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KCUR interviews Chris Garmon
“It would be really nice to know what the prices are,” said Chris Garmon, Assistant Professor of Health Administration at the Henry W. Bloch School of Management who previously worked on antitrust investigations at the Federal Trade Commission. Read more from KCUR.
Jul 01, 2021
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Local news about UMKC Master Plan
The University of Missouri-Kansas City plans to build apartments along the extended streetcar route, which is slated to be finished in 2025. Read the news articles:
Kansas City Business Journal - June 30, 2021 (subscription required)
Flatland - June 30, 2021
Jun 30, 2021
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UMKC students excited about returning to pre-pandemic life
After spending the last year distanced, virtual or masked we're looking forward to returning to normal campus life in the fall. Here's what a few of our fellow Roos had to say.
Being back on campus
"I'm looking forward to finally being back on campus and interacting with my fellow Roos!"
-Krithika Selvarajoo '21
Karl Manoza and other students pictured at an event promoting mental health awareness held by the student organization Asian Students in America.
In-person events
"I'm most excited about attending in-person events that organizations host throughout the year. I remember my freshman year in 2019: events were so much fun, and I met some amazing friends along the way. I am part of many student organizations on campus and I really enjoy being involved in the UMKC community and participating in a multitude of events."
-Karl Manoza '23
Marcus Thieu and two other students celebrate UMKC Commitment Day. Photo by Brandon Parigo
Walking to class
"As simple as it sounds, I've missed the ability to enjoy the fresh air while walking around campus. Walking between campus buildings is a basic luxury I've missed after spending this last year on Zoom."
-Marcu Thieu '22
Feeling connected
"When I'm in-person for school, I feel so strongly connected to my community. I look forward to getting that feeling of connection back! I look forward to sitting with small study groups in the library in-between classes and coffee dates with my friends on campus."
-Kylie Bias '23
Meeting old friends, making new
"I cannot wait to study with my friends at the library. Every time I am there, I run into someone old and someone new. We start by catching up or sharing what we are studying. Then, that turns into a minutes-long conversation with not much studying but that's what college is about — meeting people from all over."
-Ansel Herrera-Garcia '23
Jun 28, 2021
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UMKC alumnus purchases popular local business
Roos are, in fact, everywhere. Sometimes, they’re in our own backyard making cool treats in the summer heat.
Alec Rodgers (’20) graduated from the Henry W. Bloch School of Management in Entrepreneurship and Finance and shortly thereafter found himself owning a Kansas City staple for ice cream: Betty Rae’s. We caught up with Alec for the full scoop on how his UMKC education prepared him for such sweet success.
What is your history with Betty Rae’s? What led you to become the owner?
It was junior year. I realized I’d be graduating the next year and wished I had a more fun job; enjoyed life a bit more. I was doing 60 hours a week, 18 credit hours. It was a lot. My mom went to a shaved-ice truck up north, and they were serving Betty Rae’s ice cream. She brought it home and said “The lady there said they might be hiring.” I said “Well, that sounds like a fun job.” David, then the part-owner, posted a photo of the new wallpaper that day, in the River Market location. I thought it was awesome wallpaper. I knew, whoever that was, I wanted to work for him. I met him the next day, and within the first month I could tell it was so different there. It felt like a family. I was going there to do homework and hang out; making waffle batter at 9 in the morning, just to be there. Everybody wanted to do that, too. I wanted to stay here the rest of my life and scoop ice cream, but I was studying finance and entrepreneurship. I graduated, started working for another company, and in February David and Mary approached me about buying the shop. I immediately said yes and put my two weeks in. It’s been fun.
Alec and the wallpaper that started it all.
What’s your UMKC story?
I actually started at Mizzou. The campus is beautiful. My friends there were amazing. It just wasn’t the culture I wanted, and I quickly realized that. After three weeks, I told my parents “I think I’m going to come home at semester and go to UMKC.” That was a big step for me, personally. So, I came to Kansas City to start at UMKC and loved it. Coming back here was the best decision I ever made. Sophomore year, I moved to England for six months, serving with youth there. It was a lot of fun. I took classes online while doing that, which again was the total opposite of what I thought I wanted to do. I was going to be done in four years, maybe three. Anything that got in the way of that was a distraction. And again, it was one of the best decisions I made. I learned a lot about myself and about people. I came back junior year and finished out here.
Were you involved in any extra-curricular activities?
Enactus was my main extra-curricular. I loved it. Working at the Regnier Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation kept me busy, but it also kept me involved in so many things here on campus and in the city. I would help with the Venture Hub and a few other services Regnier provided.
Betty Rae scoopers hard at work.
How did your UMKC education prepare you for your career?
Well, the thing I hated the most was group projects. Seriously. I knew I’d get stuck with the work of someone else the night before because they aren’t ready. Expectations wouldn’t match. Some peoples' were way up here and others were down here. That said, those experiences have served me more than anything else. Plus, getting to make connections here in Kansas City, going to school here and staying here, you foster a lot of relationships that I wouldn’t have had staying at Columbia. That’s been a huge advantage. The professors here were and are amazing. I still talk to them. I just texted one yesterday. I feel like that’s hard to find, because on a larger campus, you’re a number, which makes sense. They can’t be close to everyone. Here you’re in class of 25-40 people. You know the professor, and they know you. You get to learn from them not only as an instructor, but a person, too. It was awesome.
One more hard-hitting question: What is the best ice cream flavor?
We have rotating flavors and we have stationary flavors. My favorite rotating flavor, my favorite flavor of them all, is the Joe’s Burnt Ends. Stationary, I have to go for Goat Cheese, Apricot and Candied Walnut.
Alec shows off his favorite flavor of ice cream, featuring Joe's KC's burnt ends.
Jun 28, 2021
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Assistant professor of geosciences lends her expertise
“Because of the position of Dotsero being on the edge of the Colorado Plateau, there’s a possibility for future eruptions, but it’s much lower than in places like the Caribbean, where we know that magma is being made at depth regularly,” Alison Graettinger, assistant professor of geosciences at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, told Denver7.
Jun 25, 2021
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Master of fine arts program consistently recognized as one of the best performing arts schools
The Hollywood Reporter’s recent rankings have the University of Missouri-Kansas City Theatre graduate program among the top 25 in the U.S. for top dramatic and performing arts schools for the second year in a row.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the publication consulted with academics, influencers and alums to rank the top 25 master of fine arts acting programs. In the article, the publication ranked UMKC 23rd, up one spot from last year, and highlighted UMKC for bringing theatre, music and dance departments under one roof: the UMKC Conservatory.
For the fourth year in a row, The Hollywood Reporter has also included UMKC Theatre in its list of Top 10 Costume Design schools. UMKC Theatre offers a single comprehensive M.F.A. degree in costume design and technology, which has been key to its success. Students learn many skills including drawing, painting, sketching and learning how to construct a garment with techniques in fabric manipulation, millinery, tailoring and pattern drafting.
“This is a true testament to the long history of the program, the work the of the tremendous faculty, staff, students and alumni have been able to do over the years.,” said Ken Martin, Patricia McIlrath Endowed professor of Theatre and chair of UMKC Theatre. “As we move forward, grow and change, we expect to build on our reputation of excellence, and to continue to help bring young artists into the world of acting, design, management and technology.”
Martin was named chair of the UMKC Theatre Department when it merged with the Conservatory in 2019. The merger was a natural alignment: the two programs share a long history of collaboration, a physical space, a teaching model featuring intensive hands-on training for students while they gain analytical skills taught by professional performing artists, a professional-school focus, a strong national reputation, a spirit of civic engagement and a supportive philanthropic audience.
In addition to its on-campus partnership with Kansas City Repertory Theatre, this year the program continues to partner with Unicorn Theatre, Coterie Theatre and Kansas City Actors Theatre, featuring MFA and Bachelor of Arts acting students in major professional roles.
