Stories

April 10, 2020

Q&A With Christa Smith

What are your job duties/job responsibilities in the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources? I am the executive assistant to the division director in the Division Plant Sciences. I support Bruce Barrett with his calendar, travel, meeting minutes and work with faculty and MyVita, which is a faculty activity reporting system. I’m the liaison for all academics in plant sciences, so I work with the registrar’s office managing the course offerings and MyZou, and the graduate school for all issues related to the graduate students. I also handle phone inquiries that come into the division and coordinate…
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way the CAFNR experience looks. Mizzou announced that the rest of the spring semester would be taught remotely. Teaching faculty within CAFNR have been working hard to make the transition to remote learning as easy as possible. For example, Marci Crosby, instructor in the Division of Animal Sciences, and Mikaela Adams (pictured), graduate research assistant, are still caring for the horses at the Equine Teaching Facility at the South Farm Research Center in Columbia. They are recording and photographing a lot of that care. Photo courtesy of Marci Crosby.

April 9, 2020

Being Adaptable

Part of CAFNR’s mission is preparing students for a complex, interconnected planet. To thrive in tomorrow’s society, students must be adaptable learners and informed citizens to make purposeful contributions in the world. CAFNR provides these opportunities through exceptional experiential and practical learning experiences based on cutting-edge science and through communicating and engaging with people and the community. Students in CAFNR not only get a degree while in Columbia – they get the entire CAFNR experience. Students gain that experience through award-winning advisors and teachers, research opportunities with internationally renowned scientists, study abroad options tailored to degree programs and…
Zachary Ignotz is a senior studying plant sciences from Troy, Missouri. As a student in the advanced landscape design course last year, Ignotz created a design that would land him a spot at this year’s University of Missouri Visual Art and Design Showcase. Photo by Heather Tearney.

April 2, 2020

Incorporating Problem-Solving into Landscape Design

Tucked away in the CAFNR Courtyard between the Ag Building and Anheuser-Busch Natural Resources Building is a garden that’s celebrating its 40th anniversary this April. Students in the advanced landscape design course were challenged to revitalize the MU Woodland and Floral Garden in honor of the celebration. Zachary Ignotz is a senior studying plant sciences from Troy, Missouri. As a student in the advanced landscape design course last year, Ignotz created a design that would land him a spot at this year’s University of Missouri Visual Art and Design Showcase. Ignotz received the Award of…
Portrait of Vice Chancellor and Dean Christopher R. Daubert

March 29, 2020

Vice Chancellor and Dean Daubert Named to CAST Board of Trustees

Vice Chancellor and Dean Christopher Daubert was named to the board of trustees for the Council for Agricultural Science and Technology (CAST). His term will run through 2021. CAST was established in 1972 as a result of a 1970 meeting sponsored by the National Academy of Sciences, National Research Council, and provides balanced, credible, science-based information about food and agriculture to policymakers, the media, the private sector, and the public.
Bryon Wiegand graduated Lead 21

March 29, 2020

Bryon Wiegand Graduates from Lead21

Dr. Bryon Wiegand, associate director and professor of animal sciences, graduated Feb. 20 from Class 15 of the LEAD21 leadership-development program. The primary purpose of LEAD21 is to develop leaders in land-grant institutions and their strategic partners who link research, academics and extension who canto lead more effectively in an increasingly complex environment, either in their current positions or future leadership positions.
Man holding smartphone with social technology

March 13, 2020

Let’s Get Social

Mizzou Tigers are everywhere – on campus, at community events and scattered across the country as proud alumni! Social presence in the Tiger community can be powerful when it comes to reporting emergencies, sharing sports highlights, unveiling research, as well as sharing the memorable faces and spaces that make us so proud to sing “Old Missouri, Fair Missouri!” While we want you to share your love for CAFNR and Mizzou, there are some new guidelines for personal social media usage as MU employees. Keep in mind these best practices as you engage your followers: “Even if you…

March 13, 2020

Q&A With Rhonda Turner

What are your job duties/job responsibilities in the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources? I am the executive assistant to Shibu Jose, the associate dean in the CAFNR Office of Research. I maintain his calendar of meetings and events ensuring he is prepared in advance. I also handle the administrative duties of the office and act as liaison to both internal and external audiences. I assist Shibu on a variety of projects related to the CAFNR Office of Research. How long have you worked in CAFNR? I will have worked in CAFNR for six years…

March 5, 2020

Megan McCauley presents at NACADA Region 7 Conference

Megan McCauley, student service coordinator in the Office of Academic Programs, helped lead two presentations during the NACADA Region 7 Conference, which was held Feb. 27-29, in Springfield, Mo. The presentations were titled: ‘Reaching Today’s Student with Strategic Communication’ and ‘Highlighting Advisors: The Story of a First-Ever Campus Advising Poster Session.’ Jordan Parshall, an advisor in biological sciences, served as a co-presenter during both presentations.
The University of Missouri College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (CAFNR) Office of Marketing and Communications recently added two individuals to its team – Reagan Brown (right) and Ashley Craft (left). Brown has been named the CAFNR marketing communications coordinator. Craft’s new role is as the Extension communications strategist.

Feb. 13, 2020

Strengthening CAFNR Communication

The University of Missouri College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (CAFNR) Office of Marketing and Communications recently added two individuals to its team – Reagan Brown and Ashley Craft. Brown has been named the CAFNR marketing communications coordinator. Craft’s new role is as the Extension communications strategist. “We are so excited to add Reagan and Ashley to our team,” said Michelle Enger, director, CAFNR Office of Marketing and Communications. “Both bring unique skillsets and experiences that will help us expand how we talk about the outstanding things happening in CAFNR.” Showcasing Missouri Agriculture Brown joins CAFNR…
CAFNR alum and Albertsons Companies Vice President of Procurement, Cathy East, returns to campus as Executive-In-Residence.

Dec. 13, 2019

From CAFNR to Career

As a senior in high school, Cathy East had two in-state offers for scholarships to play soccer, one from the University of Missouri-St. Louis and one from Missouri University of Science and Technology in Rolla, Missouri. Growing up in St. Louis, East knew she wanted to go somewhere new for college, so she chose Missouri S&T, with the intent to transfer to the University of Missouri-Columbia as a junior to enroll in the School of Journalism. At the time, MU did not have a women’s soccer team. When she came to MU as a junior, East found it…