David Mendoza-Cózatl named Outstanding Director of Graduate Studies




A man with dark hair, brown eyes, and black-rimmed glasses in a black t-shirt with a Mizzou athletic tiger emblem on it stands in front of a public art sculpture in the bond Life Sciences building. He is smiling and leaning on a railing

David Mendoza-Cózatl, associate professor and director of graduate studies in the Division of Plant Science and Technology, has been named the 2024 Outstanding Director of Graduate Studies (DGS) by the MU Graduate School.

He was honored at the annual Graduate School Awards Celebration April 24.

The Outstanding Director of Graduate Studies Award honors a faculty member who is serving as a DGS for their exceptional leadership and commitment to their graduate program and graduate students. Awardees demonstrate innovative practices in graduate education, strong support and advocacy of graduate students, and significant advancements or positive contributions to their graduate program.