Alumni include Nick Gehlfuss of “Chicago Med,” Patrick DuLaney of “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child” on Broadway and Toccara Cash of Broadway’s “The Play That Goes Wrong” and “Half Me, Half You” at London’s West End.
Jun 24, 2021
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Local media celebrate UMKC alumna's return to Olympics
Courtney Frerichs. UMKC alumna from Nixa, Missouri, qualified for her second straight Olympics in her signature event, the 3,000-meter steeplechase, late Thursday at the U.S. Olympic Trials in Eugene, Oregon. Read more from The Kansas City Star, which was picked up by the Marietta Daily Journal.
More headlines:
Naive and Scared No More, UMKC’s Courtney Frerichs Poised to Medal at Tokyo Olympics - The Kansas City Star (subscription required)
Nearly A Dozen Kansas City Area Athletes Will Compete At Tokyo Olympics - Fox4KC
UMKC Alumna Courtney Frerichs Qualifies for 2020 Tokyo Olympics - KSHB
Jun 24, 2021
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Kansas City performing arts media highlights UMKC Conservatory students in Apprentice Artist Program for the 2021-2022 season
The artists for the Apprentice Artist Program for the 2021-2022 season include UMKC students Soprano Amy Stuart-Flunker and Mezzo-Soprano Katarina Galagaza. Read the story in The Pitch. This was also covered by KC Applauds.
Jun 24, 2021
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KSHB taps Ann Marie Marciarille
A Missouri judge determined that the voter-approved Medicaid expansion amendment not only omitted how the expansion would be paid for, but that people don't have the power to tell the legislature how to spend the state’s money, according to Ann Marie Marciarille, UMKC School of Law professor. Read the full article and watch the newscast.
Jun 23, 2021
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Ken Novak explains the case for KMBC
Ken Novak, a criminal justice and criminology professor at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, said he also learned about the case this week. “There are too many different people, innocent people, who would have their information and data captured by the government,” Novak said after reviewing details of the case. “The risk wasn’t worth the reward.” Read the story and watch the newscast.
Jun 23, 2021
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UMKC celebrates 17th annual Lavender Graduation and Pride Awards
Students, faculty, staff and alumni were honored during the University of Missouri-Kansas City 17th annual Lavender Graduation and Pride Awards Celebration.
“While this year has certainly been unconventional, it’s all the more reason for us to celebrate the accomplishments our incredible students have,” Kari Jo Freudigmann said in her welcome address.
Freudigmann is the assistant director for LGBTQIA Programs and Services in the Office of Student Involvement. The department organizes the annual banquet, which took place virtually on May 5 this year due to COVID-19.
“At its foundation, the Lavender Graduation ceremony celebrates the achievements of graduates across the spectrum of sexual and gender diversity,” Freudigmann said.
The event celebrates LGBTQIA graduates and Pride Award recipients. The awards recognize members of the UMKC community who have contributed to the betterment of the LGBTQIA community through education, support, programming or activism.
“These recipients have demonstrated not only a commitment to LGBTQIA equality, but represent a challenge for us to continually do better as a community, fulfilling our commitment to social justice,” Freudigmann said.
Kole Keeney (B.S. Computer Science ‘21) was the celebration’s keynote speaker. Keeney said when he was introduced to UMKC’s LGBTQIA programs and services four years ago, he “had no idea the opportunities it would lead to.”
“When I first came out as trans(gender) in my small town, I was afraid I was doomed to a life of hardship and loneliness, but once I set foot in the rainbow lounge, I realized that life still had the potential to be the exact opposite — to be filled with love, acceptance and most importantly, rainbows,” Keeney said during his speech. “Always remember that you make the world a better place, not in spite of who you are, but because of who you are.”
Outstanding Faculty & Staff Award, recognizes LGBTQIA, or allied facility and staff, who have contributed to a positive campus climate for LGBTQIA individuals.
Alberto Villamandos, Ph.D., associate professor and chair of the Foreign Languages and Literature Department. Villamandos has changed the curriculum of undergraduate and graduate Spanish classes to include more queer people of color in readings. He also has open conversations in the classroom about intersex, lesbian, gay and bisexual liberation.
Jim Wanser Award, recognizes individuals who have volunteered hours of service to the UMKC LGBTQIA community or greater Kansas City LGBTQIA community.
Bridget Wray is the publicity chair of the Sexuality and Gender Alliance Council and has provided leadership both on campus and in the greater Kansas City community. She helped develop Kansas City’s first LGBTQIA job fair, which featured over 25 employers and had over 300 attendees.
“Always remember that you make the world a better place, not in spite of who you are, but because of who you are.” — Kole Keeney
Outstanding Alumni Award, recognizes one UMKC alumnus who works toward fostering an inclusive community at UMKC, or in the community in which they live and work.
Samantha Ruggles holds a nonprofit management degree from UMKC and is the former Executive Director of the Kansas City Center for Inclusion. During her time at KCCI, she turned Kansas City’s only queer center into a well-known establishment. Under her leadership, KCCI was able to build community partners, host multiple weekly events and host queer proms.
Collaborative Excellence Award, recognizes departments or campus organizations whose collaborative efforts have resulted in important resources and services for LGBTQIA students, faculty, staff or community members.
Kim Kushner and the New Student and Family Program in the Office of Student Involvement. Even in the last year amid COVID restrictions, Kushner and her office connected LGBTQIA students with campus resources. She has done this through numerous tabling events in the Student Union, as well as through The First Semester Experience.
LGBTQIA Student of the Year, recognizes one student for outstanding leadership, dedication and service within the university of in the community.
Elise Byers (’21), a School of Education graduate, served as Secretary of the Sexuality and Gender Alliance Council. The organization, which she previously served as Vice President, works to foster an environment of respect and appreciation around issues of diversity, including race, gender, ethnicity, social justice, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression. She was described by her nominator as “an advocate both inside and outside of the classroom.“It’s really nice to celebrate this and feel loved and safe, to feel comfortable and just proud,” Byers said. “I really loved being a part of UMKC and all of the queer groups on campus, which have been so welcoming and exciting to be a part of.”
All graduates were given a lavender stole to wear at commencement, which took place the weekend of May 15-16.
Jun 23, 2021
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Experts in mobility, climate and food waste share their knowledge
Three UMKC alumni who work at high levels in the sustainability field around the globe participated in the 10th Annual Sustainability Research Symposium this year.
The guest speaker panel featured College of Arts and Sciences alumni Rebecca Karbaumer (’06), James Mitchell (’13) and Penny Harrell (‘16).
Karbaumer is the mobility director for the City of Bremen, Germany and a promoter of mobility across the European Union. She is responsible for implementing Bremen’s Car-Sharing Action Plan and coordinating the Interreg North Sea Region project about shared mobility called SHARE-North.
Mitchell, a director at the Center for Climate-Aligned Finance and a principal at the Rocky Mountain Institute, is from London, England. He led the development of the Poseidon Principles, which launched in June 2019 as the first global climate-alignment agreement for financial institutions.
Harrell is a local graduate serving in the Environmental Protection Agency. Food waste is her specialty, and she organizes the Sustainable Food Management Summit at Wichita State University.
99 students submitted projects for the symposium. Those projects can still be viewed online.
Jun 23, 2021
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Kansas City Star includes the performance “Dragons Love Tacos” by the Coterie and performed by UMKC Theatre’s 306 Theatre Troupe
The Coterie will present “Dragons Love Tacos,” performed by UMKC Theatre’s 306 Theatre Troupe, outside in the Crown Center Square’s Entertainment Pavilion, opening at 10 a.m. June 30 and running through Aug. 8. Tickets ($12-$15) and more information are available at thecoterie.org. Read more. (subscription required)
Jun 23, 2021
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The Kansas City Star talked to Fengpeng Sun, UMKC Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences assistant professor
Summer heat can be deadly and some populations are at more risk because of their location.
