Jeri Lou Zimmerman, director of the CAFNR Grants Office, received CAFNR’s 2024 Outstanding Staff Award as part of the College’s annual Celebration of Excellence awards ceremony.

She is celebrated for her unwavering commitment to excellence and dedication to CAFNR’s mission. Zimmerman’s performance has significantly enhanced the efficiency, productivity and profitability of the CAFNR Grants Office, elevating CAFNR’s performance and benefiting its employees. She is also committed to educating and sharing her vast knowledge, skills and abilities.

“Jeri Lou is a consummate team player and leader, helping us connect with and collaborate effectively across Mizzou departments, faculty, and our stakeholders. Her ability to coordinate and deliver timely information has been indispensable to our program, our college, and our university as a whole for securing funding for our research and for educating our high-quality student population,” said nominators Andrew Scaboo, assistant professor, and Jamie Horning, program coordinator, both in the Division of Plant Science and Technology. “Beyond Jeri Lou’s exemplary professionalism and reliability, she is an absolute pleasure to work with and that makes all the difference when it comes to the mentally draining grant submission process.

“Her patient demeanor, positive attitude, and compassionate approach to finding solutions under tight deadlines is undeniable and equally impressive. Jeri Lou’s passion for her role and commitment to serving the CAFNR community is inspiring, and we are incredibly grateful to call her our colleague.”