CANR alumni director recognized for professional achievement

Kathryn Reed is the recipient of the Ray A. Miller Professional Achievement Award at the 2017 National Agricultural Alumni and Development Association Annual Conference, held from June 13-16, 2017 in Columbus, Ohio.

Kathryn Reed

COLUMBUS, OhioKathryn Reed is the recipient of the Ray A. Miller Professional Achievement Award at the 2017 National Agricultural Alumni and Development Association (NAADA) Annual Conference, held from June 13-16, 2017 in Columbus, Ohio.

She was recognized for service to both Michigan State University (MSU) and NAADA. She has demonstrated exemplary leadership in guiding the MSU College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR) alumni engagement efforts for the past 14 years as the director of alumni relations and special events.

“Kathryn has managed everything from alumni boards to major college and university events,” said CANR Dean Ron Hendrick. “Her dedication to MSU and the college is unwavering and she has the ability to encourage others to get involved.”

In her position at MSU, Reed fosters the relationship between CANR and alumni, in addition to managing special events, volunteer boards and member programs.

Furthermore, she founded the Grandparents University program at MSU and served as co-chair for eight years. The initiative brings alumni and their grandchildren to campus for a three-day educational experience, where they live in a residence hall, attend classes and delve into everyday campus life.

Reed also introduced the Farm Lane Society to CANR in 2016 — an effort to re-engage retired alumni association board members and college award recipients.

For NAADA, Reed has served as the chair of the membership and outreach education committees, and as a member of the strategic planning committee.

“After serving for four years on the CANR Alumni Association Board, I have observed that a challenging part of Kathryn’s job is managing the quick turnover of board members,” said Ben Kudwa, the former executive director of the Michigan Potato Industry Commission. “Kathryn handles the complexities of board member needs in a professional, polite and respectful way. She is a pleasure to work with.”

Reed is a graduate of Central Michigan University, and earned a master’s degree from Michigan State University. She lives on her long-time family farm with her husband and three children.

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