“We want to show and study how the excessive warming pattern is distributed across our backyard in the KC metro area,” said Fengpeng Sun, assistant professor with the University of Missouri-Kansas City Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, which is leading the campaign to find out where those heat islands exist in Kansas City. Read the full story. Watch the video. (subscription required)
Jun 23, 2021
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Entire class of UMKC med students has been certified and volunteered to give COVID vaccines.
It didn’t take long for the inaugural class at the UMKC School of Medicine’s new St. Joseph campus to make an impact on rural medicine.
January, as the COVID vaccines were ramping up, the entire class of 20 UMKC medicine students at Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph took up the charge to become fully vaccinated vaccinators themselves. For their efforts, the Patterson Family Foundation, a Kansas City family-led foundation promoting rural health care, awarded the school and Mosaic a $15,000 gift to use in recognition and support of their rural medicine vaccination efforts.
“A lot of individuals as well as the medical centers they work for really put a lot of resources, time and energy into getting the (rural) population vaccinated,” said Steve Waldman, M.D., dean of the school’s St. Joseph campus. “This is a very gracious gesture from the Patterson Family Foundation in recognition of the Mosaic-UMKC School of Medicine partnership and our efforts working in tandem to get the rural community vaccinated.”
The School of Medicine opened the St. Joseph campus in January in an effort to address the need for more rural physicians. Waldman said nobody realized just how quickly the effort would begin paying dividends.
UMKC students at Mosaic were only weeks into their medical school training when they became certified to administer vaccines and joined the volunteer effort to reach rural patients. They even administered shots to members of the school’s faculty as part of their vaccine training.
“The vision of the St. Joseph campus to increase additional rural health care providers was achieved and it occurred just a few weeks into the start of classes,” Waldman said. “In partnership with Mosaic Life Care, 100 percent of our students were trained as vaccinators and 100 percent of them volunteered to administer COVID vaccines. We didn’t have to wait four years for our students to start giving back. It happened immediately."
Davin Turner, D.O., chief medical officer at Mosaic Life Care, said: “The students from UMKC School of Medicine were an amazing resource for Mosaic and their contribution was invaluable. We were honored to work side by side with the students as they assisted with our vaccination efforts. We could not have administered the more than 47,000 first and second doses without their tireless efforts. To have them part of our Mosaic community has been an immediate benefit, and we can’t thank them enough. We are grateful others such as the Patterson Family Foundation recognized their efforts as well.”
The gift from the Patterson Foundation will be used to reward and recognize those who gave their time and in some cases took the risk early on to volunteer before being fully vaccinated.
Waldman said part of the funds would also go to training additional vaccinators.
“Hopefully they’ll never be needed, but we’re excited about being a lot more prepared,” he said.
Jun 22, 2021
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Fox4KC reports on new breast care center led by UMKC alumna
Amy Patel, medical director of the new Breast Care Center at Liberty Hospital, is a UMKC School of Medicine alumna and assistant professor of radiology. Read the story and watch the newscast.
Jun 22, 2021
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UMKC Conservatory student is one of 35 fellows mentioned in Broadway World article
Mark Bonner Jr., graduate assistant and doctoral candidate at the UMKC Conservatory, clinician and arranger, was chosen as a fellow for the 2021 Future of Music Faculty Fellowship Program.
Jun 22, 2021
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David Bamberger, UMKC professor of medicine, weighs-in on vaccine and shingles
People often feel the pain before the rash breaks out, said David Bamberger, professor of medicine at the University of Missouri-Kansas City and chief of infectious diseases at Truman Medical Centers/University Health. The Kansas City Star story was picked up by MSN Canada.
Jun 21, 2021
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KSHB taps Allen Rostron, School of Law professor
“So a lawsuit has been filed saying you need to follow through on what the Missouri voters ordered you to do,” Allen Rostron, a law professor at UMKC, said. “They set the direction for this and you have to follow their instruction. The state, the attorney general’s argument, is basically saying, ‘no we don’t have to because it’s up to us to make the decision about the appropriation of money to pay for it.’” Read the story and watch the newscast.
Jun 20, 2021
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The Hollywood Reporter again ranks UMKC Theatre
UMKC Theatre was No. 23 on the list.
Jun 19, 2021
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Missouri Ag Connection interviewed Dean Kevin Truman about roundtable events aimed at strengthening Missouri’s manufacturing sector
Missouri manufacturers, chambers of commerce and business and economic development organizations will team up with University of Missouri System researchers over the next 18 months in a series of roundtable events across the state aimed at strengthening Missouri’s manufacturing sector. The roundtable effort recognizes that these smaller manufacturers can have an outsized impact on the overall economic health of smaller, rural communities, said Kevin Truman, dean of the UMKC School of Computing and Engineering and a member of the core Consortium grant team. Read the full article.
Jun 18, 2021
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Physician Maria Uloko, M.D. (’15), a graduate of the School of Medicine, produces a popular podcast spotlighting people of color succeeding in STEM...
At first, Maria Uloko (’15) was proud of the looks of surprise, joy and comfort on the faces of people of color when she walked into a hospital room, and the patients saw a physician who looked like them. Soon, however, she began to question a society that still views Black physicians and scientists as an anomaly.
The situation made her angry, but after the murder of George Floyd last year, her anger hardened into resolve. She had been thinking about starting a podcast to highlight the achievements of people of color in STEM fields, but that summer, “someday” turned into “now.”
She launched “Battle Cry,” a podcast highlighting leaders of color in science, technology, engineering and medicine. On the podcast Twitter page, she proclaims, “We are here, we persevere, we resist then repeat.”
Today, Uloko practices urology at San Diego Sexual Medicine. Here are excerpts from a recent conversation with her.
When did you launch Battle Cry and why?
I started Battle Cry in the Summer of 2020 in the aftermath of the George Floyd murder. I had always had the idea of creating a storytelling podcast that tells the stories of BIPOC (Black, indigenous and people of color) in STEM and who they were. Often in these spaces, our voices and narratives are drowned out to fit into an institution that historically excluded us. With the rigorous training schedule of a surgical resident, it always felt more like a future project that I would do later in life. But after that horrific event, the urgency of creating something to reclaim my voice was pronounced. So, I just dove in and stopped worrying about perfection because the mission was so much greater than the need for perfection.
Why is spotlighting people of color working in STEM important to you?
I am the first of many in spaces that were never intended for me. I was the first woman from UMKC School of Medicine to match into the competitive field of genitourinary surgery (urology), the first Black class president there and the first Black woman to graduate from the University of Minnesota urology department. I wear those titles with a mixture of pride and pure exhaustion.
I lead with my race and identity because it is something I cannot separate myself from – nor would I want to. It is the first thing patients see when I enter a room and is oftentimes what defines our interaction.
During my medical training, I started noticing that every time I walked into a room of a patient of color, I would get a look of surprise, joy, comfort and elation radiating from their faces. For many of them, this was the first time they were getting care from someone that looked like them and shared their unique background and experience. These moments initially filled me with such pride that I could give back to my people in such a meaningful way. But then as the years went on, that pride turned into anger, resentment and sorrow. How was it that my 75-year-old patient had never had a Black physician? Why did I keep hearing “I never knew I could be a doctor” by numerous children, teens, and adults in this day and age when there is so much information and technology at our fingertips?
I was angry at a system that told Black and brown children they could not be whatever they wanted. I was resentful that these people could have been my colleagues if they had been supported or they had someone who believed that they could and showed them the way. And I was full of sorrow at so much lost potential to improve health care and save lives within Black, brown and lower socioeconomic communities.
