Stories

Dec. 21, 2020

Q&A With Sean Allen

Why did you decide to come to the University of Missouri and major in agricultural systems technology? What do you enjoy about the program itself? The field of study? It was almost destiny for me to attend the University of Missouri. I’m a legacy student, and my mother works in Jesse Hall as a programmer analyst. However, I was not going to come to Mizzou just for those reasons; I needed to fall in love on my own. When I toured Mizzou and met some CAFNR faculty, I realized quickly that it made me feel at home like no other…
Mason Ward in front of Memorial Union.

Dec. 21, 2020

Q&A With Mason Ward

Why did you decide to come to the University of Missouri and major in agriculture? What do you enjoy about the program itself? The field of study? Initially, agriculture was not my intended major, but I am glad that I ended up here! After touring Mizzou and meeting with the agricultural education faculty, I was sold. The professors genuinely cared about my well-being and career goal as an agriculture teacher. However, life had something else planned for me. Being a highly indecisive person, I decided that agricultural education was not for me and I ended up going through two major…

Dec. 21, 2020

Q&A With Paxton Dahmer

Why did you decide to come to the University of Missouri and major in agricultural education? What do you enjoy about the program itself? The field of study? I came to the University of Missouri to major in Agricultural Education and Leadership because of the professors in the program and my love for agricultural education. Initially, I was preparing for a teaching certificate, but I eventually transferred to the leadership sector. I realized that the leadership degree allows me to have flexibility in my schedule, so I’m learning about a wide variety of agricultural industries. I know that with this…
Kaija Caldwell in graduation stole.

Dec. 10, 2020

Q&A With Kaija Caldwell

Why did you decide to come to the University of Missouri and major in animal sciences? What do you enjoy about the program itself? The field of study? I decided to come to Mizzou because it was far enough from home that I could create a new, unique chapter of my life but close enough that I could get there quickly if something were to arise and I needed to be home. After touring the Animal Science Research Center and hearing how much hands-on experience I would obtain working with animals in my classes, I knew this was the place…
In an effort to offer CAFNR students an international experience from Columbia, Shanon Dickerson and the CAFNR Office of Academic Programs have developed the Go Global! campaign. The main focus of the campaign is on virtual internships and preparing students for future study abroad experiences.

Nov. 11, 2020

Going Global (Virtually)

Being adaptable is a major role for a director of study abroad at a university. Directors deal with program changes, passports that need updated at the last minute and students who miss their flights, among with many other important matters. Shanon Dickerson understands that serving as CAFNR director of study abroad requires her to think outside of the box quite often. That mindset has been even more important as international travel has been halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In an effort to offer CAFNR students an international experience from Columbia, Dickerson and the CAFNR Office of Academic Programs have…
For the past two years, Tessa Jennings, a junior majoring in plant sciences, has worked in the lab of Antje Heese, an associate professor in the Department of Biochemistry. Photo courtesy of Kelly Mason.

Oct. 15, 2020

An Interdisciplinary Connection

Tessa Jennings found a passion for plant sciences as a high school FFA student participating in career development events. That passion has continued to grow as a student at the University of Missouri – especially after being selected as a member of the Freshman Research in Plants (FRIPS) Program in 2018. For the past two years, Jennings, a junior majoring in plant sciences, has worked in the lab of Antje Heese, an associate professor in the Department of Biochemistry. In the Heese lab, Jennings is responsible for research related to how clathrin-coated vesicle components make sure that proteins with immune…
There are a handful of requirements to become a Litton Leadership Scholar, including being a current CAFNR student, being a second-year student at MU at the time of entering the cohort and holding a 3.0 minimum GPA when entering the cohort. This is a picture of the 2019-20 Litton Leadership Scholar Cohort.

Sep. 16, 2020

Developing Student Leaders

Nearly a decade ago, and just one year into his teaching career at the University of Missouri, Jon Simonsen traveled with a handful of MU College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (CAFNR) faculty and administrators to Chillicothe, Mo. The purpose of the trip was to meet with board members of the Jerry Litton Family Memorial Foundation, which was created in 1976 after the tragic passing of Jerry, his wife and their two children. Over the years the Foundation has supported the development of future leaders in the agricultural industry and beyond. CAFNR was interested in partnering with the Foundation…
The Mizzou Academic Quadrathlon team finished tied for first at the national competition, which was held in July. The team finished second overall after tiebreakers were taken into consideration. They finished first in the lab practical, second in the written exam and the quiz bowl, and third in the oral presentation. Team members include, from left to right: Emily Shanks, Madison Filley, Anna Tarpey and Jacob Blank. (Photo taken in early 2020.)

Aug. 14, 2020

Showcasing a Competitive Spirit

The COVID-19 pandemic pushed the national Animal Society of Animal Science (ASAS) Academic Quadrathlon to a virtual competition. That didn’t slow down the Mizzou Academic Quadrathlon team. After winning their regional competition, MU finished tied for first at the national competition, which was held in July. The team finished second overall after tiebreakers were taken into consideration. They finished first in the lab practical, second in the written exam and the quiz bowl, and third in the oral presentation. “I’m super proud of the entire team and how far they’ve come,” said Addison Byrne, instructor in the Division of Animal…
The Agribusiness Career Connections Program is designed to connect CAFNR undergraduates to various agribusinesses located throughout the Midwest. It is sponsored, in part, by the John Brown Scholars Fund. Photo courtesy of Bryan Garton.

Feb. 4, 2020

Building a Network

As the director of career services in the CAFNR Office of Academic Programs, Matt Arri dedicates his time to building networks and relationships between CAFNR students and industry professionals. Arri’s goal is to make sure those students are career ready – and he has introduced a variety of new initiatives to help them along the way. It was an alum who helped set up the most recent Agribusiness Career Connections Program trip. Craig Bacon, senior vice president of technical services for Simmons Prepared Foods, was part of CAFNR’s Robert O. Reich Executive-in-Residence Program in October 2018. Bacon returned to campus…
RISE in CAFNR

Sep. 13, 2019

Rising to the Occasion

We know CAFNR students always rise above the rest, but now – it’s official. As part of the “CAFNR Strategic Plan, Drive to Distinction,” launched in April, all undergraduate students will take part in a “signature experience” during their time on campus. This is denoted as the “RISE” initiative: Research, International, Service learning, Experiential learning. (Of course, students don’t have to stop at one – students are welcome to participate in as many signature experiences they can fit into their college career!) “RISE is another part of what we call ‘The CAFNR Experience,’” said Bryan Garton, Senior Associate Dean…