The College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources honored six recipients with the 2024 CAFNR Column Award for Distinguished Alumni. This is the only award specifically for alumni presented by the college – 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. View the event photo album.
School of Natural Resources
David Larsen
B.S. Forestry ’78, M.S. Forestry ’80
David Larsen is a Professor Emeritus of Forestry at the University of Missouri. During his time at Mizzou, he served as Department Chair for the Forestry Department and provided leadership through officer positions to his professional organizations at the national level. He is known for his development of the Sylvan growth model, a valuable tool for forest management, and is considered the first person to organize study on forest stand dynamics. Larsen also mentored graduate students and published more than 65 peer reviewed journal articles.
“Through his 27-year career at University of Missouri, he has influenced multitudes of students that have come through the programs in the School of Natural Resources, said Benjamin Knapp, nominator and associate professor in SNR. “During his career, he developed into one of the key figures in forestry in Missouri, garnering respect from practitioners across various sectors of the field.”
Larsen served on the L-A-D Foundation advisory council and stewardship committee. His long and devoted attention to their 144,000-acre Pioneer Forest was noted by Susan Flader, President of the L-A-D Foundation: “It is becoming clear to most of us now that Dave’s guidance has been invaluable,” she said.
Larsen’s extensive network of professional connections has fostered strong partnerships between the School of Natural Resources and the forestry and natural resource industry. His work with Pioneer Forest resulted in funding support for research.
“He has been and remains a valued mentor to me, and his impacts on forestry in the state of Missouri are extensive,” said Knapp.
Plant Science & Technology
Julian Mario Lenis
M.S. Plant, Insect & Microbial Sciences ’08, Ph.D. Plant, Insect & Microbial Sciences ’11
Julian Lenis is an accomplished soybean breeder with over a decade of experience in developing improved germplasm and varieties for the U.S. and Argentina. He began his career at Dow AgroSciences and has since played a pivotal role at Corteva Agriscience, where he has successfully launched varieties in the Pioneer Z series as well as products sold by other Corteva brands, achieving significant market demand. Lenis is recognized for his pioneering work on the Enlist E3™ herbicide tolerant trait, which has an estimated 65% penetration in U.S. soybean acres for 2024.
“Julian is an exemplary individual, professional scientist and community member and he is highly deserving of this prestigious award,” said Andrew Scaboo, assistant professor of plant science and technology. “In my humble opinion, you will not find a CAFNR alum who is more deserving of this award, only equivalent, and I am lucky to be able to work with Julian over the last eight years.”
In addition to his breeding achievements, Lenis has developed genetic models for resistance to soybean cyst nematode (SCN), a major pest affecting soybean production, and led teams to fine-map and identify host-resistant genes. His collaborative efforts with USDA-ARS and various universities have fostered public-private partnerships to translate scientific discoveries into practical applications that can reach farmers’ fields.
Lenis is also committed to mentoring the next generation of scientists, guiding colleagues, post-docs and students interested in careers in plant breeding. As an active member of Corteva’s Latin Network, he has led Spanish courses for employees and frequently speaks to farmers, agronomists and students visiting the Corteva campus. Recently inducted as a Corteva R&D Laureate, Lenis is recognized for his scientific excellence and commitment to innovation in the field.
Food, Nutrition & Exercise Sciences
Kendra K. Kattelmann, RDN, LN, FAND
Ph.D. Nutrition ’93
Kendra Kattelmann is a Distinguished Professor Emerita of Nutrition and Dietetics at South Dakota State University. Here, she oversaw administration of the dietetics program, teaching upper-lever nutrition courses, cultivating an extensive research program and serving as the Director of the School of Health and Consumer Sciences. Kattelmann began her career at South Dakota State in 1997. She also used her dietetics and nutrition expertise serving in the United States Army Reserves on assignments spanning Arkansas, Missouri, Iowa, Washington and Texas. Kattelmann is a retired Colonel.
Kattelmann is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and Licensed Nutritionist, having earned her Ph.D. from the University of Missouri in 1993.
“Her dedication and groundbreaking research in the areas of prevention of excessive weight gain in young adults and the prevention of Type 2 diabetes through traditional dietary patterns have garnered national recognition. Moreover, her research has attracted funding from prestigious institutions like the National Institutes of Health and the National Institute of Food and Agriculture,” says Jaapna Dhillon, nominator and assistant professor in CAFNR’s Division of Food, Nutrition and Exercise Sciences.
Kattelmann is a member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, the American Society for Nutrition and the Society for Nutrition Education and Behavior.
“Dr. Kattelmann’s accomplishments extend beyond academia, as she actively engages with Cooperative Extension partners to collaborate on projects aimed at obesity prevention and promoting healthful environments. Her efforts to support public policy that makes the healthy choice the easy choice further showcase her commitment to translating research into tangible, impactful outcomes for the well-being of individuals and communities,” said Dhillon.
Biochemistry
Jonathan A. Dyer
B.S. Biochemistry ’94, MD ’98
Jonathan A. Dyer, MD, is the Phillip C. Anderson Chair and Professor of the Departments of Dermatology and Child Health within the University of Missouri School of Medicine/MU Health. He specializes in pediatric dermatology and genetic skin diseases.
