Mizzou Women in Natural Resources (WNR) was named outstanding Student Organization at the 2024 Celebration of Excellence awards ceremony, held Tuesday, April 16.  

WNR is an intersectional club for women interested in natural resources, environmental science, agriculture and related disciplines, and strives to create an inclusive, supportive and positive social, academic and professional space on campus.  

Including over 90 students from many CAFNR majors, WNR hosts biweekly meetings to foster a sense of community and education, including several guest speakers from across disciplines. Through their connection with Missouri’s statewide professional chapter of Women in Natural Resources, the group has developed connections with potential post-grad employers like MU Extension, Pheasants Forever, the Missouri Department of Conservation, the National Forest Service and the Department of Natural Resources.  

WNR is also leading an interdisciplinary post fair in April to allow undergraduate and graduate students to present their research to their peers in a casual setting. They also work to bridge the gendered skill gap in the natural resource field, teaching their members both hard and soft skills through workshops, in addition to having meetings specific to diversity, equity and inclusion.  

WNR holds social events and community service events that allow their members to connect with their campus and Columbia communities, including fundraising for local charities, group hikes and study sessions. Every semester, WNR hosts a Thrift Shop Fundraiser with collected clothing donations to be sold for less than $10 in Speaker’s Circle. This fundraiser keeps clothing out of landfills and funds the club’s many activities.