Percival Everett’s book ‘James’ is one of the year’s most notable novels
One of the nation’s hottest authors -- Percival Everett, author of “James,” the 2024 National Book Award for Fiction -- will give a keynote lecture open to the community, courtesy of the University of Missouri-Kansas City in partnership with the Carolyn Benton Cockefair Chair and the Black Archives of Mid-America in Kansas City.
The free lecture will be at 7 p.m. Jan. 30 at the UMKC Student Union, room 401. Guests must RSVP to reserve a seat.
Everett is a distinguished professor of English at the University of Southern California and is known for his award-winning novels. His most recent book, “James,” a New York Times bestseller is a loosely based re-imagining of Mark Twain’s “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” from the perspective of the character of Jim, a slave who escaped. The beginning of “James” is lighthearted and follows Huckleberry Finn, but as they part ways, the tone of the novel turns more serious as Jim goes off on his own journey.
“James” received widespread critical acclaim: the novel also won the 2024 Kirkus Prize and was shortlisted for the Booker Prize 2024.
Everett has written in many different genres, and his books are often thought-provoking and satirical at the same time. His novel, “Erasure,” provided the foundation for the 2023 film “American Fiction.” The film received an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay.
UMKC brings in speakers of national stature each year as part of the Martin Luther King Jr. Lecture Series. In 2024, the university hosted Academy Award winner Kevin Willmott, a noted filmmaker whose play “Becoming Martin” is about the early life of King.
The Cockefair Chair at UMKC presents an acclaimed lecture series and popular continuing education courses. For 60 years, Cockefair programs have engaged Kansas Citians for more than 60 years. The Cockefair Chair also partners with regional civic organizations including the Black Archives of Mid-America to bring in high-caliber speakers like Everett.
Dec 19, 2024
Graduating students are recognized for their outstanding academics, leadership and service
Thirteen UMKC students have been named Dean of Students Honor Recipients in recognition of their accomplishments on campus and in the community.
Every semester, exceptional graduating students are honored with this designation. These students maintain excellent academic standards while actively participating in university activities and community service outside of the classroom.
The Fall 2024 honorees’ accomplishments include volunteering internationally, presenting in national symposiums, working to support first-generation students, creating large-scale theatre productions, aiding in disaster relief and more. These students have contributed numerous volunteer hours in the community with organizations such as Peacock Pediatrics, Grand River Multipurpose Center, Dr. Raj Bala Agrawal Care Center, Newhouse Domestic Violence Shelter, Sojourner Health Clinic and Hindu Temple and Cultural Center of Kansas City.
"These students exemplify the true spirit of a Roo with their dedication to academic excellence, service to others and active engagement in community initiatives,” said Michele D. Smith, Ph.D., vice provost for student affairs and dean of students. “We are thrilled to celebrate their numerous accomplishments and are filled with anticipation as we look forward to the remarkable futures that await each of them. Their journey is a testament to the values we hold at our university, and their success is a beacon that inspires and motivates the entire Roo community."
Students shared reflections on their time at UMKC at a breakfast celebration in their honor.
Some excerpts:
Michaell Larkin: “As an Earth and Environmental Science major, my goal is to save humanity and Earth’s other inhabitants by saving the planet-a lofty aspiration. But through volunteering, I have realized how even the smallest actions can create a ripple effect far beyond oneself. When I first volunteered, I was part of a group of fifty volunteers planting trees which transformed an empty park in a single morning. I joined another group removing invasive honeysuckle from an old growth forest. Returning the following summer, I witnessed the ecosystem’s remarkable recovery, as native flowers and trees had reclaimed their territory. I became a board member of the UMKC Environmental Student Council, and we took on a major project to install a vegetable garden on campus. In our first year, we donated more than 250 pounds of produce to the Raj Bala Agrawal Care Center.”
Emma Smith: “Starting a food pantry at the St. Joseph medical campus is my proudest accomplishment. Within a year of opening, the pantry provided more than 700 pounds of food and toiletries to students experiencing food insecurity. I believe that the pantry will continue to provide to students in need long after my graduation.”
Brandon Thibodeau: “One of my cherished memories took place at a local senior living facility. There, I met a woman who was reluctant to engage in music but intrigued enough to ask me to learn a song. That song was “Puff the Magic Dragon” by Peter, Paul and Mary. I learned this song and sang it to her the next week. With tears in her eyes, she rolled up, saying 'Let me tell you why that song is meaningful.' She shared her memories of being an APRN and playing this song for her pediatric cancer patients. The song also had a special place in her heart, as she would grieve lost patients while listening to the song. Our connection grew as we sang more songs together, and she would continue to say through teary eyes 'Let me tell you why that song is meaningful.' It’s these capsules of true connection that continue to lead me into the field of music therapy.”
Congratulations to the Spring 2024 Dean of Students Honor Recipients!
Ashley Ayers, School of Medicine
Raashi Goyal, School of Science and Engineering
Uyen Ho, School of Science and Engineering
Anna Ilivicky, School of Medicine
Sylvia Jeffress, Conservatory
Maria Johnson, School of Medicine
Elizabeth Kruse, School of Medicine
Michaell Larkin, School of Science and Engineering
Nataleigh Meier, School of Medicine
Janelle Sjue, Bloch School of Management
Emma Smith, School of Medicine
Brandon Thibodeau, Conservatory
Wes Weske, School of Medicine
Dec 16, 2024
Graduates include first cohort from UMKC School of Medicine St. Joseph, Missouri campus
Kansas City’s top university held its annual mid-year Commencement at the T-Mobile Center in downtown Kansas City. UMKC graduates gathered with their loved ones to fill the arena as more than 800 degrees were conferred. Mayra Aguirre, president of the Hall Family Foundation, was the keynote speaker.
"So as you cross the stage today, I ask that you embrace the lessons with the power of ‘and,’ trusting the process and applying anyway and lastly, owning your story," Aguirre said. "Class of 2024, go forward with curiosity and confidence. And remember, you are more than ready for whatever comes up."
Graduates celebrate in the confetti. Photo by Brandon Parigo | UMKC
Among the graduates was the first cohort of alumni from the UMKC School of Medicine campus in St. Joseph, Missouri. The campus was established in 2021 to address the severe physician shortage across Missouri, especially in rural areas. Nearly half of the rural counties in the state lack adequate access to hospital healthcare. With 66 medical students in the program, these first 13 graduates represent the school’s commitment to bettering the lives of Missourians.
Photo by Brandon Parigo | UMKC
“I’ve seen firsthand the impact these graduates can – and will – have in underserved communities, and it’s tremendous,” said UMKC Chancellor Mauli Agrawal. “To the St. Joseph graduates – and to all of the graduates gathered here today – I am inspired by your potential to transform lives and strengthen communities.”
Photo by Brandon Parigo | UMKC
The students on the St. Joseph campus come from across Missouri, from small towns to large cities, but they all share a passion for rural healthcare. Students like Ashley Ayers (M.D. ’24), Jessica Halla (M.D. ’24) and William Obert (M.D. ’24) are committed to making a difference in rural communities.
Ayers experienced the shortage first-hand growing up in Curryville, Missouri, where the closest medical clinic is 30 minutes away and the nearest hospital is a 45-minute drive. She is the first in her family to pursue medicine, but was inspired by the field while on a missionary trip to Haiti. On that trip, she recognized a desperate need for medical care in underserved communities and the difference healthcare can make in people’s lives.
“I thought, ‘Wow, I really want to be a part of that,' and that’s when the gears started turning for pursuing medicine,” Ayers said. “I literally Googled ‘how to become a doctor.’”
Photo by Brandon Parigo | UMKC
Halla grew up in the suburb of Lee’s Summit, Missouri, but chose the St. Joseph campus because of the small class size. Her experience there has been life-changing.
“Oh my gosh, the St. Joe campus has been phenomenal,” Halla said. “It has completely sold me on the rural way of life.”
According to Halla, her interest in medicine began when her grandfather was diagnosed with ALS, a debilitating nervous system disease. She saw how her family struggled through the process of providing care for him.
“Watching that made me want to go into medicine,” she said, “to be a better educator for my patients and help them through those difficult processes.”
Commencement keynote speaker Mayra Aguirre, president of the Hall Family Foundation, shakes hands with Chancellor Mauli Agrawal. Photo by Derrick Benitz | UMKC
After graduation, Ayers plans to pursue a family medicine residency at University Hospital-Lakewood near where she grew up. Once she completes her residency, she wants to return to St. Joseph to practice medicine and hopefully become a docent for the medical school so she can “give back to this amazing program that has given me so much.”
Obert grew up on a farm in Palmyra, Missouri. His inspiration to pursue medicine came from his family members who were in healthcare, especially his uncle Chris Klingele, an orthopedic surgeon in rural Missouri.
“I wanted to go into healthcare because I looked up to those people,” Obert said. “My uncle and I got close when I was in high school, and I really want to emulate him in my life.”
His uncle's residency was at UMKC, so that sold Obert on the school. Obert is following his uncle’s footsteps into orthopedic surgery and hopes to eventually own a hobby farm just like him.
Photo by Brandon Parigo | UMKC
According to School of Medicine Dean Alex Norbash (B.A. ’85/M.D. ’86), healthcare needs are especially great in rural communities. Missouri is 41st in life expectancy among states in the U.S., and Norbash explained that major diseases associated with mortality such as hypertension, obesity and diabetes are overrepresented in rural areas.
“That can be attributed to the insufficient number of physicians in rural populations,” Norbash said. “Across the United States, we are short tens of thousands of primary-care physicians. Tele-consultations and physician extenders help address the problem, but it’s not the same as having physicians available.”
Norbash said research has shown that if you train medical students and residents in rural settings, they become accustomed to it and they stay in those communities. It’s something the school is seeing first-hand with the students at the St. Joseph campus and their enthusiasm for rural medicine.
“Even in the first year, many of the students were talking about their desire to settle down in specific rural communities in northwest Missouri,” Norbash said. “It's really heartwarming to see the student reaction. They have embraced this wholeheartedly.”
Dec 15, 2024
Degree program for professionals interested in legal knowledge
Applications are open for the new University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law Master of Legal Studies program. Courses will begin in Fall 2025. The 30-credit program is entirely online and designed to be part-time and asynchronous, ideal for working professionals.
The degree will be beneficial for people looking to deepen their legal knowledge without the commitment of pursuing a Juris Doctor degree. Those who work in fields such as human resources, health services or corporate compliance are especially suited to benefit from this program. A Master of Legal Studies degree can also help those who are looking to transition careers or further their impact.
“Many people need to know specific areas of law, but don’t have the time or desire to obtain a law degree,” said Jeff Thomas, program director and associate dean. “This program is designed to provide the information needed in a way that works for busy professionals looking for career advancement.”
Students can choose from four concentrations - health law, human resources law, compliance and general - and earn their degree in as little as two years, all without interrupting their careers. The UMKC program is the only program of its kind available in Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska or Arkansas.
“This program is ideal for our region,” said Lou Mulligan, dean of the School of Law. “We’re a hub for numerous industries and growing at a rapid pace. This degree will help develop a flexible workforce suited to continue moving the Kansas City economy forward.”
Dec 10, 2024
A year of milestones, innovation and community impact for Kansas City’s university
2024 was marked by transformative achievements and bold strides for the University of Missouri-Kansas City.
From groundbreaking research and nationally recognized programs to impactful community partnerships, UMKC continues to set new benchmarks in higher education. As we look back on this remarkable year, we celebrate the dedication, talent and collaboration that have shaped our progress and continue to drive our vision for the future.
Here are the Top 10 stories of 2024 at UMKC.
Celebrating Construction of the Healthcare Delivery and Innovation Building
The groundbreaking of the $145 million Healthcare Delivery and Innovation Building marked a historic milestone for Kansas City and the region's healthcare future. As the largest capital project in the university’s history, this state-of-the-art facility is set to transform healthcare education, research and community outreach.
UMKC Awarded $5 Million from Mellon Foundation
UMKC received a transformative $5 million grant from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation to fund paid internships for more than 180 humanities students over five years. The program, led by the UMKC School of Humanities and Social Sciences, connects students with nonprofit organizations and research teams to provide valuable skills, career exploration and professional development before graduation.
Three UMKC Graduate School Programs Ranked Among Nation’s Top 40
This spring, three UMKC graduate programs ranked among the nation’s top 40 by U.S. News & World Report. The Doctor of Nursing Practice program climbed 30 spots to 19th, leading the region. The Doctor of Pharmacy program ranked 31st, and School of Law earned top marks in legal writing (16th) and trial advocacy (48th).
Two Super Bowl Rings Before UMKC Graduation
UMKC history student Meghan Jaben (M.A. ’16), an Interdisciplinary Ph.D. candidate, combined her passion for sports and art through a unique internship with the Kansas City Chiefs, working on the Arrowhead Art Collection. Made possible by UMKC’s strong community partnerships, the internship allowed Jaben to contribute to one of Kansas City’s most iconic landmarks, GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Coming Soon: More Campus Dining Options at UMKC
Set to open January 2025, the Foodiverse was announced earlier this year as a new campus dining experience. Located on the first floor of the Student Union, the food-parlor-style space will feature eight dining options, including a full-service Starbucks, Chick-fil-A and stations for pizza, deli, grill and allergen-free meals.
Roos' Historic Season Comes to a Close in Extra Time in the Round of 16
Kansas City Men’s Soccer capped off a historic season in 2024, advancing to the NCAA Tournament Round of 16 for the first time in program history. Under Head Coach Ryan Pore, the Roos returned to the tournament for the first time since 2008, setting records with 14 wins, 56 goals and 60 assists.
Photo by Francie Wilson
UMKC Conservatory Gala Raises More than $1 Million for Student Scholarships
The UMKC Conservatory achieved a significant milestone this fall, raising over $1 million to support scholarships for students in music, dance and theater. This record-breaking success follows a format change to Crescendo, the annual gala hosted by Friends of the Conservatory, which was held this year at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. In April 2025, Crescendo will return to its traditional format at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, showcasing a collage of student performances.
UMKC on the Threshold of Elite Research Designation
Recent growth in research expenditures and sponsored grants has positioned UMKC within reach of the elite Carnegie Research 1 designation, expected as soon as Spring 2025. Achieving R1 status would place UMKC among the top research universities in the nation, enhancing its ability to attract world-class faculty and students, foster innovation and entrepreneurship and expand community partnerships. This milestone would elevate Kansas City as a hub for research, innovation and economic growth.
Grand Slam! UMKC Students Help Build a Robot to Throw Royals First Pitch
As part of a unique partnership with the Kansas City Royals, UMKC computer science students helped local middle and high school students design and build a robot to throw the ceremonial first pitch at School Day at The K. Collaborating with WeCode KC and the KC STEM Alliance, the team worked on coding, designing and troubleshooting the robot.
Photo by Pine Tar Collective
UMKC Adds Eight New Ph.D. Programs
Starting Fall 2025, UMKC will offer eight new Ph.D. programs in fields such as engineering, computer science, economics, education, humanities and natural sciences, furthering its mission to enhance research and community impact.
Dec 06, 2024
Here's how to give during winter break
While the UMKC campus is closed during Winter Break, Wednesday, Dec. 25 through Wednesday, Jan. 1, it's still easy to make a year-end gift by observing the following guidelines.
Gift timing is essential to ensure receipt of tax credit for the 2024 calendar year for your donation; please reference the guidelines for specific gift types below. If you need assistance with your donation, please get in touch with UMKC Foundation Gift Processing Staff at 816-780-9151.
Give now
Donation by Checks
Mailed envelopes MUST be postmarked prior to Dec. 31, 2024*. If the envelope received is postmarked after Dec. 31, it will be counted as a gift for the year 2025.
Donors should send their checks to the address below:
UMKC Foundation Office of Gift Processing202 Administrative Center5115 Oak StreetKansas City, MO 64112
Checks dated prior to Dec. 31, along with postmarked envelopes, should be received by UMKC Foundation Gift Processing staff on or before Friday, Jan. 10, 2025. Gifts received after that point will not automatically be included in processing for the annual year-end gift summary.
*Mail courier services selected to deliver envelopes to the UMKC Foundation office must arrive no later than Friday, Dec. 20, during the office hours of 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. to be included in gift processing before the campus closes for the year.
Donations by Stock or Mutual Funds
Please get in touch with Tram Nguyen at nguyentram@umkc.edu for the transfer form and DTC instructions. Gift involving Transfers must be received into the account on or before Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024, to be reflected in the 2024 tax period, per the IRS.
Stock gifts will require the donor's name, number of shares, security, expected date of transfer and gift intention area. Donors must send information via email to Tram Nguyen at nguyentram@umkc.edu. Liquidation of the Stock gifts cannot be completed until confirmation of this information is received.Deadline for processing Stock gifts is Monday, Dec. 30.
Mutual funds take an additional 3-5+ business days before posting to our account. Donors, please advise brokers to initiate mutual fund transfers before Friday, Dec. 20. Regular equity stock takes 24 hours to post to our account.
Donations by Credit Cards
Ways to donate using a credit card:
Our website, UMKC Foundation, where donations will be processed through midnight, Dec. 31. All donor gifts processed through our website will be reflected in the donor's 2024 giving year totals.
Contact our staff in Gift Processing at 816-780-9151 during regular business hours through the end of the year, including the winter break.
Mail*: debit or credit card information by mail MUST be received no later than noon, Dec. 31, for processing.
We cannot guarantee mail delivery will meet the required deadline; for more reliable processing, we ask all donors to either call the number listed for UMKC Foundation Gift Processing staff or use our website to donate.
* Mail courier services selected to deliver envelopes to the UMKC Foundation office must arrive no later than Friday, Dec. 20, during the office hours of 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. to be included in gift processing before the campus closes for the year
Contacts and Staff Availability
The Gift Processing Staff will be available by phone at 816-780-9151 to accept credit card gifts and to answer all inquiries about year-end gifts during regular business hours through the end of the year, including during the winter break.
The UMKC Foundation Office will be closed during the winter break. Should you have any inquiries during that time, please call 816-235-5778, and someone will return your call.
For help with stock gifts or wire transfers, contact Tram Nguyen at nguyentram@umkc.edu during regular business hours through the end of the year.
Dec 06, 2024
Dynamic duo dives deep into the psychology of relationships
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.
Jennifer Truitt is a second year Ph.D. candidate in psychology. She is currently doing research on her thesis, where she looks at a type of therapy called behavioral activation that is highly efficacious for treating depressive symptoms. Truitt is looking at it as an intervention for LGBTQIA+ young adults who experience loneliness and depression. She is also looking to see if social environment impacts how effective that therapy is.
As Truitt considered different programs, she decided that her direct mentor would be one the most important things to consider.
“When you’re applying to a Ph.D. program, you are typically applying to work with a specific person,” Truitt said. “I joke that the application process for Ph.D.s is if like children had to send out applications to be adopted.”
After doing some research, Truitt reached out to Daniel Maitland, Ph.D., a professor at Bowling Green State University in Ohio at the time, now UMKC associate professor, after learning more about his research. She wanted to see if they would get along as people as well.
“We got along great from the start,” Truitt said. “It was important for me to get a sense of the work he was doing and the speed of his research. I wanted someone who was still early in their career as well. His area of expertise was very close to what my interests were, and he just seemed like a really cool person to work with.”
Maitland’s research is focused on the bi-directional relationship between loneliness and one’s mental and physical health. Maitland originally started as a psychotherapy researcher that specifically looked into a form of therapy that is characterized by an intense therapist-client relationship, where therapists are encouraged to be themselves as much as possible, something uncommon in the field. Essentially, the relationship becomes one of the closest the client has, but it is constrained to the therapy context with the explicit goal of helping the client. He looked into how that relationship predicted therapy outcomes and why those outcomes occurred. His research eventually led him to become interested in the formation and consequences of relationships.
“I think we can create specific types of interactions that foster connection,” Maitland said. “When you look at loneliness research, people tend to just look at the outcome. Are you lonely or not? But they don’t look at how specific behaviors during interactions impact us, and that is really the part that I am interested in.”
Maitland’s research was featured in The New York Times Magazine earlier this year. In the article, they referenced his research in 2021, where he assembled a group of self-identified lonely people to participate in some relationship-building exercises.
Maitland said Truitt had a lot of questions for him when they first met, putting a lot of time and effort into understanding the type of persona and mentor he is.
“It’s actually a funny story,” Maitland said. “My first interaction with Jennifer was when she accidentally sent me an email that was supposed to be for a different researcher she was applying to work with as well. But when we met, I was very impressed with her experiences at this stage in her career and extended an offer for her to work with me. She then spent a long time interviewing me before accepting the offer.”
When the opportunity for Maitland’s wife, Elizabeth Neilson, Ph.D., now assistant professor in the School of Education, Social Work and Psychological Sciences, to get a faculty position at UMKC came, he was also offered a position, which he gladly accepted.
Truitt, being a close mentee to Maitland, decided to come as well. Together they figured out the logistics for their research and her Ph.D. program, and she was able to transfer to UMKC.
“As previously mentioned, when applying to a Ph.D. program, it’s typically so you can work with a very specific person,” Truitt said. “I wouldn’t have moved across the country to work with Daniel the first time if he wasn’t the person I wanted as mentor. He is a wonderful person who is consistent with his values. UMKC also emphasizes working with communities that I am passionate about which made it a lot easier to make that transition.”
Maitland was extremely pleased with her decision.
“I was hoping she would follow me to UMKC,” Maitland said. “So, when she decided to, it was very exciting and rewarding to me as a mentor.”
Maitland is extremely proud of Truitt and how far she has come in her career.
“I am constantly proud of Jennifer," Maitland said. "I am very happy with how far she has come and her constant growth. Not only did she take on a very ambitious research project, but she also got a $25,000 grant, which isn’t common for any first-year graduate student. I can’t wait to grow along with her.”
Truitt was honored as one of the 10 Generation Z changemakers by the Pink with Purpose Project., national initiative presented by the partnership between The Jed Foundation and Victoria’s Secret Pink. It recognizes and supports young individuals pursing projects that strengthen communities and promote positive mental health.
Truitt deeply values her mentorship with Maitland.
“Daniel’s mentorship is tremendously important to me,” Truitt said. “People in mentor roles sometimes don’t know how to deal with people with unpleasant things, and Daniel handles it well. I really value how he treats his students like adults. He is also really good at giving and receiving feedback. I’ve never ended a conversation without him asking if he can help me and I know he genuinely means it.”
Truitt is enjoying her time at UMKC as a transfer student, meeting new friends and getting to see Kansas City. She stated that one of the reasons why she was interested in transferring, besides her mentor, was the potential Carnegie Research 1 or R1 designation UMKC is on track to receive.
“The fact that UMKC is making the push for being R1 made my decision to transfer a lot easier, on top of Daniel’s mentorship,” Truitt said. “I plan to go down the academia route for my career and I knew it would provide me with an environment to do the level of work I am interested in without constantly worrying about funding. There are also just more opportunities at an R1 institution, and I am very excited for the future of research at UMKC.”
Maitland also shares similar sentiments on R1.
“Oh my gosh, UMKC receiving R1 means everything,” he said. “That’s a huge part in why I was excited to join UMKC, besides my wife. It was for the ambition of R1 status. It comes with additional resources and prestige. It allows for you to reach levels of your career you can’t otherwise. It also comes with and understanding of expectations and standards that make a big difference in the scientific community.”
Dec 03, 2024
Clancy Martin, Ph.D., and his work on the interactive classic book application, Rebind, receive national acclaim
UMKC philosophy professor Clancy Martin, Ph.D., can add one more accolade to his illustrious career.
Martin, with his colleagues John Dubuque, an entrepreneur, and John Kaag, Ph.D., philosophy professor at the University of Massachusetts-Lowell, have been recognized by Time magazine for their work on Rebind, named in the publication’s Best Inventions of 2024 list.
Rebind, a digital book study application, is hoping to make the classics more accessible than ever. Subject experts, called Rebinders, provide insight through videos, and once the selected reading is completed, readers can “converse” with the expert through an artificial-intelligence-driven discussion curated from the Rebinder’s commentary on the reading.
“Want to discuss ‘A Room with a View’ with Lena Dunham? Or hear Roxane Gay talking through Edith Wharton’s ‘Age of Innocence?’ Now you can, thanks to publishing outfit Rebind,” Time Magazine said of the application in its announcement. “With Rebind, AI provides expert conversational commentary about a book in response to user questions.”
Time magazine selected just 200 entries, decided on by editors from all around the world. There is a focus on growing fields, such as AI, but the true deciding factor is the impact the invention can have on everyday lives.
“Rebind meets people where they are, especially younger readers,” Martin said. “They want to have an interactive thing, right? They go on their phones. They go on their computers. Making it interactive is hopefully going to show them how much spiritual, emotional and intellectual wisdom and guidance and help is available in these great classic works.”
Like his other accomplishments, including his latest book on the New York Times Bestseller list and an appearance on CBS Sunday Morning, this worldwide acclaim meant the most on a local level to Martin.
“I've been at UMKC for so long now, and I have such a passionate love of the university, my colleagues and our students,” Martin said. “The most fun thing for me really was just emailing everybody at UMKC and saying, ‘Hey! We got it!’”
Nov 26, 2024
Honorees at annual Bloch School event include leaders in construction, design and social change
The UMKC Henry W. Bloch School of Management celebrated the 38th Annual Entrepreneur of the Year awards ceremony at H&R Block Headquarters. This year’s honorees include innovative leaders changing skylines and lives in Kansas City and around the globe.
"Each one of our honorees represents a combination of creativity, resilience and impact," said Brian Klaas, Dean of the Bloch School. "Each one of them demonstrates the power of translating vision into reality, no matter the challenges."
Our Inspiring Honorees
Henry W. Bloch International Entrepreneurs of the Year | Bloch Entrepreneurship Hall of Fame Inductees
Chris Carver, Ron Labinski, Joe Spear, Dennis Wellner and Earl Santee | Representing the Founders of Populous
Originally founded in 1983 as HOK Sport with its initial roots firmly planted in Kansas City, the firm quickly developed an outstanding reputation for stadium design, with early revolutionary projects including the Miami Dolphins’ Hard Rock Stadium and Oriole Park at Camden Yards in Baltimore. A management buyout in 2009 rebranded the company as Populous, a name reflecting their commitment to fans and the communities surrounding their projects.
"This team has mastered the art of design in a way that goes beyond architecture and engineering," said Tom Bloch, son of the late Henry Bloch. "They create places where people come together and make memories that last a lifetime."
Upon rebranding, the firm’s first notable domestic projects included the new Yankee Stadium and Citi Field, home of the New York Mets. Internationally, Populous is responsible for venues at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, the London 2012 Summer Olympic Games and the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympic Games.
"I don't think we envisioned this," said Dennis Wellner, one of the founders of Populous. "I don't think it was a goal, objective or anything else, but seeing what has been reflected about us and our clients is tremendously rewarding. I think the most appropriate words to the Bloch School of Management is 'thank you.'"
To date, Populous has more than 3,500 projects to its name, most recently completing game-changing venues like the Las Vegas Sphere and Co-op Live, the United Kingdom’s largest-capacity indoor arena. The company has also earned more than 250 global design awards for projects in 34 countries, evolving into a firm known for historic firsts and award-winning work.
Kansas City Entrepreneurs of the Year | Bloch Entrepreneurship Hall of Fame Inductees
Pat McCown (MBA ’83) and Brett Gordon | Founders of McCownGordon
McCown and Gordon founded McCownGordon in 1999 with the desire to build a company that would last beyond their tenure, and that would provide opportunities for their employees and partners. They also wanted to ensure that every employee embodied the company's core values of integrity, performance, and relationships.
"We have never done it for the recognition and to be here is truly humbling," said Gordon. "We've done it for all of those clients, architects, friends, and those that have blessed us enough to let us work for them."
With 25 years in business, McCownGordon is responsible for some of Kansas City’s most iconic buildings including Bartle Hall, the American Royal and Museum at Prairiefire. Their portfolio includes projects in education, science and technology, and healthcare, where they’re leading construction of the $145 million University of Missouri-Kansas City Healthcare Delivery and Innovation Building.
"What an opportunity and privilege it has been to be part of this team and become important," said McCown. "Entrepreneurs have a unique opportunity to impact our community, job creation, poverty alleviation and so much more. Entrepreneurs and their businesses can and should be redemptive in all aspects of their community."
Marion and John Kreamer Award for Social Entrepreneurship
Natasha Herdman (EMPA '14) | Founder and CEO of Pawsperity
Herdman is the daughter of a dog groomer and a first-generation college graduate. She received her undergraduate degree in political science from the University of Iowa and an Executive Master of Public Administration from the UMKC Bloch School. She is passionate about working with parents who have multiple barriers to entering the workforce, such as lack of education, training or past incarceration. She brings experience in both staff and volunteer roles for Healing House, Reach Out and Read, Community LINC and Stop Child Trafficking Now to Pawsperity.
"I am indebted by the strangers who became my mentors and are still on this journey with me today," said Herdman.
Based in Kansas City, Pawsperity is the only 501(c)(3) nonprofit grooming school in the country. Their students are some of society’s most vulnerable, with a focus on single parents living in poverty. In addition to a detailed curriculum for pet grooming, Pawsperity provides soft-skills classes such as communication and budgeting. Students also have access to a variety of wrap-around services to support them while in school such as housing, food assistance and case management. Soon, the organization will go beyond Kansas City.
"We are turning Pawsperity into a licensing model that can be purchased by other nonprofits throughout the country who want job training options who have multiple barriers to entering the job market," said Herdman.
