The CAFNR Alumni Association is thrilled to present its annual awards, which honor and celebrate exceptional contributions and service to the association and the college. These awards highlight the dedication and commitment of individuals who have gone above and beyond to support and uplift the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources community.
Honorary Membership
Renee Fordyce
Renee Fordyce has been named the 2026 Honorary Member of the CAFNR Alumni Association, recognizing her distinguished commitment to the college and the agricultural industry.
A producer and rural advocate from Bethany, Missouri, Fordyce is the chief financial officer of her family’s fourth-generation farming operation in Harrison County. She has dedicated years of service to the Missouri Soybean Association, currently serving as board president. In this capacity, and as a member of the American Soybean Association board of directors, she represents Missouri producers on a national stage, focusing on grower engagement and industry collaboration.
Fordyce’s connection to CAFNR is deeply personal, as both of her children are graduates of the college. Having observed how the university equips students for leadership, she is a staunch advocate for student success and the mission of land-grant institutions. She works to bridge the gap between production agriculture and research, ensuring the industry remains sustainable through strong academic partnerships.
“Renee Fordyce’s exemplary interest in and support of CAFNR, combined with her significant contributions to Missouri agriculture, make her exceptionally deserving of recognition as an honorary member,” said Casey Wasser, Missouri Soybean Association CEO and executive director.
Through her leadership and advocacy, Fordyce continues to foster the vital connections between the university and the farming community that will support the next generation of Missouri producers.
True Tiger Volunteer Award
Jenna Fusinatto (BS Parks, Rec & Tourism ’12, MS Educational Leadership & Policy Analysis ’18)
Jenna Fusinatto, an academic advisor for parks, recreation, sport and tourism, has been awarded the CAFNR Alumni Association’s 2026 True Tiger Volunteer Award for her exceptional dedication to the College of Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources.
Fusinatto advises more than 400 students, guiding them through degree requirements and professional development while serving as a dedicated mentor. Her leadership extends to the Missouri Academic Advising Association, where she has served as president. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she played a vital role on CAFNR Staff Council, developing virtual programming to maintain faculty and staff connections.
Beyond campus, Fusinatto is a committed community volunteer, supporting a local Girl Scout troop, the Columbia Convention and Visitors Bureau, and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Whether recruiting prospective students at the National FFA Convention or coordinating scholarship fundraisers, she is known for her “how can I help you” approach to service.
“When I think of my own experience, my best memories are the people who taught me the most and always made me feel valued. That sums up Jenna,” said Cindy Greenwood, program support coordinator in the School of Natural Resources. “She makes the work world a better place every day.”
Through her reliability and sincere desire to strengthen the university, Fusinatto continues to be an invaluable asset to the CAFNR community.
Citation of Merit
Patricia Thomas (BS Ag ’97)
Patricia Thomas has been awarded the 2026 Citation of Merit from the CAFNR Alumni Association. Thomas serves as the chief of staff for the president pro tem of the Missouri Senate, Sen. Cindy O’Laughlin.
In her role, Thomas manages relationships with employees and peers, focusing on the mentorship and development of the next generation of leaders. Her career within the Missouri Capitol includes serving as chief of staff for Sen. Lincoln Hough, a cattle producer, with whom she worked to support Missouri farmers and the agriculture industry.
“There are few who fight harder for the people and causes they care about,” said nominator and fellow CAFNR graduate Hannah Embry. “Thomas’ career excellence within the Capitol has given her a large platform to enact change for Missouri’s agriculture industry, a responsibility she does not take lightly.”
Outside of her professional work, Thomas serves on the Jefferson City Parks Board. She is also a state committee member for the Missouri GOP and remains a dedicated supporter of the University of Missouri and its athletic events.
Alumnus of the Year
Kurtis Gregory (BS Ag ’08, MS Ag ’09)
Kurtis Gregory has been named the 2026 Alumnus of the Year by the CAFNR Alumni Association. Gregory represents Missouri’s 21st Senatorial District and has served in the Missouri General Assembly since 2021. A fourth-generation Missouri farmer, his career reflects the intersection of production agriculture and public policy.
During his time at Mizzou, Gregory was a starting offensive lineman for the Tigers football team from 2006-09, starting 41 consecutive games and serving as team captain his senior year. He later spent time in the NFL with the Carolina Panthers. Today, he farms with his family on a 900-acre operation in Marshall, Missouri, producing corn and soybeans and custom-feeding hogs.
In the legislature, Gregory has used his real-world experience to advance agricultural tax policy, rural development incentives and collegiate athletics policy. He has served as a consistent voice for Missouri farmers and rural families, ensuring that policymaking in Jefferson City is informed by those working in production agriculture.