How was it that they did not realize that they not only DESERVED to be treated by people that understand them, but it could actually save their lives? There are numerous studies showing that patients of color treated by providers of color have better outcomes and survival.
These encounters broke my heart, but with heartbreak comes action. The words – “I never knew we could be doctors” – replayed over and over in my head. These children weren’t being exposed to people that looked like them in the STEM fields.
I lead with my race and identity because it is something I cannot separate myself from – nor would I want to. It is the first thing patients see when I enter a room and is oftentimes what defines our interaction.
You typically go beyond career-oriented stories to portray your subjects as people, not just scientists. Why is that important to you?
I've always loved narrative storytelling. Stories define us, shape us, control us and make us. I think there is immense power when people share their story and what makes them, "them." It wasn't until college/medical school that I finally began hearing stories of other BIPOC doing such cool things, usually through podcasts. But finding people interested in STEM was still difficult. I knew that if I was going to do the hard work of anti-racism work and sustain my mental and emotional health, I wanted to do it through storytelling. I wanted to create a platform where I could give the microphone to these voices who have had to fight to get to where they were. I wanted our collective voices and stories to be a roaring and deafening battle cry, that we will not be silenced nor stop fighting. Hence the name, Battle Cry.
Stories define us, shape us, control us and make us. I think there is immense power when people share their story and what makes them, "them."
How has Battle Cry been received?
I am shocked by the popularity of the podcast. I honestly kept making the episodes as a form of healing during a really traumatic and ugly moment in our nation’s history. My goal was that if I could just expose one person to know they can do anything, all the time and commitment was worth it. I did not think this would be heard in six continents and making top podcast lists in several countries. It goes to show that people are more than ready for these stories.
I wanted our collective voices and stories to be a roaring and deafening battle cry, that we will not be silenced nor stop fighting. Hence the name, Battle Cry.
Did your experiences at UMKC influence your decision to launch the podcast, or influence its content? In what ways?
UMKC SOM is a very diverse place, and it was the first place where I felt celebrated for my differences, which was very affirming. The confidence of knowing who I am as a person and what my unique background attributed to my success is something I will always be grateful for. But even in this diverse place, I still had several encounters at UMKC that were frankly racist and shone the light on the disparities in health care and representation, which started my exploration of the historical context of why these disparities exist.
Tell us a little about your current medical practice:
I am a urologic surgeon in San Diego specializing in comprehensive sexual health including male and female sexual dysfunction and transgender care.
Jun 17, 2021
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Katherine Lurk reflects on the opportunities that abound for School of Pharmacy graduates
A work-from-home pharmacist, Katherine Lurk (’10) supports TrestleTree clients across the country with drug education and medication therapy designed to drive behavioral changes toward improved health and lower costs. With her clinical expertise, she also plays an important role on the company’s business development team.
How would you describe your current job as a pharmacist?
For the past 5-plus years, I have served TrestleTree in a clinical capacity, supporting a National Health Plan. As a pharmacist, I support client members with medication therapy management and solutions for drug and disease related concerns. I maintain active pharmacist licensure in 46 states plus Washington, D.C. That enables me to work directly with members in all parts of the United States. Additionally, I provide consultative support to the client's team of nurse case managers and for internal team of Health Coaches. I have also recently joined the business development team, bringing my clinical expertise and knowledge of TrestleTree's in-depth training and model for health transformation to new clients. My ongoing goal in this role is to build relationships and promote business expansion with large employer groups and benefit consultants to create behavior change and sustainable health improvements for individuals and families across the country.
What does a typical day look like in your role?
Typically, I provide clinical support to health coaching participants directly through telephone interactions and indirectly via phone and email communication with TrestleTree Health Coaches and nurse case managers. I also work with the business development team seeking new opportunities for business growth, providing presentations for potential clients, developing and implementing a marketing strategy, and learning the inner workings of business operations. It has been a very humbling, yet exciting, experience to employ my clinical expertise in the business world.
What do you most enjoy about your particular job?
I enjoy my team and the leadership at TrestleTree. From the top down, this company is infused with goodness, kindness and compassion. And, we practice what we preach. We believe everyone deserves the opportunity to live in good health. TrestleTree has a mission to create sustainable change for individuals in all walks of life.
Why did you decide on Pharmacy as a career choice?
Growing up, I discovered a love for science, particularly chemistry. I chose pharmacy because of the diversity in career opportunities, along with the ability to develop a career that aligned with my life goals. I wanted to create a fulfilling, professional career with work-life balance that enabled me to enjoy my family, too.
What were your plans as a pharmacist when you started school?
Initially, I had a passion for oncology. I wanted to be an oncology specialty pharmacist providing expertise in this complex field, especially around medication management. After completing my first year of residency, my plans changed and propelled me into a completely different area of practice.
How do you see the roles of pharmacists continuing to evolve in the future?
Opportunities for pharmacists continue to expand beyond traditional roles. Pharmacists possess a unique skill set that can be applied in research and business-driven roles along with clinical and industry specializations. With a recent transition to the business side, I have experienced first-hand the value of clinical knowledge and experience when sharing the inner workings of a company focused on improving health and optimizing clinical outcomes.
What would be your best advice for someone thinking about a career in pharmacy?
Keep an open mind and always look for unique opportunities. Be mindful of pivot points in your journey, the key decisions that will determine your path and the direction of your life. Embrace leadership roles early and throughout your education and develop relationships with instructors and peers.
Why should someone pick the UMKC School of Pharmacy?
UMKC offers a strong pharmacy education with many opportunities for students to explore their interests and develop their passions. It is also incredibly unique that the School of Pharmacy is located on Hospital Hill with the medical, dental and nursing schools creating a collaborative environment for learning and a team approach to clinical practice.
How did your time at the UMKC School of Pharmacy help prepare you for your current role as a pharmacist?
UMKC's rigorous academics provided me strong clinical skills and knowledge that I built upon during residency and years of clinical practice. I also embraced leadership opportunities in various organizations and worked closely with faculty and staff. These relationships proved to be valuable for referrals into internships and residency programs, and many of them remain part of my pharmacy network today.
What do you do outside of work for fun?
I enjoy spending time with family and friends, nice dinners, summers on the water, and watching my kids play the sports they love. Being a mom is the best and I'm grateful for a career that provides a balance between family and work.
Jun 16, 2021
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Joseph Lightner says plan aims to counter racism and its effects before they lead to chronic illness
Kansas City has a new, ambitious Community Health Improvement Plan addressing the underlying causes of poor health in the city, thanks in part to Joseph Lightner, an assistant professor in the UMKC School of Nursing and Health Studies.
Mayor Quinton Lucas appointed Lightner to the Kansas City Health Commission in spring of 2020, and he was co-chair of its committee that drew up the new plan. Cities revise their Community Health Improvement Plans, CHIPS for short, every five years as part of their national accreditation.
“The city’s plan drawn up in 2016 was innovative by focusing on social determinants of health — including homelessness, inadequate school finance, lack of transportation and access to health care — instead of the chronic health conditions that result,” said Lightner. He worked for the Kansas City Health Department as its liaison to the Health Commission before he joined the UMKC faculty in 2018.
“This 2022-2027 plan takes that one step further, acknowledging the systemic racism that’s underneath so many of the conditions that lead to poor health,” he said. “Kansas City is really a leader in focusing upstream at these causes, to try to solve the problem before it becomes the chronic diseases.”
That focus is needed, the plan says, as Kansas City has been identified as the fifth most racially and economically segregated city in the United States. Lightner, who has a master’s in public health and a doctorate in kinesiology, said the plan detailed goals for the city in six areas: public health infrastructure; safe and affordable housing; well-financed and trauma-informed education; violence prevention; implementation of Medicaid expansion; and equitable access to COVID-19 testing, vaccination and treatment resources.