Student Entrepreneur of the Year
Grace Kertz | Junior, Business Administration
Grace Kertz is a junior enroll in the Bloch School's Bachelor of Business Administration degree with an emphasis in marketing and a minor in communications studies.
Her passions for both strategy and creativity have drawn her naturally to entrepreneurship, where she has combined her interests to develop Sensory Sync. This new venture utilizes artificial intelligence to identify workplace triggers in sensory-adverse employees. The platform offers the employee immediate guidance for self-regulation, then recommends accommodation strategies to the employer based on company-wide trends in sensitivity. Sensory Sync seeks to decrease sensory burnout while increasing productivity and retention of diverse talent, including individuals with disabilities.
"I'm thankful for the opportunities that entrepreneurship has created in my life," said Kertz. "The unification of of analytical and creative thinking will be central to my career."
Kertz intends to pursue a career in brand strategy within an advertising agency and has completed four internships with this goal in mind.
All proceeds from sponsorships and donations directly benefit the Regnier Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, as well as student and community programs. Join us as we celebrate a legacy of entrepreneurship that lives on in Kansas City.
Nov 22, 2024
Grant recipients represent students from across campus
The University of Missouri-Kansas City’s Office of Undergraduate Research and Creative Scholarship has awarded 23 students with SEARCH grants.
Started in 2000, SEARCH stands for Students Engaged in the Arts and Research and represents UMKC’s first structured undergraduate research program. Initially offering small grants to a handful of students, the SEARCH program now awards up to $1,500 in reimbursable research expenses to more than a dozen students each year. Each SEARCH grant recipient is also mentored by a UMKC faculty member.
This year’s awardees represent:
School of Education, Social Work, and Psychological Sciences
School of Humanities and Social Sciences
Henry W. Bloch School of Management
School of Science and Engineering
School of Medicine
SEARCH grant recipients will present their work as part of the 25th Annual Symposium for Undergraduate Research and Creative Scholarship on April 24, 2025.
Julia Bruno | Major: Geology
“Understanding the Eruptive and Thermal History of Dotsero and Cerro Overo Maars”
Faculty Mentor: Alison Graettinger
Chloe Craig | Major: Geology
“A Record of Paleohurricanes from Grain-size Analysis of Sediment Cores, Clear Pond, The Bahamas”
Faculty Mentor: Tina Niemi
Andrew Custis | Major: Geology
“Enhancing Analytical Techniques for Faster and Accurate Estimation of Microplastic Concentration in Groundwater”
Faculty Mentor: Jejung Lee
Johnny Diep | Major: Physics, Computer Science David Keltner | Major: Physics
“Linking the Atomic and Electronic Structure of Amorphous Silicon Rings”
Faculty Mentor: Paul Rulis
Sienna Ficken | Major: Biology
“Investigation of PKA dependency of Bru1 nuclear translocation in Drosophila muscle”
Faculty Mentor: Maria Spletter
Olivia Fritz | Major: Biology | Minor: Biotechnology
“Investigating the Structural Basis of Lomitapide Inhibition of the Ceramide Transfer Protein CERT”
Faculty Mentor: XiaoLan Yao
Yasmeen Hanon | Majors: Political Science, Environmental Studies
“Swimming Upstream: Water Conflicts as Resource War Outliers”
Faculty Mentor: Rebecca Best
Ruweyda Hassan | Majors: Chemistry, Political Science
“Media Framing and its Impact on Muslim Political Ambition”
Faculty Mentor: Debra Leiter
Marc Herman | Six-Year Medicine program
“An Epigenetic Approach to Controlling Cytokine Release Syndrome in CAR-T Cell Therapy”
Faculty Mentor: Daniel Scott
Sam Herman | Major: Biology “Investigation of How Axon Guidance Molecules Operate in a Lineage-Restricted Manner”
Faculty Mentor: Haluk Lacin
Z Kemp | Major: Civil Engineering
“Properties of Kaolin Slurries and Burned Soil: Applications in Post-Wildfire Debris Flow”
Faculty Mentor: Megan Hart
CJ Kreeger | Major: Environmental Science
“Assessment of Macro- and Microplastic Pollution at Beaches and in Beach Sand on San Salvador Island in The Bahamas”
Faculty Mentor: Tina Niemi
Rachel Marquart | Major: Geology
“Characterization of the Elm Branch Shale in Kansas City, Missouri”
Faculty Mentor: Tina Niemi
Raine Morrigan | Major: Computer Science
“FocusPocus”
Faculty Mentor: Jesse Lowe
Cadao P Nguyen | Major: Chemistry
“Investigation of anti-fogging properties of surfactants”
Faculty Mentor: Xiaobo Chen
Spencer Norman | Major: Urban Planning and Design
“Public Transportation Stop Improvement within Kansas City”
Faculty Mentor: Sungyop Kim
Vari Patel | Majors: Finance, Political Science
“State Legislative Term Limits and Representational Loss”
Faculty Mentor: Greg Vonnahme
Ainsley Pickering | Majors: Psychology, Criminal Justice, Criminology
“Dreaming, a Reflection of Mental Health”
Faculty Mentor: Westley Youngren
Wylie Putnam | Majors: Physics, Chemistry
“Characterization of Malassezia pachydermatis Isolates from the Oral Cavity of Kansas Canines”
Faculty Mentor: Brooke Esquivel
Alex Rose | Majors: Biology, Chemistry
“Solar-Powered Reactor for Clean Energy”
Faculty Mentor: Xiaobo Chen
Mya Thomas | Major: Geology
“Field and remote identification of small diameter lava tubes from 1961 lava flow at Askja, Iceland”
Faculty Mentor: Alison Graettinger
Gabriel Worcester | Major: Biomedical Engineering
“Physics-Driven Force-Feedback Haptics for Augmented Reality Mid-Urethral Sling Surgical Training”
Faculty Mentor: Antonis Stylianou
Nov 19, 2024
Phases will include retail and then an arena
UMKC has revised its vision for how to develop a five-acre parcel of land at 51st Street and Brookside Boulevard, next to the southern terminus of the Kansas City Streetcar. That new vision calls for a phased approach, with the first step focused on retail and a later step to include building a small arena for UMKC Division I athletics and community events.
Based on this new approach, UMKC will close the current Request for Proposals, or RFP, which sought plans for a combined retail/arena project adjacent to the new streetcar stop. UMKC may seek further proposals in coming months.
With the highly anticipated start of streetcar service to UMKC in mid-2025, the university foresees increased traffic and visitors to campus. In collaboration with the Streetcar Authority, UMKC has opened a parking garage for public use by commuters that is connected by a pedestrian walkway from the garage to the streetcar stop.
UMKC envisions a project on its Brookside property as a community asset and highly visible gateway to the UMKC campus from the west. Retail amenities would be a natural addition to the area, and would also benefit UMKC students, faculty and staff.
The university launched the original RFP in 2023, but later hit pause to conduct a feasibility study to determine the right combination of size and programming for the proposed arena and how that would fit in with retail development and be financially viable.
The results of that analysis have led to the uncoupling of the projects. But UMKC leaders are still high on the project. They say the phased approach will give the university more flexibility to work with partners to achieve their vision for a community asset that will benefit the campus and its neighbors.
Nov 19, 2024
Association of Fundraising Professionals recognizes exceptional charitable giving
The local chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals recognized three honorees with close University of Missouri-Kansas City ties for their extraordinary charitable contributions on National Philanthropy Day.
The special day, annually on November 15, as founded in 1986 by presidential proclamation of the Association of Fundraising Professionals to recognize charitable giving in all forms. The Greater Kansas City chapter celebrates locally with an annual event to honor individuals and companies that embody the spirit of philanthropy in Kansas City. The UMKC Foundation nominated people in two categories for this year’s awards; not only were both selected as honorees, a family with close ties to UMKC also was awarded.
Spirit of Philanthropy – Individual
Alvin Brooks (B.A. ’59, M.A. ’73) is a Kansas City hero with close ties to UMKC. As an alum, not only does he have a scholarship named after him for more than a decade, he also received an honorary doctorate from UMKC in 2012. The UMKC Foundation nominated Brooks for the award, and he was selected. The award honors an individual with a proven record of embodying the spirit of philanthropy through financial support, community service and leadership. Brooks has made an impact to not just UMKC but has dedicated himself to Kansas City as a whole.
Spirit of Philanthropy – Family
The Brain family was selected as the honoree for this award. Just like the individual award, the family award honors families that have a proven record of embodying the spirit of philanthropy through financial support, community service and leadership. The Brains have close ties to UMKC; David Brain is a Board of Trustees member. He and his wife, Cathi Brain, give to many areas of UMKC, Including scholarships.
Spirit of Philanthropy –Youth
The award honors an individual or group of young people ages 5 to 23 who demonstrate outstanding commitment to community through direct financial support, volunteer service or charitable partnerships. The UMKC Foundation nominated UMKC Enactus, and it was selected. Enactus is the world’s largest experiential learning organization, with a mission of engaging the next generation of entrepreneurial leaders to use innovation and business principles to improve the world. Earlier this year, UMKC Enactus partnered with Operation Breakthrough to keep Kansas City families on the road through its Stay Driven project.
Nov 15, 2024
Despite costs of travel and tuition, studying abroad was an opportunity I knew I couldn’t pass up
Two months after applying for the Gilman scholarship, I received the news I had been hoping for: my dream of studying in France was officially within reach.
Funding a study abroad experience is never easy, but with the opportunity to earn nine credit hours toward my French minor, I was determined to apply my language skills outside the classroom. In October 2023, I applied for the Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship in anticipation of my study abroad program with the UMKC Department of World Languages and Cultures.
The Gilman Scholarship is a national program under the U.S. Department of State designed to support students with limited financial means to study or intern abroad. I first learned about the Gilman Scholarship through the Study Abroad and Global Engagement (SAGE) office at UMKC. With encouragement from the Chair of World Languages and Cultures and Associate Professor Gayle Levy Ph.D., and support from fellow students at the UMKC Writing Studio, I submitted my application and project proposal.
The proposal was simple. I would use my experience as a student worker at the UMKC Strategic Marketing and Communications department to document my experience abroad for a campus audience. In December, my application and project proposal were approved, and I could officially begin planning for my seven-week journey in France.
Week 1: Touching Down in Paris
My time abroad started in France’s most famous city, where I spent a week exploring with friends. Since the UMKC program hadn’t begun yet, I rented an Airbnb and set off to discover as much as I could.
For seven days, I wandered and visited the most iconic landmarks, the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe. I also was able to see The Louvre and the National Assembly from a guided boat tour on the Seine River.
Weeks 2-3: Taking UMKC Classes in Lyon
As classes approached, my fellow UMKC students and I boarded a two-hour train ride heading southeast from Paris to our main destination: Lyon. The former Roman city, and the third-largest city in France, would be our home for the remaining six weeks.
For the first two weeks, I took a French and Francophone Civilization course taught by Levy, which focused on the German occupation of France during World War II and the French Resistance. As part of the immersive learning experience, we visited Lyon’s Resistance and Deportation History Center along with other historic sites connected to the French Resistance.
Weeks 4-7: Studying at Université Lumière Lyon 2
My final weeks were spent at the university in Lyon, where I was taught by native French professors. My courses included French grammar, photography and an analysis of Lyonnais street art. But it wasn’t all coursework! I also participated in weekly excursions to places like Barcelona and southern France.
As part of my Gilman Scholarship project, I documented my study-abroad journey through photography and video, sharing my experiences on UMKC social media channels. I wanted to give others a glimpse into what it was like to study abroad, especially for those who might think it’s financially impractical.
Now that I am back in the United States, I am looking forward to applying my study-abroad experience to my internship with Alliance Française de Kansas City, a local nonprofit chapter dedicated to French language and culture. This internship is funded by the Mellon Humanities Internship Program at the UMKC School of Humanities and Social Sciences.
Hunter Miesner is a senior double majoring in marketing and strategic communication. Upon graduation in 2025, he plans to further his studies to potentially work in data analytics.
Nov 14, 2024
With their unique structures and tried-and-true training procedures, the UMKC emergency medicine residency and education programs prepare the next ...
It was an unseasonably warm February morning. Fans in Kansas City Chiefs red congregated around Union Station, the post-victory parade rally spot for celebrating the world-champion team. As the rally ended, thousands crowded around, hoping to get one last glimpse of their favorite football players.
As confetti fell, loud pops rang in the air. Shouts and screams erupted. Police officers rushed parade goers away from the scene. A tragedy unfolded on live television, and the community soon learned several people – including children – had been shot, and one person killed.
Immediately, emergency responders rushed into the chaos. University Health and Children’s Mercy Kansas City staff – including UMKC emergency medicine faculty, residents and fellows – provided medical care both on site and back at the hospitals to those who were injured.
Despite the fear, sadness and confusion that day, the residents responding were all able to work swiftly, efficiently and calmly, thanks in large part to the education they receive at UMKC. The rigorous emergency medicine residency training – along with the emergency response preparation all its medical students receive – are critical pillars of the curriculum at the School of Medicine.
Preparation is Key
Mark Steele (B.A./M.D. ’80), associate dean and chief clinical officer at University Health, said while mass casualty situations are never expected, emergency medicine physicians are always prepared for them.
“There are different policies and procedures written and reviewed on a regular basis,” Steele said. “There are community-wide disaster drills we take part in. It’s the repetition of the mechanics that gets us prepared.”
To reach that level of preparation, doctors must train and practice for years – and all UMKC School of Medicine students have some degree of emergency training, no matter what specialty they pursue. Every student must complete an emergency medicine clerkship in their fifth or sixth year, which Steele said isn’t common at most other medical schools.
Melanie Camejo (BLA ’13/M.D. ’14) is the school’s emergency medicine clerkship director. She is also an associate professor, associate fellowship director and associate emergency residency director at the school, as well as an emergency medicine physician at University Health.
“We do disaster drills and simulations in the trauma bay at a moment’s notice, have weekly didactics (or workshops) that cover emergency topics and have monthly simulation didactics,” Camejo explained.
During these simulations, students and residents are assigned roles they might have in a real-life hospital setting. An ED attending follows along with a script and controls a manikin “patient,” which mimics a human’s real reactions. The “patient” can either stay alive or code – depending on which actions the students decide to take in the moment. This makes the scenario as real as possible – without an actual life at stake. Once the simulation is complete, the group debriefs and everyone has an opportunity to give feedback.
“We offer a seizure simulation, heart failure simulation and a ‘sick or not sick’ simulation for our students,” Camejo said. “The manikins are neat because they make noise, have pulses and can tell if it’s been correctly intubated. These simulations are great for students because they all get to oversee different aspects and work together to keep the simulated patient alive like they would in the emergency room.”
The Heart of Kansas City
Unlike other peer institutions, UMKC has affiliations with seven hospitals that allow UMKC medical students and residents to train more effectively. The affiliate hospitals provide students with multiple specialties to choose from, specialized equipment to work with and a large variety of patients and cases to see. This is beneficial for all students and residents, but especially for residents in the emergency medicine program.
Emily Hillman (BLA ’07/M.D. ’08), the school’s emergency medicine residency program director, said one of the university’s best attributes is its location within the city.
According to Camejo, because of the large influx of patients at hospitals like University Health, UMKC students and residents who train there also get more of an opportunity to practice being quick on their feet.
“You don’t have time to prepare for a stressful situation in the emergency department,” Camejo said. “They happen in seconds with no warning, so every shift you go in knowing that anything can happen. Most of us do our best thinking in high-stress situations.”
Dustin Neel, M.D., associate professor at the UMKC School of Medicine and trauma medical director at University Health, believes practicing inside an emergency room in downtown Kansas City prepares students for anything once they graduate.
“It is already uncommon to have a trauma department, but University Health is a Level 1 trauma center,” Neel said. “That, plus our location and population, allows for a great variety of pathologies of various diseases people just don’t see very often, which allows the medical students to get comfortable seeing things they might only see once in their career.”
Jennifer Watts, M.D., MPH, is a professor at UMKC and pediatric emergency medicine physician at Children’s Mercy. Instead of a lecture hall, Watts does most of her teaching in the hospital – the only place medical students in Kansas City can train in pediatrics.
“There are a lot of benefits to being the only training program for pediatrics in our city – and really in our region,” Watts said. “We know when UMKC students, residents and fellows leave us, they have a solid foundation in pediatrics that allows them to take care of kids and to provide high-quality pediatric care – no matter where they are.”
Six-Year Program Sets Students Apart
The unrivaled emergency medicine curriculum at UMKC isn’t something that developed overnight. Adam Algren (B.A./M.D. ’01), chair of UMKC’s emergency medicine program, said UMKC’s program was one of the first of its kind in the country, and added that the program’s longevity is one reason acceptance letters are so sought after.
“We have a lot of history and tradition,” Algren said. “We’ve trained more than 400 emergency physicians who have gone out and practiced throughout the country, and we have quite a few alumni who have served in various leadership roles.”
The unique six-year B.A./M.D. program at UMKC also allows students to get more hands-on experience than at a typical four-year medical school. That extra experience makes a big difference in the emergency room – and mentors notice.
“I work with residents from many different programs,” Watts said. “The UMKC graduates have all been extremely well prepared to handle any emergency. They come with such a great foundation that it makes our job easier.”
Scott McCulloch (B.A./M.D. ’89) is a retired emergency medicine doctor who completed his residency with UMKC at University Health. He felt much more prepared than his fellow residents because the program at UMKC provided him with experiences they didn’t have.
“I think having interaction with patients since the age of 18 is something that can’t be compared or exchanged,” McCulloch said. “I remember when I started my residency, there were residents from other programs, and they were always so surprised with how seasoned and comfortable we were around patients. We were already ahead of the game.”
Meaningful Mentorships
The UMKC emergency program also has deeply committed faculty and staff. Alexander Garza, M.D. (B.S. ’90) received his undergraduate degree at UMKC and came back to complete an emergency medicine residency. In 2009, appointed by President Barack Obama, Garza served as assistant secretary for health affairs and as chief medical officer for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Today, he is chief community health officer at SSM Health in St. Louis.
Garza said what he remembers most about his time at UMKC is the dedication of the faculty.
“I think what set UMKC apart were the staff and instructors that I had,” Garza said. “They were truly vested in the mission, from the way they took care of patients in the emergency department to the care they delivered.”
McCulloch shared a touching story about one of his mentors.
“I’ll never forget our exit interview when we were finishing residency,” McCulloch said, with tears in his eyes. “At the time, Mark Steele was our residency director. He told me from that point forward, I am always going to be considered a peer and not just a mentee. I always get choked up because it means so much to me, even all these years later.”
Nov 14, 2024
UMKC Conservatory researcher is helping heal premature babies with music therapy
When Amy Robertson, Ph.D., walks into the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, or NICU, at a hospital, it’s with the goal to provide stress relief for premature babies and their parents. Her primary tool is her voice.
“Music therapy is a professional healthcare field; we use music to reach non-musical goals,” Robertson said. “If you think about physical therapy, occupational therapy or therapy with a counselor, those are all using different methods to reach a wellness goal. Music therapy is the same, we just use music as our medium.”
Robertson is a music therapist and music therapy professor with the University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory. Her specialty is working with babies who were born prematurely and who often require a stay in the NICU.
“When I first started pursuing music therapy, I had a clinical working in a hospital, and part of that was working in the NICU,” Robertson said. “We started the music intervention, and the infant gave a huge smile, and I just fell in love with being in the NICU. I was amazed at the effect music can have on these infants who are so young.”
The NICU can be an overstimulating environment for premature babies. The sounds, touches and pain associated with medical procedures all add stress. Music therapy can relieve some of this stress without involving any pain medication or medical procedures.
For her therapy work in the NICU, Robertson relies on 30 years of music therapy research and evidence to support the infants’ still-developing neurological systems. The evidence shows that very specific music protocols can have positive effects on infant development without overwhelming them. For these young infants, slow songs sung in person without instruments are the most effective. As they age and develop, more complicated songs and even small instruments, such as maracas, can be used to reach various developmental goals.
“Premature infants are a totally different ballgame when it comes to auditory processing and we have to be aware of what they can take in,” Robertson said. “Lullaby music is slow and repetitive, so it’s very soothing to them. Think of ‘Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star’ and how it imitates the way we speak to infants.”
Positive outcomes of music therapy include increased oxygen rate, stabilized respiration rate and heart rate, faster weight gain and feeding, lower pain scores and decreased risk of brain bleed. Infants who receive music therapy leave the NICU an average of 15 days sooner, a significant time in their young lives.
The evidence currently used by Robertson and other music therapists only applies to infants born at 28 weeks and later. Robertson is currently conducting research to apply those same principles to extremely pre-term infants, born 25 to 28 weeks, hoping for similar findings. Early results are promising, particularly with regards to reduced brain bleeds and pain scores.
The benefits of music therapy in the NICU extend to the parents as well. Robertson says that many parents feel out of control as their infant undergoes treatments and medical interventions. Teaching them about music therapy gives them a tool to bond with and take care of their infant, even after they leave the NICU. For some families, this tool can be a lifeline during a stressful time.
“A couple of years ago, I had a referral for an extremely premature infant, born at 25 gestational weeks weighing less than a pound,” Robertson said. “During a conversation I had with the dad, he told me that the infant’s mom was being treated for cancer, so that was one of the reasons the infant was born so early. Giving him those music therapy tools was a really important way for him to bond and feel like a ‘normal’ parent, especially because Mom couldn’t be there at first. Once Mom was able to start visiting, we ended up writing a song for the infant that they sang whenever they visited the NICU. Mom loved it, because those were moments she could have with her infant when she wasn’t able to have as much time as other moms in the NICU, given everything she was facing. Even after they were discharged and back home as a family, they still sang the song to their infant every day.”
Stephanie Schlatter, PT, DPT, is a physical therapist in the NICU at Overland Park Regional Medical Center. Part of her work is to help identify which infants would benefit from music therapy, and she works with Robertson to connect with those infants and families. She sees firsthand how important Robertson’s research is, as medical staff are increasingly caring for infants born at earlier gestational ages.
“As medicine improves, we’re seeing more of these infants come into our care,” Schlatter said. “We’re having to ask ourselves how we can best and most appropriately help these infants with music. Amy does a great job of stepping in to help with that.”
Nov 13, 2024
This record-breaking year comes with a format change for the annual fundraiser
Crescendo, the annual gala hosted by Friends of the Conservatory, raised more than $1 million this year, a record-breaking amount for the event. The funds raised will support scholarships for students in the Conservatory’s music, dance and theatre departments.
Crescendo has been a staple of the Kansas City performing arts community for more than 25 years. This year, the format of the event was reimagined to showcase the talents of the Conservatory in a new way. The gala was held at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art on November 9. Intimate performances took place in small vignettes around the museum and on a runway platform during the gala dinner in Rozzelle Court.
“This year’s Crescendo showcased the extraordinary creativity of our faculty and students who pushed artistic boundaries and inspired our audiences through this innovative new integrated arts format,” said Conservatory Dean Courtney Crappell. “The overwhelming support from our community fills us with gratitude and deepens our commitment to cultivating the next generation of artists who will shape and elevate the cultural landscape of Kansas City for years to come.”
The collage performance will be April 29, 2025 will be in Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, the venue where Crescendo has been held for more than a decade. This performance will be in the traditional and beloved Crescendo format that highlights dance, music and theatre in a continuous performance.
Many of the students who perform in Crescendo benefit from the funds raised with student scholarships; more than 70% of Conservatory students receive scholarship or some form of financial assistance to pursue their education and art.
“For many prospective students, access to financial assistance can be the determining factor when deciding on whether or not to pursue an academic degree in the performing arts,” said Mark Mattison, senior director of development with the UMKC Foundation. “Since the day it was founded, the Friends of the Conservatory has been devoted to raising money for student scholarships. Through funds raised through Crescendo 2024, more students than ever before will benefit from their generosity.”
Melanie Rine (BME '94, M.A. '99) was a chairperson for the event, along with her husband, Jim, and honorary chairpersons Jerry and Patty Reece. Rine knows firsthand the importance of financial support.
“As an alumna of the Conservatory, I know the critical impact financial assistance has on a student's life,” Rine said. “That is why we were so honored to help encourage others in the community to support the work of the UMKC Conservatory's incredibly talented students and faculty.”
The internationally renowned UMKC Conservatory was founded more than a century ago, and trains professionals in music, dance and theatre. The Conservatory’s mission is to advance creativity, performance, scholarship and learning in the arts. They are a vital partner in Kansas City’s cultural environment and collaborate deeply with community institutions through performances, workshops and more. Faculty and alumni of the Conservatory have won numerous honors and awards, including Grammys, Pulitzer Prizes and Fulbright and Guggenheim fellowships. The Hollywood Reporter has recognized the UMKC costume design program among the Top 10 in the U.S. for six years in a row.
Nov 12, 2024
Construction includes largest capital improvement project to date
The University of Missouri-Kansas City has announced and begun construction on major improvements to its physical facilities to meet key strategic goals.
Projects currently under construction include:
The 160,000 square foot Healthcare Delivery and Innovation Building project at 25th and Charlotte streets, the largest capital improvement project in UMKC history.
The $14.5 million medical building for the School of Medicine campus in St. Joseph, Missouri, that will provide 22,000 square feet of medical education space.
A new campus dining concept called the Foodiverse that will bring a food-parlor environment to the first floor of the Student Union on the Volker Campus.
An expansion of Student Success services, with new facilities on the fourth floor of the Miller Nichols Library.
51st Street Pedestrian Plaza, which will enclose 51st Street from Cherry to Rockhill to provide a walkable, landscaped area for campus and community use.
Look here for regular construction and project updates or sign up for a regular email update to be delivered to your inbox.
Healthcare Delivery and Innovation Building (11/11)
Due to construction around the Healthcare Delivery and Innovation Building, traffic flow on 24th Terrace and Charlotte Street is now one way. No left turns are allowed from Charlotte onto 24th Terrace. Right turns only are allowed when exiting the parking garage onto 24th Terrace. This traffic pattern will be in effect for the duration of the project.
The campus surface parking lot at 25th and Charlotte streets closed. Student permit parking is no longer allowed in lot 68, located south of 25th along Charlotte Street. Health Sciences Campus map and Shuttle (PDF).
Faculty, staff and students can park in the seven-floor Hospital Hill Parking Garage 28 on the southeast corner of 24th and Charlotte streets, just north of the construction site/former lot, or in a surface lot 67 to the east at 25th and Campbell streets. Student parking in the garage is available on floors four through seven.
Parking for UMKC School of Dentistry clinic patients as well as metered spots for other UMKC Health Sciences District visitors has been moved to surface lot 68.
UMKC IDs are required to scan in and out of the parking garage.
UMKC hosted a community celebration of the construction launch in September.
Project Video Feeds
51st Street Pedestrian Plaza (9/17)
Starting Monday, Sept. 23, 51st Street between Cherry Street and Rockhill Road will be closed to cars and open to pedestrian traffic.
Barriers will be placed:
at the intersection of 51st and Cherry streets. (Cherry Street will remain open).
just north of the Linda Hall Library access road on Holmes south of 51st Street.
just west of the Plaster Center loading dock access.
Barricades with “Street closed, delivery access only” signs will be placed at Rockhill Road and 51st Street.
Several stop signs were added and road markings were repainted as traffic-control measures and to enhance pedestrian safety.
UMKC administrators will be engaging with various constituent groups this semester to gather feedback about amenities to be added to the walkway. Enhancements, including furniture and lighting, will continue through spring semester.
St. Joseph School of Medicine Campus (7/26)
Construction officially began in April.
The site has been prepared for foundational work, which has begun.
The elevator shaft and some piping work has also been completed.
This project is on schedule to open in June 2025.
Foodiverse (7/26)
Construction at Student Union started in June with clearing space.
The dining hall at Atterbury will remain open in the Fall 2024 semester, as well as the Starbucks in Student Union.
When the Foodiverse opens in January 2025, Atterbury dining services will be closed for renovations to create a new expanded student welcome center at Atterbury.
Miller Nichols Library Renovation (7/26)
The fourth floor of Miller Nichols Library, formerly the silent study floor, is currently closed.
The second floor of the library is now the silent study floor; this change is permanent.
For the Fall 2024 and Spring 2025 semesters, UMKC Tutoring will be available in person in Atterbury Student Success Center, Room 236.
In Fall 2025, the renovated fourth floor will offer open study spaces for all students, study and meeting rooms and laptop stations. Student-success programs such as Supplemental Instruction, UMKC Tutoring, UMKC PALs (Peer Academic Leadership program) and First Gen Roo will gain areas to meet with the students in their programs and updated classroom space.
Nov 11, 2024
Faculty for two-day event at Bloch School includes Chiefs president, retired CEOs
The University of Missouri-Kansas City Henry W. Bloch School of Management welcomed some of Kansas City’s most well-known and respected business leaders.
The CEO Academy kicked off with a two-day event at the Bloch School, and was born from the collective vision of former chief executive officers Bill Zollars of YRC Worldwide, Greg Graves of Burns & McDonnell and Dan Hesse of Sprint. Their experiences as executives inspired them to create a program that would educate and inspire the next generation of leaders.
“Bill, Greg and Dan fondly recall how when they started out as a CEO, established business leaders in Kansas City reached out to offer support and connect them with their network,” said Brian Klaas, dean of the Bloch School. “They wanted to find a way to offer a program that would offer that same kind of support to Kansas City’s next generation of business leaders.”
