CAPE GIRARDEAU, April 26, 2006 -- Erin Venable, an instructor in the Department of Agriculture at Southeast Missouri State University, is the first recipient of the Missouri Research Corporation’s “Shining Star Award”. 

Venable received the award April 10 at a weekly staff meeting. She was selected for her determination, enthusiasm and devoted efforts in assisting with two of the Missouri Research Corporation’s agricultural projects. 

This is Venable’s first year teaching at Southeast. She graduated from Southeast in 2001 with a bachelor of science degree in agriculture. She holds a master’s degree in ruminant nutrition from the University of Missouri-Columbia.  She is working on a doctoral degree in equine nutrition through the University of Missouri-Columbia.

From left are Gina Harper, administrative assistant of the Innovation Center; Dennis Roedemeier, CEO of the Missouri Research Corporation; Karen Carr, senior administrative assistant of the Small Business Development Center; Erin Venable, instructor for the Department of Agriculture; Bill Vickery, director of Entrepreneurship and Training; Christy LeGrand, project coordinator of the Missouri Research Corporation; and Buz Sutherland, director of the Small Business Development Center.