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Missouri State alumna, plant and soil expert, named dean of Darr College of Agriculture

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Missouri State alumna, plant and soil expert, named dean of Darr College of Agriculture


At the May meeting of Missouri State University’s Board of Governors, Melissa Bledsoe was officially announced as the dean of the Darr College of Agriculture.

She’d been serving as the interim for more than a year.

Provost John Jasinski made the introduction, noting many of Bledsoe’s accomplishments.

“Melissa has been recognized in the state of Missouri, nationally and internationally, for her work,” he told the MSU board at the May 9 meeting. “She’s had great mentors, lots of external partnerships with the Missouri Department of Agriculture — working with Silver Dollar City right now, Convoy of Hope — continues to teach and mentor and guide.”

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Jasinski pointed out that the expert in plant physiology and nutrition had obtained several grants and presented research nationally and internationally.

Bledsoe earned a bachelor’s degree in horticulture and a master’s degree in plant science from Missouri State and then a doctorate in plant, insect and microbial sciences from the University of Missouri.

After working at MU’s division of plant sciences from 2010-13, she was hired as an assistant professor at Missouri State and then promoted to an associate professor.

Bledsoe is currently an endowed professor through the Clif and Gail Smart Professor in Agriculture award. She was also named the interim dean in 2023.

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“Dr. Bledsoe is the right choice to lead the Darr College of Agriculture as it continues to evolve, offering unique ‘farm-to-fork’ curriculum and learning experiences,” Jasinski said in a news release announcing Bledsoe was the permanent dean, starting May 1.

“Her student-focused, team-oriented and results-driven approach — combined with her understanding of changing internal needs and external expectations — will serve the college well for years to come.”

More: New pact outlines roles, responsibilities of Missouri State and MSU Foundation

The structure of the Darr College of Agriculture changed as part of the university’s recent academic realignment, taking hospitality leadership under its umbrella.

“The momentum of the Darr College of Agriculture is fueled by many opportunities on the horizon. I look forward to working with colleagues and the ag community to develop our programs to support the agriculture industry,” said Bledsoe, in the release. “It’s all for our students to learn, grow, and lead the future of agriculture.”

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Man accused of breaking into woman’s apartment with knife at Oak Towers Apartments

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Man accused of breaking into woman’s apartment with knife at Oak Towers Apartments


A Columbia man has been arrested and charged after witnesses said he walked into a woman’s apartment and threatened to stab her at Oak Towers Apartments, according to court documents.

Jerome Keith Porter, 65, was charged Monday with unlawful use of weapon, first-degree burglary and fourth-degree assault.

On Saturday, the Columbia Police Department was dispatched to 700 North Garth Avenue in relation to a burglary with a weapon, according to court documents.

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Boone County Joint Communications advised the officer that a woman said a man walked into her apartment and threatened her with a knife, according to a probable cause statement. Court documents indicate the woman is 75 years old.

The woman said she was sitting in her apartment when Porter allegedly entered without her consent. She said Porter asked her for money, and when she said she would not give him money, Porter allegedly responded by pulling out a paring knife, according to the probable cause statement. The woman said Porter allegedly waved the knife at her and claimed he said he was going to kill somebody, according to the statement.

Police found Porter in his residence, which is in the same apartment building where the incident occurred, according to court documents.

The officers also found a witness in Porter’s residence who said he saw Porter in the elevator with a knife wrapped in a towel, according to court documents.

Porter had an initial appearance at 1 p.m. on Monday over video, and he is being held at the Boone County Jail without bond.

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The 3rd Hour of TODAY Is Heading to Springfield, Missouri. Here’s How To Join Us

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The 3rd Hour of TODAY Is Heading to Springfield, Missouri. Here’s How To Join Us


The 3rd Hour of TODAY anchors are motoring west and heading to Springfield, Missouri for what we’re calling Destination: Route 66!

On Thursday, April 30, Al Roker and Dylan Dryer will be broadcasting LIVE from downtown Springfield — and we’re inviting you to get your kicks on Route 66 and experience the city’s one-of-a-kind culture at Birthplace Plaza.

We’ll take you along for an incredible tour of everything the city has to offer — from local food and music to the stories that made Route 66 famous. We’ll even catch up with legendary actor and proud Missouri State alum, John Goodman!

Join Al and Dylan as they experience all that Springfield has to offer and get a firsthand look at America’s most famous highway. Space is limited, so secure your place to attend this free taping by registering now.

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Gov. Kehoe announces mid-Missouri gubernatorial appointments

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Gov. Kehoe announces mid-Missouri gubernatorial appointments


Gov. Mike Kehoe announced two gubernatorial appointments Friday to vacant positions in mid-Missouri counties.

Doug Miller, of California, Mo., was appointed as Moniteau County associate commissioner, district one.

Miller is a Moniteau County native who has worked as a middle school physical education and health teacher in the county for 27 years. Since 2021, he has worked as an office manager for Rackers Manufacturing and a bus driver for the California school district.

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Rodney Southard, of Rolla, was appointed as Maries County eastern district commissioner.

Southard is a fifth-generation Missouri farmer who previously worked as a support specialist for NEW Solutions and a surface water specialist for the U.S. Geological Survey. He is currently the chairman of MU Extension in Maries County.



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