Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, College of (CASNR)
Date of this Version
July 2004
Abstract
It is our pleasure to provide the Eleventh Annual Report for the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources (CASNR). We believe in the importance of reflecting on the accomplishments of our faculty, staff and students. The annual report offers the opportunity to review the year, and serves as an archive of accomplishments for our College. This report covers the period August 1, 2003 to July 31, 2004.
The college enjoyed another year of accomplishments and change. The students excelled, the faculty enthusiasm for the academic mission continued to thrive and campus programming expanded. For example:
• Amy Rasmussen, a junior majoring in Agricultural Education from Mead, NE, was named as the Nation's Outstanding Career and Technical Education Postsecondary Student Award winner at the recent National Association of State Directors of Career and Technical Education Conference held in Washington, D.C. this spring. She is also serving as a National FFA Vice President this year, becoming CASNR’s tenth student to be elected to a national office
• Lindsey Salestrom, a sophomore majoring in Animal Science from Tekamah, NE, a member of our Equestrian Team who participated in the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association’s National Horse Show in Murfreesboro, TN, was named the RESERVE NATIONAL CHAMPION!!
• Rik Smith, a senior majoring in Agribusiness from Laurel, NE, won FIRST place in the undergraduate research paper competition for his paper and presentation of “An Evaluation of Feedyard Management Training and Experience.” This project was a portion of the research he completed this spring for his honors project at UNL. For his first place win, Rik’s paper will be published in the American Journal of Agricultural Economics.
• This was also a year that several of our students were called-up to serve in the military. • Dr. Ron Hanson received the national 2003 USDA Food and Agricultural Sciences Excellence in Teaching Award at the National Association of State Universities and Land Grant Colleges. Dr. Hanson is the first national recipient from Nebraska.
• Dr. Chuck Francis received the International Service in Agronomy Award from the American Society of Agronomy last November.
• Dr. John Rupnow received the International Food Technology Cruess Award at the 2003 Annual IFT Meeting.
• Extended Education - The international ADEC Distance Education Award of Excellence was awarded to the Library of Crop Technology Team under the leadership of Dr. Deana Namuth, Department of Agronomy and Horticulture.
• Fifteen classrooms were upgraded, including three major renovations in the summer of 2004.
• The newest major in the College, Professional Golf Management, became the fifteenth program in the nation to receive PGA certification.
• The faculty approved a new college core curriculum and cores for the Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Sciences and the Bachelor of Science degree in Natural Resources.
• The CASNR Week Recognition Banquet enjoyed its largest attendance with over 400 attending.
• The College’s introductory course AGRI 103/NRES 103 will host the Melvin Jones Scholars this fall. The Melvin Jones Scholars is a new learning community to promote academics, leadership and community among first-year students of color. The College is very pleased that AGRI/NRES 103 is one of two core courses identified for the Jones Scholars. Our introductory course will also serve as a fall core course for the Freshman Scholars program. The Freshmen Scholars program is a residential community of high ability first year students representing all academic interests. The intent of this community is to provide these students with an opportunity to be with other talented students, to have contact with distinguished faculty, and to engage in co-curricular activities that will enhance career development and scholarship.
• Cornstock was revived in the fall of 2003.
• N-World - CASNR's "N World" was voted the favorite exhibit at the Big Red Road Show held in Omaha by the attendees. This recognition was especially noteworthy given our metropolitan audience.
• And finally, the Lied Center for Performing Arts is bringing two performances to East Campus.
This next year, as all years, will offer significant challenge and opportunities to change. We are prepared and experienced in managing change. Ultimately change is our business; we create it with every new graduate, every new discovery and every interaction with our clientele. Our vision for the college must remain focused in the changing environment.