The Bloch School has a strong tradition of leadership development and a reputation for cultivating senior business talent. The CEO Academy serves as a perfect extension of its mission.
“We’re committed to helping to develop the next generation of leaders, and this outstanding program helps showcase the opportunities available at the Bloch School,” Klaas said.
A standout feature of the CEO Academy is its impressive faculty. Among them and joining Graves, Hesse and Zollars were:
Mark Donovan, president of the Kansas City Chiefs
Beryl Raff, retired CEO of Helzberg Diamonds
Brent Shafer, former CEO of Cerner
David Feinberg, chair of Oracle Health and former CEO of Cerner
Brent Stewart, former CEO of United Way of Greater Kansas City
Dave Dillon, retired CEO of Kroger
Donovan kicked off the two-day event with a lesson in championing success. Prior to his role as president of the Kansas City Chiefs, Donovan's experiences took him through roles with the National Hockey League, the National Football League and the Philadelphia Eagles.
"I'm a big believer in stages of leadership," said Donovan. "My experiences early on with the NHL, in Philadelphia with the Eagles and now in Kansas City have allowed me to grow into the leader I am today."
Participants in the academy were taken through practical, hands-on learning while developing critical, often underappreciated, skills essential for top-level performance. The CEO Academy focuses on teaching participants how to actively listen, absorb feedback and incorporate it into strategic decision-making. Other courses addressed how to overcome barriers to innovation, build a strong company culture and ultimately how to become a CEO, which is something all in attendance aspire to and faculty members provided advice on.
Graves said: "It's important to be an authentic listener. Almost all of your best ideas are going to come from someone else's ideas or thoughts or energies and if you are a really good listener, a lot of great people will want."
Feinberg said: "Be humble, be passionate and have humility. Beyond that, be present. As soon as you realize that the key is to be completely present in the moment, I have found that that's opened more doors than I could have ever opened by only worrying about what's next."
Raff said: "I think you have to have passion for whatever it is that you want to take on. Without passion, you won't do well at it, and you can't have success. The passion for what you're doing is critically important."
Shafer said: "You want to try and learn from everyone you work with, those that are great leaders and those that are not so great. Learn the good and the bad. Learn how to apply it and keep the energy and passion for the business you're involved in."
The CEO Academy is not just about developing individual leaders, it’s about investing in Kansas City’s future. Zollars, Hesse and the other faculty members are dedicated to giving back to the business community that supported them throughout their careers.
“By offering their expertise on a pro-bono basis, they ensure that the CEO Academy remains accessible,” Klaas said. “Fees generated from the program fund scholarships for Bloch School initiatives.”
The CEO Academy will return to the Henry W. Bloch School of Management in 2025.
Nov 08, 2024
Collegiate Panhellenic Council and Interfraternity Council support local families, including UMKC alumni
The students in the University of Missouri-Kansas City Collegiate Panhellenic and Interfraternity Councils have two new small but mighty heroes.
Brooke, 6, and Olivia, 4, are two Kansas City-area kids who despite their young age, have already beaten a formidable foe: childhood cancer.Brooke and Olivia were matched with the UMKC students as part of a national organization, B+ (Be Positive) Foundation. The foundation provides financial, emotional and advocacy support for families who are fighting childhood cancer. A signature of the group is matching children who are fighting cancer, whom they call heroes, with volunteers to provide support during their cancer journey.
That connection was key for the leaders of UMKC Greek Life’s involvement in B+. Alana Lopez, a junior studying biology is the Collegiate Panhellenic Council’s vice president of service and philanthropy and Baran Basu, a junior in biology, is vice president of community service and outreach of the Interfraternity Council. They have been leading their groups’ involvement with B+.“I remember when I first met Brooke, I was walking into the hospital room and she was yelling, ‘She's here! She's here!’” Lopez said. “Having the B+ heroes just shows us how important philanthropy is, because we have such an emotional attachment and see the impact firsthand.”She’s not the only one. Brooke’s mom, Rachelle Parks-Rieckhoff, said what drew her to B+ was the chance for her daughter to get tangible support. She said Brooke counted down the minutes to her visits with the UMKC Greek Life students, who paid visits and sent cards to show their support for Brooke and Olivia. “Raising money is amazing, but they are also doing things with the kids involved, which is nice,” Parks-Rieckhoff said. “It kind of helped Brooke get through treatments this summer.” For Olivia’s parents, Bre and Robert Robinson, that support came from a familiar place. Both are UMKC alumni who were involved in Greek Life. Bre, who graduated from the UMKC School of Nursing and Health Studies, was a Chi Omega, and Robert graduated from the UMKC School of Pharmacy and was part of Sigma Alpha Epsilon. “It can be pretty lonely, especially for the kids, and you have to stay pretty isolated because of the treatment that they are getting,” Bre Robinson said. “So, I think it's cool that they are local and they could come play with the kids if that's something that they need to cheer them up during treatment.”One of the ways the group has shown their support is through the first-ever Roos for Relay, an event where the fraternities and sororities in the councils faced off for some good-natured competition. Brooke and Olivia’s families also joined in on the fun. “I love the girls who came to visit, but watching college-age boys play make believe with a 6-year-old girl little girl, and just go along with it, was so touching.” Parks-Rieckhoff said. “One of them played dolls with her.”Being back in Durwood Stadium, where they’d played intramural sports in college, and listening to the Greek chants was a full circle moment for the Robinsons.“You don't really think about where you're going to be in 10 years,” Bre said. “It kind of was just a weird feeling, a cool feeling, that we could go back to where we went to college and try to make a difference, and we can go back there and try to raise awareness for something that we didn't even think about when we were in their shoes.”While both girls recently got news they are in remission, the families and Greek Life both say raising awareness of childhood cancer was a key motivator to keep going. “Childhood cancer is like that taboo topic,” Parks-Rieckhoff said. “No one wants to talk about it because it's scary, but a lot of kids end up with it. It's not rare.”The group has raised nearly $9,000 at Roos for Relay and expects to hit $10,000 in fundraising for the B+ organization by the end of the semester. The funds go to a general B+ endowment that families like the Parks-Rieckhoffs and Robinsons can access if needed. Lopez and Basu are both planning on running for president of their councils in the coming year and plan to make B+ an annual tradition. In addition to forming connections with the families, they say it’s brought students closer together too.“UMKC Greek Life has never, ever done like a collaboration event live B+,” Lopez said. “I think it’s changing the future a little bit with Greek Life because we all need that collaboration sometimes, and it can be so easy to distance yourselves. But if we come together, we can raise so much more money than individually and just have a better college experience in general.”
Nov 07, 2024
Rarely heard recordings from the archives are part of new “Bird in Kansas City” album
In 1951, jazz icon Charlie Parker jammed on his saxophone at a party at Kansas City’s Eastside, in the home of his friend Phil Baxter. Most of these casual jam sessions are lost to history, but that night, a friend of Baxter’s brought a wire recorder to the party to capture Parker and others playing. More than 70 years later, those recordings are public for the first time.
“Bird in Kansas City: Charlie Parker” is a brand-new album featuring rarely heard recordings of internationally known Parker playing in his hometown of Kansas City. Two recordings, the Baxter wire recording and a disc recording made by band manager John Tumino, come from the University of Missouri-Kansas City Marr Sound Archives. The Marr Sound Archives, located in Miller Nichols Library, house more than 400,000 audio and audiovisual recordings. The archives focus on capturing the American experience in music, radio programs, speeches and interviews.
The Marr Sound Archives include a wide range of audio formats and instruments to play them, including LPs, 78s, 45s, cylinders, transcription discs, instantaneous-cut discs, open-reel tapes, CDs and digital audio files.
The music on “Bird in Kansas City” was originally recorded in 1941-1951, beginning when Parker was just 21 years old.
“These recordings chronicle Parker’s musical transformation from a budding soloist with the Jay McShann Band into a brilliant improviser who dominated after-hours jam sessions,” said Chuck Haddix (B.A. '97), curator of the Marr Sound Archives and Charlie Parker expert.
Haddix is also the author of “Bird: The Life and Music of Charlie Parker.” He worked with jazz collector Norman Saks and Ken Drucker, senior vice president at Verve Label Group, to create the album. Haddix co-produced and wrote the liner notes for the record.
Haddix and the Marr Sound Archives aren’t the only UMKC connection to the Parker album. In the fall of 1938, Parker, as part of the Jay McShann Band, played a series of gigs at the Kangaroo, a malt shop and “jelly joint” at 300 E. 51st Street co-owned by a University of Kansas City (now UMKC) alumnus and a senior at the university. A photo of Parker playing his alto saxophone at the Kangaroo was featured in the 1939 UMKC yearbook and became the only known photo of Parker playing his alto in Kansas City. Thanks to the UMKC University Archives, that photo is featured on the cover of “Bird in Kansas City.”
This page out of the 1939 UMKC yearbook features the only known photo of Charlie Parker playing his saxophone in Kansas City, on the far right.
“While flipping through the yearbook, LaBudde Special Collections Curator Stuart Hinds came across the photo of Charlie Parker playing his saxophone for UKC students at the Kangaroo malt shop,” Haddix said. “We couldn’t believe a photo like this was in the yearbook, especially to be the only known photo of its kind. It’s just an important snapshot of Kansas City history.”
The UMKC Miller Nichols Library is hosting a “Bird in Kansas City” reception and listening event on Nov. 16. The reception will feature guest performer Bobby Watson and the exhibit “Saxophone Supreme: The Life and Music of Charlie Parker.” Haddix will play excerpts from the album and talk about Parker’s time in Kansas City and the stories surrounding the making of the recordings. The event is free and open to the public. RSVP here.
“Bird in Kansas City” is available now from Verve Records.
Nov 05, 2024
Matthew William’s research explores spaceflight’s effect on the human body
For Matthew William ((BLA ’23/M.D. ’24)), the sky isn’t the limit. It’s more like other planets, stars and space stations. William, who is one of the School of Medicine’s most recent graduates, just began his residency in anesthesiology at the University of Michigan. Long-term, he hopes to become an astronaut, focusing on the effects of space flight on the human body.
“Michigan has medical faculty members who are either past NASA astronauts or are currently engaged in research with NASA, so I’m hoping to get mentorship from some of them during residency,” William said.
The connection between anesthesiology and space flight may not seem obvious, but the ties run deep through the aerospace medical field, according to William. He has already logged hundreds of hours participating in research with NASA, SpaceX and military members exploring how the human body reacts to space flight, how to best prepare humans for that journey and what guidelines will be necessary in the future.
As the associate dean for research at the School of Medicine, Paula Monaghan-Nichols, Ph.D., sees the significance in William’s research.
“His research will be critically important in creating guidelines that could not only impact regulations on space flight but may also guide therapeutic interventions that address the physiological challenges to the space exploration,” Monaghan-Nichols said.
William is especially intrigued that surgery, one of the main areas anesthesiology comes into play, is largely unexplored outside Earth.
“I was curious about, ‘what if someone has trauma in space or an emergent issue like appendicitis or cholecystitis, and they must come back to Earth immediately?’” William wondered. “‘How are the things that space does to your body going to affect your morbidity and mortality after surgery?’”
These questions led him to analyze NASA’s existing data and calculate that just two weeks in space already showed a minor increase in mortality.
“With longer-duration spaceflight coming up in the future, I think that risk is going to be a lot higher,” William said. “Learning how to optimize cardiovascular parameters like your heart rate and blood pressure is going to be huge in figuring out how to make people have better surgical outcomes when they come back from space.”
William is part of an international team working under the Aerospace Medical Association, where he’s working with top-notch minds to develop guidelines that commercial companies and government agencies can use when space flight becomes available to the average person. While we aren’t quite there yet, we aren’t too far off.
“When you’re thinking about sending everyday, regular people to space, there’s a concern about, ‘how do we make that optimal for coming back to Earth?’” William said.
William’s research sounds right out of a science fiction story, and for good reason. He has loved science fiction his whole life, and outer space is now an arena where he can work – and play – in real life.
“I think, at some point, I’ll join the Air Force or Navy to get more aerospace training,” he said, “and then eventually apply for astronaut candidate school.”
Nov 01, 2024
The Institute for Urban Education showcases impressive industry and retention statistics
Do you know how far giving can go? Here at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, many of our students and programs thrive because of our donors’ generosity. Their gifts impact all aspects of the university, and those resources change lives everyday.
Dana Reel and Nancy Reel (B.A. ’77) are both Kansas City natives, with Nancy graduating from UMKC with a degree in elementary education. The Reels came in contact with the UMKC Foundation in 2015 when they first established a scholarship in the then College of Arts and Sciences, now School of Humanities and Social Sciences, in honor of Dana’s sister and brother-in-law who attended UMKC. The couple learned about the Institute for Urban Education, commonly called IUE, a program dedicated to supporting educators in historically underserved schools in urban communities, through their communications with the university when they expressed a desire to expand their giving. The Reels wanted to provide more opportunities to underrepresented populations in Kansas City and were incredibly inspired by the IUE. They were impressed with the program’s leadership, mission and achievements. “Hearing about the program for the first time was so refreshing,” Dana said. “I’ve never heard of a program as exceptional as the IUE. We went to one of their events and were so impressed with how it was structured. Every student and teacher we met were so excited and jazzed about their careers and they all had such good camaraderie.”IUE scholars in the program not only receive a scholarship to support them during school, but also receive additional training focused on teaching in urban schools and are committed to teaching in Kansas City’s public schools for four years after graduation. The program also provides consistent guidance and support even after students start teaching full time. Since its inception, the IUE has given Kansas City talented educators who are highly sought after: 100 % of the teachers who come from IUE who are certified have been hired. This impressive statistic has been true even in the years even before the teacher shortage.
Dana and Nancy Reel chatting with an IUE student
“I'm constantly getting emails and phone calls from school principals and HR directors asking if we have any more IUE teachers,” said Jennifer Waddell, Ph.D., director of the IUE. “They tell me that first year IUE teachers are performing at the level of second- or even third-year teachers. It’s nice to hear that the intense preparation and opportunities we provide not only help them get their jobs, but they execute their jobs effectively as well.”Having 100% of teachers hired isn’t the only impressive statistic the IUE has. The program also boasts extremely high retention rates.“Our teachers’ retention rate is almost three times higher than the state’s,” Waddell said. “Currently, 91% of IUE graduates are still teaching or working in public education at the five-year mark. That is compared to a little less than 50% nationally and 34% in Missouri. On top of that, 100% of our students of color who are from urban communities, our core demographic for recruitment, are still teaching at the five-year mark.”Those numbers left the Reels in awe of the program. “I was a teacher myself,” Nancy shared. “I know that the turnover rates are extremely high in the profession and to have a program that is so supportive even when you graduate really does make a big difference. The teachers who come out of the IUE program stay in the profession for a long time, it’s very exciting and hopeful. I wish more programs like the IUE existed.”The Reels explained that the IUE is a program they specifically give to because they are addressing problems that impact the education of Kansas City’s community and children. They expressed gratitude for their own education and wish to pay it forward. “Kansas City is our home,” Dana said. “We want to make a positive and lasting impact here. Nancy and I are fortunate to be able to give financially, it’s truly a blessing. There is a huge need for scholarships and financial aid, and we are just happy to be involved and provide some opportunities.”
Jennifer Waddell, Ph.D., on the left at an IUE event
Waddell expressed how grateful the IUE is with their donors and contributors. “They give us a reason to exist,” Waddell said. “Without the scholarships, we don't have a way to support our students, and we cannot grow our enrollment, much less maintain it. Our students are unbelievable. The teachers they become are nothing short of exceptional and our team members are all here because our donors believe in the mission of the IUE. Their philanthropy and donations make our work possible and help us contribute to the educational landscape of Kansas City.”The Reels shared their satisfaction with the program, especially when they attend events and see dedicated students who are excited about teaching express gratitude to their help. “The schools that these teachers get placed in are extremely lucky,” Nancy said. “They have resources and support that other teachers don’t, and they also have more training because of the IUE. It’s wonderful because ultimately it all goes back to the kids in the classrooms.”The couple said they hope their gift will have a ripple effect for years to come. “I wouldn’t have gotten the job I got without the education I received,” Dana said. “The same goes for Nancy. Scholarships like ours help students focus on their studies. We understand it takes time to study and absorb the material; if we can lighten their financial load, it will only benefit their education and our community. They just need some to help move along, and we are more than happy to do so. We hope they’ll see that and be inspired to give back as part of their future too.”
Oct 30, 2024
Programs will increase research opportunities and community engagement
The University of Missouri-Kansas City has added eight Ph.D. programs to its curriculum. All of these programs will begin admitting students in Fall 2025. With the addition of these programs, UMKC now offers more than 35 doctoral and professional programs.
The doctoral programs – some that include multiple focus areas – are:
Electrical and Computer Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Civil Engineering
Computer Science
Economics
Education with focus areas in Curriculum and Instruction; Educational Leadership, Policy and Foundations; Music Education
Humanities with focus areas in English; History
Natural Sciences with focus areas in Biomedical and Health Informatics; Cell Biology and Biophysics; Chemistry; Geosciences; Mathematics; Molecular Biology and Biochemistry; Oral and Craniofacial Sciences; Pharmaceutical Sciences; Pharmacology; Physics
“These programs allow students to earn a globally recognized credential right here in Kansas City,” School of Graduate Studies Dean Christine Getz said. “They combine an advanced disciplinary specialization with opportunities to diversity skills in preparation for a variety of careers in academics, industry, government, education and the nonprofit sector.”
The programs won’t just benefit students. As Kansas City’s university, the impact to the city and larger region is always top of mind when new opportunities are considered.
“When we consider new academic programs, we determine if there is a need in the Kansas City region and how the program will benefit the community,” Chancellor Mauli Agrawal said. “We’re particularly excited about the opportunities for research that our new Ph.D. programs will provide, including bringing more funding and jobs to the community.”
The new degree programs will help move the university toward its goal of attaining Carnegie Research 1 status that would designate the university as having very high research activity. The R1 designation would make it easier to hire additional excellent faculty and attract more students. It also helps with national prestige, leading to more research funding and partnerships with other R1 institutions and organizations in the community. Only 146 universities – or 5% – in the country have R1 status, and none currently do in the Kansas City region.
“The new degree programs better identify the areas in which faculty and students are already researching and working,” said Jennifer Lundgren, provost and executive vice chancellor. “We expect that this clarity will us recruit high-quality faculty and students, as well as boost our research opportunities.”
Oct 29, 2024
Mya Thomas’s passion for interdisciplinary learning fueled her interest in STEM organizations such as Women in Science (WiSci) and Baja Buggy
Conducting research in Iceland, presenting to NASA and working with Baja Buggies. That’s the typical college experience for Mya Thomas, who loves a hands-on approach in the STEM field. We sat down with the Science and Engineering student to learn exactly what gets her gears going.
What inspired you to pursue your major?
My major is a Bachelor of Science in Earth and Environmental Science with a geology emphasis. I am pursuing minors in astronomy and physics as well as a certificate in Geographic Information Systems. I love exploring the natural world and learning about geologic processes I can observe with my own eyes in the field. I decided to add on minors in astronomy and physics because I want to specialize in planetary geology. It has always been a dream of mine to work for NASA and help plan missions to extraterrestrial lands.
How and why did you get involved with WiSci?
During my freshman year, I first discovered Women in Science through an alumna that now works with NASA. She said that WiSci was a wonderful and supportive environment for her to be a part of while she was at UMKC. I started off as a general member, but then was elected vice president the next semester and here I am as president about a year later. Since being involved with WiSci, I have gained a passion for making STEM more accessible and success in it more achievable.
How and why did you get involved with Baja Buggy?
I joined the Baja Racing Team my freshman year because I thought it was cool! My dad has always been a fan of NASCAR and I grew up riding go-karts with him, so I developed an interest in cars and racing.
As the current president, I approach this role with a mission to, again, make STEM more accessible and approachable to non-majors. The executive team is composed of all non-engineering students, and we have leads from each engineering discipline at UMKC. I quickly learned how important it is to foster a supportive atmosphere, put trust in your team, and just ask the question when you have it.
What do you plan to pursue post-grad? Why?
Once I graduate from UMKC, I am going off to grad school to study planetary geology and continue building an interdisciplinary background in STEM. My dream career is to be on a mission planning team at NASA. I am most interested in being a part of a team that develops scientific data collection and analysis plans for a mission to planets or asteroids in our solar system. Mission planning teams at NASA are as interdisciplinary as you can get.
Why is the representation of women in science important? What does it mean to you?
Learning about science in school, I only recall hearing about Albert Einstein, Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin and Galileo. It wasn’t until late high school that I learned about famous female scientists like Marie Curie, Katherine Johnson and Mary Anning. Growing up with this narrative of science being a man’s field made it feel deviant to be interested in pursuing a career in STEM.
I don’t want young girls to feel intimidated to pursue a career in STEM. I want young girls to grow up and maintain their curiosities in science and carry that into their career paths. Building a more encouraging atmosphere around STEM would open the industry to so many more diverse perspectives.
Do you have any advice for women thinking of pursuing a STEM field?
My biggest piece of advice would be to branch out and try new things, more so if you are intimidated. Not only will you grow as a student when you step outside of your comfort zone, but also as a human being.
Do you have any current mentors who have inspired you?
Hands down,the MELT team at UMKC. The MELT team is a volcanology research team led by Alison Graettinger, Ph.D. in the Natural and Build Environment Division in the School of Science and Engineering at UMKC. Graettinger has been an incredible mentor to me regarding both my undergraduate research pursuits and my general career path. She is passionate about facilitating her students’ success. The path I am on feels so much more fun with Graettinger and the MELT team by my side.
Thomas' incredible academic achievements and student involvement on campus with organizations such as Women in Science and Baja SAE has not gone unrecognized, with her receiving the 2024 Central Exchange Student Achiever STEMMy Award.
She is also the grand prize winner of the 2024 AGU Michael H. Freilich Data Visualization Competition. The award provides an opportunity for students to demonstrate creative ways to visualize data and present complex problems in the Earth, space and related scientific disciplines and advance their ability to communicate science with broad audiences. Thomas will get the chance to present on the NASA hyperwall at the 2024 American Geophysical Union Annual Meeting this December in Washington, D.C.
Oct 24, 2024
Mayra Aguirre is a Kansas City leader, first-generation college graduate
Mayra Aguirre, president of the Hall Family Foundation, will give the UMKC Commencement address on Dec. 15.
Aguirre has led the organization, which aims to enhance the quality of human life in the Greater Kansas City Area, since 2020. The appointment was a natural fit for Aguirre, who is passionate about serving her community. As the daughter of immigrants growing up in Emporia, Kansas, she watched as her parents worked in manual labor roles to provide for their family. She was the first member of her family to graduate from college, earning a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Emporia State University. She went on to achieve her Juris Doctorate from he University of Kansas School of Law.Her immigrant and working-class experience instilled a deep and lasting commitment to uplifting under resourced communities, and today Aguirre is known as a dedicated Kansas City leader with a long history of serving the community. Prior to becoming president of the Hall Family Foundation, Aguirre worked for the Mid-America Regional Council Metropolitan Council on Early Learning, and at the Hispanic Development Fund, where she continues to serve on the board and as an advocate and mentor for children, youth and young professionals. She also serves on the boards of the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce, Hispanic Development Fund and KC2026 World Cup. In her role as president of the Hall Family Foundation, Aguirre has worked with the board to join with community partners across the region to support initiatives that facilitate positive impact in the Kansas City community and align with the initial vision of the organization’s founders, Joyce and Elizabeth Hall. That collaboration includes UMKC with the Hall Family Foundation providing $15 million for the construction of the Healthcare Delivery and Innovation Building, which will provide enhanced technology and facilities for students, opportunities for multidisciplinary learning and research and upgraded clinic facilities for the community.
Oct 21, 2024
13 alumni and one family will be honored on April 25
The University of Missouri-Kansas City Class of 2025 Alumni Award recipients include a CEO and founder of a company frequently mentioned in the Kansas City Business Journal, and a family that has made a significant impact in dental healthcare.
Each year, UMKC recognizes a select group of alumni for their inspirational accomplishments. The event is one of the university’s largest events to support student scholarships. In the past decade, the Alumni Awards event has garnered more than $1 million in scholarships and immediate student aid for UMKC.
The Class of 2025 awardees will be honored at a celebration on April 25 at the Student Union.
Alumnus of the Year: Nathaniel Hagedorn
Nathaniel Hagedorn (BBA ’02, MBA ’04) has had a 22-year career in commercial real estate. In 2012, he founded NorthPoint Development, a Kansas City-based commercial real estate development company focused on industrial, multifamily and data center projects. As the CEO of the firm, Hagedorn is responsible for strategically ensuring NorthPoint remains an innovator in data science and technology.
NorthPoint has grown to a team of 400 team members with nine offices across the country and has become the largest industrial developer in the United States, serving most Fortune 500 companies. The company has also invested in more than 8,000 apartment units and is developing several multi-billion-dollar hyperscale data center campuses. NorthPoint has been recognized by the Kansas City Business Journal as a Best Place to Work in Kansas City for 11 years running.
Hagedorn also serves on the NorthPoint Foundation board, which focuses on charitable efforts to support children in need across Kansas City and in the other communities NorthPoint serves across the country.
Spotlight Award: James Mitchell
James Mitchell (B.M./B.A. ’13) has always been passionate about music and the environment. He majored in cello performance and environmental studies and is currently a leading expert in the field of climate finance whose work has shaped the climate strategies of some of the world’s largest banks and investors. He started his career as a researcher at the University of Oxford Sustainable Finance Group, where he published novel research that exposed climate and environmental risks in high-emitting industries.
In 2019, Mitchell built a global coalition of banks that adopted a first-of-a-kind climate change standard, the Poseidon Principles, while working at RMI, formerly known as the Rocky Mountain Institute. The Poseidon Principles are the most successful voluntary climate standard in the financial sector by market share today. In 2020, he became the founding director of the Center for Climate-Aligned Finance, which is now a leading center of excellence in the field of climate finance.
Mitchell is a senior expert at RMI and Head of Impact at the Center for Climate-Aligned Finance. He also serves on several climate finance advisory boards. His work is incorporated into the strategies of some of the world’s largest funds and financial institutions and has been featured in publications such as the Economist, Financial Times, Guardian and New York Times.
Mitchell also has a significant music career. Him and his folk band, the Infamous Flapjack Affair, launched Confluence, a musical documentary that explores social and environmental issues along the Colorado River in 2018. The film has since received several awards.
Defying the Odds: Diana Kander
When Diana Kander (B.A. ’02) was just 8 years old, she and her family escaped the Soviet Union, entered the United States as refugees, and resettled in Kansas City without money or the ability to speak English. And yet it is from these humble beginnings that Kander became a Georgetown-educated attorney, a university professor, the founder of 10 companies, a consultant to Fortune 500 companies and government leadership teams, and a New York Times bestselling author whose books have been taught in more than 100 universities and translated into many languages.
Kander credits UMKC with resetting her expectations for herself. Between a debate scholarship and the opportunity to accelerate her studies and graduate in two and a half years, UMKC made her experience possible by making it affordable. But beyond affordability, UMKC granted her unusual freedom to build a course of study, setting her on a life course built around pursuing passions and outsized goals.
Legacy Award: The Mahaffey Family
For three generations, the Mahaffey family has made an impact on the dental profession with oral healthcare throughout Missouri.
Charles Mahaffey graduated from the UMKC School of Dentistry in 1972. He has served as the president of the Dental Alumni Association at UMKC. Though Charles is now officially retired, the family dental practice continues to thrive under the leadership of his family.
Following in his footsteps, his son, Darren Mahaffey graduated from UMKC School of Dentistry in 2005 along with his wife, Sarah (Brown) Mahaffey. Darren and Sarah had a vision of bringing a large-scale dental clinic that would provide free oral healthcare to patients of all ages who cannot otherwise afford or have access to care in Missouri. They launched the first Missouri Mission of Mercy (MOMOM) in 2011, which saw 1,856 patients, gave over $1 million in care and had 1,100 volunteers.
Sarah currently serves as vice president of the Dental Alumni Association. She also created a new dentist conference in conjunction with the Missouri Dental Association called Connect4Success, to mentor and support dentists.
Samantha Mahaffey, granddaughter to Charles and niece to Darren and Sarah, graduated from the UMKC School of Dentistry in 2022. Prior to entering dental school and throughout her time as a dental student, Samantha participated in several MOMOM events, embodying the family’s legacy in providing care and service to the community. She is pursued an Advanced Education General Dentistry residency at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center and is now working at the family practice.
School Alumni Achievement Awardees
Conservatory: John Jenkins (DMA ’12)
Executive Director, Bartlesville Symphony Orchestra
School of Dentistry: Jessica Meeske (DDS ’96)
Senior Partner, Pediatric Dental Specialists of Greater Nebraska
School of Education, Social Work and Psychological Sciences: Terry Ward (Ph.D. ’12)
Principal, Doolin Ward Consulting (retired)
School of Science and Engineering: Nidhi Hegde, (M.S. ’98, Ph.D. ’00)
Associate Professor, University of Alberta
Henry W. Bloch School of Management: Paula Petersen (EMBA ’07)
Executive Director, Consumer Segment and Strategic Services, Commerce Bank
School of Humanities and Social Sciences: Steve Revare (M.A. ’07)
Co-Owner, Tom's Town Distilling Co.
