Nov. 8, 2023
Contact: Deidra Ashley, ashleyde@missouri.edu
University of Missouri (MU) President Mun Choi has been elected chair of the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities’ (APLU) Commission on Food, Environment and Renewable Resources. In addition, he will serve as a member of the APLU Board of Directors. His appointment begins on November 13, 2023.
“We’re thrilled to have President Choi serve as chair of the APLU Commission on Food, Environment and Renewable Resources and on the APLU Board of Directors,” said APLU President Mark Becker. “He has been an exceptional steward of the University of Missouri and brings a deep commitment to the land-grant mission. We'll be drawing on his critical experience to shape the agenda for public and land-grant universities nationally.”
The commission focuses on broad cross-cutting issues related to agriculture, food, fiber, health and human sciences, natural resources, oceans, atmosphere, climate and veterinary medicine in the functional areas of research, extension and teaching.
“We congratulate President Choi on his appointment as Chair of the APLU’s Commission on Food, Environment and Renewable Resources,” Gov. Mike Parson said. “As the head of Missouri’s original land-grant system, President Choi’s leadership in helping preserve Missouri’s rich history and proud tradition of agriculture innovation and natural resource protection will be invaluable. We look forward to his work in furthering good, commonsense policy for Missouri and the nation.”
As a member of the APLU and the Association of American Universities (AAU), MU is recognized for breakthrough research in a broad range of fields including health, agriculture, food and natural resources. With an expansive network of Extension services in all 114 counties in Missouri, MU’s research brings meaningful impact to more than 6 million Missourians.
"President Choi's selection as chair of the Commission on Food, Environment and Renewable Resources is a testament to the University of Missouri's status as a national leader in agriculture and outdoor resources," Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe said. "As part of the APLU, this commission will help chart the vision and future of member universities in these critical areas. President Choi's leadership will be invaluable in this capacity, and I look forward to what he and the commission will accomplish during his tenure as chair."
Under Choi’s leadership, the commission will focus on advancing issues that cross the disciplinary areas represented by the five boards, develop and maintain effective communications within the commission boards and relevant APLU organizations, engage in coalition building with appropriate organizations outside of APLU in pursuit of federal relations priorities and actively contribute to the APLU board of directors.
“President Choi has long represented the university within the APLU," said UM Board of Curators Chair Michael Williams. “This appointment is just further recognition of President Choi’s ability to foster relationships and get critical work done. His deep understanding of the need to provide solutions for grand challenges paired with his leadership to develop new technologies, policies and practices will serve APLU and our university partners nationwide.”