“Senator Gregory embodies the values of tradition, grit and an unwavering commitment to serving something bigger than ourselves,” said Eliah Drinkwitz, Mizzou head football coach. “He reflects the integrity, work ethic and leadership that we strive to instill in every student-athlete and every graduate of this university.”
Dana Brown Haynes Distinguished Service Award
Jim Spain
Jim Spain has been awarded the 2026 Dana Brown-Haynes Distinguished Service Award from the CAFNR Alumni Association. Spain serves as the vice provost for undergraduate studies at the University of Missouri and as a professor of animal sciences in the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources.
Since joining the university in 1990 as an assistant professor and state extension dairy scientist, Spain has spent more than three decades advancing the mission of both CAFNR and the University of Missouri. After serving as assistant dean for academic programs in CAFNR, he was named vice provost in 2007. In this role, he chairs the Undergraduate Deans’ Council and oversees the university’s general education curriculum while continuing to serve as a faculty advisor for students in animal sciences.
Throughout his career, Spain has been recognized for his extraordinary commitment to student success. He is a recipient of MU’s prestigious Kemper Teaching Fellowship, the Governor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching in Higher Education and the 2024 Michael C. Holen Pacesetter Award from NACADA, a global community for academic advising.
“Dr. Spain does not simply teach course material; he challenges students to think critically, encourages them to grow and takes a personal interest in their success,” said nominator and former advisee Maggie Pfaff. “His passion and excitement are contagious, inspiring students to push themselves and become better scholars, professionals and individuals.
Young Alumni Award
Kayden Guymon (BS Animal Sciences ’16)
Kayden Guymon has been named the inaugural recipient of the Young Alumni Award from the CAFNR Alumni Association. Guymon serves as the director of regulatory affairs and policy counsel for the Missouri Farm Bureau Federation, where he directs policy analysis on state and federal agricultural regulations.
Prior to his current role, Guymon was an associate at the law firm of Haden & Colbert. During that time, he collaborated with the MU Extension Agricultural Business and Policy team to provide legal guidance on renewable energy leases, helping Missouri landowners navigate emerging opportunities. He continues to support the college as an advisor to CAFNR’s Center for Rural Energy Security and by serving on the search committee for the Division of Animal Sciences director.
Guymon’s commitment to the university extends to his leadership within the Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity, where he has served as the president of the alumni board of directors and currently serves as a regional vice president for the national fraternity. He is also a founding member of the Mizzou Greek Alliance, advocating for the fraternity community on the University of Missouri campus.
“Kayden embodies the spirit of CAFNR — service, leadership, integrity, and a commitment to advancing Missouri agriculture,” said nominator Ben Brown, state specialist in agricultural business and policy. “His steady leadership and strategic thinking have led to meaningful improvements for students and alumni alike.”
Past President Award
Brett Wessler (BS Ag Journalism ’06)
Brett Wessler is being honored for his service as the retiring president of the CAFNR Alumni Association Board of Directors. A board member since 2017, Wessler has leveraged his expertise in agricultural communications and project management to modernize the association’s outreach.
A senior account manager with AgCall, Wessler applied his professional strategic focus to launch signature initiatives for CAFNR Alumni Association, such as the Homecoming parade watch party and the “State of the College” virtual presentation.
“Brett has consistently demonstrated his dedication and leadership, serving as chair of CAFNR Unlimited and other committees before advancing to the executive board,” said incoming president Jeff Moore. “His exceptional organizational skills have been invaluable, making the Alumni Board stronger and more effective.”
Wessler’s impact was notably felt during his 2023 chairmanship of CAFNR Unlimited, the college’s premier fundraising auction. Beyond securing sponsorships for scholarships, he developed a tracking system to monitor the association’s strategic plan and ensure long-term accountability.
“Brett’s commitment to finding sponsorship and raising money for CAFNR students is immeasurable,” said Deanna Schnuck, 2024-25 CAFNR Alumni Association president. “He will be greatly missed on the executive team.”
A graduate of the Missouri Agricultural Leaders of Tomorrow (ALOT) Class XVII, Wessler continues to serve as a vital bridge between the university and the agricultural industry.
Leadership Society
Emily Kueker (BS Ag Ed ’02)
Alan Weber (BS Ag Econ ’91, MS Ag Econ ’93)
The CAFNR Leadership Society honors individuals who have demonstrated exceptional dedication and service to the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources and its Alumni Association. This recognition not only celebrates past achievements but also encourages continued engagement with the CAFNR community.