School of Law: Justice Melissa Taylor Standridge (J.D. ’93)
Supreme Court Justice, State of Kansas
School of Medicine: Amy Hara (B.A. ’93/M.D. ’94)
Professor of Radiology and Board of Governors Member, Mayo Clinic Arizona
School of Nursing and Health Studies: Donna Young (BHS ’18)
Chief Operating Officer, Powell Gardens, Inc.
School of Pharmacy: Erica Mahn (Pharm.D. ’12)
Executive Director of Community Pharmacy Services, Alps Pharmacy
Tickets for the 2025 Alumni Awards can be purchased here.
Oct 21, 2024
UMKC researcher studies sleep as a solution to alleviate trauma
As a student dozes off into slumber, an auditory instruction is heard through a monitor.
“Think of a tree,” says Westley Youngren, Ph.D., a psychologist, professor and researcher at University of Missouri-Kansas City, as he observes brainwaves from outside a laboratory that resembles a bedroom haven.
Instead of beakers and test tubes, the equipment in this cubed space includes a bed, nightstand, glowing salt lamp, a few serene houseplants and a two-way speaker for Youngren to communicate with his subjects. This time it’s Bailee Ehlers, a junior studying psychology, who says she is thinking about a forest as she falls asleep with an eye mask and an EEG strapped onto her to measure the electrical activity in her brain.
The sleep lab is soundproof and darkness washes over when the door is closed, leaving only brainwaves for observation from the outside.
This is done as a part of Youngren’s research to prove that imagery and thoughts can control what we dream. While dreams are a fun and happy adventure for him, he understands it may not be so for everyone - especially those who have gone through traumatic experiences, such as combat or sexual assault.
“There is a concept of how much we can control our dreams,” Youngren said. “We’ve found that most people who have chronic trauma-related nightmares don’t really feel like they have control of their dreams. It’s our goal to show that we can control our dreams, or at least influence the content of them. Having that sense of autonomy could help with their treatments down the road.”
Youngren and his research were recently featured in an American Psychological Association cover story about how disturbing dreams, like nightmares, heavily influence sleep quality, leading to long-term effects on individuals’ mental, emotional and physical health.
“There’s a good amount of research suggesting that treating sleep and nightmares can help trauma-related symptoms overall,” Youngren said in the article.
Ehlers is not just a research subject, she is also one of Youngren’s research assistants. Being on both sides of the research provided Ehlers with additional insight.
“I was a subject before a research assistant, so it helped me experience what other subjects feel when they participate in the study,” Ehlers said. “Seeing that you can influence your thoughts resulting in a better quality of life is really interesting. When dealing with trauma, it can be easy to feel helpless, but this research can help show individuals the power to change the effect it has on them is within themselves. They just need to be shown how.”
Youngren hopes to bring joy back to dreaming through his research.
“I think dreams can be a fundamental part of joy in life,” Youngren said. “Some of my favorite moments in life are sharing the cool dreams I had with other people. So, a big picture of my research is asking how we can bring the joy of dreaming back into every individual’s life.”
Oct 08, 2024
High school- and college-age students are introduced to pharmacy earlier than ever before with a UMKC summer internship
For the next generation of healthcare workers, the starting line is earlier than ever, thanks to the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Pharmacy. There, future students are getting early exposure to pharmacy during their high school and undergraduate years.
This past summer, a cohort of students working under Drinnan Sante, a Ph.D. candidate in the School of Pharmacy, experienced hands-on learning every week in a new internship program at the school designed to expose young learners to the profession years before having to make any career decisions.
Sante is researching the way medications are delivered to the body. More specifically, how to target treatment to only the affected areas of the brain or body that need a drug. His goal is to work towards a cure for Alzheimer’s disease, which affects 6.9 million people in the United States alone.
Sante assembled a team of high school and undergraduate interns who assisted him about 20 hours per week. The goal of the program was to give the students experience in a lab, which will give them a leg up in their studies.
UMKC School of Pharmacy Dean Russell Melchert, Pharm.D., knows that early introduction to the discipline helps show potential students the versatile career paths in pharmacy.
“We like to welcome all who are interested in learning more about pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences,” Melchert said. “Whether they end up wanting to go into one of the many different areas of pharmacy practice or into research, we are trying to get students some hands-on experience and a greater understanding of the many rewarding career pathways our graduates take.”
“This part of the medical field isn’t super obvious when you’re younger,” Sante said. “You think either doctor or dentist, but there’s a whole field where you can do research and actually try to help cure diseases that aren’t cured yet, and this project is a little window into that.”
For recent Blue Valley West High School graduate Cooper Canfield, the opportunity to participate in this research and assist Sante came after conversations with Steve Stoner, Pharm.D., the school’s associate dean for student affairs, when he spoke to the high school’s pre-med club.
“He was talking about some neuroscience research that was happening in the lab over here and I spoke to him afterwards and said, ‘That sounds interesting. Is there any way I can get in a lab and get into all this?’ and he said, ‘Absolutely,’” Canfield said.
Canfield enrolled at the University of Kansas this fall as a chemistry major and neuropsychology minor, and is considering a career in pharmacy down the line.
“It’s the perfect combination of neuroscience and chemistry,” he said.
St. Pius High School senior Meet Kaur was interested in pharmacy from an early age, and her summer spent doing hands-on work at UMKC was a step up from her earlier shadowing experiences.
“I’ll go volunteer at hospitals here and there, but it’s not the same as being in a lab and getting the experience,” Kaur said. “I’m learning before college even starts.”
Anay Chatterjee, a sophomore at Olathe North, was the youngest of the group, earning pharmacy lab experience years before other students do. A large part of his internship was honing lab safety skills that he can bring back to his classroom at Olathe North.
“I worked in a biosafety cabinet, where you work with sterile objects,” Chatterjee said. “The safety procedures that I’m running here are really important, because we also have biosafety cabinets back in my high school.”
Chatterjee is working to fill gaps in his resume to make him a competitive college applicant and someday, be accepted into medical school.
The older the student, the more involved the role they play in assisting Sante’s research. For Jacob Suchman, a sophomore studying biology at Davidson College in North Carolina, the summer was a chance to keep his skills sharp.
Suchman worked with a nanopore, a tool commonly used in labs to determine DNA and RNA sequences.
“There’s all sorts of tools that I’ve learned how to use,” Suchman said. “I’m helping Ph.D. students, like Drinnan and some of his colleagues, as they learn and understand nanopore like I am, and figure out how to use it best for their Ph.D. dissertations and other work.”
“It’s given me a great insight on Drinnan’s day-to-day life as a Ph.D. student and the challenges he has to work with,” Suchman said. “I would like to do something similar to what he’s doing.”
Program director, Gerald Wyckoff, Pharm.D., has seen the benefit of the summer program for budding pharmacists.
“It was fantastic to have students in our labs this summer and we enjoyed seeing them make connections in the lab to what they may have seen in their studies,” he said. “Our graduate students were truly an excellent asset in ensuring the success of these summer experiences.”
Interested in getting hands-on experience at the School of Pharmacy next summer? Reach out to Gerald Wyckoff at wyckoffg@umkc.edu.
Oct 07, 2024
Both CPKC Stadium and The Rabbit hOle have UMKC ties playing prominent roles in the success of these attractions
TIME recently announced its annual list of the World’s Greatest Places to visit, and two Kansas City spots with UMKC ties were recognized.
CPKC Stadium and The Rabbit hOle were named on the media company’s list as extraordinary destinations among hotels, restaurants, attractions and more.
CPKC Stadium opened earlier this year, cementing its status as the world’s first stadium built for a women’s professional sports team. The world-class facility includes FIFA-approved turf pitch and dedicated spaces for wellness, recovery and weight training for the Kansas City Current players.
UMKC is a higher-education partner with the Current, and that agreement includes Current player mentorship of UMKC women’s soccer players and UMKC educational opportunities for Current team members.
UMKC alumni serve as top KC Current leaders. Monica Ngo (B.A. ’08) is the vice president of human resources and Maggie Walters (L.L.M. ’15) is general counsel. UMKC faculty Meg Gibson, M.D., is a physician for the Current.
Current founders and co-owners Angie Long and Chris Long were named Kansas City Entrepreneurs of the Year by UMKC for their leadership roles at Palmer Square Capital Management and their work with the Current, both powerful platforms that are leading the way in making positive global change.
The Rabbit hOle is a museum experience in North Kansas City that celebrates children’s literature for people of all ages. With three floors, visitors are able to explore immersive and multi-sensory narrative landscapes from various children literature tales.
UMKC alumni also serve as significant members of the Rabbit hOle, with Iris Appelquist (B.A. '21) as the current human resources manager and Emily Hane (MPA ’15) previously serving as the development director.
The governing board of the Rabbit hOle also has a UMKC alum, Larry Taft (MBA '91).
“Knowing our alumni are making an impact that is not just recognized in Kansas City, but also worldwide, is exciting,” Kaity Woody, assistant vice chancellor of Alumni Relations and Annual Giving, said. “It is a true testament to how UMKC is also a world-class university in a world-class city.”
Oct 04, 2024
UMKC announces new endowment, donation to GLAMA archives
The University of Missouri-Kansas City Swinney Center was transformed into an elegant reception hall for the first-ever UMKC Pride Luncheon. The UMKC tradition, which previously had been a breakfast, raises funds to support LGBTQIA+ students, allies, programs and scholarships.
Kansas City community members were in attendance, along with UMKC staff, faculty and students.
UMKC raised a record-breaking amount at this year’s Pride Luncheon, with more gifts still coming in. On top of that, former Missouri Senator Greg Razer also established a $40,000 endowment to be dedicated to supporting LGBTQIA+ students at the university. Razer said he hopes the gift will inspire a legacy of generosity.” “I was only able to go to college because someone else provided a full scholarship for me,” Razer said. “I am now paying that forward, and hope to inspire others to do so as well.”
Former Kansas City mayor and UMKC alumna Kay Barnes (M.A. '71, MPA '78) was honored at the luncheon with the C. Stephen Metzler Pride Champion Award, which recognizes an individual (LGBTQIA+ or ally) who embodies the legacy of Metzler (MBA ’76), who made Kansas City a better place for the LGBTQIA+ community through volunteerism, philanthropy and leading by example.
Barnes was known as a fierce ally of the community, regardless of the political and business risks, during her career in public office which included terms as county legislator, city council member, mayor and U.S. Congressional candidate. She is the only woman to have served as Kansas City’s mayor, serving from 1999 to 2007, and was one of two women in the Jackson County Legislature in 1974. Barnes is most known for spearheading the revitalization of downtown Kansas City through the construction of the T-Mobile (formerly Sprint) Center, the H&R Block headquarters and the Power and Light District.
“I am so proud of my relationship with UMKC,” Barnes said, as she accepted her award. “The students here are fortunate to be part of a wonderful university that has grown so much since I was a student here. Everyone in this room has a unique contribution to make in our university and our community. You each are valued, let’s keep the momentum going, we have so much more to accomplish together.”
As a trailblazer, Barnes is also a UMKC Starr Women’s Hall of Fame inductee. Her out-of-the-box thinking, assertiveness and devotion to public service led her to being nominated in 2014 and inducted in 2015. Barnes is senior director of university engagement at Park University.
“Kay Barnes is an inspirational figure in Kansas City, and we are excited to honor her with the C. Stephen Metzler Pride Champion Award,” UMKC Chancellor Mauli Agrawal said. “Her determination to strive for equality, inclusivity and justice while elevating the city amazes all of us. We are glad she is deeply connected to UMKC and our community.”
Another former Kansas City mayor was also closely involved with this year’s Pride Luncheon. Former Mayor Sly James, who served from 2011 to 2019, was an honorary co-chair along with his business partner and former chief of staff Joni Wickham of Wickham James Strategies & Solutions.
The event co-chairs were Casey Simmons and S. Sloane Simmons who own A Store Named Stuff in Brookside, and Jonathan Gregory, UnitedHealth Group, and Eric Thomas, Zurich Insurance.
Ophelia Griffin, a junior in communication and former Student Government Association president, shared her experience of acceptance at the Pride Luncheon.
“It is a point of pride for many students like me that UMKC and its faculty and staff are fiercely committed to nurturing and sustaining an inclusive culture,” Griffin said. “UMKC lets us be our awesome, brave self. I’ve experienced being the first, but I am here to assure you that I am not the last. Know that UMKC and Kansas City are different. We do matter and are seen at this institution. We will always have a seat at the table at this wonderful, vibrant community.”
Former Missouri State Senator Jolie Justus (J.D. ’98) was also in attendance. She was the first openly gay member of the Missouri Senate, serving the 10th district from 2007-2015. Justus and Razer announced at the luncheon they had purchased the senate seat where they sat as the first two openly gay state senators in Missouri to donate to the Gay and Lesbian Archive of Mid-America (GLAMA) at the university.
The Pride Luncheon has raised more than $650,000 since 2015, showing the university’s continuous support and commitment to inclusivity on campus.
Oct 02, 2024
$8.3 million grant is largest NIH award in university history
The University of Missouri-Kansas City Healthcare Institute for Innovations in Quality and Saint Luke’s Mid America Heart Institute today announced a nationwide four-year study of U.S. pregnant women with heart disease to better understand and combat maternal deaths and illnesses. The National Institutes of Health awarded $8.3 million to UMKC HI-IQ, the largest NIH grant the university has received so far.
The U.S. has the highest maternal mortality rate of any industrialized nation, and the only country whose rate is increasing, and cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of maternal death. While only 2% to 4% of pregnancies are in people with pre-existing cardiovascular disease, they account for more than a third of maternal deaths. These adverse events disproportionately impact Black, Hispanic, American Indian/Alaskan Native and Asian/Pacific Islander pregnancies.
The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute awarded UMKC HI-IQ funding for the study, Heart Outcomes in Pregnancy Expectations (HOPE) for Mom and Baby, which will enroll 1,000 pregnant women with cardiovascular disease from 36 confirmed enrolling sites nationwide, to study their care and outcomes.
HOPE will be the first U.S. study to describe the care and outcomes of pregnant individuals with heart disease to better understand the patient characteristics, treatment and organization of healthcare delivery that most influence these outcomes so that standardized-care protocols can be developed and disseminated to combat the United States’ tragically high rate of heart-related deaths and illnesses.
HOPE was initiated as a two-site pilot by Saint Luke’s Hospital of Kansas City in 2019 at Saint Luke’s Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston.
Philanthropic gifts from the Muriel McBrien Kauffman Family Foundation, the Victor E. Speas Foundation, Bank of America, N.A., Trustee and Saint Luke's Hospital Auxiliary provided the runway for the institute’s nationwide HOPE study, said Anna Grodzinsky (B.L.A. '08/M.D. '09, M.S. '15.), cardiologist at Saint Luke’s Mid America Heart Institute and associate professor of medicine at UMKC.
“Heart disease is responsible for more than a third of all pregnancy-related deaths in the U.S., yet we lack research that has followed this patient population,” Grodzinsky said. “The HOPE study will help us gain a better understanding of how we as providers can better care for these patients in a more standardized way in an effort to lower the risk of adverse outcomes.”
Grodzinsky was a co-principal investigator in the pilot phase along with Karen Florio, D.O., M.P.H., a maternal-fetal medicine specialist at both UMKC and the University of Missouri, now a co-principal investigator on the expanded study. Both will co-lead HOPE with principal investigator John Spertus, M.D., M.P.H., UMKC HI-IQ founder and director, clinical director of outcomes research at Saint Luke’s Mid America Heart Institute, a UMKC professor of medicine and the Daniel J. Lauer/Missouri Endowed Chair in Metabolic and Vascular Disease Research.
“The HOPE study will generate important new insights into the care of pregnant people with cardiovascular disease,” Spertus said. “We anticipate generating two key contributions: patient-level prediction models of adverse clinical outcomes and defining the structures of cardio-obstetrics care that are independently associated with better outcomes. Both lay the foundation for improving care for these high-risk patients.”
“Guided by patients with lived experience and committed experts, the HOPE study will support improvements in patient-level care by developing risk models that can be used to support evidence-based protocols while also guiding the enrolling centers on how best to organize cardio-obstetrics care to optimize outcomes and minimize disparities,” Florio said. “The study will further our understanding of the nuanced care needed for pregnant people with heart disease.”
About the University of Missouri-Kansas City Healthcare Institute for Innovations in Quality Since 2017, the team of UMKC Healthcare Institute for Innovations in Quality, or UMKC HI-IQ, has worked with a network of providers, payers, patients and nonprofit organizations to identify strategies to improve the value (better care at lower cost) and equity of healthcare in Kansas City. For more information about the institute, visit healthcareinstitute.umkc.edu.
About Saint Luke’s Mid America Heart Institute Saint Luke’s Mid America Heart Institute is part of Saint Luke’s Health System, which serves the West Region of BJC Health System, one of the largest nonprofit health care organizations in the United States. The Heart Institute, a teaching affiliate of the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine, is one of the most distinguished cardiovascular programs in the country. Its legacy of innovation began more than 40 years ago when it opened as the nation’s first freestanding heart hospital. Since then, the nearly 200 board-certified specialists and cardiovascular experts have earned a global reputation for excellence in the treatment of heart disease, including interventional cardiology, cardiovascular surgery, imaging, heart failure, transplant, heart disease prevention, cardio-oncology, cardiometabolic disease, women’s heart disease, electrophysiology, outcomes research, and health economics by being the third hospital in the U.S. to achieve Comprehensive Cardiac Center certification from The Joint Commission.
In 2023, the Heart Institute completed its 1,000th heart transplant, making it one of only 23 advanced programs to have reached this milestone.
About the University of Missouri-Kansas City The University of Missouri-Kansas City, one of four University of Missouri campuses, is a public research university serving more than 15,500 undergraduate, graduate and professional students. UMKC engages with the community and world based on its mission: placing student success at the center; leading in life and health sciences; advancing regional engagement; excelling in visual and performing arts; and promoting research and economic development. For more information about UMKC, visit umkc.edu.
Sep 30, 2024
School’s initiative yields 90% pass rate
The pass rate of UMKC School of Law students who took the Missouri bar exam for the first time in July 2024 was 90.6%, more than 5% higher than the pass rate of all Missouri first-time test takers. UMKC Law students had the highest pass rate of all public universities in Missouri and Kansas.
“We are incredibly proud of our success on this bar exam,” UMKC School of Law Dean Lumen Mulligan said. “It is a team effort: hardworking students, great faculty, the nation’s top bar-passage professor in Wanda Temm and alumni support. Each teammate is essential. Indeed, we appreciate all the alumni gifts supporting the bar prep program, especially our gold-level sponsorship from Wagstaff & Cartmell, LLP.”
Students who took the July bar exam are some of the first to benefit from the new bar preparation program, an initiative by the UMKC School of Law to provide every juris doctorate student with a commercial bar prep program and in-person supplemental course at no extra cost. With a July 2024 pass rate that is 9% higher than the July 2023 pass rate of UMKC Law students, the program’s impact is outstanding.
Wanda Temm, J.D., a nationally recognized expert on bar passage, has taught the supplemental course for more than 20 years. Temm has taught nearly 2,000 students how to prepare for the bar exam. When she began the course, UMKC School of Law was one of the first in the country to offer a supplemental bar preparation course.
“UMKC has a proud tradition of supporting our students throughout their legal education and bar preparation,” Temm said. “Credit goes to our students who put in the effort it takes and to the law school community, from the administration to faculty, staff and alumni who volunteer to help year after year. We are so proud of this team effort and results.”
UMKC School of Law is one of few in the country to provide both a commercial bar preparation program and a supplemental in-person course at no cost to students beyond tuition and fees.
“This has been a game-changer for our students,” Mulligan said. “Law school is probably the most challenging intellectual exercise they’ll engage in, and the bar exam is the top of that mountain. This initiative ensures that every student has access to these important resources and the best chance to be successful.”
Reputable commercial bar preparation programs cost an average of $4,000, a high expense to ask students to pay before many of them have full-time jobs and one that cannot be paid for with a student loan. This leaves many students to make the difficult choice to take out a commercial loan to pay for a program or try to pass the bar exam without using a program to prepare.
Alexis Denny (J.D. ‘23) was in the first class of students to prepare for the bar exam with this extra support.
“The reality of bar prep is that some people have to make an economic-driven decision,” Denny said. “So they choose the cheapest or free option, don’t enroll in the in-person class and try to go it alone. With this initiative, no student has to choose between paying for bills or a bar prep program.”
Some large law firms pay for bar prep expenses, but students with ambitions in areas of law that don’t pay for bar prep, and likely don’t start at high salaries, are now able to pursue those ambitions with less concern regarding expense. UMKC School of Law prides itself on its ties and service to the Kansas City community, and this is one more way it provides value to that community, as well as its students.
“This initiative is deeply in line with our mission,” Mulligan said. “First-generation and other students with fewer economic means now have access to that resource to succeed. We’re helping to create lawyers who seek a career outside of the private sector such as in public defense, district attorney offices and public service work.”
Learn more about the bar preparation program and how to support UMKC Law students.
Sep 30, 2024
Honoring Kansas City influential female leaders who are first in their fields
The newest class of inductees to the University of Missouri-Kansas City Starr Women’s Hall of Fame, established a decade ago to recognize the extraordinary accomplishments of women who have benefitted the Kansas City region and beyond, showcases a major multitude of firsts.
The seven inductees include: the first Native American to argue a case in the Supreme Court; the first woman named as president of the Black Coaches Association and the first African American woman to coach the Olympic women’s basketball team; a philanthropist who helped shape the arts and healthcare delivery in Kansas City and who established the first center dedicated to women’s heart health in the U.S.; the woman who founded the first bilingual newspaper in the four-state region; a communications firm founder who has led the first family of multiple U.S. presidential administrations on diplomatic tours in dozens of countries; the first African American superintendent of the Hickman Mills Schools District who mentors women seeking doctoral degrees; and the first at-large chair of the Board of County Commissioners in Johnson County.
Starr Women’s Hall of Fame will induct its sixth class honoring trailblazing Kansas City women at 4 p.m. Feb. 20 at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. Sponsor opportunities are available and individual ticket information will be available in the upcoming months.
From left to right, top to bottom: Eliza Conley Jr., Muriel Irene McBrien Kauffman, Roshann Parris, Clara Reyes, Annabeth Surbaugh, Marian E. Washington, Marjorie A. Williams
Learn more about the seven exceptional women who are the Class of 2025 inductees:
Eliza Burton Conley Jr.
Conley, who died in 1946, is the first Native American to argue a case before the Supreme Court and the first woman admitted to the Kansas Bar Association. She is best known for her advocacy to prevent the Wyandotte ancestral burial grounds in downtown Kansas City, Kansas being sold for commercial development space and her lifelong work to protect tribal rights. An alumna of the Kansas City School of Law, now UMKC School of Law, her legal and civic advocacy resulted in the placement of the Wyandotte National Burial Grounds on the National Register of Historic Places. She brought this battle to protect a sacred and culturally significant burial ground all the way to the Supreme Court and she, her sister and other women of the tribe erected a barricade on the cemetery and guarded it with shotguns.
Muriel Irene McBrien Kauffman
Through her leadership and investments in this community and those of the foundation that bears her name, Kauffman, has forever changed the arts and healthcare delivery landscape of the Kansas City community. Known as Mrs. K, she established a small business when she was only 16, and after her father died at age 50, she took over his businesses, including an insurance company, real estate holdings and a law practice. In the early 1960s, she married Ewing Kauffman who had a thriving business in Kansas City, Marion Laboratories. Muriel Kauffman became vice president-director of Marion Laboratories, and also served as the treasurer for 20 years before becoming president of the Muriel McBrien Kauffman Family Foundation that focused on her passion for the performing and visual arts. She also championed healthcare. The Saint Luke’s Muriel I. Kauffman’s Women’s Heart Center was the first center of its kind in the United States that is dedicated to proactive treatment of women’s heart health when it opened in 1994 in Kansas City. Kauffman also was the first woman elected to a major Kansas City bank board and the first woman to step onto the floor the New York Stock Exchange. Prior to Kauffman’s passing in 1995, her last wish expressed to her daughter, Julia, was to build a performing arts center. Julia took this request to heart and opened the 316,000-square-foot Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts in 2011. This center is not only home to three resident arts organizations: the Kansas City Symphony, the Kansas City Ballet and the Kansas City Lyric Opera, but also provides diverse performances and support for smaller arts organizations and programs creating unique accessibility for all. It is due to her that the area has the Kansas City Royals, convincing her husband they should purchase the team in 1968; and she became the first woman to receive a “Mr. Baseball” award from the Baseball Writers Association.
Roshann Parris
Parris began her career in Washington, D.C. in 1978 as a researcher on U.S. Middle East policy for the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, while traveling nationwide as national chairperson of the New York-based United Jewish Appeal Student Advisory Board. In 1988, she founded Parris Communications, a Kansas City-based public relations and strategic communications firm specializing in strategic corporate communications, media relations, public affairs and crisis communications with clients including Fortune 50 companies nationwide. Throughout her career, Parris has led advance teams on behalf of the White House during multiple presidential administrations, traveling to 60 countries. She considers her pro-bono White House work her national duty to the U.S. Just a few examples: Parris served as Lead Advance on the White House Presidential Advance Team accompanying President Clinton and the First Lady to more than 50 countries including historic visits to peacekeeping troops in Bosnia; to Greece for the Olympic Torch Lighting; to London for Princess Diana’s funeral; to Calcutta, India for the funeral of Mother Teresa and to Belfast, Jerusalem and Gaza in support of diplomatic peace efforts. Parris also has led a similar scope of work for both the Obama and Biden administrations.
Clara Reyes
Reyes, who died in February, came to the U.S. from Mexico with a dentistry degree that wasn't recognized. Instead of giving up, she pivoted and used her tenacity and determination to work in real estate and interpreting before founding the Dos Mundos (two worlds) newspaper in 1981, the first bilingual newspaper in the four-state region, with stories written in Spanish and English. She led by example, giving Hispanic people a voice whether by featuring them in the bilingual newspaper, providing jobs or through mentorship. She served in the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Greater Kansas City, the National Federation of Hispanic-Owned Publications and other organizations. She was integral in beautifying Southwest Boulevard in the ’80s and ’90s, working with city leaders to improve parking and pavers. Reyes, who had cancer and because of her advocacy for early detection, was president of the Hispanic Women Against Cancer, a support system for Latinas diagnosed with cancer. Reyes Media Group expanded into radio in 2006, starting three Spanish stations KYYS 1250 AM “La X,” KDTD 1340 AM “La Grande” and KYZZ 1480 AM “Dos Mundos Radio.” Her legacy lives on as the media group continues to thrive and is led by her children, Diana Reyes Raymer and Ed Reyes.
Annabeth Surbaugh
Surbaugh, who learned of her of her induction into the Hall before she died in August, was a pioneering leader in Johnson County, helping shape it into a prominent part of the metro area. A member of the Board of County Commissioners for 18 years, she was the first publicly elected, at-large chair of the board after passage of the county’s home rule charter. She served two terms (2003-2011) as chairman after 10 years (1993-2003) as Third District commissioner. As chair, the hallmarks of her service included restorative justice, environmental sustainability, affordable housing and mental health as well as long-term land planning in the rural areas of the county, not previously addressed. She focused on the greater Kansas City area, championing the bi-state tax for Union Station as well as the Mid-America Regional Council known as MARC. Prior public service included being elected as the first woman to serve on the board of Rural Water District No. 2 in 1988. In 1989, she was elected to the board of Water One of Johnson County, becoming the first woman chair in 1991.
Marian E. Washington
Coach Washington not only pioneered the women’s athletic program at the University of Kansas where she served as athletic director and women’s basketball coach, she also paved the way for Black women in sports in the U.S. She was the first of two Black women to play on a U.S. national team (1969-71); the first to serve as the head coach for a U.S. international team (1982 U.S. Select) and the first to coach on an Olympic women’s basketball staff (assistant on 1996 gold-medal-winning U.S. team). She was the first woman elected president of the Black Coaches Association and the first person to serve consecutive terms. She excelled in seven sports while in high school and was a two-time AAU All-American at West Chester State. She helped lead the Golden Rams to a national title in 1969 the first-ever in the history of collegiate women’s basketball and was also an outstanding track and field athlete and handball player. She was the face of women’s basketball at KU for more than 30 years, leading the Jayhawks to the NCAA Tournament 11 times and the AIAW Tournament (pre-NCAA) another four times. During her time at KU, she recruited and facilitated scholarships for students across the region, and was known to work tirelessly for opportunities and equity for women in all endeavors. Washington’s teams excelled with a high win rate, and she was widely recognized as an example of women’s success. Many players in the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame, where she was inducted in 2004, attribute their success and leadership style to Coach Washington.
Marjorie A. Williams
Known widely as Dr. Marj, Williams has given nearly 40 years in service of schools, children, university scholars and teachers. Williams in 2000 became the first African American superintendent in the 100-year history of Hickman Mills School District. Williams, a Local Investment Commissioner, started in education with teaching and administrative jobs in Kansas City Public Schools and the Columbia and Ferguson Florissant school districts before becoming Hickman Mills’ superintendent. She also served in higher education as an adjunct professor with UMKC, Baker University, Ottawa University and Kansas State University. In 2012, she founded The Marste Group, a consulting firm that serves school districts and businesses nationwide. In 2016, she co-founded and continues to be involved in the Sisters’ Circle Fund-Greater Kansas City. Williams also mentors women of color in doctoral program through the national organization, Societas Docta. In 2021, Williams served as co-chair to the Starr Women’s Hall of Fame Awards with Alicia Starr.
