senior Spotlight: Adam Slayton

Slayton will graduate with a degree in agriculture.
Litton Hall name plate on the side of ASRC

Oct. 23, 2022

A Genetic Pioneer

Jerry Litton's dedication to data advanced the Charolais breed on a national stage.
Joe Butler secured a job with Gardener's Path, a website dedicated to helping others with gardening advice, planting pointers and in-depth reviews of products, before graduation. While having a job did relieve him of some stress, Butler’s final day as a student did come with some pressure. He was one of two graduates who spoke during the ceremony, the first time that CAFNR has had students speak.

Oct. 21, 2022

Growing His Writing Portfolio

Joe Butler's job with Gardener's Path allows him to combine his two passions – plants and writing.
Hired in 2019, Verónica Negrón-Pérez has spent the past three-plus years as an assistant researcher and principal investigator at one of the University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez’s agricultural experiment stations (Tropical Animal Reproduction Investigation Center) – this one located in Gurabo, on the eastern side of Puerto Rico. It has been a perfect opportunity at the same university where she earned her undergraduate degree. Photo courtesy of Verónica Negrón-Pérez.

Oct. 13, 2022

Meeting Her Goals

Verónica Negrón-Pérez's educational journey has brought her back to Puerto Rico for an important research role.
Jason Zhang’s food science journey began in China at Jiangnan University, one of the top food science universities in the country. His first trip to the United States came after earning his undergraduate degree, when he was accepted as a graduate student at the University of Missouri. Zhang, who grew up in southern China, and his wife, Sha, first stepped onto the Columbia campus in 2011 as they both began the pursuit of their PhDs in food science. Photo courtesy of Jason Zhang.

Sep. 27, 2022

An Entrepreneurial Desire

Jason Zhang's interest in food science led him to the University of Missouri.
Luke Rubin earned his parks, recreation and sport degree in May and now gets to see the inner workings on a sports business through his job with The Basketball Tournament. Rubin serves as a team relations specialist where he offers support to the players and teams that compete in the $1 million, winner-take-all tournament. A self-proclaimed “sports geek,” Rubin served as a student assistant with the MU football team for four years. Photo courtesy of Luke Rubin.

July 23, 2022

Pursuing his passions

A job with The Basketball Tournament allows Luke Rubin to explore his passion for sports.
Sherry Flint-Garcia

May 22, 2022

Sherry Flint-Garcia Named Alumnus of the Year by CAFNR Alumni Association

This award recognizes significant contributions or accomplishments by an individual whose efforts and support have added to the excellence of the University of Missouri.