Michelle Li, a business support specialist in the Division of Plant Science and Technology, is the recipient of CAFNR’s 2025 Outstanding Staff Award.  

Recognized for her unwavering dedication, reliability and exceptional work quality, Li is an integral part of the division, known for her willingness to assist colleagues and ensure smooth office operations. 

She keeps up to date with Mizzou’s fiscal policies, travel regulations and OneCard and reimbursements rules. As a trusted resource, she is often the first point of contact for questions, possessing an extensive knowledge of division processes. If she doesn’t have an immediate answer, she is committed to finding one and responding promptly.  

“I feel that Michelle’s contributions are sometimes overlooked because they are mostly behind the scenes,” says nominator Victoria Bryan. “She is so unassuming and focused on getting her work completed to her standards that it’s not widely recognized how much she really does for the division. 

“As her office is just inside the DPST office suite, she is frequently the first point of contact for someone seeking assistance, and I could not think of a better representative for the division or the college.”