Leading the 2025 Starr Women’s Hall of Fame induction event are chair Michelle Wimes (B.A. ’88), senior vice president and chief equity and inclusion officer at Children’s Mercy Kansas City, and honorary chair Karen Daniel (M.S. ’81), president of the KC2026 Board of Directors for the FIFA 2026 World Cup Games hosted in Kansas City.
Visit
To date and not counting those who will be inducted in 2025, the Hall of Fame has inducted 45 women, half of them posthumously. By sharing their stories, the Hall of Fame encourages and inspires women everywhere. Written and video biographies of each of the inductees are available on the Starr Women’s Hall of Fame website.
A permanent display honoring Hall of Fame members is open to the public on the third floor of the Miller Nichols Library and Learning Center at UMKC, 800 E. 51st St., Kansas City. The Hall of Fame includes a wall of honor as well as an archive of important papers, images and artifacts of the enshrined members. Money raised from the induction event assists in further development of the digitization and acquisition of materials for the Hall of Fame archives, ensuring that the works of these exceptional women will be accessible in perpetuity not only to community members, but also to researchers, educators and historians worldwide.
History
Founded in 2014 with its first class of inductees in 2015, the Starr Women’s Hall of Fame is named in honor of Martha Jane Phillips Starr, a legendary activist and philanthropist who blazed a trail for family issues and women's rights. She played an important role in establishing the university’s Women's Council and the Graduate Assistance Fund, which today provides financial assistance to female students. Starr died in 2011 at the age of 104.
The Hall is made possible through the Starr Education Committee, Martha Jane Starr’s family and the Starr Field of Interest Fund, which was established upon her death through the Greater Kansas City Community Foundation. The idea for the Starr Women’s Hall of Fame stemmed from Starr Education Committee members.
Supporting organizations
The civic organizations that advocate on behalf of women and family issues and have signed on in support of the Starr Women’s Hall of Fame include: American Association of University Women; American Business Women’s Association; Association for Women Lawyers of Greater Kansas City; Central Exchange; CBIZ Women’s Advantage; Girl Scouts of NE Kansas and NW Missouri; Greater Kansas City Chamber’s Executive Women’s Leadership Council; Greater Kansas City Women’s Political Caucus; Jackson County Missouri Chapter of the Links, Inc.; Junior League of Kansas City, Missouri; KC Metro Latinas; Kansas City Athenaeum; Kansas City Young Matrons; OneKC for Women; SkillBuilders Fund; Soroptimist International of Kansas City; Soroptimist Kansas City Foundation; UMKC; UMKC Women’s Center; UMKC Women’s Council; UMKC Women of Color Leadership Conference; United WE; WIN for KC; win|win; Women Leaders in College Sports; Women’s Public Service Network; Zonta International District 7; and Zonta Club of KC II.
Sep 25, 2024
Kansas City’s university earns continued recognition for its degree programs and student success
The University of Missouri-Kansas City jumped 25 spots in new overall U.S. News and World Report 2025 Best National Universities rankings released today.
UMKC leaders attribute the rankings improvement to a combination of efforts in recent years to accelerate student success. UMKC increased its performance in both six-year graduation rates and retention rates. In addition, the university achieved an increase in graduation rates for Pell-eligible students. “Student success is at the core of everything we do, so we’re proud that is the driving factor reflected in these rankings,” Chancellor Mauli Agrawal said. “It is a testament to our dedication to putting students first.”Among all public universities in the nation, UMKC ranked 244 of 434 public and private universities. UMKC ranked No. 135 in a comparison of the nation’s 225 public universities.In addition to the overall rankings, two UMKC undergraduate programs – nursing and engineering – ranked as top programs of their kind in Missouri. The UMKC Bachelor of Science in Nursing program tied with the University of Missouri in Columbia at 96th nationally. UMKC graduate nursing programs have consistently achieved top national rankings, as well. Earlier this year, the UMKC Doctor of Nursing Practice program ranked 19th in the nation, and 36th for online graduate nursing programs. It has ranked in the Top 50 in that category for 12 consecutive years.Dean Joy Roberts of the UMKC School of Nursing and Health Studies said the new 2025 rankings show the impact UMKC programs have. “Our commitment to excellence not only helps our students succeed, but also helps ensure that our region has access to high-quality care,” Roberts said. “This recognition solidifies that continuous work.”UMKC had the top-ranked undergraduate engineering programs in the state of Missouri, based on U.S. News and World Report criteria.Nationally, the engineering programs came 78th out of 286 universities. The UMKC School of Science and Engineering offers four engineering programs: biomedical, civil, mechanical, and electrical and computer.
Dean Kevin Truman said the recognition solidifies UMKC as a leader in engineering education.“We are thrilled to offer students a nationally recognized program right here in Kansas City, and we plan to build an even stronger set of programs for the future,” Truman said. “Between the Robert W. Plaster Center that opened in 2021 and new space for biomedical engineering opening in 2026 in the Healthcare Delivery and Innovation Building, our students have unmatched access to faculty, equipment and technology to help them learn and innovate.”UMKC has a number of nationally acclaimed academic programs. Earlier this year, the UMKC School of Medicine ranked 20th in the nation in “Serving Health Professional Shortage Areas” and 75th in “Most Diverse Medical Schools” in the U.S. News and World Report 2024 Best Graduate Schools for Medicine. Also this year, the UMKC School of Pharmacy Doctor of Pharmacy program ranked 31st in the country and the UMKC School of Law ranked in the nation's Top 50 in two sub-specialty categories: legal writing (16) and trial advocacy (48).
Sep 24, 2024
Yugyung Lee and Sean O’Brien receive most prestigious rank in UM System
The University of Missouri Board of Curators recently named two University of Missouri-Kansas City faculty members Curators' Distinguished Teaching Professors.
This designation is the highest and most prestigious academic rank awarded by the Board of Curators, given to a select few outstanding scholars with established reputations for research or teaching.
This year’s honorees from UMKC are Yugyung Lee, Ph.D. of the School of Science and Engineering and Sean O’Brien (J.D. ‘80) of the School of Law.
“Both Lee and O’Brien are exemplary models of what it means to be a UMKC faculty leader,” said UMKC Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor Jennifer Lundgren. “It is rewarding to celebrate the achievements of talented colleagues who are passionate about their work.”
Lee’s teaching focuses on artificial intelligence, data science, deep learning and other emerging technologies. Some of her work focuses on real-time and big data analytics for pervasive systems, a network of continuously connected embedded devices to enhance quality of life. She recently worked on research to improve accurate detection of oral cancer by addressing the scarcity of deep learning-based image segmentation research specifically targeting oral cancer and the lack of annotated data.
"I am deeply honored to receive the Curators’ Distinguished Teaching Professors Award. This recognition highlights the inseparable connection between teaching and research.” Lee said. “Working with students has always inspired my research, just as my research has enriched the next generation of scientists and educators. A true researcher is, at heart, a true educator, and I am grateful for the opportunity to continue learning and growing alongside my students."
O’Brien joined the law school faculty in 2005, teaching criminal law, criminal procedures, sentencing mitigation and post-conviction remedies. He has made a career of freeing the wrongly convicted, including people who have been in prison for decades. He successfully argued in front of the Supreme Court Schlup vs. Delo, a landmark case that expanded the ability to reopen a case in light of evidence of innocence. O’Brien is a member of the Board of Directors of Miracle of Innocence, a nonprofit organization that advocates for innocent prisoners and helps restore them to the community. Since 1983, O’Brien has supervised clinics at UMKC Law that provide pro bono legal assistance to innocent and condemned prisoners with the help of UMKC Law interns.
A UMKC School of Law alumnus himself, he was recognized as the 2023 Alumnus of Year by the UMKC Alumni Association.
“I have such wonderful faculty colleagues campuswide,” O’Brien said. “I am deeply honored by this recognition just for doing what I love to do.”
In addition to Lee and O’Brien, this year’s recipients also include:
Cody Ding, University of Missouri-St. Louis
David Kimball, University of Missouri-St. Louis
Xuemin (Sam) Wang, University of Missouri-St. Louis
Merilee Krueger, Missouri University of Science and Technology
Ming C. Leu, Missouri University of Science and Technology
Sep 24, 2024
Current educational affiliation agreement to expire June 30, 2029
After a groundbreaking and fruitful partnership of more than 60 years, Kansas City Repertory Theatre (KCRep) and the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) announce today that their current educational affiliation agreement will be allowed to sunset upon its conclusion in 2029.
The affiliation agreement was created to identify benefits for both institutions including providing professional opportunities for UMKC students both on stage and behind the scenes throughout the KCRep season and create ongoing academic opportunities in the theatre arts for both faculty and students with KCRep artistic leadership. The agreement includes the sharing of some resources and facilities, most notably Spencer Theatre in the James C. Olson Performing Arts Center on the UMKC Volker Campus. The growth of both organizations has led to space and scheduling constraints. The UMKC Conservatory will soon begin a renovation project in the building and KCRep is currently charting a plan for their future.
KCRep and UMKC Conservatory have always been and will continue to be valued partners to each other. Both organizations will continue fruitful collaborations in staging productions and creating opportunities inside and outside the classroom for students, as they continue to benefit from exposure to theatre professionals who work with and for KCRep. Notably, KCRep plans to continue its beloved Kansas City tradition of staging its annual production of A Christmas Carol in the Spencer Theatre at UMKC past 2029.
The history of both Kansas City institutions has been linked together thanks to the longtime chair of the UMKC theatre department, Patricia McIlrath, Ph.D. (1917-1999), known as Dr. Mac. In 1964, she founded the Missouri Repertory Theatre (later renamed KCRep). Many in Kansas City credit her influence and mentorship for establishing local theaters including the Coterie, Unicorn Theatre and New Theatre and Restaurant. McIlrath believed in the importance of practical training for theatre students in an academic setting, and for decades, the repertory theatre was a key component of UMKC students’ curriculum. Over time, this partnership helped establish KCRep as a source for outstanding regional theatre. This success for both institutions now allows this transition toward more individual paths.
“We wouldn’t be the organization we are today without our visionary founder Dr. Patricia McIlrath and UMKC,” Kansas City Repertory Theatre Artistic Director Stuart Carden said. “We are truly grateful for our rich partnership, which has made so much possible for our organization. KCRep is now poised to grow and expand in new and exciting ways in the coming years throughout our community. And I know UMKC has bold strategic plans as well. This next step is a natural evolution for us both. In additon to A Christmas Carol, we will continue to partner with UMKC as opportunities arise. This revised agreement gives us the freedom to envision and plan our future. I cannot wait to share what’s to come!”
”This is a story of success for UMKC and KCRep,” said UMKC Conservatory Dean Courtney Crappell. “Both of these institutions have grown and flourished to such an extent that they are able to embark on new ventures and opportunities. Our shared history goes back to longtime UMKC Theatre chair and KCRep founder Patricia McIlrath, Ph.D., and her pioneering spirit. The UMKC Conservatory and KCRep honor this history by continuing on our mission of education, innovation and access to the arts. We look forward to the future renovation and expansion of Olson Performing Arts Center and a new phase of our relationship with KCRep.”
About Kansas City Repertory Theatre
Celebrating 60 years of transformative theater, Kansas City Repertory Theatre is a cultural catalyst at the center of our nation's creative crossroads. Upholding their mission to inspire, entertain, and open minds by creating transformative theatre experiences for all KCRep produces world-renowned classic works and world premieres on their two mainstages, in unique spaces, and throughout the community. Lauded by The Wall Street Journal, TIME, Variety and The Toronto Sun, KCRep regularly produces at Spencer Theatre, where it serves as the professional theatre in residence at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, and Copaken Stage located in downtown Kansas City. Under Artistic Director Stuart Carden KCRep employs more than 150 professional artists, technicians, and administrators, and historically serves more than 60,000 patrons and 10,000 school children annually. To receive updates and news, like KCRep on Facebook, follow on Twitter (@KCRep) or Instagram (@KCRepTheatre) and YouTube.
About the University of Missouri-Kansas City
The University of Missouri-Kansas City, one of four University of Missouri campuses, is a public research university serving more than 15,500 undergraduate, graduate and professional students. UMKC engages with the community and world based on its mission: placing student success at the center; leading in life and health sciences; advancing regional engagement; excelling in visual and performing arts; and promoting research and economic development. For more information about UMKC, visit umkc.edu. You can also find us on Facebook, follow us on X, see us on Instagram, engage with us on LinkedIn and watch us on YouTube.
About the UMKC Conservatory
The internationally-renowned UMKC Conservatory was founded more than a century ago, and trains professionals in music, dance and theatre. The Conservatory’s mission is to advance creativity, performance, scholarship and learning in the arts. They are a vital partner in Kansas City’s cultural environment and collaborate deeply with community institutions through performances, workshops and more. Faculty and alumni of the Conservatory have won numerous honors and awards, including Grammys, Pulitzer Prizes and Fulbright and Guggenheim fellowships. The Hollywood Reporter has recognized the UMKC costume design program among the Top 10 in the U.S. for six years in a row. For more information about the UMKC Conservatory, visit conservatory.umkc.edu. You can also find it on Facebook and Instagram.
Sep 23, 2024
Robust faculty and staff allows student to make professional connections
At UMKC, students write their own stories, form their own definitions of success and chart innovative career paths. Aaron Beckman, from Omaha, Nebraska, came to UMKC to build his future as an Urban Planning + Design student and has made connections and taken part in research projects in the process.
Aaron Beckman
Anticipated graduation: 2025
UMKC degree program: Urban Planning + Design
Hometown: Omaha, Nebraska
Why did you choose UMKC?
UMKC offers an accredited urban planning program, which was an important factor to me when it came to deciding where to attend college. Plus, no other colleges offered the program at an affordable cost with outstanding faculty and staff close to home. I knew attending a college in the heart of Kansas City would significantly enhance my college experience.
Why did you choose Urban Planning + Design?
The urban planning + design field combines a lot of my interest, such as history, politics and geography. I also like that you get to make an impact by helping people solve issues through policy.
What are the benefits of the program?
The faculty and staff are definitely a huge benefit of the program. The faculty is diverse, and everyone has their own niche area of expertise. For example, Professor Julia Crowley focuses on environmental planning while Professor Jacob Wagner is more focused on history, people and community. Each professor having a different area of expertise makes the urban planning and design program well-rounded.
How has your program inspired you?
I’d say it has inspired me to go out and talk to people more. Just being out on the field and learning about the impact you can have on community; it has showed me the importance of interacting with people to find out more about their concerns.
What do you hope to take from your experience from UMKC into your professional career?
There are a lot of amazing connections here, specifically with the resources that the faculty provide you.
One of my recent research opportunities came through one of my professors. I was working closely with Professor Sungyop Kim when he asked me to help him with a project he was working on for the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT).
We examined bridge conditions, specifically in rural Missouri as a lot of the infrastructure there had not been updated or maintained properly. We did background research on how other state departments of transportation were managing their assets and did field work an hour north of Kansas City by scanning bridges using Lidar, which is a software that creates a 3D model of the bridge. A program was then created by the computer science department to serve as a tool to access the quality of the bridges by simply scanning them, saving MoDOT time, money and resources.
What is one word that describes you?
Focused. I’m a very detail-oriented person and like to make sure every little thing is accounted for.
What is your favorite spot in Kansas City?
I really like the Nelson-Atkins lawn. It’s especially nice when the weather is warm because you can just lay out a blanket and have a picnic.
Do you see yourself staying in Kansas City after graduation?
Yes, that is the goal. I have family here. The job opportunities are also really good, especially with how connected the urban planning community is.
Sep 19, 2024
Chen Yi’s newest world recognition follows a career of breaking glass ceilings; overcoming obstacles
Chen Yi, DMA, Lorena Searcy Cravens/Millsap/Missouri Distinguished Professor of Composition at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, is one of the newest honorary members of the International Society for Contemporary Music. Chen joins the ranks of legendary musicians such as Igor Stravinsky (“Rite of Spring,” “The Firebird”) and Aaron Copland (“Appalachian Spring,” “Fanfare for the Common Man”).
“It’s a privilege and an honor to have my work supported by my peers worldwide,” Chen said. “I have studied many of their compositions extensively because they’re the great composers of our time, and I’ve worked with some of them in competitions and festivals. It’s humbling to be recognized along with them.”
Musicians are nominated and voted on before becoming an honorary member. The title honors a person’s internationally remarkable achievements in the field of contemporary music.
“Dr. Chen’s accomplishments are incredible and can be held up next to any composer of our time,” UMKC Chancellor Mauli Agrawal said. “We’re fortunate to have her here at UMKC, and there’s no question that her students benefit greatly from her knowledge and creativity.”
Founded in 1922, the International Society for Contemporary Music, or ISCM, has inducted 74 musicians in its history; only four are women. Chen is one of two musicians to be inducted since 2020.
“As the only female, Asian composer to be an honorary member, I feel more responsibility to support female composers in our society,” Chen said. “I share my experiences with younger generations and work hard to inspire more people, to bring up more female composers and let their voices be heard in our society.”
Chen has achieved international renown as a prolific composer who blends Chinese and Western traditions, transcending cultural and musical boundaries. Born in China, Chen began playing the piano at age 3 and the violin when she was 4. The Cultural Revolution interrupted her studies as a teenager. After nearly two years of hard labor in the countryside, Chen returned to her home city of Guangzhou to play violin as the concertmaster in the orchestra for the Beijing Opera Troupe in Guangzhou.
Chen received bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the Central Conservatory in Beijing, and in doing so became the first woman to earn an M.A. in music composition from the institution. She earned a Doctor of Musical Arts from Columbia University in New York and has served as Composer in Residence in the Women’s Philharmonic, Chanticleer and Aptos Creative Arts Center. In 1996, Chen became the first woman in the United States to give a whole evening of multimedia concert with her symphonic and choral works in San Francisco.
She has received fellowships and awards from the Guggenheim Foundation (1996), Fromm Foundation at Harvard University (1994), Koussevitzky Music Foundation at the Library of Congress (1997) and National Endowment for the Arts (1994). Chen was a recipient of Ives Living Award from the American Academy of Arts and Letter in 2001-2004 and a Pulitzer Prize finalist for orchestra in 2006. She was inducted into the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in 2005 and the American Academy of Arts and Letters in 2019.
In addition to all her accomplishments, Chen is a strong advocate and cultural ambassador for musicians around the world. She has worked with musicians in programs in the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Poland and many Asian countries. Her influence can be felt worldwide in the works of her students, including UMKC Doctor of Musical Arts student Ian Chung.
“Dr. Chen is one of the best teachers I have ever had, her guidance and insights have profoundly shaped my approach to composition,” Chung said. “Her way of explaining complex musical ideas with clarity and patience has transformed how I understand contemporary classical music. Moreover, she provides invaluable insights on the music industry and helped me shape my career path. I feel incredibly fortunate to have Dr. Chen as a mentor, and her influence will resonate in my work and career for years to come.”
Sep 18, 2024
$145 million project is largest UMKC capital project in university history
Tents showcasing University of Missouri-Kansas City dental and medical students using the latest technologies greeted visitors at a celebration open to the neighbors and the community of the university’s largest capital investment to date: the $145 million Healthcare Delivery and Innovation Building.
UMKC Chancellor Mauli Agrawal led the program at the construction celebration of the Healthcare Delivery and Innovation Building. Photos by Brandon Parigo | UMKC
UMKC celebrated the start of construction on Wednesday with a party on the corner of 25th and Charlotte streets where this five-story, 160,000-square-foot signature building will soon rise from the ground. UMKC envisions that the new building will catalyze growth in the UMKC Health Sciences District, a collective entity that includes four UMKC health professions schools, University Health, Children’s Mercy and numerous other healthcare organizations in an 18-block area on Hospital Hill.
The new building will enable the university to provide state-of-the-art education for the next generation of dentists and doctors, find new and better ways to serve patients in need, strengthen collaborations with surrounding neighborhoods and facilitate greater interdisciplinary partnerships to fuel innovation and research.
U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt spoke at the event, saying the new building represents future innovations in healthcare.
Speakers at Wednesday’s event, including former U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt, University of Missouri System President Mun Choi, UM Curator Chair Robin Wenneker, students and UMKC Chancellor Mauli Agrawal spoke of the transformation the building will bring to healthcare education in Kansas City and the surrounding region.
“As exciting as this new facility is – as exciting as today is – I want to emphasize that this is just the beginning,” Agrawal said. “This building is the first piece of a much larger vision for our UMKC Health Sciences District.”
Funding for the project came from public and private sources, with the largest portion coming from state funding. Missouri Gov. Mike Parson led the charge to make the project happen, in partnership with state legislators. The Sunderland Foundation and the Hall Family Foundation also contributed generously, and Blunt secured a federal grant.
At Wednesday’s celebration, UMKC also celebrated one of its alumni - Nelson Sabates (B.A. ‘83/M.D. ‘86) his wife, Rachael, and their children who donated a gift of $3 million for the project - the largest alumni donation the School of Medicine has received. Their family name will grace the terrace and grand lobby of the building.
“This building represents the future of healthcare in Kansas City,” said Sabates, who also is a professor and chairman of the department of ophthalmology at UMKC. “My wife and I made this decision to help improve healthcare and health outcomes for our community. We hope others are inspired by this vision and will join us in creating an ever-growing and vibrant UMKC Health Sciences District."
UMKC School of Medicine professor and chairman of the department of ophthalmology Nelson Sabates, M.D., left, celebrates with Dean Alexander Norbash, M.D. The Nelson and Rachael Sabates Family donated $3 million for the new building.
Two students shared their views on the significance of the new building and the opportunities it affords them to receive an excellent education and give back to the community.
Jacey Brewer, a junior pursuing a biomedical engineering degree, said: “The proximity to Children’s Mercy is one of the reasons why I chose UMKC, and my dream is to work on designing prosthetics that will change children’s lives and give them their childhood back. This new building will provide the foundation for cutting-edge research and technological advancements in healthcare.”
UMKC biomedical engineering student Jacey Brewer spoke at the event.
Tim Nguyen, a third-year dental student and UMKC Trustees’ Scholar, said: “The Healthcare Delivery and Innovation Building will provide leading-edge pre-doctoral dental clinics, allowing students to serve more patients in need through advanced equipment, expanded hours for acute dental care and the ability to implement teledentistry for those where access to care is limited. With advanced clinical simulation labs and modern research spaces, UMKC will be able to continue to foster high standards in education and patient care in its future healthcare leaders.”
The Healthcare Delivery and Innovation Building, set to open in 2026, will house and support numerous programs, allowing for innovations in education and healthcare research and an emphasis on providing access to care for disinvested neighborhoods in Kansas City. McCownGordon will oversee construction of the facility.
Here are the key areas included in the building:
UMKC School of Dentistry
UMKC is a regional leader in dental education as the only public dental school in Missouri and Kansas. The new building will provide leading-edge pre-doctoral dental and dental hygiene clinics, enhancing the school’s ability to graduate top-notch dentists and hygienists. The new space also means students can serve more patients in need through advanced equipment, greater efficiency, expanded hours for acute dental care and the ability to implement teledentistry. Currently, the School of Dentistry provides up to $750,000 annually in uncompensated dental care for the community.
UMKC Provost Jenny Lundgren interacted with UMKC School of Dentistry students who showcased new technologies.
UMKC Health Equity Institute
The institute brings together researchers, government and community organizations to improve the lives of the underserved and bridge healthcare gaps. The institute combines its research strengths with community groups’ grassroots involvement to identify, quantify and reduce those gaps. In the new building, researchers will collaborate to tackle health disparities and provide access to healthcare with initiatives including Our Healthy Jackson County, bringing free vaccines, health screenings and other resources into neighborhoods and places of worship.
UMKC School of Medicine Professor Jannette Berkley-Patton, director of the UMKC Health Equity Institute, left, stands next to the Rev. Eric Williams and Carole Bowe Thompson. Williams, who partners in community health research efforts, spoke at the event.
Data Science and Analytics Innovation Center
In partnership with the University of Missouri and other UM System universities, UMKC leads a center focused on creating new advances in data sciences and analytics. The new space in the building will provide the center opportunities to focus the power of data science on transforming the way we personalize healthcare. The data center within the new facility will provide high-performance computing for industry, government and nonprofit organizations within our region to solve data-intensive computing problems.
University of Missouri Curator Robert Fry is an alumnus of the UMKC School of Dentistry and did the Roo hand signal.
UMKC biomedical engineering
In the new building, doctors, dentists, engineers and students will work side by side, creating faster, more-effective collaboration between science, engineering and the medical world. Product development will accelerate in areas such as medical implants, imaging technology and surgery tools, and UMKC can expand access to the in-demand biomedical engineering degree program from the School of Science and Engineering with potential global impact.
The UMKC Conservatory Mob band played at the event.
Sep 11, 2024
World-renowned UMKC researcher is making ancient texts available for next generation
In the quiet of the Miller Nichols Library, a faculty member and a student are poring over a book.
While the sight may be a familiar one on college campuses across the country, these two are poring over an original text, hundreds of years old, and they are working to make this text available to an international audience and future generations to come.
Virginia Blanton, Ph.D., Fulbright scholar and Curators’ Distinguished professor of English, and Milton Gómez-Toledo, Ph.D. candidate in English, are both a part of the Digital Analysis of Chant Transmission (DACT), a large network aimed to develop new digital resources in tandem with existing chant databases.
“When I think about how history, and particularly book history, gives us an opportunity to learn about other people, it also gives us a chance to learn about ourselves in terms of being part of the story of the human condition,” Blanton said.
Gómez-Toledo finds value in furthering the field of Medieval history through research, but he finds a lot of personal value as well.
“I have been contacting librarians, archivists and curators all over the United States to help us locate those manuscripts and fragments,” Gómez-Toledo said. “Some of the manuscripts have been relocated to Europe, and some of them are in different university libraries or private institutions. These research opportunities help students like me develop communication, organizational and interpersonal skills that are extremely relevant in our future careers.”
Even beyond the student community, Blanton’s research is giving a voice to people, primarily nuns, who have historically been voiceless for centuries.
“Virginia Blanton is one of those researchers who is very committed to delving into archives and locating materials that during the time that things transpired, were not seen as important,” said Tamara Falicov, dean of the UMKC School of Humanities and Social Sciences. “She's excavating the past and looking at people who have been marginalized in society. She’s doing more to make the contributions of this group visible.”
Like her student, Blanton finds value in the research for UMKC and across humankind itself.
“The community is really supported by a research university in terms of what we're able to deliver,” Blanton said. “It’s our obligation as faculty to help make these resources available to the larger community. I think we as humans try to make meaning. We want to look at the world and say that there is a reason and a purpose for our existence, and books are a way for us to inscribe that meaning.”
Sep 09, 2024
5 reasons why achieving Carnegie R1 status matters
The University of Missouri-Kansas City has set an ambitious goal for itself: achieving the prestigious Carnegie Research 1 designation.
As a Research 2, or R2, institution, UMKC already has achieved recognition for its “high” research activity. However, recent dramatic growth in its research enterprise has put UMKC within reach of the coveted R1 designation. From 2018-2023, UMKC more than doubled its total research expenditures and almost quadrupled its total research and sponsored grants.
With research growth continuing to rise, UMKC leaders anticipate that they might be named an R1 institution as soon as Spring 2025, based on Carnegie criteria. That would put UMKC in very elite company. In the past, only 146 of approximately 2,800 four-year institutions in the United States have held R1 status.
“Achieving the R1 designation would reflect our constant pursuit of excellence,” said UMKC Chancellor Mauli Agrawal. “But just as important, it would mark a key milestone in our journey as a world-class research institution and bring a host of benefits not only to the university but the entire greater Kansas City community.”
Why does achieving R1 status matter? Here are some of the key benefits for the campus and community:
1. Attracting additional world-class faculty and students
Achieving R1 status will make UMKC even more attractive to top-tier faculty and students from around the world. The prestige associated with R1 universities has traditionally served as a magnet for people seeking to work and study at the cutting edge of their fields.
2. Accelerating knowledge creation, innovation and entrepreneurship
An R1 designation indicates that an institution is investing in people and infrastructure to accelerate the creation of new knowledge to better serve society.
3. Enhancing the educational experience for students
Faculty engaged in research generate new knowledge that can enrich and advance the education students receive in the classroom and in applied experiences outside the classroom.
“Attaining R1 status will allow us to unlock new opportunities for our students,” said UMKC Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor Jennifer Lundgren. “For example, to help increase opportunities for students and support our goals for research growth, we’re launching eight new PhD programs. Those new programs will help us attract talented graduate students to work with faculty researchers in key programs, a win-win for both students and faculty.”
4. Increasing engagement with community partners and industry
An R1 ranking for UMKC would be the first for a Kansas City university and would elevate an already strong record of research partnerships to meet critical local and regional needs. UMKC’s status would enhance opportunities to attract increased funding and, ultimately, could lead to economic gains and job growth in the region.
“One of the things that’s impressed me the most about UMKC is the growth in its research enterprise,” said Dennis Ridenour, president and CEO of BioNexus KC. “That growth is making it easier to attract really world-class research talent in the region, and it’s also having an impact on the community as a whole.”
5. Boosting national prestige
Becoming an R1 institution will put UMKC in the top tier of universities nationally. In addition, the new designation will create opportunities to partner with other R1 institutions across the nation, which can lead to more research funding opportunities and partnerships with other elite institutions.
“Our achievements in growing the research enterprise showcase the adaptability, dedication and collaborative spirit of our exceptional UMKC researchers,” said Vice Chancellor for Research Sumeet Dua. “Our research advances accelerate the creation of new knowledge, benefiting our community and enriching our students' classroom experiences.”