Born in Montgomery, Alabama, he grew up in St. Joseph, Missouri, where he attended Central High School. He then came to the University of Missouri as part of the Conley Scholars program, graduating with a B.S. in Biochemistry in 1994. He remained at Mizzou for medical school, receiving his medical degree in 1998 and completing his residency in Dermatology in 2002. He then moved to Chicago to complete a fellowship in Pediatric Dermatology at Northwestern University/Lurie Children’s Hospital in 2004. He then returned to Mizzou, joining the Dermatology faculty in 2004.
In his “day job” as a provider of dermatological health care for both children and adult patients in the region, he is known for his professional skills and caring demeanor.
As department chair, he helps run a residency program with 11 physicians who are completing their specialist training. In addition to medical education, Dr. Dyer is actively involved in research in several areas including genetic skin diseases, cutaneous mosaicism, cutaneous loxoscelism (brown recluse spider bites), and Hansen’s disease (leprosy).
“Dr. Dyer leads efforts to grow research throughout the department, leading from the front with his participation in clinical trials. Here, we go back to his roots with biochemistry research papers published in both undergraduate and as a medical student. He is published in several areas, with about 50 papers to his name,” said Michael Chapman, Wurdack Professor and Chair of the Division of Biochemistry with the University of Missouri.
“It is this breadth and drive, along with his evident interest in those around him – patients, students and staff – that make him so perfect for the many-hat role that he now plays,” said Chapman.
Applied Social Sciences
C. Blake Hurst
B.S. Agricultural Economics ’78
Blake Hurst has been a servant leader and voice for agriculture throughout his career. Hurst is the owner of Hurst Greenery, Westboro, Mo., and former president of Missouri Farm Bureau. He served as a CAFNR Executive-in-Residence in 2019.
His involvement with the Missouri Farm Bureau (MOFB) began in 1983 when Blake and his wife, Julie, served on the Missouri Young Farmers and Ranchers (YF&R) State Committee, becoming chair in 1984.
In 1994, he joined MOFB’s state board of directors, representing the Northwest District of the state. From there, he became Vice President in 2003, and, in December of 2010, Blake was elected to serve as MOFB President. He served as President until his retirement in December of 2020.
His service on national boards and advisory councils also includes time on the AFBF Board of Directors and YF&R Committee, representing AFBF on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange Agriculture Markets Advisory Council, and serving as the Vice Chair of the Federal Trade Commission Task Force for Reviewing the Connectivity and Technology Needs of Precision Agriculture in the United States.
“In addition to his service to Missouri Farm Bureau, Blake is also a published freelance writer, farmer, floriculturist and family man. When he speaks – or writes – people want to tune in. Blake’s leadership helped set the course for Missouri Agriculture for a generation, and his impact will be felt for generations to come,” said nominator Garrett Hawkins, President of Missouri Farm Bureau.
Hurst Greenery is a family business, producing bedding plants, perennials, hanging baskets, patio pots and hardy hibiscus for direct delivery or distribution across four Midwestern states, with the help of one of their daughters and two sons-in-law, in addition to Blake and Julie. Blake also raises corn and soybeans on his family farm in Tarkio.
Blake’s freelance writing has been published in the Wall Street Journal, the Wilson Quarterly and the American.
Animal Sciences
Joel D. Spencer
B.S. Animal Sciences ’86, M.S. Animal Sciences ’98, Ph.D. Animal Sciences ’01
Joel D. Spencer is the Vice President of Global Swine Innovation at United Animal Health in Sheridan, Indiana. In this position, he leads the swine product development and implementation pipeline with research, product management, sales and marketing teams. He is also responsible for training and implementing technical support for swine specialty products across North America, Asia, Latin America and the European Union.
Joel began his career as a Swine Nutritionist with United Animal Health in 2002, after completing his Ph.D. from the University of Missouri with a dissertation entitled “Improving Nutrient Intake and Performance of Swine during periods of Heat Stress.” During his graduate research program, he conducted research internationally, in commercial swine production units and with genetic companies. He also served as a teaching assistant in undergraduate and graduate courses.
“Joel’s professional and volunteer activities are a testament to his dedication to provide high quality animal protein for global customers,” said Bryon Wiegand, Director of the Division of Animal Sciences. “He is sought after nationally and internationally to speak and collaborate on research projects involving swine production, health and nutrition.
“Joel has been honored professionally by both his company (UAH Directors Award of Excellence and multiple Innovation and Sales Team Awards) and his professional society (ASAS Early Career Agribusiness Award). Clearly, his impact on both the business of global swine production and providing high quality meat products for a broad group of global consumers is evidenced in Dr. Joel Spencer’s professional and volunteer record.”
Joel is also the founder and director of Promise for Protein, a non-profit effort within UAH that provides animal protein meals to over 350 food pantries in the Midwest. He is active in mentoring local 4-H members and youth in his church, is a gifted public speaker and coaches youth sports. He continues to cheer on the Mizzou Tigers and Kansas City sports teams while residing in Westfield, Indiana, with his wife Amy and his three boys Samuel, Matthew and Benjamin.