“Even in a pandemic, most people die of chronic health conditions and the diseases they lead to, whether it’s obesity, diabetes, hypertension or something else related.” — Joseph Lightner, assistant professor
The pandemic showed the need for more public health capacity, Lightner said, especially in underserved areas. The plan notes that Missouri ranks 49th for state public health spending, making local and federal financing all the more important. The city does a good job with its own resources and attracting federal money, Lightner said, “but we need more.”
The plan starts by noting that the life-expectancy gap between ZIP codes with mainly white populations and those with mainly Black residents is wide, 18.2 years between the best and worst ZIP codes, and only grew wider from 2016 to 2019.
Though Kansas City’s health challenges are big, Lightner said the new plan’s goals could make a difference in the lives of thousands of residents. The plan was approved by the City Council, and resolutions and ordinances to advance several of the goals have already been introduced.
“Even in a pandemic, most people die of chronic health conditions and the diseases they lead to, whether it’s obesity, diabetes, hypertension or something else related,” Lightner said. “And people with these conditions, in poor health already, fare the worst from COVID.”
Lightner’s experience includes helping launch the nursing school’s undergraduate public health curriculum and getting students involved in innovative research that brings fitness and nutrition programs to area schools. He hopes his work on the Health Commission will further improve how the city tackles its health challenges.
“Working in the community is so important for our faculty,” he said, “to use our research to improve people’s lives and support the Kansas City community.”
Jun 16, 2021
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KCTV5 reports on Kansas City area colleges' requirements for COVID vaccine
Many area colleges are strongly recommending, yet not requiring the vaccine; Ottawa University, Mizzou, UMKC, UCM, Park University, Pittsburg State, MCC , KCKCC, JCCC and Benedictine College. Read the full article and watch the newscast.
Jun 15, 2021
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A KCUR conversation with the artist of the Corbin Roo
In addition to the kangaroo, Tom Corbin just finished work on a bronze life-size statue of President Harry S. Truman that will eventually find its home in Washington, D.C.
Jun 15, 2021
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Signature new program provides unique system of personalized support to help students graduate career-ready
Mako Miller, M.A.Ed, an experienced educational professional with an extensive background in career development, has been named director of the Professional Career Escalators program, the university’s signature new program providing a unique system of personalized support and services to propel students from their educational aspirations to good-paying careers.
The Career Escalators program, a centerpiece initiative of the UMKC Forward plan, will launch in Fall Semester 2022.
Miller comes to UMKC from Kauffman Scholars, where she has served as Career Services Manager for the last four years. She is past president of the Missouri Career Development Association, current president of the Kansas Association of Colleges and Employers and co-founder of Young Professionals of Color-Kansas City. She holds degrees from UMKC and Kansas State University, and has served on the UMKC School of Education Alumni Association Board of Directors.
Her role at Kauffman Scholars has included planning and implementing comprehensive career development experiences for college students, while developing ongoing relationships with Kansas City-area employers to facilitate connections with students.
“Mako comes to this position with a strong network of connections in the Kansas City community,” said Kristi Holsinger, Ph.D., senior vice provost for student success. “Her innovative thinking and enthusiasm will allow her to be a strategic, collaborative leader and a strong contributor to UMKC’s Culture of Care.
The escalators will be open to all admitted students, but the program is built on research and best practice that support UMKC goals to increase retention and graduation rates of underrepresented, first-generation and Pell-eligible students. At Kauffman Scholars, Miller created Roundtable Represent, a program that intentionally recruits professionals of color to connect and network with students to discuss issues around diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace and build relationships that allow students to see people who look like them in professional settings.
The initiative supports two key missions of the university: student success and community engagement. It will include applied learning experiences in the community, mentorship, support for admission to advanced professional education, and leadership training. Initial professional focus areas for the escalators, based on workforce need and personal career opportunity, include healthcare, education, engineering/business and law/justice. Others will be added in the future in response to workforce demand trends.
The program components are shaped by empirical evidence on the most effective contributors to student success in higher education. Each escalator will be created in alignment with the academic discipline and provide meaningful and ongoing experiences in the following areas:
Career Discovery, Guidance & Development
Mentoring and Assessment with Student Support Referrals
Applied Learning Experience (such as internship, job shadowing, service learning)
Professional Access Preparation (such as test prep, personal statement, interviews, letters of recommendation, timelines)
Leadership Development Credential (focusing on inclusive excellence, attaining durable/essential skills)
Jun 14, 2021
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Meet five recent UMKC graduates who went straight from campus to the first stage of a rewarding career
More than 2,300 UMKC students participated in commencement exercises at Kauffman Stadium in May, and many of them went straight from campus to ballpark to the first stage of a rewarding career.
Meet four members of the UMKC Class of 2021 – and one who returned to celebrate her 2020 graduation in a pandemic-delayed ceremony.
Courtney Collins ’21
Henry W. Bloch School of Management
Where will you be working, and what excites you about this opportunity to launch a career?
I will be doing the Estee Lauder summer internship. There are about 100 interns from across the country that are placed on teams. Estee Launder has 25 to 30 brands in everything from cosmetics to skincare to fragrances. I will be the marketing intern for two of the luxury fragrance brands. Some of my responsibilities will include working with budding influencers and learning and reviewing customer insights. I’m excited to put what I have learned at UMKC into practice and hopefully have a full-time offer by the end of summer.
How did your UMKC education make this possible?
I made a ton of great connections through the Bloch School. I completed a full-time internship with SkillPath in Kansas City. I was also on executive boards for both a business fraternity and a social sorority. Those helped to really round out my experiences on campus and helped me develop skills that were easily translatable in interview situations. In the spring of 2020 I completed a study abroad program in Spain where I was able to take an international marketing class. My professors abroad were super helpful in giving insight on the international marketing industry, so that helped open up a door for me that I could pursue.
Courtney Collins
What are your long-term career goals?
I had this running joke with my friends, because UMKC has so many specific programs like pre-law and pre-med, I would tell people that I’m pre-CEO. It’s what I would love to do, be a leader of a group or an organization. It’s truly humbling to be in those positions. I would also love to be a brand manager or do something in the creative field. But in the long run I would love to potentially start my own company.
"Because UMKC has so many specific programs like pre-law and pre-med, I would tell people that I’m pre-CEO." — Courtney Collins
Jacob Furry ’21
Conservatory
Where will you be working, and what excites you about this opportunity to launch a career?
I'll be teaching K-5 general music at Welborn Elementary School in Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools. I'm looking forward to applying what I've learned during my time at UMKC to my own classroom this fall! I'll be teaching music to more than 500 kids at Welborn, which seems a bit daunting, admittedly, but I'm confident it will be very fulfilling. It's inspiring how much KCKPS supports the arts, and I'm excited to start my career within that community.
How did your UMKC education make this possible, in terms of classes, extracurriculars, internships, service-learning opportunities, networking opportunities, etc.?
The thoroughness of the curriculum in the music education program at UMKC and the overwhelming support I've received from the faculty has allowed me to approach my first year of teaching with confidence. I know I don't have all the answers, and that I'll undoubtedly struggle as a first-year teacher, but UMKC has given me mentors and colleagues that I can always lean on for support.
Jacob Furry at Welborn Elementary School
One of my favorite things about the music education program at UMKC is the large amount of time pre-service teachers are able to spend in real classrooms. During my time at UMKC, I had observation/student teaching placements in four schools across three districts in the KC metro area, ranging K-12. These placements offered a wide breadth of experiences working with many different kinds of students, allowing me to figure out exactly what I enjoyed doing the most. I landed on teaching elementary music!
"I had an amazing experience with undergraduate research while a student at UMKC, and I was even able to present my work at a national music education conference this year." — Jacob Furry
What are your long-term career goals?
