Take a moment to enjoy Kayin Baker’s interview with Dr. Melissa Bledsoe, Dean of the Darr College of Agriculture. 

I recently had the privilege of sitting down with Dean Melissa Bledsoe of the College of Agriculture at Missouri State University. 

 As I listened to her share her story, I was struck by her passion, determination, and innovative vision for the college. Dean Bledsoe’s path to her current role was anything but linear. As an undergraduate, she started out studying accounting, but quickly realized it wasn’t the right fit. That’s when she discovered her true calling in horticulture and the plant sciences. “I had hobbies and gardening and landscaping and all these things, and I loved the outdoors, and I found horticulture as like, okay, I can go study this,” she told me. This passion-driven approach has defined Dean Bledsoe’s journey.  

 Rather than mapping out a rigid career plan, she’s embraced opportunities as they’ve arisen, trusting that her hard work and dedication would open the right doors. And that’s exactly what happened. After completing her master’s and PhD, Dean Bledsoe returned to Missouri State as a faculty member.

But her story took an unexpected turn when the previous Dean had health issues, and the college faced a period of transition. “It was a dynamic time for the college, so I knew I just had to work hard and do the very best I could,” she recalled. Despite the steep learning curve, Dean Bledsoe stepped up to serve as Interim Dean, determined to guide the college forward. And that’s exactly what she’s done.  

 Now in her permanent role, Dean Bledsoe is spearheading several exciting initiatives, including the new Ag Innovation Hub and the Small Animal Education Center. These state-of-the-art facilities will expand the college’s offerings and prepare students for a wide range of agricultural careers.  

 When I asked Dean Bledsoe what advice she’d give to future Aggies, her message was clear: keep an open mind. She encouraged students to explore the vast array of opportunities within the field, from production agriculture to natural resources to agritourism. “The education you get here can set you up for any career that you really want to pursue,” she told me. Hands-on experiences like internships and study abroad programs are also key, she believes, helping students discover unexpected passions. 

 As I left our conversation, I was struck by Dean Bledsoe’s infectious enthusiasm and her unwavering commitment to the Darr College of Agriculture. Her passion, determination, and innovative spirit are sure to continue propelling the college to new heights. I can’t wait to see what the future holds. 

 –Kayin Baker, Leadership Assistant, Darr College of Agriculture Student