The Higher Education Review

In the realm of agricultural education in the United States, several institutions stand out for their commitment to excellence in teaching, research, and outreach. Among these, the University of Missouri holds a distinguished position. Established in 1839 as the first public university west of the Mississippi River, the University of Missouri has a rich history of academic achievement and societal impact.

At the heart of the university's academic offerings lies the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (CAFNR). Founded in 1870 under the Morrill Act, CAFNR has been instrumental in shaping the agricultural landscape of Missouri and beyond. Celebrating 154 years of innovation and education, CAFNR continues to be a beacon of excellence in agricultural studies.

The strategic vision of CAFNR revolves around a healthy world. As part of this vision, CAFNR prioritizes its students. This commitment is manifested in various ways, including hands-on learning experiences, study abroad opportunities, career preparation, and personalized advising and mentoring. Twelve program areas within CAFNR have been identified as 'Programs of Distinction’, signifying national or international excellence in teaching, research, and outreach.

"At the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, a strong emphasis is placed on equipping students with the necessary preparation for their professional endeavors"

The University of Missouri, as the state's flagship institution and a land-grant university, is deeply rooted in its mission to serve the people of Missouri through education, research, and extension services. Students at the University of Missouri have the privilege of learning from top researchers and experts in the field, ensuring a comprehensive and enriching academic experience.

Cultivating Excellence
The University of Missouri's College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (CAFNR) fosters extensive collaboration and integration across a wide array of disciplines. With six divisions encompassing diverse program areas, CAFNR is at the forefront of cutting-edge research and education.

The Animal Sciences division pioneers advancements by integrating molecular and cellular biology, immunology, genomics, and computational biology into traditional fields such as reproduction, nutrition, physiology, and genetics.

Applied Social Sciences engage in agribusiness management, agricultural education, hospitality management, and personal financial planning, ensuring a holistic approach to addressing challenges in the food system. Biochemistry, in collaboration with the School of Medicine, delves into research areas including plant biology, molecular medicine, structural biology, and enzymology.

Meanwhile, Food, Nutrition and Exercise Sciences focus on developing novel technologies for health, nutrition, and physical activity. Advancements in agronomic and horticultural crop systems are driven by the Plant Science and Technology division, which explores plant genomics, crop management, and plant-microbe interactions.

The School of Natural Resources investigates crucial areas such as agroforestry, water quality, conservation biology, and wildlife management. CAFNR's commitment to excellence is evident in its faculty, some of whom were recently recruited through the Mizzou Forward program to bolster areas of scholarly strength. With a record number of publications, citations, and research funding, CAFNR has world-class faculty, including members of the National Academy of Sciences and the American Association for the Advancement of Science Fellows.

Promising Amenities & Beyond
In a period of rapid growth, CAFNR at the University of Missouri is undergoing exciting developments, including new building projects and classroom upgrades aimed at enhancing the student experience. These upgrades feature state-of-the-art technologies, such as screens for projecting microscopic work and professional studio setups for weather forecasting, facilitating hands-on learning techniques.

Scholarship offerings are a cornerstone of CAFNR's commitment to student success, with approximately $1.5 million awarded annually. This robust support contributes to the goal of ensuring that over half of undergraduate students graduate debt-free, coupled with an impressive nearly 100 percent job placement rate, providing graduates with a solid foundation for their careers.

With a diverse range of 300 degree programs, the University of Missouri offers a dynamic educational environment.

Within CAFNR, students are encouraged to seize daily learning opportunities, including participation in degree-specific conferences and competitions.

Emphasizing the importance of holistic learning, students are urged to engage in the R.I.S.E. framework—Research, International study, Service Learning, and Experiential Learning— fostering a comprehensive educational experience beyond the classroom.

Future Path
For each degree program within the University of Missouri College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, the curriculum ensures that students acquire the essential skills and knowledge demanded by the industry. Moreover, several degree programs mandate internships as integral components of the curriculum, providing students with invaluable real-world experiences to better prepare them for future careers.

At the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, a strong emphasis is placed on equipping students with the necessary preparation for their professional endeavors. With a dedicated Career Services office catering to students' needs and a plethora of hands-on learning opportunities, including student-operated enterprises like a floral shop, ice cream parlor, and meat market, as well as research facilities statewide and a distinguished policy center on campus, students receive top-tier preparation for their post-graduation pursuits.

Additionally, the college offers a wide array of study abroad programs tailored to specific degree programs, while also hosting numerous international scholars through various initiatives within CAFNR International Programs.

"Underpinning these efforts is a robust strategic plan known as 'The Drive to Distinction,' which serves as a guiding framework to ensure alignment and progress. The college takes pride in its achievements across various metrics, including student enrollment, retention, graduation rates, career placement, faculty accolades and contributions, research funding, international engagement, and more", shares Christopher R. Daubert, Dean.

CAFNR stands as a beacon of excellence, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, student success, and industry readiness. With cutting-edge facilities, robust scholarship opportunities, and a commitment to continuous improvement, CAFNR epitomizes innovation and academic distinction in agricultural education, nurturing industry leaders who are future ready.