Meet Laura Denker: CAFNR coordinator of student services

by Matt Eisenbath, posted Nov. 29, 2011

Growing up on a family farm most of her life, Laura Denker, coordinator of student services in the CAFNR Academic Programs office, has learned the meaning of small-town values. Denker's mother and father are farmers raising cattle and crops, and she is the middle child of three children. Cheryl Stevens, a co-worker of Denker, said that she brings those strong family values into the workplace every day.

"Laura is very detail-oriented and always persistent to finish a job," Stevens said. "The information she gives out to the students will always be accurate."

Denker's opportunity for a career with the University of Missouri has come after a long dedication to the college. Columbia is much larger than the small town of California, Mo., where Denker went to high school, graduating with about 110 students in her class. She actually only had six people in her eighth-grade graduating class.

Denker did not struggle with the transition to a larger town, but she did have a little mix-up with the university when coming in as a freshman.

"The university system had accidentally entered my name as a male, so I got placed with a guy as my first roommate," Denker said. "It's an interesting fact that not many people know about."

When Denker came to Mizzou, she did not know which direction she wanted to go when choosing an academic major. She began her MU career as an undeclared major.

"I think undeclared is a great major to start with as an incoming freshman," Denker said. "It gives you time to explore options and get your feet wet."

Denker was happy that she was able to investigate different majors and career paths. During her time at Mizzou, her majors included undeclared, agriculture business management, hospitality management, and finally agricultural education. She has great advice for those students who are a little worried about choosing an academic path.

"Keep an open mind, talk with the advisers and just let them know what you are interested in," Denker said. "The CAFNR advisers are amazing and always willing to help."

Denker graduated from Mizzou in 2007 with a bachelor's degree in agricultural education. She continued her education after graduation and received her master's degree in May of 2009 from Mizzou. Directly after graduating with her master's degree, Denker went to work for Columbia College in the Admissions department.

"I knew I wanted to work with students on a higher education level," Denker said. "I think that is because I know that they actually want to be here. I also knew that I would love to work with students at my alma mater."

Denker accomplished that goal in 2010 when she became the coordinator of student services for CAFNR. She is also now involved in the college in other ways, also serving as the advisor for the Mizzou FFA organization. Melissa Daniels, a good friend of Denker's, mentioned that Denker definitely has a wonderful personality outside of work as well.

"Laura is very diligent in her work and a do-it-yourself kind of person, but outside of work, she is also a great friend," Daniels said. "She is a great listener, very family-oriented and she is always looking to have fun, like Halloween when we wore matching costumes."

Daniels said she has only known Denker for a year, but they have already become very close friends. Daniels and Denker sometimes go kickboxing together and have weekly 'Dancing with the Stars' watch parties. Daniels also briefly points out that Denker has an entertaining talent of clicking her heels in the air, which can apparently be found on YouTube.

Denker enjoys working for the University of Missouri and would like to continue her career at Mizzou. When talking to new students, Denker stresses to keep your options open and always stay persistent. She always remembers the small-town values that led her to where she is today.

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