Kansas City community leaders are taking note of UMKC research.
“UMKC has elevated its research tremendously in recent years, and achieving R1 status will make Kansas City an even greater place to work and live,” said Charlie Shields, president and CEO of University Health and chair elect of the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce. “Not only will an R1 status for UMKC mean more innovation, discoveries and solutions, it will result in new funding, businesses and jobs for our region.”
For more on UMKC achievements in research from FY22-23, check out the UMKC Research Annual Report.
Sep 05, 2024
UMKC has numerous resources for students
College can be a challenging time, and UMKC has resources across campus to help ensure student success and wellness.
Academic Support and Mentoring
UMKC has a number of programs to help students reach their academic goals. Tutoring, Supplemental Instruction and writing assistance are just some of the programs available to students. Tutoring is available for nearly 100 courses; students can make appointments or join drop-in sessions. Supplemental Instruction, an internationally renowned program UMKC started, is an active approach to learning that supports students in historically difficult courses. SI uses small group sessions and collaborative activities to increase understanding. The Writing Studio offers consultations for students to develop their writing skills and assist with papers and presentations. Students can schedule a one-on-one consultation or join during drop-in hours.
Roo Wellness
Roo Wellness offers physical health, mental health and accessibility services and is housed in the Brookside 51 Building at the Volker Campus.
Physical health services include preventative care, illness and injury diagnosis and referral, immunizations, health screenings, women’s and men’s health services and more.
Mental health services include individual and group counseling, psychological assessment, medication referral and crisis intervention. Students can receive eight free individual counseling sessions per academic year and additional sessions with a small fee. Consultations and group counseling services are free.
Accessibility services assists in establishing accommodation plans for permanent and temporary needs. Accommodation plans can include parking and transportation, alternate text formats, service animals and more.
UMKC Police Department
The UMKC Police Department operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Along with crime prevention and response, campus police provide safety escorts, vehicle lockout assistance, jumpstart assistance and property registration.
The police department is involved with the operation of the university’s emergency alert system. The alert system includes an optional safety app students can download which, among other things, allows safety tip submission and text conversations with campus police.
Dr. Raj Bala Agrawal Care Center
The Care Center serves members of the UMKC community facing food insecurity. The Care Center includes a food pantry, meal donation program and information on community food assistance. Students can access the Kangaroo Pantry and select up to 20 items per week.
Student Affairs Case Management
The Division of Student Affairs provides support and crisis intervention to students facing obstacles that may impede their personal and academic achievement. Crisis intervention includes the sudden loss of basic needs such as housing, health insurance, finances and more. A case manager can advocate for students, help navigate community and campus resources and create an action plan.
Financial Wellness Center
The Financial Wellness Center provides education, workshops and individual coaching to help students reach their financial goals. Financial topics include planning to pay for college, creating budgets, understanding loan repayment, navigating credit, preparing for major purchases and more.
Career Services
Career Services has a variety of resources to help students with career development. It can help with resumes and cover letters, interview and networking preparation, graduate and professional school applications, career-path decisions and more. Programs allow students to borrow laptops on a semester basis and shop for business wardrobe items at no charge. Career fairs and other events provide networking opportunities to connect students to area employers.
Campus Recreation
Students have access to Swinney Center, the Aquatic Center, Durwood Stadium and Hospital Hill Annex. These recreation facilities include cardio and weight equipment, indoor and outdoor tracks, multipurpose studios, racquetball courts, a swimming pool, recreational field and more. Students can participate in group fitness classes and intramural sports at no extra cost.
UMKC Libraries
UMKC Libraries offer many academic resources and study spaces for students. In addition to millions of books, journals and other published academic works, the libraries have more than 330,000 sound recordings, audio-visual media, photographs, maps and more. Miller Nichols Library, the largest library on campus, houses LaBudde Special Collections and University Archives, Marr Sound Archives and Music/Media Library. Librarians are available 24/7 by online chat and can provide research assistance and help obtaining materials.
Shuttle Bus
The shuttle bus provides free transportation to students around the Volker and Hospital Hill campuses. The shuttle runs between campuses with stops at residential halls and prominent campus locations.
Student Life Organizations
UMKC is a vibrant community with people from a variety of backgrounds and life experiences. The university has programs and resources to connect students with similar interests and backgrounds. Some of these are Multicultural Student Affairs, International Student Affairs Office, Veteran Support Services, Women’s Center, LGBTQIA programs, First Gen Roo and Transfer Student Network.
Sep 03, 2024
The bi-annual celebration is Feb. 20 at Kauffman Center; two notable Kansas Citians are event leaders
The University of Missouri- Kansas City Starr Women’s Hall of Fame is celebrating its 10th anniversary with an induction ceremony at 4 p.m. Feb. 20 at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts.
The Hall of Fame recognizes Kansas City women who have made the community a better place to live and preserves the history of their accomplishments. So far, more than 40 women have been inducted into the Hall of Fame, located at Miller Nichols Library at UMKC. Inductees, ranging from an architect, the only female mayor of Kansas City, nonprofit founders and beyond, are celebrated through video tributes, and some have donated their archives to the university library so future generations can study their inspirational contributions.
Inductees for the Class of 2025 Hall of Fame will be announced next month, and sponsorships and tickets will soon be available.
Two notable Kansas Citians will lead the 2025 Starr Women’s Hall of Fame induction ceremony: Michelle Wimes and Karen Daniel.The event chair is Wimes (B.A. ’88), senior vice president and chief equity and inclusion officer at Children’s Mercy. Since she joined the hospital, numerous articles about her leadership skills have been published in journals and magazines.
Wimes, a UMKC Trustee, is a nationally renowned thought leader on workplace inclusion. In 2024, she was one of 15 women nationwide to receive the Women Transforming Business Award in the area of community impact by CBIZ. In 2023, her alma mater, Tulane Law School, presented her with its inaugural Deans Kramer & Clayton Award for Leadership in Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. She was also recognized by Becker’s Hospital Review as one of the top chief diversity officers in hospitals and health systems to know in 2023. In 2021, the Kansas City Business Journal recognized her as one of 25 local “Women Who Mean Business.” She was co-chair of the 2023 Hall of Fame ceremony, and is excited to return to lead the event.
“Being surrounded by such amazing women is a thrilling experience,” Wimes said. “I am so grateful I get the opportunity to continue to take part in something so extraordinary.”
A Class of 2023 inductee, Daniel (M.S. ’81), is honorary chair. As the first independent African American woman to be a Major League Baseball owner since her addition to the Kansas City Royals ownership group in 2020, she embodies what it means to be a trailblazer.
“The Starr Women’s Hall of Fame’s meaningful message about recognizing women past and present who have broken barriers for the next generation is a powerful one,” Daniel said. “As an inductee, I feel honored to celebrate with a new class of inductees and congratulate them on their achievements.”
Daniel, a retired executive director, chief financial officer and division president of the Global Finance and Technology Solutions division at Black & Veatch, was also the first African American female to chair the Kansas City Chamber of Commerce. She created a legacy fund for scholarships to support Black college students and was named vice chair of the advisory council on Doing Business in Africa in 2015 by former President Barack Obama.
On top of it all, Daniel was announced as president of the KC2026 Board of Directors for the FIFA 2026 World Cup Games hosted in Kansas City.
Aug 29, 2024
Seven outstanding students were chosen from more than 120 applicants
The University of Missouri-Kansas City welcomed the newest class of the Trustees’ Scholars at a reception on August 16.
The UMKC Trustees’ Scholars Program is a highly selective and prestigious scholarship for first-time students at UMKC. A collaboration between the university and the UMKC Trustees, the Trustees’ Scholar Program not only covers the majority of each scholar’s education but also provides access to the UMKC Trustees’ knowledge, connections and mentorship.
UMKC Trustees' Scholar Aaria Gandhi chatting with reception attendees.
UMKC Trustees Chair Doranne Hudson was unable to attend, so immediate past chair Debby Ballard welcomed the scholars and their families at the reception.
“The Trustees’ Scholar Program is a signature program at UMKC and is one of my favorite parts of being in the Trustees community,” Ballard said. “I think the program is always so inspiring. I gain so much from my mentees every year, and I keep saying it can’t get any better, but every year it does.”
UMKC Chancellor Mauli Agrawal congratulated the scholars.
“The Trustees won’t tell you this, but they are the ultimate group of people in Kansas City,” Agrawal said. “Most people don’t get access to the type of people they have access to. The relationships you build here will go beyond UMKC, so congratulations for being here."
UMKC Trustees' Scholar Haley Heidbreder having a conversation with immediate past chair Debby Ballard.
Suzanne Shank, chair of the Trustees’ Scholars Committee, shared insights.
“You are the best of the best,” Shank said. “We received over 120 applications this year, narrowed it to 25 to interview and selected the seven of you. Even if you have a Trustee mentor, there is nothing stopping you from reaching out to other Trustees for opportunities."
UMKC Provost Jennifer Lundgren welcomed the students.
“Being a Trustees’ Scholar is a rare and competitive opportunity,” Lundgren said. “Being a part of this exclusive cohort presents a lot of opportunities for your futures. At UMKC, we have very high standards for our students, and we do our best to make sure they are successful. So scholars, I encourage you to take advantage of your opportunity.”
Each scholar shared their story and their greatest accomplishments.
Maryam El-Demerdash
El-Demerdash is from Overland Park and is studying biology as a pre-dental student, with a minor in Spanish. El-Demerdash’s greatest accomplishment so far, juggling five varsity sports, community services and advanced courses in high school while graduating with a 4.0 GPA and receiving a Division I soccer offer to UMKC.
Aaria Gandhi
Gandhi is from Carol Stream, Illinois, and is studying health sciences. Gandhi hopes to become a nurse practitioner or a nurse anesthetist. Gandhi said UMKC already feels like home to her. She is most proud of getting her diploma in Indian classical dancing after learning for 12 years.
Carter Hall
Hall is from Washington, Missouri, and is studying biology as a pre-dental student. He is excited to be at UMKC for his undergraduate degree and hopes to attend the UMKC School of Dentistry.
Haley Heidbreder
Heidbreder is from Blue Springs and is studying business and minoring in Spanish. She said her greatest accomplishment is earning her seal of biliteracy for Spanish.
Ann Joseph
Joseph is from Chesterfield, Missouri, and is studying biology as a pre-dental student. Joseph said her biggest accomplishment was becoming a certified mental health first aider. She started the course as a fun thing with her friends, but it has become truly meaningful to her, and Joseph is excited to use and grow her skills.
Audrey Martens
Martens is from Nixa, Missouri, and is studying psychology. Her sister also attends UMKC as a dental student. Martens said her greatest accomplishment is working at Camp Barnabas this summer, giving joy and support to campers who have disabilities and chronic illnesses.
Tiko Tamiru
Tamiru is from Ethiopia and moved to Kansas City five years ago. He is trilingual and studying business administration. Tamiru is proud of how far he has grown and has brought his family’s pride with him. Tamiru is excited to be here, not just as a current achievement, but also for his future success.
Aug 28, 2024
Partnership provides unique scholarships and behind-the-scenes opportunities
Nearly two dozen University of Missouri-Kansas City students joined Chiefs owner Clark Hunt and UMKC Chancellor Mauli Agrawal on the field in front of a crowd at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
The group consisted of the first two rounds of the Chiefs Kingdom Spirit Scholarship recipients, part of the university’s five-year partnership with the Kansas City Chiefs. The recipients, who were featured at a recent Chiefs game, are:
Arlin Carreon, business administration
Qasim Chohdry, six-year B.A./M.D. program
Kelly Fuentes, philosophy
Sumaya Geelle, business administration
Riley Harris, mechanical engineering
Alexia Jaime, biology
Nazish Khan, criminal justice and criminology
Lorenzo Pecina, civil engineering
Adeline-Corina Salomon, pre-nursing track for health sciences
Peter Stern, mechanical engineering
Chloe Schumyn, biology
Jessica Kim, six-year B.A./M.D. program
Carlos Mata, accounting
Amy Salazar, business administration
Loren Ortiz, sociology
Natilina Mussa, electrical and computer engineering
Fatuma Mustafa, business administration
Samantha Pettus, sociology
Londyn Ibarra, business administration
Ivey Delgadillo Siles, biology
Students also had the chance to watch pre-game warmups on the field and take a tour of the stadium.
This scholarship means a lot to the students who receive it, such as Peter Stern.
“Having the opportunity to pursue a degree in mechanical engineering at UMKC has been absolutely incredible, empowering me to dream bigger and brighter than I ever imagined,” Stern said. With the Chiefs’ victories and back-to-back Super Bowl wins, receiving the scholarship has made me feel more connected to the sport and even my city.”
More information on how to apply for the Chiefs Kingdom Spirit Scholarship, can be found on the UMKC Financial Aid and Scholarships website. Applicants must have a 2.75 high school GPA or a 2.0 transfer GPA and write an essay on how they would give back to the Kansas City area community.
Story updated August 2024.
Aug 27, 2024
Ga Ji Wang is taking in the college experience and paying it forward
Ga Ji Wang had always wanted to go back to school. The business student had started college straight out of high school, but out-of-state tuition at his first institution meant that got put on hold.
He moved from Springfield, Missouri to Kansas City and started doing freelance photojournalism and working in the restaurant industry. When the pandemic hit, he decided to enroll at Johnson County Community College. Wang earned his associate’s degree and began working in the auto-repair industry, but realized there was a pay ceiling.That’s when he took to Google and stumbled upon the Missouri Fast Track Workforce Incentive grant, a program from the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development that provides grants to assist with coursework tuition, general fees or direct costs.“I was kind of amazed, honestly, when I saw what it covered in terms of tuition,” Wang said. “I talked with my spouse about that possibility and what that would look like for us and applied.”After that, Wang said, coming to UMKC was an easy decision since he wanted to stay where he and his spouse lived, in Kansas City, and attend in-person courses, something he didn’t get to do during the pandemic while he was getting his associate’s degree. Going in person wasn’t the only difference for Wang.“There's a lot more clarity in terms of what I want out of my schooling,” Wang said. “I think there's a lot more intentionality in terms of my studies.” Wang committed to taking full advantage of his student experience. He sought out student organizations, serving as vice president of Baja SAE, a student engineering group that designs, builds and competitively. He also joined the student entrepreneurship group, Enactus, at the suggestion of one of his professors, Erin Blocher, who is the group’s faculty advisor. At first, Wang said he was a passive member of the group, but he started becoming more involved, even traveling with the group for the national Enactus conference in Texas.“That's when I really got committed to some more leadership roles and the following semester, I tried to help get some more projects going,” Wang said.
He found his prior work experience helped not just his schoolwork, but could also help others in ways he hadn’t imagined. During an Enactus site visit to Operation Breakthrough, he learned reliable transportation was a barrier to families in Kansas City getting to jobs and parenting duties, and he knew he could help. With the help of his Enactus team, Wang started Stay Driven, a car-care clinic to keep KC families on the road. “One of Ga Ji’s superpowers is his ability to listen with empathy and really hear others,” Blocher said. “Ga Ji naturally thinks through an innovative lens. He is a natural problem solver and, as a leader in Enactus, he helped the team look at needs in the community as entrepreneurs.”
Ga Ji Wang stands with his Enactus group during the Stay Driven event
Without his prior work experience, Wang said he may not have had the vision for Stay Driven.“Having done some of the work and been in the automotive industry, seeing what things are simple and what things we can manage, really helped give life to that project,” he said.Last summer, Wang interned with Spotlight AR, a connection he made at a career fair and through career and coffee events at the Henry W. Bloch School of Management. Without Fast Track, and the support of his spouse, Wang said, he may not have been able to come back to school for his undergraduate degree at all, let alone take advantage of all the opportunities that have enriched his experience.“A thing I think about a lot is it's crazy to have this opportunity,” Wang said. That’s why he’s committed to spreading the word and often shares about the program and his experience where he can to ensure that others are aware of the program. His advocacy has made a difference. Wang’s former co-worker, Charles McGraw, saw one of his social media posts and is now also excelling as a Fast Track student at UMKC.
Ga Ji Wang (left) helped inform his former work colleague, and now fellow Bloch student Charles McGraw (right) about the Fast Track grant.
With the knowledge and relationships he’s earned through his degree, Wang hopes to one day start his own business.“I don't think college is always a limiter, but I think now I know I can walk into a space and not have that be something that holds me back,” Wang said.
Aug 27, 2024
Both Volker and Health Sciences campuses provide plenty of options to keep you fueled
Can’t wait for the Foodiverse to open soon? Here are plenty of dining options (both on and off campus) to satisfy your hunger in the meantime.
Volker Campus
On-Campus
Dining Hall | Use your meal plan to enjoy rotating cuisine offerings.
Einstein Bros. Bagels| Known for their bagels and shmears, this spot also offers pre-made salads and cookies.
Robot Café | Located in the Miller Nichols Library, grab lattes, smoothies and sandwiches to-go.
Starbucks | Enjoy coffee and pastries at the full-service location.
Off-Campus
Blackhole Bakery | Indulge in classic French pastries and delicious mochi donuts.
Chipotle | The Mexican fast-food chain is known for its custom burritos, tacos and bowls.
Crow’s Coffee | The coffee spot is also perfect for studying.
Kin Lin | Both sit-down and take-out options are available at this Chinese restaurant.
Pizza 51 | Once a gas station, the restaurant now serves pizzas by the slice, calzones and sandwiches.
Tiki Taco | Just a short walk from campus awaits California-inspired Mexican fast food.
Whole Foods Market | The hot bar offers various types of cuisines.
Health Sciences Campus
On-Campus
Hospital Hill Café | Grab coffee and sandwiches in-between classes.
Subway | Create your own sandwiches, wraps and salads at this fast-food spot.
Off-Campus
Billie’s Grocery | Munch on organic plates and bakery items, including gluten-free options.
Brick House | Pair your food with a side of live music.
Orange By: Devoured |The newly open UMKC alum-owned business offers pizza and tapas.
Pilgrim Coffeehouse | The airstream trailer offers coffee and pastries.
Teocali | Enjoy authentic Mexican cuisine with patio-seating.
Aug 27, 2024
Aijalon Edwards says a sense of community kept him at UMKC and provided lifelong friendships
Aijalon Edwards knows exactly what he wants to do.
After serving four years in the United States Air Force, he knew that mental health resources were vital for veterans. He decided to pursue a degree in psychology to help veterans and the Black community.Edwards had heard from people who attended UMKC that it was culture-driven, which he valued. He also needed a program that was flexible because he was leading a security company and is a single father.At first, he struggled making the transition to school, and even considered dropping out, but then he learned what it meant to find his community here. Edwards met Roland A. Hemmings Jr. (B.A. ’05, M.A. ’12, Ed.D. ’21), the assistant director of Multicultural Student Affairs, during First Semester Experience.“He became a mentor to me,” Edwards said. “He informed me about the office when he saw I was struggling…He is the reason I have not given up; one of the biggest and most humbling relationships God has blessed me with since starting this journey at UMKC.”
Aijalon Edwards (right) met Roland Hemmings (left) through First Semester Experience
At Hemmings's suggestion, Edwards started getting involved in student organizations. He joined the African Americans Cultivating Excellence (AACE) mentoring program, which offers professional and peer mentoring, academic support, workshops and activities. He also joined the Men of Color Academy, a cohort program that promotes personal growth and prepares members for a successful transition into life after college. And he started accessing the services offered by the Office of Student Veteran Support Services, which helped him navigate his military educational benefits and provided social activities, even ones his kids could attend with him. For Edwards, his UMKC community changed his student experience.“Having people around you with the same goals and backgrounds can keep your head in the game and keep you from wanting to give up,” Edwards said. “Also, having so many different cultural outlooks or mindsets can better shape who you are as a person by giving you different perspectives.”
The programs and organizations Edwards joined also helped him learn how to navigate higher education, find resources and encouraged him to ask for help. At first, Edwards said, he was apprehensive to reach out to faculty because of his background.“I’m from the military, where you don’t talk above your rank,” he said. At the encouragement of people in his organizations, he talked with faculty and found they were understanding, approachable and helpful. “It took a lot of weight off my shoulders,” Edwards said. “The most common reason you'll hear for networking is all the opportunities it can provide…however, building relationships with people who have gone through similar struggles and successes can lead to strong and lasting connections, essentially becoming a second family, which, to me, matters much more.”While student organizations, and the community they provided, helped Edwards, Hemmings is the first to say that Edwards is the key to his own success. “Ultimately, AJ’s success is a reflection of his own dedication and hard work, and I'm simply here to help him realize what is already inside him,” Hemmings said. “AJ is a hardworking student, dedicated to making a difference in his family's life and studies. I’m impressed by his resilience in the face of challenges, and his ability to balance academics with all his other responsibilities.”Edwards says being a non-traditional student has its challenges, and he still sometimes finds it tough to summon all the energy it requires to manage school, a team at work and parenting, but the support he’s gained has helped him stay determined and give himself grace.“The best advice I could give anyone who wants to go back to school is, there is never a good time to go back,” Edwards said. “You have to force it to fit your agenda, and your path is never clear and sometimes life just gets in the way. Be thankful for what you can do and do not stress over the things not in your control. Humble yourself and accept that you’re amazing for walking this journey. It took me meeting a wonderful professor to realize that.”While there may be setbacks, Edwards said, that’s not always a bad thing. “Sometimes you may not realize it, but the rain helps. Hold your head straight. A brick a day will pave the way.”
Aug 27, 2024
The KC Scholar is a mom of two, full-time employee and dual-degree student
Leresa Cozart has always loved to learn.
She earned her associate’s degree in mathematics from Houston Community College and started on a business degree, too. The mom of two got a job with CVS Caremark, helping people get their medications. One day, Cozart heard about KC Scholars on the radio. The program offers an adult learner scholarship that provides up to $50,000 for eligible adults who do not have a bachelor’s degree. Initially, she started pursuing a business degree, but switched to pharmacy to be in the healthcare field.Cozart’s son, MJ, was born with Duchenne muscular dystrophy and Cozart knew first-hand that if she became a pharmacist, she could help others in a different way. “I just wanted to be able to be on the front line to help people as opposed to having to call their insurance company,” she said.
Her first semester was a tough adjustment. She felt pressure to stick with a strict study schedule and was stressed about the workload, but she soon found an approach that worked better for her, taking her schoolwork day-by-day.“My spring semester, I kind of eased up on myself,” she said. “I've learned to not be so hard on myself and to be kind to myself, knowing that this is all new for me and there's going to be ups and downs.”Her love for learning, and knack for business didn’t end there. Cozart enrolled in the UMKC Master’s of Business Administration program to finish her business degree and will start MBA courses, along with her pharmacy courses, in Fall 2024.“I'm really just moving by faith and not by sight at this point,” she said. “I don't know what God has in store for me. I know that I don't write my story. I'm just going according to His plan.”
Managing two graduate programs, full-time work and motherhood is a balancing act, but Cozart says with some determination, there’s nothing that can’t be done.“If I can do it, anyone can do it, given everything I have on my plate,” Cozart said. “So I think it's doable and pharmacy is a good profession if you want to help people and you want a high-paying job that doesn't require the residencies of doctors.”Cozart said working remotely has helped make pursuing her degrees possible because it allows her to spend time with MJ and her daughter, Mariah, who have enjoyed seeing their mom become a student. “It makes me feel proud of her,” MJ said. “And it also shows me that regardless of age, regardless of what stage you are in life, it’s never too late to do what you want to do.”
For MJ, a junior in high school, having a parent who can relate to school-related challenges helps keep him motivated.“I feel as compared to most parent-kid relationships, where the parent just doesn't know what the kid’s going through with school and everything, having a mom in school makes me feel better about asking for help, and she helps me better because we're both going through kind of similar experiences,” he said.Showing her kids what is possible is part of what motivates Cozart to keep going during challenging times. “I definitely do everything I can to try to be the best role model for my kids,” Cozart said. “I want them to know that the opportunities are endless.”
Aug 26, 2024
Diane Stephenson’s love of fencing has taken her around the world
A former UMKC physical education assistant professor has been selected as the oldest volunteer at this year’s Paralympic Games in Paris. At nearly 94, she’s the oldest in the Games’ 64-year history.
Diane Stephenson (M.A. ’67) will work alongside one of her former students, UMKC medical graduate, Sandra Katz (M.D. ’77) throughout the Games. Stephenson, great grandmother to 10 children, will be 94 in October. She coached fencing at UMKC for 14 years and was chosen among thousands of applicants from many different countries for the prestigious Games. “I feel honored, and immensely excited,” said Stephenson, who will perform a number of functions at the international fencing arena to help the competitions run smoothly. “To be a uniformed volunteer is a high point in my life, not just in my fencing career, but all the years I’ve spent in sports.”Stephenson was a tenured assistant professor in sports medicine and physiology of exercise and taught fencing beginning in 1966. She trained champion fencers and competed in tournaments in Chicago, New Orleans and Boulder, eventually earning 40 individual and team member trophies and medals. Among her students was Katz, a medical graduate of UMKC in ophthalmology. “I trained the champion of the Midwest back then and another one of my students was the first to become number one in two weapons, foil and épée, in the U.S. under-19 tournament, thus qualifying for the under-20 World Championship in Madrid,” Stephenson said. “My fencers became so renowned that when the Air Force Academy épée team was preparing for the Pan American Games, they came to Kansas City to train with my fencers and ended up winning first place after training with my team. Some members of my UMKC team are still fencing competitively all these years later.”“Diane fully deserves her selection, and we are proud to have her with us in Paris,” said a spokesperson for the Paralympics. “She has worked very hard in her life to help so many people develop a love of sports, particularly fencing, and we are sure such passion will be obvious during the Games.” “Rarely does a sport create such an inseparable bond for more than 50 years yet amazingly, even though at sword's point to each other, my group of fencers became the closest of friends, like family,” Stephenson said. “There were even several marriages among them.” To help make her training even more effective in Kansas City, Stephenson attended the 1968 Olympic Games in Mexico City to film specific fencing techniques to share with her students. “You can imagine how excited I am now about Paris and seeing the highest levels of the sport being played there,” she said.Stephenson, who also coached fencing at the University of Maine. She now lives in Tucson, but visits Kansas City regularly, joining her university fencing team for breakfasts. “Forty-two years ago, nine fencers had a photo taken at a team member's wedding,” she said. “Then 42 years later, at one of our reunions, we had a photo taken. The same nine fencers were there standing in the exact same positions.”
Aug 21, 2024
Charles McGraw knows the power of perseverance first-hand
There was a time when Charles McGraw didn’t think he’d ever graduate college, but now that dream is well within reach.
McGraw made several attempts at a bachelor’s degree throughout his early 20s while holding jobs in the restaurant industry, sales and marketing. Each time, he’d ended up dropping out. He’d been out of school for four or five years when he made a realization.
“If I was going to go any higher than I wanted to, I wouldn’t be able to do that without a degree,” McGraw said.
Charles McGraw (right) learned of Fast Track after seeing a social media post from his former co-worker, Ga Ji Wang (left).
He was scrolling social media one day and saw a former co-worker’s post about the Missouri Fast Track Workforce Incentive grant, a program from the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development that provides grants to assist with coursework tuition, general fees or direct costs.
“I was like, ‘Well, now I don't really have an excuse not to go back to school and finish my degree,’” McGraw said.
This time, it was different. He enrolled in the Bachelor of Business Administration program with a renewed dedication to earn his degree.
“I'm not going to work this long for this and not try my best at it,” he said.
When he was younger, McGraw said, he was going to college because he felt it’s what he was supposed to do, but this time, he had a clear vision of what he wanted, which paid off both in his academic career and his confidence.
“Now I know what I want to do, and I'm focused and I'm here for me,” he said.
One course proved to be a particular hurdle for McGraw. He’d failed it before, but he wasn’t deterred. He dedicated time to attending three Supplemental Instruction sessions a week in addition to his class. SI is a UMKC-invented academic support program that provides optional additional instruction in difficult courses and has been used by universities around the globe.
The sessions allowed McGraw to revisit challenging topics and get support in a small setting rather than in a full class, where he wasn’t as comfortable asking questions. He ended up with an A in the course and made the dean’s list.
“If you ever have doubts about stuff that you think you can't do, you really can do it,” he said. “You just have to be willing to put in the effort and go the extra mile.”
Being a full-time student while working a full-time job has been challenging, but McGraw said it’s been worth it. “It keeps me busy and it keeps me on a schedule that I can maintain that helps me, I think, be successful in the long run,” he said. “You just have to make sure you get enough sleep, which is a big thing and it's definitely doable. You just have to prioritize.”
Now in his last year of college, McGraw is on track to earn his degree in Spring 2025. He plans to stay at his current job and knows that his degree will help him excel.
“It's just going to be a really big personal achievement because I didn't think I would ever actually graduate college,” he said. “I'm going to be happy to get it over with, but also very happy that I did it.”
Aug 19, 2024
Tori Venske credits UMKC for preparing her for a future of service and leadership
At UMKC, students write their own stories, form their own definitions of success and chart innovative career paths. Tori Venske came to UMKC to further her music, and she left with newfound leadership skills to help her reach her goal of serving in a military band.
Tori Venske
Graduation year: May 2024
UMKC degree program: Master of Music in Clarinet Performance
Hometown: Yukon, OK
From the time she was in high school, Venske knew she wanted to play the clarinet in a military band. Now that she has a Master of Music degree from the UMKC Conservatory and newfound confidence in her abilities, it’s time to make her dreams come true.