I definitely plan on going back to school in the future. I had an amazing experience with undergraduate research while a student at UMKC, and I was even able to present my work at a national music education conference this year. I've found that education is a very dynamic field. We're always learning new and better ways to help students succeed, and I loved being able to make a small contribution to that evolving knowledge base through my own research. After I get some real-world teaching experience under my belt, I'd love to do more of that.
Tami Greenberg ’20
Henry W. Bloch School of Management
Greenberg has served as CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Kansas City for six years, and will continue in that role after earning an Executive Master of Business Administration degree.
Where will you be working, and what excites you about this opportunity to enhance your career?
I undertook the Executive MBA journey not to “launch” my career, but to enhance and strengthen it. I am excited about demonstrating in my daily role the things I learned in the program, including leadership, strategy, business acumen, financial management, advocacy, marketing, innovation, influence and persuasion.
Tami Greenberg, third from left in front row, with her EMBA cohort at commencement
How did your UMKC education make this possible?
I enjoyed how we moved through in a cohort learning model. Our group became very close, and we learned not just from our professors and classes, but also from one another. I believe strongly that “sharp knives make each other sharper,” and I am grateful for all the “sharp knives” I got to know through my UMKC executive education. And I would be remiss if I did not mention all the extraordinary guest speakers – I felt lucky to have such access to the leaders who visited our program. One of the promises of the EMBA at UMKC is “you learn something on Saturday, that you put into practice the following Monday.” I found that to be true while I was actively in the program, and it continues to be true now.
What are your long-term career goals?
It is an honor and privilege to keep families close to their seriously ill children. With three Ronald McDonald Houses and a Ronald Family Room here in Kansas City, we serve 87 families with sick kids every night. My long-term career goals are to be the best possible leader for this organization, to ensure that we are delivering our mission with excellence and care, and to maintain the highest possible business standards in leading this team and this work.
Fiona Isiavwe ’21
Henry W. Bloch School of Management
Tell me how you found the job opportunity with Deloitte, what is your title there and what excites you about this opportunity to launch your career?
I will be starting off as an audit assistant with Deloitte. I was on the executive board of four student organizations, serving part-time as a Supplemental Instruction Leader and enrolled in 15 credit hours, while maintaining a 4.0 cumulative GPA when a national recruiter with Deloitte reached out to me via Handshake. Deloitte is filled with some of the brightest minds across the globe. I am excited to be able to work alongside such incredibly talented people, learn and continually challenge myself, and have fun during the process!
How did your UMKC education make this possible, in terms of classes, extracurriculars, internships, service learning opportunities, networking opportunities, etc.?
I remember when I was first scouted by my recruiter, she remarked that my Handshake profile had stood out to her from the others. My access to Handshake was provided through the UMKC Bloch career services department. My academic achievements were a testament to the academic resources available at UMKC. At the Bloch school, I was surrounded by faculty who believed in me and took the time to mentor and encourage me.
Fiona Isiavwe
In addition, the academic resources available like Supplemental Instruction, the tutoring center, writing studio and labs were of huge help to my academic success and I found the networking opportunities organized by the Bloch school to be worthwhile. I remember always leaving feeling ignited upon listening to the experiences of Bloch alumni and guests. Their stories made me feel like my dreams were valid, possible, and attainable.
"I want others to see that their hopes and dreams are valid, possible, and attainable." — Fiona Isiavwe
What are your long-term career goals?
I am grateful for this opportunity and hope to work my way up, gaining as much insight as I can along the way. I hope to venture into special projects back home in Nigeria and across the globe, give back and be a testament to those in positions where I once was. I want others to see that their hopes and dreams are valid, possible, and attainable.
Emma Stark ’21
School of Nursing and Health Studies
Stark will be working at North Kansas City Hospital as a nurse technician until she takes her Nursing Licensure Exam and will then start her role as a critical care nurse.
Where will you be working and what excites you about this opportunity to launch a career?
I will be working at North Kansas City Hospital as a critical care float nurse, working in the hospital’s various intensive care units as well as the emergency department. I am excited to continue working on the front lines serving the greater Kansas City area. Nursing is an ever-changing and growing career field and I am excited to continue learning every day.
How did your UMKC education make this possible?
UMKC opened many doors for me within my field. I was provided almost double the clinical hours of many other programs and this allowed me to develop connections with many leaders within the nursing profession. UMKC also made sure I was able to experience different nursing settings and hospitals so I could determine my passion. My first-ever clinical placement is actually how I discovered North Kansas City Hospital and fell in love with their mission.
What are your long-term career goals?
I know I want to pursue higher education. I want to help reform the health care system in our country and make health care more accessible to the entire population. I have a passion for helping people and I specifically want to make a difference in impoverished and underserved communities.
Jun 14, 2021
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KCUR features UMKC School of Education alumnus Khalil Jones
Khalil Jones spent most of the year teaching English Language Arts to his East High School students from his bedroom. He recently graduated from the University of Missouri-Kansas City. Read more from KCUR.
Jun 14, 2021
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KSHB features Judy Jacobs, UMKC alumnus and 2016 Defying the Odds Alumni Association Award winner
Judy Jacobs received an MBA and a Ph.D. from UMKC. Jacobs received the 2016 Defying the Odds Award from the UMKC Alumni Association. Read the story and watch the newcast.
Jun 14, 2021
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Dynamic duo at Columbia campus cares for farmers
The heart of UMKC is our campus community. With lots of opportunities, it’s easy to develop student mentorship teams. And these rich relationships—our Dynamic Duos—are some of our best success stories.
Growing up in a farm family, Kelly Cochran’s passion is spreading the message that rural healthcare needs to be a top priority in Missouri and throughout the U.S.
“We need to take care of the people who are feeding us,” says Cochran, a clinical associate professor at the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Pharmacy in Columbia, Missouri. “Farmers often don’t have healthcare close by, and it’s challenging for them to take the time off to see a provider.”
So Cochran and her pharmacy students deliver health care to farmers.
They’re part of Pharm to Farm, a statewide outreach program of the Missouri AgrAbility Project, that helps farmers identify medical risks through their local pharmacist. In many rural Missouri areas, pharmacists fill healthcare gaps and are the first face farmers see for their health and safety.
“This program has inspired me to be more outgoing. Through my experiences, I feel that I am gaining communications skills that will help me as a pharmacist.” - Cassidy Jones
Cassidy Jones (PharmD '22) chose the UMKC School of Pharmacy campus in Columbia, Missouri, because it is near the rural community she plans to work in.
The UMKC School of Pharmacy faculty-student teams conduct health screenings at farms and events. With Cochran’s mentorship, Cassidy Jones (PharmD ’22) planned the UMKC School of Pharmacy screening at the Great Plains Growers Conference at Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph, Missouri.
It meant scheduling shifts for students to conduct health assessments including taking blood pressure and asking questions about medication — not an easy task because it was a volunteer duty three hours from the Columbia campus and an hour away from the Kansas City location. Students from the Springfield campus work at events, too, but since this one was nearly five hours away during a break, they sat this one out.
“I started planning this event shortly after the semester began in August,” says Jones, who grew up on a small farm in Auxvasse, Missouri, about 30 minutes from Columbia.
Because Jones shows horses, it was important for her to be close to home for her studies, which is why she chose the UMKC School of Pharmacy campus at the University of Missouri in Columbia. After she graduates, she hopes to work as a pharmacist in Mexico, Missouri, surrounded by farms nearby.
“This program has inspired me to be more outgoing,” Jones says. “I am usually very shy, but in the future, I will need to have the confidence to counsel patients, consult with physicians and be a leader in the pharmacy. Through my experiences, I feel that I am gaining communications skills that will help me as a pharmacist.”
