Marc Linit, professor emeritus of plant sciences in the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (CAFNR), has been named an Honorary Member of the CAFNR Alumni Association.

Linit joined Mizzou in 1980 as an assistant professor of entomology and is a decorated researcher and teacher. At the time of his retirement in 2018, he was the senior associate dean in CAFNR’s Office of Research and Extension and director of the Missouri Agricultural Experiment Station. Over the years he served as department coordinator for entomology and as unit leader and, later, division director for plant sciences – as well as interim vice chancellor and dean of CAFNR in 2016-17.

“CAFNR was extremely fortunate to have Marc in many capacities over the years – probably more fortunate than we realize,” said nominator Tom Payne, vice chancellor and dean emeritus of CAFNR. “Our programs have great stability and are respected not only in the state, but throughout the country and on an international level. Marc has played a key role in all of that.”

“Leading change is challenging and Marc was called upon several more times during his career to lead faculty and stakeholders through tough decisions,” said Bryan Garton, senior associate dean and director of academic programs for CAFNR. “He has a calm, caring demeanor that helps reassure individuals that they are making the right decision for the betterment of students, the citizens of Missouri, and the organization.

“For 24 years Marc has been a colleague and mentor. Although not an alum of Mizzou, during those years I witnessed first-hand Marc’s passion for the success of Tigers of all stripes. During his 37-plus years with our university he was and continues to be a true advocate of our college and Mizzou.”

An honorary member shall be a person who is not a former student, but who, because of an exemplary interest in the University of Missouri’s College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, is designated by action of the board of directors to be so recognized and honored.