Why did you choose your field of study?
I’ve wanted to be a musician since I was a kid. When I was 4, I wanted to be a singer/songwriter. Then I started piano and eventually played clarinet in band. I’ve known since my freshman year of high school in 2014 that I wanted to be a professional clarinetist. I’ve been working hard towards that ever since.
What are the challenges of the program?
With all of the performances and presentations every semester, I’ve had to push myself to be more confident. I was really nervous at first, but the faculty inspired me to think about everything in a musical sense and embrace it.
Balancing everything has been hard, too. My first year here I was in both wind symphony and wind ensemble. It was great to be in band every day of the week, but at the same time trying to balance everything going on was hard at first. I got the hang of it though.
What are the benefits of the program?
The faculty and opportunities to perform and learn are great. I really appreciate the faculty. They’re trying to make me the best musician and person I can be.
I’ve had a lot of opportunities to perform during my time here, which has been rewarding. I went through my undergraduate degree during COVID, so I missed out on a lot of traditional performances. I’ve also had a lot of opportunities to play, learn new instruments and participate in choir. Additionally, the academic resources are great. We’re encouraged to look through the Marr Sound Archives and LaBudde Special Collections to learn more about Kansas City musicians. It’s nice having those right on campus at the library.
How has your college program inspired you?
The faculty are really inspiring, especially professors Steve Davis and Joe Parisi. They’re just really encouraging to me and have helped me be more dedicated in everything I do.
Since entering college, what have you learned about yourself?
I feel like I’ve been able to face challenges better since coming here. It’s always been hard to accept when things are out of my control, even when I know that’s how life is. I’ve been able to work on that and surround myself with people that inspire and encourage me every day.
Who do you admire most at UMKC?
My friend, Beth Christensen, I see everything she does and how well she handles it all. She’s always doing so much, and always with grace and kindness. Just seeing her work every day is inspiring to me.
How does going to school in the middle of a large city enhance your experience and education?
Being in Kansas City is great. I’ve gotten to perform at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts and the Folly Theater. The opportunities to see different types of art makes me better at my craft. I love visual art. I’ve been to the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art and different art festivals around town. I love that so much is free to access. I like finding inspiration in things other than music.
What do you hope to take from your experiences at UMKC into your professional career?
I’ve learned a lot here that I’ve been able to implement. I’ve embraced my confidence and leadership skills during my time here. I want to be in a military band, and those are important qualities to have. I’ll have to audition for that, so those leadership skills are appreciated.
When I decided that I want to do clarinet professionally, military band stood out to me right away. I like the interactions the musicians have with people. Military bands tour around the country and visit schools to teach masterclasses. I think it’s important to have that community engagement. I also like the repertoire they play; they play standard and new pieces. They also play pieces by underrepresented composers, which is important to me. The variety is exciting.
There are a lot of military branches that have openings, I’ll audition throughout summer. If I’m accepted, I’ll have to enlist. Some of the branches also require going to basic training camp. My grandfather and great-grandfather were both in the Navy, so it would be cool to be accepted into the Navy band.
Aug 07, 2024
Initiative is part of the university’s partnership with the Kansas City Royals
Antonio Sea and Denis Sumarokov were greeted with perfect ballpark weather as they stepped into Kauffman Stadium. As the sun cast a bright glow over the baseball field, the University of Missouri-Kansas City computer science students watched the middle and high school students they had been mentoring step up to the mound. The ceremonial pitch was about to start.
Sumarokov and Sea had been preparing for this day for months.
As part of the UMKC higher education partnership with the Kansas City Royals, they mentored local students for “Bring Out the Bots.” The Royals STEM initiative challenges middle and high school students to create a robot to throw the first pitch at the team’s annual School Day at The K.
Sea and Sumarokov worked with students from WeCode KC and KC STEM Alliance to conceptualize and build the robot. They were there as students got a technical brief from the Royals, designed sketches and helped teach them coding skills with software, such as Python, to power the robot.
“I’ve been helping with WeCode KC for about two years now,” Sea said. “I was in a lot of robotics programs growing up and being able to impart that knowledge back upon the community of kids is a good feeling for me.”
While they were there to share their knowledge, it turns out they had some to gain too.
“Those kids are really smart, so sometimes they teach you more than you teach them,” Sumarokov said. “As an electrical engineer, we have to solve a lot of problems. This experience helped not only me, but also the kids, in terms of learning how to solve problems that have not been solved before and create new ideas.”
A week before game day, students had the chance to test out the robot at the MLB Urban Youth Academy. After some trial-and-error, and figuring out Wi-Fi connectivity issues, the robot successfully threw the ball over the mound.
They were ready for game day.
With thousands of students across the Kansas City metro in attendance for School Day at The K, the stadium was buzzing with excitement.
Nervousness and anticipation filled the air as a group of students who worked on the robot had the exclusive chance to step out onto the mound. They began talking in hushed whispers as they controlled the robot on the field, before activating it to launch the first pitch.
As Sluggerrr caught the ball, cheers could be heard from their teammates who watched the action from the stands.
“Seeing the students’ hard work come to fruition at School Day at The K was exciting,” said Kevin Truman, Ph.D., dean of the School of Science and Engineering. “I’m glad the partnership with the Royals provided our students with mentoring opportunities that will serve as a positive impact in their future careers.”
Plans are already in the works for next year’s pitching robot.
Jul 30, 2024
Former Olympians and Paralympian include circuit judge, professional golfer
Since its founding, the University of Missouri-Kansas City has always strived for excellence both in and out of the classroom. For some UMKC alumni, that push toward greatness has taken them all the way to the Olympic and Paralympic Games. Four Roos have reached that peak, representing not only the United States, but also the countries of Austria and France.
“UMKC has a rich history of attracting people from across the globe,” said UMKC Chancellor Mauli Agrawal. “It is no surprise these Roos found success not only in the classroom, but also on their respective field of play.”
Courtney Frerichs (B.A. ’15), 2016 Rio Olympics and 2020 Tokyo Olympics
Olympic silver medalist and UMKC alumna Courtney Frerichs raced to a silver medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in the 3000-meter steeplechase. After the 2020 Olympics, she reset her American record in the event, becoming the first American woman to break the nine-minute barrier.
During her athletic career at UMKC, the native of Nixa, Missouri, was an 11-time conference champion, five-time All-American and set seven school records.
Frerichs intended to compete in the 2024 Paris Olympics but announced in May that she had undergone surgery to repair a torn ACL and meniscus in her right knee. Her intention is to heal and return to the track, saying on social media, “I hold hope that I will be back out there again as a healthier and stronger version of myself.” Frerichs is married to fellow alum, Griffin Humphreys (B.B.A. ’16), who currently serves as an assistant cross country coach at Portland State University.
Antoine Rozner (B.B.A. ’16), 2020 Tokyo Olympics
French professional golfer and UMKC alumnus Antoine Rozner attended UMKC from 2012 to 2016, notching six wins as a Roo. He played in the 2016 NCAA Division 1 Men’s Golf Championship where he tied for 8th place, and was also named Western Conference Player of the Year. The Paris, France native turned professional the year he graduated and played for Europe in the 2016 Arnold Palmer Cup, winning all four of his matches.
“I didn’t know what to expect coming from Paris,” said Rozner. "UMKC was a lovely four years, and I’d do it again.”
Fast forward four years, Rozner earned a spot representing his home country in the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games, which were held in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Rozner placed 45th in individual competition. Currently Rozner plays on the European Tour and has three tour wins, including the 2022 AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open.
Viola Kleiser (B.A. ’12), 2014 Sochi Olympics
Former UMKC sprinter Viola Kleiser made history when she represented her home country of Austria in the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia. Kleiser and her teammate were the first women to qualify in bobsleigh for the Olympic Games in Austrian history. Yes, despite being a track and field student-athlete at UMKC, Kleiser competed at the Olympics in an entirely different sport.
During her time as a Roo, the Reichersdorf, Austria native set a then-school record in the 200-meter dash at the 2012 Summit League Indoor Championships with a time of 25.17. Upon leaving UMKC, Kleiser began speed and strength training back home. Just a week later, the Austrian National bobsleigh team asked her to try out. She made the team as a lead pusher, later competing at the 2013 Bobsleigh World Cup and then the 2014 Sochi Olympics, where she finished 15th.
Kleiser currently serves as a coach for the Austrian Athletics Federation.
The Hon. Sarah Castle (J.D. ’12), 2000, 2004, 2008 and 2012 Paralympics
Castle is a four-time Paralympian, competing and earning medals in both swimming and basketball. During her first games in 2000, Castle claimed the silver medal while competing in the breaststroke. She would finish fourth in the same event four years later, before switching sports for the 2008 and 2012 games. As a member of the paralympic basketball team, Castle earned a gold medal at the 2008 games and finished fourth in 2012.
Castle’s success at UMKC is now reflected in the courtroom. Graduating with her law degree in 2012, she then went on to work in the U.S. Attorney’s office before serving Jackson County, Missouri as an assistant prosecuting attorney. In January 2020, Castle was appointed as an associate circuit judge by Missouri Governor Mike Parson. Later that same year, she was appointed as circuit judge of division 1 in Jackson County.
Jul 26, 2024
Myles Hardy is making more connections than ever at their second home
At UMKC, students write their own stories, form their own definitions of success and chart innovative career paths. Myles Hardy is a psychology major who is finding their home away from home by participating in organizations including First Gen Roos and Professional Career Escalators.
Myles HardyAnticipated graduation year: 2027UMKC degree program: PsychologyHometown: Springfield, MissouriHardy has always looked for connections outside the box. After picking UMKC and arriving on campus, they realized they made the right choice. Hardy said UMKC allowed them to express themselves like they haven’t before and find new communities with opportunities around the corner.
Why did you choose UMKC?
I knew that staying around my hometown wasn’t for me as there wasn’t much of a community there. People there aren’t as open-minded and tend to follow the same kind of career track. If their dad was a doctor, then that’s what they would do. I just wanted to go somewhere else and start new.
Why did you pick psychology as your field?
I knew I wanted to help people. I thought about being a doctor, but I didn’t think I would work well with medical materials. I am very interested in the way people think and how different events in life can affect the way we think, how we are different and the way we interact with each other.
What do you like the most about UMKC?
The people I’ve met genuinely want me to succeed. They want to prep us for our future, and don’t give up. It’s more than just my professors, the success coaches and program organizers at UMKC are always there for you. It’s very motivating.
How is UMKC preparing you for a career that you want?
UMKC as a whole, especially in the psychology department, has so many connections that you can find. Whether it’s through professors, program organizers or even campus career events, there are a lot of outlets for bigger career opportunities.
Do you plan on pursuing a graduate degree?
Yes, I do. I would love to do it at UMKC.
How does it feel being a first-gen student at UMKC?
Before I got here, I was extremely stressed. It was a lot of pressure. But through the First Gen Roo program, they did a great job of comforting me without making me feel like I had to fit in a certain way or live up to specific expectations. I also noticed that other universities don't really talk about first-generation students or really give them an opportunity to feel not only welcomed, but celebrated. That’s a big thing the First Gen Roo program does very well. In addition to First Gen Roo, I’m in the Honors Program, Professional Career Escalators and I’m involved in the Peer Academic Leadership (PAL) program as well, prepping to be a pal next year. I’m also involved with the Neurodivergent Student Union and UMKC Trans+.
What have you learned about yourself since being at UMKC?
My strengths. I would say I've definitely blossomed since coming to UMKC. I was a very introverted person when I was in Springfield and in high school. I didn't like what I was doing at all. I wasn’t having fun. But being here, I feel that I have a track. I'm doing things, I'm involved and I’m interacting with people I truly connect with. It has really helped me grow in many areas.
Would you recommend UMKC to prospective students?
Yes, I would. I would recommend it because I don’t think you can find this kind of joy and family feeling anywhere else at other universities. I think that's what makes UMKC so special.
What’s your favorite place to study on campus?
I really like the library when it’s cold. But now that it's warmer, I like the Quad more. I'm really glad they have the lounge chairs out there too. It’s super chill and perfect with the shade.
What is something you wished more people would know about UMKC?
I wish people knew more about the family feel of UMKC. I think that's hard to see from an outside perspective. If you're just looking in, you don’t get to feel it. But there is such a strong emphasis on community, and you will find your group of people at some point.
What is something you are looking forward to?
Becoming a leader. I always want to take on more opportunities, even though I already have a full schedule as is. But next year, I'm going to be in the PAL program and I'm really excited for it. I want to talk and help people. I think that is something that's really important, not only as a first-gen student, but as a UMKC student. Nobody is going to be exactly like you or be on the same exact track. Everyone is different and special in that aspect. There are many ways to be a leader but doing it your own way is something to be really proud of.
Jul 25, 2024
Investment aimed at safeguarding the U.S. research enterprise
The University of Missouri-Kansas City and University of Missouri will lead one of five regional centers for a new research security effort sponsored by the 2022 CHIPS and Science Act through the National Science Foundation.
The NSF announced a five-year, $67 million investment establishing the Safeguarding the Entire Community of the U.S. Research Ecosystem (SECURE) Center. Funding includes $5 million over five years for UMKC and MU to establish and run the SECURE Midwest regional center.
With support from nine institutions of higher education nationwide, including UMKC and MU, the SECURE Center aims to serve the research community to recognize and address threats to the U.S. research enterprise, such as interference and unethical or unlawful access by a foreign entity. Michele Kennett, MU associate vice chancellor for research compliance and integrity, and Anthony Caruso, UMKC interim vice chancellor for research, will lead the SECURE Midwest center.
“Research security is not common, unnecessarily complex, expensive to staff and yet essential – we are helping to make research security challenges understandable, manageable, affordable and effective,” Caruso said. “We are humbled and honored to connect to the Midwest universities.”
“We are excited to be part of an initiative that will engage university leadership, compliance officials, individual researchers and private organizations across the U.S. research community,” Kennett said. “This engagement will assure that the research community is integral in the process to arrive at security solutions that protect the national research enterprise.”
The national SECURE Center will share information and reports from the regional centers on topics such as research security risks. It will also provide training on research security to the science and engineering community, and serve as a bridge between the research community and government funding agencies to strengthen cooperation on addressing security concerns.
“The SECURE Center is how we bring the research community together to identify risks, share information and leverage national expertise on research security to develop solutions that protect essential research being done at institutions across the nation,” said NSF Director Sethuraman Panchanathan.
Jul 24, 2024
Continued recognition as a leader in medical education
U.S. News & World Report announced its 2024 Best Graduate Schools for Medicine and ranked the UMKC School of Medicine as a leader in two categories.
The school was ranked No. 20 in the nation in “Serving Medically Needy Areas” and No. 75 in “Most Diverse Medical Schools.”
Dean Alexander Norbash (B.A. ’85/M.D. ’86) has been a champion of rural healthcare and diversity since he was a student.
“UMKC School of Medicine has been committed to serving the underserved from the moment of its inception,” Norbash said. “We have remained true to our community and are grateful and proud of this recognition. We look to the future with anticipation and optimism as we seek to further better the health and wellbeing of our expanded community, with a special focus on medically needy areas, the dispossessed and the underprivileged, whether urban or rural.”
With campuses in Kansas City and St. Joseph, Missouri, the School of Medicine is uniquely situated to prepare the next generation of medical professionals to provide both urban and rural care to the areas that need it most. On the Kansas City campus, School of Medicine students and faculty participate in the Our Healthy Jackson County initiative, which brings free vaccinations and health screenings to communities that need it.
The initiative began during the pandemic to reduce the burden of COVID-19 in vulnerable areas, and has since expanded to provide mental health, dental and other health screenings alongside vaccinations.
The commitment to serving medically needy areas also is being realized with the construction of a new education center on the St. Joseph, Missouri, campus. The $14.5 million building is expected to open in 2025 and will aim to help address the physician shortage in Missouri and give students and faculty a space to focus on rural healthcare and communities in need. Research suggests that medical students who have training in rural areas during residency are more likely to pursue careers in rural medicine.
This is not the first time the school has been recognized for leadership in education people with a variety of backgrounds and experiences. In 2023, the school received the Health Professionals Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) award from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine for the second year in a row. The School of Medicine also earned the award in 2018.
The school promotes a culture of inclusion and the ability to effectively deliver healthcare in diverse communities, and its Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion works to prepare students for the workplace. Students participate in an anti-racism and cultural bias program before going into clinical rotations, helping to ensure that they are providing excellent care from day one.
Other initiatives, including specialized care for students at academic risk, the Multicultural Advisory Committee of Students, LGBTQIA+ resources and the Summer Success Seminar Series all help students achieve their full potential and prepare them for a career of caring for all.
The full rankings and report can be found here.
Jul 23, 2024
Powerhouse partnership has provided $590,000 to future oral healthcare practitioners
The University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry and GEHA Solutions this month received the 2024 Inspiring Programs in STEM Award from Insight Into Diversity magazine, the largest and oldest diversity and inclusion publication in higher education.
The award honors colleges and universities that encourage and assist students from a broad spectrum of diverse backgrounds to enter the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
According to Dean Steven Haas, D.M.D, J.D., MBA, the school is grateful for the acknowledgement of their efforts to broaden the pathway into oral health careers.
“There is an immense benefit as a patient to receiving care from dental providers who understand and resonate with their background,” Haas said. “This recognition is a testament to the dedication of the School of Dentistry community and our invaluable partners, such as GEHA Solutions, who exemplify impactful community engagement. We hope this inspires others to participate in similar initiatives.”
The oral health equity partnership between the Lee’s Summit, Missouri,-based GEHA Solutions and the UMKC School of Dentistry began in 2022 with the company’s investment of $150,000. Over the course of the three-year partnership, GEHA Solutions has provided $590,000 to the school to support disadvantaged students who have a commitment to oral health equity, especially among dentally underserved communities.
The funds established 15 annual fellowships that provide stipends for students participating in the UMKC pathway program, Students Training in Academia, Health and Research (STAHR) Scholars Program. Since 2022, the funds have provided financial support, enabling recipients to focus on test prep and enhancement of their qualifications as dental school applicants. The partnership also established 14 one-time scholarships to support and help attract incoming dental hygiene and dental students.
STAHR Scholars is an innovative summer program intended to develop competitive health professions applicants. Established in 2018, the program is a collaboration between the UMKC schools of medicine, dentistry and pharmacy designed to increase representation in healthcare fields from a broad spectrum of backgrounds.
Jenna Mills, vice president at GEHA Solutions, has seen first-hand how the guidance, support and mentorship the STAHR program provides these students, setting them up to reach their full potential.
“I’ve had the great pleasure to meet STAHR fellows as well as dental and dental hygiene students, learning of their backgrounds and the obstacles they have overcome to be ready to enter and succeed in dental school,” Mills said. “To say I am impressed is an understatement. Our oral health delivery system will benefit from having such a talented and diverse group of individuals in the coming years.”
This is the second time the UMKC School of Dentistry was recognized by Insight Into Diversity magazine, having received the Higher Education Excellence in Diversity award for health professions schools in 2016. The UMKC School of Medicine, a participating partner in the STAHR program, received the same award in 2022 and 2023. UMKC received the award in 2019.
According to Lenore Pearlstein, owner and publisher of Insight Into Diversity magazine, many STEM programs are not always recognized for their dedication to encouraging students from a broad spectrum of backgrounds to pursue these fields.
“We want to honor the schools and organizations that have created programs that inspire and encourage young people who may currently be in or are interested in a future career in STEM,” Pearlstein said. “We are proud to honor these programs as role models to other institutions of higher education and beyond.”
Jul 23, 2024
Sumeet Dua will lead growing research enterprise at Kansas City’s top public university
Sumeet Dua, Ph.D., will become the new University of Missouri-Kansas City vice chancellor for research on Sept. 9. Since 2002, he served in a number of leadership roles at Louisiana Tech University, where he helped to advance research, grant awards and collaborative efforts.
UMKC has elevated its research enterprise, doubling expenditures from $25 million to $53 million in four years and increasing annual external awards from $36 million to $147 million. With the forward momentum, UMKC aims to be designated a Carnegie Research 1, or R1, university, meaning it has “very high” research activity. It’s currently R2 with “high” research activity.
“Dua will be pivotal in strengthening our research enterprise and expanding our impact,“ said UMKC Chancellor C. Mauli Agrawal, Ph.D. “His expertise in building partnerships and leading innovative research programs will help propel UMKC research endeavors to new heights, and we look forward to the further growth his leadership will bring to our university.”
Most recently, Dua served as executive vice president for research at Louisiana Tech, and under his leadership in the past year, Louisiana Tech’s research enterprise saw an 18% increase in annual research expenditures and a 39% increase in federally funded research expenditures.
Dua has also led the university’s research operations in the National Cyber Research Park and Louisiana Tech Research Institute, fostering engagement with federal agencies such as the U.S. Department of Defense. This aligns well with UMKC’s research portfolio, which includes a significant number of defense contracts. This year, UMKC became the first university to partner with U.S. Cyber Command.
“I’m excited to partner with UMKC to continue its strong momentum in research and reach its goal of achieving a Carnegie R1 status,” Dua said. “I am eager to work with UMKC’s faculty across diverse disciplines and forge strong partnerships and collaborations with government, business and community leaders to accomplish our goals.”
Dua also has made significant contributions to academia and industry throughout his career. He has written five books, secured two patents and published more than 70 peer-reviewed articles. His research specialties include data analysis, computational decision support and biomedical imaging.
Dua received a Ph.D. in computer science and an M.S. in systems science from Louisiana State University and A&M College. He earned a bachelor’s degree in electronics and communication from Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology in Patiala, India.
Jul 19, 2024
A true surround sound system, dozens of speakers line the walls for a unique listening experience
When you walk into the Sound Mandala in the black box theatre, you’re greeted by speakers on all sides. The lights will dim, and you’ll hear music and audio like never before.
“When you listen to a recorded track, the sounds have been mixed already and you’re hearing it all come out of one console,” said Tom Mardikes, professor of sound design at the UMKC Conservatory. “I wanted to know how a song would sound if it was mixed in the air, as you listen to it.”
Mardikes is the creator of the Sound Mandala. Inspired by intricately crafted sand mandalas, Mardikes wanted to apply that precision and artistry to sound. He created a system to place individual sounds of a track on different speakers and move those sounds throughout the duration of the track. Much like movies are moving images, the Sound Mandala is moving audio.
Mardikes has been working on the Sound Mandala since 2014. Graduate students in sound design at UMKC have been involved in the process, including his core Sound Mandala team of current and former students. Mardikes holds a patent for the system and foresees its use in theatres, auditoriums and even haunted houses in the future.
Photo by Luke Harbur
The Sound Mandala has progressed to more than 80 speakers in the black box theatre in Olson Performing Arts Center. Mardikes’s team outfitted the theatre to ensure the best audio experience possible to showcase their creation. The intimate venue holds 40 people, ensuring that every seat is the best seat in the house.
“You can hear sounds moving around the room,” Mardikes said. “You might hear a guitar coming from in front of you, a voice behind you and a piano next to you. You’re truly immersed in the sound, it’s an entirely unique experience that’s never been possible before.”
Experience a taste of the Sound Mandala. Headphones are required for listening.
The Sound Mandala debuts to the public at the 2024 Kansas City Fringe Festival. Sound Mandala shows are July 19-27 at the Black Box Theatre at Olson Performing Arts Center on the UMKC campus.
Jul 15, 2024
Savannah Jenkins is seeking doctoral and master's degrees simultaneously
At UMKC, students write their own stories, form their own definitions of success and chart innovative career paths. Savannah Jenkins, a St. Louis native, came to UMKC to become a pharmacist and found community, leadership opportunities and a program with unwavering commitment to student success.
Savannah JenkinsHometown: St. Louis, MissouriGraduating Year: 2025Degree Program: Pharm.D. and MBAUndergrad: St. Charles Community College, UMSL
Why did you choose UMKC?
I chose UMKC for several reasons. My fiancé got accepted into the dental school right across the street. I also felt like the School of Pharmacy program’s values aligned with mine with their community outreach, their emphasis on professionalism and innovation. The community I saw in my interview reeled me in. Our professors care about each of us, and there is a lot to get involved with!
Why did you choose pharmacy?
I used to play doctor with my mom as a kid, so I knew I wanted to do health care, but I didn’t know what I wanted to do. My dad has a pharmacist friend, and initially I thought pharmacy was just standing behind the counter and looking at pills all day. I didn’t realize that there were a ton of job avenues within pharmacy. That flexibility and the different opportunities within pharmacy really spoke to me.
Do you know what avenue you want to take within pharmacy?
There are so many that it’s hard for me to try and narrow them down, but I think I’ve got it down to two. Ambulatory care or industry work in sales, research or development. I’m also getting my MBA with my Pharm.D. through the Henry W. Bloch School of Management. UMKC offers that unique opportunity to their pharmacy students, which is great. I take my MBA classes online so I’ll graduate with both degrees at the same time. The MBA will give me more opportunities within pharmacy down the line.
What has been inspiring to you about pharmacy?
I’ve been inspired through my peers and seeing their own experiences in pharmacy. Also, when you go through your rotations and get the chance to apply what you’re learning in the classroom out in the real world and interact with patients, you see that what you’re learning will impact people as a pharmacist. I can look down the road and say, ‘that is going to be me someday!’
What have you learned about yourself at UMKC?
Time management. Planning and initiating good time management practices into my daily routine has been important. I try to have three big goals for each day. I have a couple of school goals and one personal goal.
Who at UMKC do you admire most?
One of my best friends in my program is a single mom who is balancing motherhood with schoolwork and several different jobs. She’s doing all this pharmacy work and has four kids to take care of. At the end of a long day, when I’m tired, I know that if she can do it, so can I. She’s really a rock star.
What extracurricular activities are you involved in?
Last year, I was on the executive board of APHA (American Public Health Association). This year, I’m the president of PHL, or Public Health Organization. I also do research with Our Healthy Jackson County . I get to go out into the community at least twice a month and work with my peers in dental, nursing and medical school. As pharmacy students specifically, we provide free vaccinations and mental health screenings. We are able to refer a patient to additional resources if their screening shows that they need additional mental health support. I feel like I’m really making a difference.
What do you hope to take from your experiences at UMKC into your professional career?
The professionalism that UMKC instills in their students. They set us up well to communicate effectively with patients and other health-care providers, and they help establish confidence. Confidence, communication, professionalism and problem-solving are all skills I hope to take with me.
What is one word that best describes you?
Persistent. I had to be persistent about wanting to get where I am. I did community college and wasn’t sure what I wanted to do yet. Then, I got my B.S. and knew I wanted to go into health care, but it was between dentistry and pharmacy. Then I took a gap year and was really working on making myself competitive. I finally made it here, and persistence was the key. At any point, I could have said, “this is a lot of school and I think I’m done.”
Most used social media channel?
Pinterest. It feels much more relaxing than other social media platforms.
What’s your favorite place to eat in Kansas City?
Brickhouse
Where’s your favorite spot to hang out in Kansas City?
I don’t get to hang out a lot but when I do go out, I like the Power and Light District. I spend most of my time at home or at school studying. I also like all the different cafes in Kansas City.
How is Kansas City different than St. Louis?
It's my first time getting a real feel for downtown city life. There's so much to do just a few minutes away, whether it's catching a game, hitting up some cool bars or exploring local parks. Back home is great too, but it's really nice to switch things up and enjoy the new scenery here. Every day brings something new and exciting!
Jul 11, 2024
Nearly 2,000 students recognized
The University of Missouri-Kansas City celebrates the time and energy it takes for excellence: Commitment, integrity and tenacity are required each semester. During the Spring 2024 semester, 1,899 of our undergraduate and professional students made the UMKC Dean’s List.
This is an impressive academic honor. Students must complete a minimum full-time program of 12 graded hours and meet their individual unit’s GPA threshold to qualify for the Dean’s List. These students showed what it meant to take pride in their academic success. If you know someone who made the Spring 2024 list, be sure to congratulate them for their achievement!Below are the Dean’s Lists for the Spring 2024 semester.
