MEDIA ADVISORY: MU plant sciences learning lab to be named in honor of Henry Kirklin
The lab will carry on the legacy of the University of Missouri’s first Black teacher.
Feb. 22, 2021
Contact: Austin Fitzgerald, 573-882-6217, fitzgeraldac@missouri.edu
WHAT: A newly renovated lab in the University of Missouri’s Agriculture Building will be officially named the Henry Kirklin Plant Sciences Learning Laboratory. The dedication ceremony, which will be open to media and the public via a live Zoom webinar, will be held in honor of Henry Kirklin, born into slavery in 1858 and believed to be the first Black teacher to teach at MU. The state-of-the-art learning laboratory will be used by students in the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (CAFNR) Plant Sciences program for hands-on education, much as Kirklin’s classes did.
The ceremony will also feature a special surprise announcement.
WHEN: 2-3 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 24
WHERE: Media and the public can attend the Zoom webinar from this page at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 24.
WHO: Descendants of Henry Kirklin will be in virtual attendance via Zoom. Speakers will include:
- Mun Choi, president of the University of Missouri
- Christopher Daubert, vice chancellor and dean of CAFNR
- Bryan Garton, senior associate dean and director of academic programs for CAFNR
- Chris Campbell, executive director of the Boone County Historical Society
Editor’s note: To schedule an interview with one of the speakers, please contact Austin Fitzgerald at 573-882-6217 or fitzgeraldac@missouri.edu.
Related Stories

News Release
Mizzou plans for in-person commencement ceremonies in April and May
Although details are still being finalized, the events will include social distancing and other health and safety measures.

News Release
MU celebrates Henry Kirklin with dedication of learning lab
State-of-the-art lab is the latest MU effort to raise awareness of the university’s first Black teacher.

News Release
Detecting COVID-19 with a sticker on your skin
A University of Missouri engineer received a grant from the National Science Foundation to plan for large-scale manufacturing of an on-skin, wearable bioelectronic device.

News Release
Focus on the positive to improve classroom behavior
MU five-year study finds setting clear expectations can reduce disruptive classroom behavior and boost student academic, social outcomes for middle schoolers
Subscribe to
Show Me Mizzou
Stay up-to-date on all things Mizzou when you subscribe to the Show Me Mizzou newsletter. Issues will arrive in your inbox every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.