Three Missourians recognized for dedication to higher education
The electric cooperatives of Missouri have always had strong ties with the University of Missouri. In fact, the first meeting to form what we now know as the Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives (AMEC) was held in Mumford Hall on Mizzou’s campus on Feb. 11, 1937. Fast forward nearly 90 years and that tie of support is just as strong.
Earlier this year Caleb Jones, executive vice president and CEO of today’s Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives, was honored by the Mizzou Alumni Association with its prestigious Geyer Award. Named after state Rep. Henry S. Geyer, the award recognizes the work of public officials and citizens who have made a positive impact on higher education and Mizzou. Geyer, a state representative from St. Louis, believed education was the key to progress and prosperity in Missouri and introduced a bill to establish the University of Missouri in 1839.
“It’s always a great honor to be recognized by your college,” Caleb said of the award. “My time at Mizzou prepared me well for a career in public service. I am always happy to give back to Mizzou.”
Before joining AMEC in 2017, Caleb spent three terms representing the 50th District as a Missouri state representative. In his time in the legislature, Caleb was instrumental in securing core funding increases for the university. As CEO of the statewide service organization for Missouri’s electric cooperatives, he has continued to elevate the university through partnerships with the Mizzou Youth Experience, MU Extension and creating a special Missouri Electric Cooperatives ticket portal for Mizzou Sporting events. Caleb has also supported the University of Missouri system through features in Rural Missouri.
Also honored with the award were Chris Chinn, director of the Missouri Department of Agriculture, and state Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer. Chinn has moved the state’s agriculture industry forward through legislative advocacy, social media outreach and publicly speaking on her own experience as a fifth-generation farmer in Shelby County. She was named director of agriculture in 2017 and is a member of Macon Electric Cooperative.
Luetkemeyer has represented Missouri’s 34th District since 2019. He is chairman of the Judiciary and Civil and Criminal Jurisprudence Committee, vice-chairman of the Appropriations Committee and was reelected to a second term in 2022. He has been a vocal advocate for both the University of Missouri system and its Columbia campus.