Cochran enjoys mentoring students like Jones.
“We need to take care of the people who are feeding us. Farmers often don’t have healthcare close by, and it’s challenging for them to take the time off to see a provider.” - Kelly Cochran
Kelly Cochran, at left, grew up on a farm, and is passionate about teaching pharmacy students such as Cassidy Jones, at right, about rural healthcare.
“My favorite part is seeing students find success in their future career paths,” she says. “In particular, when they recognize their roles as servant leaders and advocates for health and medication safety among the rural communities they will serve.”
At the growers conference, Jones lugged in a rolling cart filled with boxes of supplies and pamphlets that filled the trunk of the car she shared with Cochran on the drive from Columbia. One leaflet was called “Standing Tall to Prevent Falls,” the most frequent accident to occur on farms. Another was “Better Sleep for the Farmer Stuck Counting Sheep” about sleep hygiene — a study found that farmers who slept less than normal experienced 7.4 times higher risk of having balance issues, which could lead to poor work or an injury.
Jones and others set up wayfinding signs to the UMKC School of Pharmacy health-screening area, tucked away from the flow of the conference to give farmers and growers privacy.
“You might want to walk around and let people know we’re here,” Cochran suggested to Jones. “They’ll probably respond to students better than a faculty member like me.”
Soon after Jones launched her recruiting mission, men and women trickled in.
“I haven’t been to a doctor in eight years,” says Matthew Shoop, a row-crop farmer from Platte County. After his screening, he says health screenings are needed for farmers like him. Stress, among others things, is common because of the unpredictability that goes hand in hand with the career.
“If not for this screening, I don’t know when I would have been seen.”
“My favorite part is seeing students find success in their future career paths. In particular, when they recognize their roles as servant leaders and advocates for health and medication safety among the rural communities they will serve.” - Kelly Cochran
Cassidy Jones, a pharmacy student at left, spent months preparing for a health screening at a growers conference in St. Joseph, Missouri.
The Need for Rural Health Care in Missouri
By the Numbers
98 of 101 Rural counties in Missouri are considered primary care Health Professional Shortages Areas. 2- to 4-fold Medicine can increase risk of injury while using farm equipment. 10+ Miles that many of Missouri’s residents live from the nearest drugstore. Many rural residents live even farther from primary-care doctors and specialists.
Health of Farmers
Common issues
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and diabetes are more prevalent in rural areas.
Incontinence, sleep deprivation, pain and heart disease increase the rate of farm accidents.
Medicines often cause dizziness, confusion, drowsiness, blurred vision, lightheadedness and gait problems — increasing injuries on farms.
Farmers’ stoic nature often prevents sharing health concerns with family members and friends.
UMKC School of Pharmacy care through Pharm to Farm faculty and students
They help farmers identify medicines that might be of risk to them.
They talk about ways to improve safety on the farm.
They conduct health screenings.
They work with pharmacists raised in non-rural areas to teach them about farm values: independence, pride, thrift, skepticism and a strong work ethic.
They also talk about safety barriers in rural settings such as long work hours and seasonal deadlines.
Jun 12, 2021
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UMKC professor’s gift increases collection security, longevity
When Linda E. Mitchell, Ph.D., professor of history and the Martha Jane Phillips Starr Missouri Distinguished Endowed Professor of Women’s and Gender Studies at UMKC, began to think about estate planning, she decided to create an endowment fund for the Gay and Lesbian Archives of Mid-America (GLAMA.)
Mitchell’s academic career has focused on women’s, gender and sexuality studies, mostly in reference to the history of women and families in the Middle Ages. The combination of her research in medieval studies and gender and sexuality revealed that historically, gender has never been seen as simply a binary, despite what some people may think.
“This is what happens when you study history,” she says. “Situations were often more complicated than people try to make them.”
Because of her mentoring of students in history and women’s, gender and sexuality studies, Mitchell was familiar with GLAMA’s mission to collect, preserve and make accessible materials that are part of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) communities’ history in the Kansas City region. GLAMA is housed in the LaBudde Special Collections at the Miller Nichols Library, and Mitchell has worked closely with Stuart Hinds, curator of special collections, on developing research projects for students in the archival collections housed at La Budde, including those that form part of GLAMA.
In addition to her professional interest, Mitchell’s connection to the collection is personal.
“My brother and his husband are two of the most important people in my life,” Mitchell says. “As I began making plans for my estate, I wanted to support GLAMA in their honor. I contacted Stuart to see if the archives had an endowed fund.”
Close-up of AIDS Memorial Quilt display Kansas City Municipal Auditorium, 1991
Hinds confirmed that GLAMA did not have an endowment, and Mitchell decided to create the Bill Mitchell and Jeff Halpern Endowment for GLAMA.
“I felt that establishing this endowment was tremendously important,” Mitchell says. “We are seeing even now attempts to erase and denigrate the history of underrepresented groups—such as women and people who do not identify themselves in binary-gendered ways—and this fund can provide some security for the collection.”
Hinds recognizes the importance in compiling the documentation of the LGBTQIA community in Kansas City that reflects a history that was previously left out of the traditional local historical narrative.
“The value inside the community really centers around preservation,” Hinds says. These stories, photographs and materials are preserved, and they're given a long-term home so they don't disappear. Over the years many donors have told me that one of the reasons they were interested in donating is because they were concerned that their family might not see the value in these memorabilia and throw it away.”
"Kansas City is lucky to have GLAMA. The archives improve the national perception of the city." — Linda E. Mitchell
While the loss of personal stories is concerning, the significance of preservation is inclusion on a broader scale.
“We're really at a moment where we're trying to incorporate a much wider variety of stories in the American historical narrative, some of which aren't very pleasant,” Hinds says. “It's the job of these kinds of archives to broaden that inclusion so historians can accomplish the work that they are trying to achieve.”
“Kansas City is lucky to have GLAMA,” Mitchell says. “The archives improve the national perception of the city. It’s not only barbecue and football. We live in one of the most culturally rich and complex cities in the country. GLAMA is a great component of that diversity.”
Jun 11, 2021
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UMKC Law faculty and alumni play major role in effort to attract urban youth to careers in law
Throughout the month of June, lawyers, judges and law professors are working with urban high school students to introduce them to the legal system and pique their interest in legal careers. UMKC School of law faculty and alumni are playing a major role.
The program is called the Student Law Academy, and it is sponsored by the Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Foundation and PREP-KC, an organization that works with urban school districts in the Kansas City metro to help young people explore their futures.
During the month-long program, high school students will participate in information/mentoring sessions with lawyers, judges and professors on topics such as the Life Cycle of a Lawsuit, Persuasive Public Speaking, Negotiating Styles, TV vs. Reality and School Speech and the First Amendment.
“Participating in the Student Law Academy is just one example of our commitment to engage with and serve the community,” said Lorie Paldino, assistant director of Law Admissions for the UMKC School of Law. “Through this program, we are building bridges connecting the community, the legal profession and our students, faculty and alumni to each other, providing valuable opportunities for access, knowledge and networking.”
UMKC School of Law faculty leading Academy sessions include Sean O’Brien, Mikah K. Thompson and Daniel B. Weddle. Among the many UMKC alumni participating are Dana Tippin Cutler and Keith A. Cutler, Tim Dollar, Jolie Justus, Sherri Wattenbarger, Michelle Wimes and the Hon. J. Dale Youngs.
“The Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Foundation values diversity in the legal profession. Our Student Law Academy program allows our local legal community to take active steps to provide underserved high school students, who would not otherwise have the opportunity, meaningful exposure to different careers within the legal profession,” said Jill M. Katz, 2021 foundation president. “One goal of the academy is to help students create connections with lawyers and judges. These connections are crucial for students as they explore what their futures hold.”
