Archived News
Robert Torres recognized as the College's Outstanding Adviser
Robert "Bobby" Torres, Ph.D., was recognized as the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources' Outstanding Adviser during the College's Celebration of Excellence on April 12, 2007. As the director of undergraduate studies for agricultural education, Torres is not only known for being an active faculty member, but also the smiling face at the end of the hall.
Although Torres has only been at Mizzou for five years, he has quickly learned the nuances of the College, and his students and advisees consistently give him tremendous reviews for his personable touch, respect and his willingness to help.
"Although he is forever occupied with teaching activities and other obligations, Dr. Torres is always willing to sacrifice his time to talk to students or help them in any way," says Whitney Wiegel, a senior agricultural education major.
His students and advisees universally note the dedication, enthusiasm and personal attention he brings to his work and to those who depend on him.
"The first time I met Dr. Torres was my senior year of high school, and I came for a campus visit," says CAFNR student Samantha Blaue. "From the time my parents and I arrived to the time we left, he did everything possible to make us feel we were important to the college and we fit into the agricultural education family. After this first meeting, I received a letter personally signed by him, showing me that I was not just another recruit to the department. This is one of the main reasons I chose MU over the other university I had been accepted to and visited."
Erin Sappington named Outstanding Junior in the College
Erin Sappington, an agricultural education major, was named the Outstanding Junior in the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources at the College's Celebration of Excellence. Erin's list of achievements is truly daunting. She is a John Brown Scholar who maintains a 3.89 GPA, all while participating in a variety of extracurricular activities. In addition to being a volunteer at the American Red Cross, she is president of the Sigma Alpha Sorority, training coordinator for LEAD Mizzou, a Peer Career coach, a supervisor at the MU Career Center and a course instructor for a career explorations class. Her truly amazing achievements are an example to her fellow students and are enough to make any college proud.
Don't think that her commitment to her studies and activities implies that she is not fun to be around because, while she is professional and hardworking, her sense of humor, warm smile and sparkling wit make the time working with her a joy. She genuinely cares about her sorority, her sisters and everyone with whom she comes into contact.
James Anderson Recognized at MANRRS National Conference
James Anderson, Ph.D. candidate, received first-place honors in the Graduate Oral Research Competition — Social Sciences Division at the Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences (MANRRS) 22nd Annual National Conference.
At the conference, held March 29-31, 2007, in Birmingham, Ala., Anderson presented research on a comparison of the leadership development needs of urban agriculture students with that of a national sample of agriculture students. Anderson's research presentation was a component of a larger study conducted by Jon Ulmer (Ph.D. '05), James Anderson and Bobby Torres, which will be presented in May at the American Association for Agricultural Education National Conference.
Ag Ed Students Receive National Recognition for Program Excellence
Congratulations to students who attended the 2006 National Collegiate Agricultural Education Conference and Alpha Tau Alpha Conclave in Indianapolis, Ind.
Students won first place in the following:
- Program for Excellence — Professional Development
- Program for Excellence — Fellowship
- Overall Program of Excellence
In addition, students won first place in the National Knowledge Quiz Bowl addressing topics related to agricultural education, technical agriculture, and professional education.
Students who attended were: Samantha Blaue (Junior), Erin Carl (Senior), Kate DeOrnellis (Junior), Gina Eckler (Senior), Adam Leek (Senior), James McCormack (Senior), Ashley Noblitt (Junior), Maranda Taylor (Senior) and Whitney Wiegel (Senior).
The National Association of Agricultural Educators (NAAE) also recognized Mizzou Agricultural Education with a framed certificate for 100 percent Collegiate Membership. Maranda Taylor and Gina Eckler were also recipients of the NAAE scholarships and recognized at the awards luncheon.
Faculty and Graduate Students Receive Recognitions at the AAAE North Central Region Conference
The following faculty and graduate students were recognized for their research and contributions to the profession at the American Association for Agricultural Education's (AAAE) North Central Region Conference September 21-23, 2006 at Iowa State University in Ames.
- Rob Terry — Outstanding Agricultural Educator for his teaching, research and service to the agricultural education profession.
- James Anderson, Jonathan Ulmer (Ph.D. '05) and Bobby Torres — 1st Runner-up Outstanding Research Poster. A Comparison of Youth Leadership Needs by Agriculture Students and Their Teachers.
- Jonathan Ulmer (Ph.D. '05) and Bobby Torres — 2nd Runner-up Outstanding Research Paper Presentation. Cognitive Behaviors Exhibited by Secondary Agriculture Teachers.
- Shane Robinson (Ph.D. '06) and Bryan Garton — Outstanding Research Paper Presentation. The Employability Skill Constructs Needed by Entry-level Graduates as Perceived by Graduates and Supervisors.
National Association of Agricultural Educators (NAAE) Upper Division Agricultural Education Scholarship
Gina Eckler and Maranda Taylor are two of 15 nation-wide recipients of the 2006 National Association of Agricultural Educators (NAAE) Upper Division Agricultural Education Scholarship. Both were recognized at the Alpha Tau Alpha — Collegiate Ag Ed Student Conference held during the National FFA Convention in October.
Past Mizzou recipients of the NAAE scholarship are Austin Swafford — '05, Crystal Matthews and Christy Forkner — '04, Jessie Eckler and Jackie Campbell — '03, and Doug Kueker and Coleen Griswold.
