Katy Parcell is a junior studying agribusiness management and has shown her dedication to the CAFNR community through her involvement and academic excellence. Parcell was recognized as the college’s 2026 Outstanding Junior at its annual Celebration of Excellence ceremony April 23. 

Parcell is a student research assistant in the Agricultural Business and Policy Extension Office, where she gets to apply her skills and knowledge in a setting outside of the classroom. 

“My growth as an innovative thinker has come through experiential learning,” she said. “I have applied economic and policy concepts to real challenges facing producers.” 

Parcell’s dedication to experiential learning has made her attention to detail a noticeable strength of hers. 

“She approaches each task – whether conducting research, analyzing data or preparing reports – with accuracy and thoroughness,” said Ben Brown, a state Extension specialist. “Her attention to detail has been invaluable in our endeavors, significantly contributing to the quality and impact of our projects.” 

Outside of her Extension work, Parcell has gained a breadth of industry experience through internships with Missouri Farm Bureau, Dairy Farmers of America, MetLife and her role as a student worker for the Graduate Institute of Cooperative Leadership (GICL). 

Parcell is also involved in several leadership positions within student organizations. She is president of Mizzou Collegiate Farm Bureau, secretary of Agribusiness Club, student representative to the CAFNR Alumni Board and a CAFNR Ambassador. 

Parcell’s leadership skills among students also extend into her Extension position and beyond. 

“Katy embodies the principles of servant leadership,” said Keri Jacobs, associate professor of agriculture and applied economics and director of GICL. “She is always willing to support her peers, mentor others and contribute to the greater good.”