Jun 10, 2021
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UMKC student Alexej Savreux has rereleased a collection of poetry that runs the gamut from broken hearts to complex physics theory.
Alexej Savreux is currently a year into a graduate degree in theater tech at the University of Missouri-Kansas City and recently became a sponsored poet at Poetry for Personal Power. The position uses poetry and art to uplift and support people in need, particularly those with mental health diagnoses. Read the story from KCUR.
Jun 10, 2021
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KSHB reports on Courtney Frerichs' Olympic Trials run
UMKC alum Courtney Frerichs is hoping to get a second shot at an Olympic gold medal during the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games. Read the article and watch the newscast.
Jun 10, 2021
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Yahoo Finance consults with UMKC Bloch Assistant Professor of Health Administration Christopher Garmon
“You go to an emergency room that’s in your health plan’s network, but you’re treated by a physician there that’s not in your network, or you schedule a surgery and your surgeon’s in network but then it turns out the anesthesiologist is out of network,” Christopher Garmon, assistant professor of health administration at University of Missouri-Kansas City, told Yahoo Finance.
Jun 10, 2021
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Nathan Mauck weighs-in for KCTV5
“I think there are multiple reasons why folks are staying out of the workplace,” said UMKC Associate Professor of Finance Nathan Mauck. Mauck believes some unemployed people have been reluctant to look for work because they fear catching the virus. Read the full article and watch the newscast.
Jun 10, 2021
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KSHB taps William Black for story about consumer prices
While spiking demand and limited supply is driving up prices, William Black, associate professor of economics and law at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, said inflation is not happening everywhere. Read the article and watch the newscast.
Jun 10, 2021
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UMKC's Jenifer Allsworth weighs-in for Flatland article
Jenifer Allsworth, an epidemiologist and professor at University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine, said that had the study been done a few months ago, the states’ rankings would have been more closely aligned. But vaccination rates in Kansas have gone up while infection rates have gone down in recent weeks. Read the article.
Jun 09, 2021
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Keynote speaker for Leadership Conference Donna Brazile evokes past leaders to inspire continued action
Donna Brazile, in the keynote address for this year’s Women of Color Leadership Conference, praised women of color for refusing to give up or give in to the forces trying to hold them back.
Brazile, a longtime Democratic Party leader, also encouraged the members of her virtual audience to keep using their voices to further the dream of a just, inclusive America.
In an address rich in cultural, historical and culinary references, Brazile said America was strengthened by its diversity and needed to include everyone to be at its best. She said women of color put the “Still” in this year’s conference theme, “Still We Rise.” And she likened women of color to the roux in gumbo, binding everything together and giving the dish spice and body. Without the roux, she said, there’s no gumbo. “It’s just soup.”
Brazile also paid homage to Kansas City, saying its communities of color had made vital contributions to American culture, from barbecue to “Charlie Parker’s saxophone.” And she praised the Black entrepreneurs who turned the 18th and Vine area into a vital district long ago, including the Gem Theater and the stadium for the Kansas City Monarchs of Negro Leagues Baseball fame.
She also remarked on the Kansas City community’s courage a century ago and wondered how its members must have felt when they learned of the massacre that occurred not so far away in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She marveled at 107-year-old Viola Fletcher, a survivor who as a 7-year-old fled the Tulsa massacre with her family.
In the past, Brazile said, she has been inspired by seeing Fletcher testify before Congress and believing in a promising future for all Americans. On Tuesday, Brazile said, she was inspired to see Fletcher with President Biden in Tulsa at the ceremony marking the 100th anniversary of the tragedy.
Brazile also drew on words that have encouraged her, including:
“It took me quite a long time to develop a voice, and now that I have it, I am not going to be silent.”
— Madeline Albright, former secretary of state
“Our role is to dream a better world and to work courageously to make that dream possible.”
— Isabel Allende, author and activist
“Don’t doubt what you know.”
— Kerry Washington, actress and producer
And in her own words, Brazile summed up, “Together, we are strong, powerful and daring to make a positive difference.”
Also on the program for the day were panel discussions on mental health and on solidarity among women of color; Danielle Metz, a former prison inmate whose humanitarian efforts include helping incarcerated girls and women; and ballerina Karen Brown, who spoke on the importance of movement for good health and led an interactive session.
Jun 07, 2021
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KCUR talks to Stuart Hinds
Stuart Hinds, curator of Special Collections and Archives at UMKC and curator of the Gay and Lesbian Archives of Mid America, was a guest on Up to Date.
Jun 05, 2021
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Kansas City Star features event with Stuart Hinds, curator of Special Collections & Archives at the University of Missouri-Kansas City; and Austin ...
The Mid-Continent Public Library will host an online discussion about the history of LGBTQ activism in Kansas City with Stuart Hinds, curator of Special Collections & Archives at the University of Missouri-Kansas City; and Austin Williams, director of the award-winning documentary The Ordinance Project. Hinds said the event is important because it brings awareness to civil right struggles and forgotten history. Read the Kansas City Star article, which was picked up by MSN.
Jun 04, 2021
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Endowment benefits UMKC Conservatory and the Women’s Council Graduate Assistance Fund
The late Caroline McBride French was an enthusiastic UMKC Conservatory donor and volunteer.
A successful attorney in Kansas City, French was active on the Friends of the UMKC Conservatory board, a fervent supporter of Crescendo, the Conservatory’s signature fundraiser and a member of the UMKC Women’s Committee for the UMKC Conservatory.
“Music was her primary love,” says Don Dagenais, a longtime Conservatory supporter. “She had a great business sense and made very sophisticated investments. As a woman attorney in her day, she must have been quite a barrier breaker.”
Her business acumen and her love for the arts resulted in a generous gift to support academic assistance for students at UMKC. Her estate gift of $800,000 will establish The Caroline McBride French Endowed Scholarship Fund of the UMKC Conservatory. An additional $460,000 will support the William L. and Caroline M. French Graduate Assistance Fund (GAF) named award through the UMKC Women’s Council.
“We are grateful for Mrs. French’s support. Endowed scholarships like this one ensure that we are able to bring more talented students into our programs.” - Diane Petrella
“We are grateful for Mrs. French’s support,” says Diane Petrella, dean of the UMKC Conservatory. “Endowed scholarships like this one ensure that we are able to bring more talented students into our programs. For many of them, scholarships are the essential piece of the puzzle that makes pursuing a degree in the arts a possibility.”
As an attorney, French would have been aware of the need to support women in advanced degrees. The Women’s Council Graduate Assistance Fund has provided short-term assistance to more than 2,200 women graduate students since its inception in 1970.
“Every time we receive a major gift like this one from Caroline French, we know it will help countless number of women complete their research, travel to perform or present at an academic conference or afford other expenses that may otherwise stand between them and an advanced degree,” says Debbie Brooks, J.D., president of the UMKC Women’s Council board of directors. “We are fortunate that Caroline had the foresight to provide these women that opportunity.”
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Flatland interviews professor Heather Lyons-Burney
To pharmacist and University of Missouri-Kansas City professor Heather Lyons-Burney, one of the largest roadblocks to recovery is the stigma around addiction. Read more.
Jun 03, 2021
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UMKC faculty provide financial insight for Ask the Experts blog with WalletHub
Ask The Experts: Best Credit Cards Sign-Up Bonuses - Jeff Johnson, assistant professor of Marketing, Henry W. Bloch School of Management at UMKC
Ask The Experts: Best No Credit Check Credit Cards - Judith Popper, clinical professor, UMKC School of Law
Jun 03, 2021
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Read what UMKC's Daniel McIntosh tells the Kansas City Star
Daniel McIntosh, chairman of the department of physics and astronomy at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, hasn’t heard any of his science colleagues mention the Pentagon report. Read the full article. Subscription required.
Jun 03, 2021
