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New Ag Alumni Association Members Assume Posts

Posted July 17, 2008

Six new members of the University of Missouri Ag Alumni Association started their three-year term in May. The new members are: Christina Griffin, Ashland; Patricia (Pat) Thomas, Holt's Summit; Matthew Hardecke, Festus; Ken Grober, Ballwin; Alan Wessler, Columbia; and Earl Dotson, Des Moines.

The association supports the MU College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources in student recruitment, student career development, scholarship fundraising, public relations programs, legislative interaction and leadership recognition. The group also assists faculty through various teaching enhancement programs.

The association also hosts several fund raising events such as the Tiger Ag Classic golf tournament and the Ag Unlimited Banquet and Auction. It sponsors the Alumni Award Program that recognizes the accomplishments of alumni from around the world.

Christina Griffin

Griffin, a Jefferson City attorney, represents Audrain and Callaway counties for the association. She is married to Michael Griffin. She earned her undergraduate degree from CAFNR in 2001 majoring in agriculture economics. Griffin received her law degree from Pepperdine University in 2005.

Patricia (Pat) Thomas

Thomas is a political consultant and represents the association as an at-large member. She graduated with a general agriculture degree from CAFNR in 1997. She is married to Doug Thomas, who graduated from the college in 1982 with an animal science degree.

Matthew Hardecke

Hardecke is a branch manager of FCS Financial and represents the association's region 10 that includes the east-central part of the state. He earned his Agriculture Business Management degree from MU in 2002. He is married to Julie Tindle Hardecke.

Ken Grober

Grober represents the association's region 11 which includes St. Louis County. He graduated from CAFNR in 1979 and majored in Hotel Restaurant Management. He currently owns several restaurants. He is married to Brenda Grober.

Alan Wessler

Wessler, who earned his doctor of veterinary medicine degree from MU in 1977, is vice president-feed division of MFA, Inc. Wessler received his bachelor or science degree in animal science from CAFNR in 1974. He is married to Susan Wessler, who earned a degree in education from MU in 1974. Wessler is an at-large member.

Earl Dotson

Dotson earned his animal sciences-agricultural education degree from CAFNR in 1969. In 1975 he received a master of science degree in agricultural education from the College. He is CEO of Validus Services, a third-party certification company that helps agricultural producers meet state and national regulatory requirements, achieve production goals and reduce risk.

Since 1994, members of the MU Ag Alumni Association Board of Directors have directed the Ag 100 Endowment that has the goal of raising money to benefit students in the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources. To date more than $335,000 has been awarded by the association in the form of scholarships and more than $35,000 has been awarded to CAFNR organizations and departments in the form of funding for student educational activities and programs.