Conservatory
Donovan AndesCiel BackusBrett BoyerIsabella BrownGage BrownAurora ConroyEmi CreamerOlivia De Oliveira KalamboukasRobin DeimerlyKimberly DeWittElsa DickersonTaylor DingmanFrancesca FarinaBraden FordCameron GurssHannah GuzmanSara HanfordDalton HartsfieldKailey HrencecinHadley JarvisEthan KauffmanMaria KennedyGalen KroegerRaef LandesKennedy LaughlinSantino LicameliElizabeth LollarTess MartensMackenzi MasonAbby MauldinSarah McguyerZoe MeinsKendal MeyerJason MeyerLily MonroeReuben MorrisonNicole NormanChin NukulvutthiopasAbigail OhmsDavid OosseNeil PedersenDillon PottsArianna RichardsonRozlynn RichertMicah Ruiz EsparzaEmily SchutzelWhitney SchweigerCrew ShaferMolly SloanJaxon St.ClairElla StottsBrandon ThibodeauSol VeenstraKloe WagnerElizabeth WatzkeThomas WelnickZach WestMaddie WilliamsBrady WolffIsabel Yearian
Henry W. Bloch School of Management
Zuhur AbdiJassan AdamsNick Aleman JrYassin AliCole AllenRylan AllsupNicholas AlvaradoMariam AlvaradoCamden BakerRobin BaltersKaia BarkmanBret BeardJack BeardDarren BemissLessly BerriosLauren BlakelyAmy BlevinsNathan BonnerEzra BottsMckenna BowersJulianne BromagenAudrey BrownNicole BruewerHenry BunteJack ButtsStefano CamerlengoAutumn CampbellJaqueline Cardenas TostadoChandler CarterBri CastleberryYan ChenXuyuzhi ChengOlga CherniavskaChris ChiDrake ClevengerSatori ClosserWen CloughBraeden ConnellyCaroline CooperPatrick CottonZaylee CoxAllie CrawfordMackenzie CroleyAbby CrooksTravon CrossPayton Crump-McHughCao DatDaniel DavalosNicole DavisAdriana Diaz LeguilluKannon DillaboughAaron DilworthNoah DoanHaley DowlerBryce EasleyGreta EbersoleAbbi EllermanAlyssa ElslooKendall ErnzenLuke FacinelliMesa FalleurMiguel Fernandez NovasSebastian FloresSydnee FlowersCaroline FoellerLuke FosterTyler FranzoiaJesse FrazierGrace FrederickVal FryPaulina GarciaFrancis GatdulaTaylor GatesAki GebreSumeya GeelleFathi GeelleCelina GentaMitch GoodmonBryson GoschJohn GosseBlane GrayJordan GreenBryce GreenwaltAlicia GroenhagenVictoria GuerraDaniel GutgesellAustin HaggardSaid HajiNicolas HartungJensen Hassani-SadiYasmen HassenLily HayGriffin HerSophie HernandezRene HernandezDeya HernandezDeanna HoenshellLexi HoffmanAmari HollandKatie HollarAsher HolleyJoshua HoodBryce HortLibby HortonXiaoyan HuMissy HuntebrinkerJessica HuynhDong HuynhEmily ImesOlga IvanovaBrandon JamesSadie JantzPhilania JohnsonParker JohnsonLiam JoyceRirika KamimuraSarah KannenbergTeayom KarimpourianNavi KaurGrace KertzCharlie KingHayden KnellAshley KochAvery KrahenbillEmma KratzAnna KruegerBrooklyn LammersChas LarsenJordan LaubLily LefferdKatie LemonLuke LeonettiWei LiSophia LimongiYijun LiuHope LockeAdriana Lopez-JuradoSebastian LucasXingjian MaArsh MaheyMahailet MamoJuan MarronMia Matthews-BeavenJackson McBrideMorgan McginnisJude McGrawLeah McIntyreMyles MeadJason MearsGabby MeyerHunter MiesnerKai MillerHayden MitchellAbdirahin MohamedThuweyba MohamedKhadija MohamedRiley MooreDaniella MoralesClaudia Muñoz-CaraveoShayla MurphyDavid MyersPerla Navarro-OrtizAlex NguyenKim NguyenNathan NguyenVivian NguyenAnh NguyenJustin NguyenQuan NguyenZach NicholsAndrew O'DellCameron OesterleFernando OlivaresJavier Olivares BurgosJoshua OliverAlice OropezaRory PaolicchiKrina PatelElyse PayneLeila PedrerosSavannah PeisertMarlon Perez-MoralesKatie PoisnerTori PolandEthan PotterDunia QakeiCassandra QueralHannah QuintAndrew RamirezChase RedingtonRiley RhoadsMicaela RichardsGabby RiegelJessica RomeroLesly RomoJazmin RomoAnnabella SaittaAndy SanchezLawrence SangKevin SarmientoMirian SarresMaggie SchoemehlAvari SchwenkIan ScottRiLeigh ScottLiddy ScuratoMizki ShireGabrielle SimmsAlyssa SmeraNick SmithAshley Solis-JimenezBrenda SosebeePhilip St. JohnEmily SteinbeckMiriya StilesJeffrey SuKristen SwartsRaivion TaylorWhitney TaylorGavin TewErin ThessenSivkan ThindKyler TickleAnastassiya TimofeyevaAsh TorresDominic TorresDariana TorresJosh TranMicah TribittSilvia TruongMae TuschmanAlex UnsethJesper van HalderenNayeli VargasJayden VazzanoSteven VuGa Ji WangPaige WerremeyerTristin WhittonEmma WoodJulia WyattTianzhao XuIvy YangMaey YangKendra YoungbloodGrace YuJayden YurthWenwen ZhangLauren Zoller
School of Dentistry
Ahmad AlhoutiAli AliMichael AllisonFares AlsafarAdison BaseyCamden ChastainMegan DartDrake DuganGiovanni FerraroJason FirthShelbi FlahautCasey GeddesMichael GimottyJackson GlynnAshlyn HarbaughHaley HeatonSeth HofheinsOlivia HombsKatie JenningsChristopher JohnsonCole JohnsonTia KahwajiElizabeth KiefnerAnastasia KruegerPeyton KusgenAnthony LeisureJamaica LovanGabby MertzEthan NettlerAnh NguyenKylie NicholsMichelle PalmerK-Leigh PappasAlexis ParkeRiley PerelesRiley PurdunLisa RaymondQuinten ReasonerMatthew RodriguesKatie Roe-BlytheAdam SattlerAmy SchmiemeierHadley SchreinerMackenzie SimpsonLauren SlavensHaylie StansellDiana StepanovaJustin SurberJaiden TaggartNoah TallySaxon TeubnerJuliana TomitaMatthew WahleClaire WaughHaley WorfordEdward Wun
School of Education, Social Work and Psychological Sciences
Byan AbuounMary AguirreShams AlarthyFatima AlborElla AlexanderRayan Al-HamdiGenesis Amaro VenturaAlea AshfordConnor AthearnKayauna BarnesAdelin BaynumCharlie BellAlyssa BlevinsElaina BlodgettVanessa BoltenKylee BrazealJaylie BuiJenna BulgerErica BurnettAlex BurneyLucy Cardenas VargasMargaret CarsonEileen ChangAngie ChavezMariah ChavezAva ChinnockLindana Clavijo FajardoEmily CollierJessa ConnatserKelsee CorbinDarci DaughertyYike DengPaige DinkelLaura DoranMaleah DowntonAnthony DuKimberly EscobedoIsabel FabianOlivia FesslerCamille FryAndrea Gamboa RizoEmma GarciaAnnelise GarrisonGio GiangrossoGrace Gomez-PalacioNaomi GontermanAbby GuzmanMyles HardyAudrey HarperLydia HarterCatherine HawkinsHanan HayyehMayerli HerreraCelina HoLily HollisRaeli HowertonSamm HudginsAndria JersettMattea JonesMya JonesKayda KamolzCaroline KeithleyLyba KhawarSummer KhounvongsaMikaylah KingTeagan LeeAbby LogsdonJackelyn LopezAlyssa LopezTiffany LowellErin MagelGracie MalicoatLogan MartinMattie MartinIsaac McBurneyHeather McCoyBrianne McGovernKate McKownNyah MisenerBrenna MorganConfi MuhozaReyam MukhtarMegan NealeCarmen NedblakeAlex NelsonJacob PaineNatalie PeaceAinsley PickeringRonnie QuickKyra ReesRakiah RichardsonJacqueline RiveraAlanie RiveraChase RobertsonKiko RodriguezGuadalupe Rodriguez-GonzalezIsabella SalinasKarnveer SandhawaliaPaige SanfordCandy SarresSamara SayidCayloma SehnertAmina ShahDanei SmithTaylor SmithAdriana SpanglerKarissa StarkBlair TaylorAnnie TranGrant UrbanMeaghan VandeheyHolly VervaeckeKaylene VickersLydia WeaverDallas WelchNoah WerremeyerSean WesselIsaia WilcoxenRenika WilliamsKy WilliamsLyric Williams-McGuireGrace WilsonHenry WittBahsan Yussuf
School of Humanities and Social Sciences
Youssef AbouelelaMaanvi AggarwalLaila AlhajeriElizabeth AllenSarah AllisonMayar Al-ShaikhliDanielle AltschulEsli Alvarado-IslasAnalisa AlveyMaici AmorAva AndersenTaylor AndersonShayaan AnisAshley AppleberryDaniela Arzabala LopezMeha AsirLaila AtkinsAnam AzimKaylee BaggerlyIsabella BakerAmelia BaldwinAshlyn BandelierKelby BannermanLili Becerra-PujolsKaya BeitzLogan BeltEvelyn BergerRiya BhatMolly BindelEmily BlackGeorgia BlakemoreMaisy BlantonJenna BodnarMatt BollinAlex BoydTommy BrittendallBridger BrockmanSydney BrownZach BungeBrinlea CalaisLauren CarberySy CartwrightYessica Casares-MaldonadoEthan ChaJuan ChavezQasim ChohdryOlivia ChristensenIteara ChristianEmily ClarkJocelyn ClarkGrace CoganMorgan ColeAurelia ColletteMichael CollingsDestanie CollinsAbby ConnorOlivia CottonLuke CozadDaze Creamer-EllecampPidge CrozierLilah Crum BarnhillAdelina CurielSaja DaifallahAidan DavisLilith DavisAshley DavisTruman DickeyAmy DoAvery DolanJayden DorrellJenna EikelFreyja EmeryRachel EricksonAlexandrea ErismanViolet EsquivelLilly EstradaTochi EzeanolueAreej FalahNoah FanslerDaisy FergusonMachaela FordMia ForneyMcKaylie ForrestNicole ForysMorgen FosterRowan FrazierBrynn FuquaJasmine GamelOlivia GebhardtKeshav GhanekarTayler GilbertCatherine GillumEllie GiraDevan GirishRebekah GrantSydney GravattMaddie GrimesOscar GrisNatalya GruzdCarmen GudinoEmani GuerinShekhar GugnaniAlizah HaaseTory HamonShicagolyn Hams ScrogginsYasmeen HanonHaylee HarrellYusuf HasanMichael HaynesGrace HeathRayney HeldLogan HendersonMarc HermanEve HerrBen HillearyLauren HirningSamuel HitchcockAnnie HoustonPeyton HowardEvan HuangAmy HurleyAbby HusakSarah IllimoottilZarifa ImanliMira IyerFahad JamalAdriana JanischFaduma JarikAJ JenkinsEmily JohnsonCerylean JonesDaniel JonesAidan JoyceHugo Juarez-AvalosKat KalfayanKatelyn KaysCaiden KeenErynn KellGrant KendallChavi KhannaAmanuel KifleMackenzie KlausSydney KramerLauren KreiselSara KronawitterSindhuja KudapaNeha KumarAnnalise LawlorJulien Le BourdoulousMarissa LeggioSam LendoBenjamin LewisHannah LeyvaNoah LibowitzDayton LittleBenjamin LiuEvie LozanoJada LymanKushi MadduruLauren MageeDaisey MaldonadoSundus MalikTorie MallingerMayzie MangosLilah ManningScott ManuelGabby Marin CastanedaMicaela MartinCameron McCaslinKiara McCreaDeborah McCurninSarah MedinaItzel MendezGovind MenonClaire MersmannEmma MeyersCeleste MichaelGrace MillerAnthony MishrikyAndrew MishrikyDaniel MoftakharYasmina MokhtarCatherine MonaghanKenney Monzon BrunoYeanna MoonJay MoorePhoebe MurphySamuel NagyMichael NavatoJillian NeeleyKamryn NelsonCarla NemerEthan NguyenErick NicolasAbby NugentKanyon OlberdingAsh OnstottAarti PalaniappanRiya ParikhSarah ParkReece ParkerRonit PatelMeirah PaulJordan PaxtonCaitlin PickertAbbey PierceMegan PilegeUma PillaiPrecious PlaisimeLeya PogueAmani PoindexterJailyn PolkElizabeth PorrittVanessa PyleArthur QualmanOmar RadoncicArushi RaiTheo RaitzerJillian RayPrisha ReddyAdam ReedRyen ReedyIsabella ReyesNovalee RiveraCorrie RobertsMarco RodriguezRogelio RodriguezTania Rodriguez-GonzalezJoslyn RossOlivia RubioThessa RyanJoy RyanJouhel SalinasVanessa SandersAbby SanduskyNeal SawyersWilliam SchniedersIsabelle SchroederTina SchwartzeFaith ScribnerJoel SetyaVictor SewankamboAnanya SharmaAhad SheikhNikitha ShethDelaney ShieldsKowthar ShireKoda ShivelyJoe SimmonsAmritasha SinghSebastian SkaggsMolly SloanJulia SmithCourtney SmithJonathan SmithHarry Soper PlazaEmma StaufferAydan StiglerEvan StolbergTyler Stone-HowertonLiana StowellPeyton StremmelTristan SupernawSid SuvarnaNatalie SwampillaiAkhila SwarnaSahithi TadakamallaTennessee TaffnerSelina TahirkheliYordanos TarikHannah TawneyNuria TellesDa'Mya ThomasClaire TilleyEmily TownsDiana TranBrian TranSophia TrudeHannie TruongAllBright TunKellen TurnerMichaela Vanden HullJacob VanzantDanusri VaratharajSarai VasquezCamille VerhoevenEthan VillasenorStephanie VincentSanchi VishwakarmaAnshal VyasCatie WalkerKeegan WatkinsCece WattsAbigail WeilerDylan WelchEmily WheelerElla WhitfieldJulia WiestNathan WilcoxJosh WildeSophia WildeAlexander WildtAbram WilliamsHolly WilliamsLainey WillisBrynn WinklerThistle WolfMarley WoodfordLeigh WoodyGrace WorkmanJames WorthamJustin WuGauri YadavIsabella YenniePark Zebley
School of Law
Kit AdderholtLoulya AlabedMohammad AlkhatibMohammad AlkurdiDe'Ja AlstonAllee ArmitageIsabelle ArmourTiara ArtiesKelsy AustwickSidney Bach-NormanBailey BakerMichael BalkOlivia BanesLevi BanesJuliana BartoliMelanie BattsRaef BellAlyssa BenjaminOlivia BenoitBekah BerardiAlyse BergerNichole BergtollOlivia Bess-RhodesEmma BeuerleinJenniece BooneReema BounajemBrent BoydKenn BoyleMolly BravermanShayna BrazealKyle BrownNaomi BuieHarrison BurchfieldEthan BureshCade BurghartKarima BurnsJacob BurtonJason CantrellJosie CareyRachel CarrJohn CastelloTrevor CernechAshley CerrentanoMatt ChampagneMolly ChasteenPiper ChristensonBrian ChristianTyler ClevengerPayton ClouseThomas CluckPhilip ColeMakenna CopelandAshley CornishCade CortezBobbie CrewStephanie CrockerKristen CroucherIsabella CrutchfieldMegan CurrieMegan DeanAlexus DeanMegan DeGuniaTrinity DelaneyAlex DeLucaEmily DesbienKendall DillonEmma Kate DillonSofia DominguezAnna DonaldsonJosie DostalJack DoughertyMarkia DouglasIvana EasleyErica EdmistenJacob EisenhauerJackson ElderBijan EsfandiaryNoah FahnestockLukas FieldsCarson FinkSamantha FisherNatelee ForbesBrian FordLexie FoxJustice FrankeTaylor FreundJoey GambleDanny GamezOscar GarciaVictoria GardnerAshley GeeConnor GoldsboroughErika GreerVictoria HaggertyLillian HallMcCalister HallMary Paige HawkinsAddison HaynesCorbin HealyGrant HeimanJay HellebuschCatherine HenneReed HenselEmma HeroldLiam HeuselHans HodesCliff HollyJoe HooperJordan HopperBrett HoukJulia HowellLukas HudsonAlison HuffElena HumphreyAaron HungMatthew HyattMaddi IlsemanOlivia JabaleyRyan JacobsenKaylee JacobsonTara JanowskiLogan JeffersCristina JimenezNoah JohnsonCat JohnsonNathan JohnsonJared JohnstoneIan JonesRyan KatzTara KeeverMargaret KellstromEmma KingWilliam KnutsonKaren KutninkJonathan LacKampSalenna LaffoonShelbie LangfordNick LangsdaleJustin LarsonLauren LawsonJacob LeamonJilliane LewisLauren LipariCaroline LoweryLilly LucasMia LukicFiona MaddenIlse MaloneyMadeline MannRob MasseyBrad MatteuzziLauren McFailGregory MelhamBruce Mena-SierraAlexandra MiddlecampKaleb MillerDalila MillerAnna MooreBrett MordecaiMeredith MorrisonAaron MottMaureen MurphyCorey MyersKyle NelsonMatthew NeswickTimothy NicholsJacob NiemeyerKendal NilgesThomas NocitaSam NultonSarah OldfatherAnnMarie OrlandoReid ParkerDeyanira Parra LugoChanelle PerezSamuel PetersonEmma PiazzaKirsten PintoAustin PolinaKaylee PopejoyGarrison PriddleLeslye QuintanillaParker RahmanJohn RellihanMatthew RhoadsErin RichardsMaximillian RichardsonChance RiddleJessica RigbyHunter RobertsAddison RockersChristopher RogersMichael RoseTaylor RumseyDana SamaniegoGavin SampleJosefina SanchezJoseph SanorRhiannen SchneiderKloe SchnellAshley SegniboMadelyn SeleyMadison SelfJarrett SextonKelly ShannahanTeresa SingletonHaley SirokmanSamuel SketersJoseph SkojacDaniel SlaybaughHelene SlinkerLiudmila SloanKathryn SopcichCait SpackmanWill SpeidelMatthew SpringerAndrew StaffordKaylee StillieEllen StingleyColby StoneJenni SweetonAnna Syptak-WelchCinthia TerrazasGabrielle ThurnMegan TiedeReece TreasureMark TrompeterLuke TrusdaleNika TsiklauriGiorgi TsivtsivadzeJoseph UnanaowoAnna VanBuskirkWilliam VanceElias VaoifiJohn ViewAlex VillalobosSydney VogelgesangRobert WaldMatthew WalkerSeth WalkerStephanie WaxmanSiler WehrmannBryn WhiteSamantha WhiteBrennan WhittFletcher WilsonAndrew WiseKevin WiseIan WisemanCalli WisemanThomas WolffBryce WolffRegan WoodKristin WoolumsConnor WorksChristopher YardleyHeather YatesWilliam YoungsGrant Zykan
School of Nursing and Health Studies
Halawe AbdiLexi AdamecYaretzy Aguirre CamachoHiba AlterjalliKeeley AtkinTami AyegboJudy BattsLindsey BekebredeOmamah BetrowRyhana BetrowMaqdas BhattiCaroline BrandtAlivia CalvertJadeyn CampbellAlex CarreonAnnabel ColonLydia CripeBrenna CroninJordan Cunningham-ContrerasMalath DaffaallahMackenzie DaltonKayla DansbyKelsey DavisRiley DeWittBrylee DierkingBree DowdyNouran ElhiweejAlyssa ElliottLyric EwingChris FadriHanna FarahzadTia FieldsFatima Fierros-EspinozaTonique FlemingToni FraizerJennifer FrisbeyEllyssa GallingerKatelyn GendronKorbyn GentryAnnabelle GettysSonya GomezKatelyn GoochSophia GranthamKinzie GuyAshley HannersZahra HassanHalle HeerenBritney HernandezCecelia HinesGlenne HinkleHawa IbrahimChinecherem IhenachoJohana Infante MaganaAbby IslandAnna JenningsSierra JohnsonLily JohnsonKayla JumpMaddy KennicuttKenzie KennicuttMeik KernsLogan KlingeleIndy KrohneAmber KwonKat LamannoMayson LaneRami LeRoyAspen LivengoodNatalia Lopez-RodriguezDanielle MakaraMichael MaloneyNallely MartinezJane MasseyTaylor MathewsRafia MehmoodSarah MelvinKarla Menjivar FrancoMaria MergenHannah MiddaughCierra MitchellEdgar MontoyaBrooke MuehlingCassandra MurreyNathan MuserBrianna MyersNatalie NguyenKristina NguyenTrang NguyenCrystal OdugweStailey OlmsteadMumtaza OsmanKimberly OstmannTaylor OswaldBrittany ParkerKelly Perea InestrozaKassandra PerezSarah PerreaOlivia PlattEmily PriceSydney RhodesNatalie RigdonJulia Rivera-BotkinSam RobinsonGray RobisonJeffrey RodriguezSydney RogersShannon RoseAbbey RowellSophy SaykallyKennedy SchritenthalEmma SinclairJocelyn SotoOlivia SoursRiley StehlikKarsyn StehlikElizabeth SteppAshley StonerMarzayna TagaloaSebastian TorresKrystal TowneJenny TranBethany VandenburgCooper VaroneMel VentersKadin VireCaden VoAlexis VoigtToree VroomanGrace WaldeierDaisy WanaswaBailee WestonBriona WoodsRegan Young
School of Pharmacy
Aya AbdullaCaitlin AhearnChaehyun AhnMark AllredHaley AndersonSafa AnsariBrooke AtchisonTaylor BarberSharon BaskaranMacy BerhorstEthan BillupsKeith BodenhamerKayla BondWeston BoswellKelen CaskeyAdam ChanliongcoIan CoffmanKatherine ComerKylie CowanMadison CrawfordMollie CuppAlyssa DavisMackenzie DavisHannah DeienCaleb DiehlZoe DobsonCassy DoeblerScott DuensingScott DuensingShania EarlyFaith ElfrinkMaddie EppleJacqueline EstesKassandra EstradaOwen FanMakenzie FletcherNatalie FrankKylie GeorgeJackson GibbsNate GiboneyRyan GibsonAmir GiurgiusJay GoldenJake GriebelClaire HainesSeth HammackDarra HarperDrew HedrickJoshua HendersonLauren HendrixMaddie HosickJohn HydeRyan JonesNav KaurJessica KentBen KissnerMaya KivistoClaire KollarsKatie KorahSophia KovalenkoAvery LakeMary LePiqueAshley LewisMegan MaettenBrandi MarkhamKamryn MartinShane McConnellLauren MeizlerSam MennerKyndall MillsCarson MohrJaci MoorePaige MuellerAyatt MusletPayton NeubauerJenny NguyenTam NguyenGabby NordhusBrooke NovakAlannah NowakHailey OeschCole ParkerAhmad PazhoohiCole PetershagenMalaina PitschKyler RademanGage RelfordAli RyalsCarter SadlerJoseph SalazarMaggie ShermanChris SimkinsPeyton StearmanThomas StewartMegan StewartMallory StollRachel SturdevantVictoria TaggartMegan TandyJessica ThomasGabriella ThornePeter TranTommy TranLucy TraskEmily TrinhDominick VittoneTrendon WatsonKatie WeberSamuel WesthovenWill WhiteClara WiedemanMyah WilsonAllison WinklerAddison WuebkerLauren YoungbloodJefferson ZhongJennifer Zulovich
School of Science and Engineering
Hashim AbdullaMary Abou JawdeAryan AhirHafsa AhmedKurtice AkinSadia AlamSaleh AlameeriAhmed AlbarwaniAmmar AlbeloushiKalkidan AlemayehuHanna AlemuSaid Al-FarsiAbdulrahman AlhammadiJafar Al-HassanRuba AliHamad AlkhameesMohammad AlmousawiMansour AlmutawaAlex AlonsoMeshal AlqahtaniAbdullah AlrasheediAli AlsaffarNadeen AlsalmanLina AlsalmanSabea AlshammariAli AlsulaimanBrandon Alvarez De La CruzDivenderjit Amarjit SinghCaijah AndersonEmma AngleNnenna AnikweNicolas AponteHalena Aquino-DunkinChristopher AranaJeremiah ArthurKali AughinbaughBenny AulnerKeeli AustinHasina AziziCarley BakerJosh BalinoDylan BallDrew BarcelonaRabeea BariKailynn BarntRoberto BarreraAbdalrahman BashirMason BassHanva BassembatTanu BassiJackson BauerLucy BeckenbachLuke BeckerAaron BeckmanAmanuel BekeleTrevor BellClay BelzAmgad BenkhadraSalma BensahriMauricio BernalLogan BeshearsEthan BessetteJesse BestAshlesha BhojaneGrady BiceMarie BiernackiAlex BiglerAzaan BilalMikenna BirdEmma BjornstadColton BlakleyTessa BlytheElizabeth BondHarshitha BonthuKate BoosmanKelsey BoucherAiman BoullaouzRyann BowmanWyatt BoydDylan BrollSharli BrownJasmine BrownBela BrowningBraunson BrownsbergerChamberlain BrownsbergerRiley BruceJulia BrunoJaden BruscatoZaina BsataLindsey BuehlerBk BurkaJessica BurkhartKate BurnesKaitie ButlerKyle ButlerCooper BuzbeeYuqing CaiJuan CalderonOlivia CarlsonAustin CassDonovan CastanedaJosh CastroNoah ChapmanPavneet CheemaXingyu ChenYumiko ChenCameron CiancioloJenna ClarkMichael ClaussMarissa ColmarRiley ConnorsBridgit ConwayKaleb CookCitlalinzi Cortes TorresKarina CoxTim CruzPrincess CullomKayla CusumanoMuzan DaffaallahMichael D'AgostinoMichael DahnEthan DangDavid DangGrace DangThu DaoAbdulaziz DarweeshCaitlyn DavisSafae DbaibiNicholas de RaadTim DeGraffenreidSheyda DehghaniSasha DellenbaughKopelyn DeLongNoah DevlinGaby Diaz LeguilluJohnny DiepKatreena DinhLydie DjibaKhoa DoAleigha DollensMika DonelsonAbigail DotyLogan DudleyRegan DunnVy DuongBrian DuongSilas DuvallVictoria DyeTessa EadsMason EarlyReed EasonBhavana EdigaRayaan EkilahGasim ElgasimMohamed ElgasimSeth ElliottMichael EnglertKatelyn ErceEuropa EstabrookMichael FamurewaMatt FeakerLauren FergusonAlexis Fields-MarksArfa FirozChristina ForbesTiana FordEthan FordJacob FordDavid ForsonLogan FortnerKylan FosterSymone FranksDylan FrazierConner FreeoufOlivia FritzNolan FroesePeyton FryWilliam GarayJosh GehrLogan GeorgeAlex GerkenAlex GhasemiGianna GiarraputoTaylor GilbertSirat GillAmber GillaniWalter GilliamMary GipsonKathleen GodornesSamantha GonzalesKaitlyn GoodeKyle GoodmanBrandon GouvionLance GrabmillerJackson GrantLeah GreenSam GriffinAnnabelle GriffinSeth GrishamElaina GurungTanyaa GurushankarNeha GuruswamyStephen HangeJosh HarraldBethany HartNathaniel HartmanAlina HasanRuweyda HassanMahmood HassanMason HawleyAlexis HeadDominic HeaterRoe HendricksDaniela HernandezDiana HernandezSelena HerreraRegina HoKevin HoTrenton HoeflickerIzzy HogelinKona HudsonTimothy HuffSpencer HughesAndy HumphreyRoman HunterCollin HunterJayden HunterDaniel HuynhAisha IbitoyeMohid IdreesMaisha IslamHiba IssawiLillie JacobsSteven JalinskyGuntas JammuJocelyn Jarquin GarciaMohammad JarradAJ JayasekarJudah JerlsSahithi JilakaraMark JohnsonGrayson JohnstonJacob JonasKevin JonesKate JonesMalayiah JonesJessica JosephJoan JoshyDaniel JumpTyler KaiserTyler KaminskiLillian KamlerAkshay KannanAlan KarnesDylan KarrDavid KeltnerZ KempSydney KennedyCharles KeysJack KeysRahhaf KhalilShree KhambekarAzim KhamisSean KhanFatima KhanEshal KhanHannah KhatiwadaZawni KhineWei Shen KhooSydney KingGabe KingdonAubry KleinsorgeMary KleneElijah KlineCarolyn KnappMadison KoesterAshok KothamasuElise KraenowGabriel KribbsKopal KumarMatthew KunkleMaddie KunzJack KurtzThao LamHarshmeet Kaur LambaJade LambertzAnthony LeAlicia LeDavid LeeGrace LeistCat LewinMary LewisBrett LewisJohn-Charles Lile-HenleyDevin LinMatt LindboeJordan LindererBishop LohmanMelanie Loma-JassoJoey LongMakayla LongEstrella LopezMichael LuAlex LyAbdullahi 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University College
Adelle BakerCollette BuschhornGrace ClarkRiley ColeKiran DeolAnthony EppelheimerAilyn GonzalezKenia HerreraAnevay MartzIrielle MccarrollCrystal NguyenCaleb NielsenMarissa PolkEll RayCarson RocheAshley RosalesAnthony RuizIsaac ScottJade SotoLaurel SutterBrant WilsonIf a student’s name does not appear on the list, please direct questions to the appropriate school or college.
Jul 11, 2024
Partnership includes $10,000 scholarship award per student
The University of Missouri-Kansas City Henry W. Bloch School of Management is partnering with five top Kansas City banks to announce a new scholarship program. Banking Leaders of Tomorrow is designed to inspire future professionals to make a difference in their communities as leaders in the banking and finance industries.
Available to incoming students from Missouri or Kansas, this scholarship totals $10,000 over four years for incoming freshmen who express interest in pursuing careers in banking and finance. To provide continued support during their education, accepted students will also receive both academic and professional mentoring as well as networking opportunities.
This scholarship is made possible through generous support and close partnerships with area banks who have committed to supporting students in and out of the traditional classroom through lectures, site visits and panel discussions. They have also committed to providing internship opportunities, ensuring real-world experience throughout these students' time at UMKC.
Academy Bank
Arvest Foundation
Commerce Bank
Lead Bank
UMB Bank
“Banking Leaders of Tomorrow is much more than a scholarship and we could not launch this program without great partners,” said Jocelyn Evans, associate dean of the Bloch School. “These banks are not only committing their time here on campus, but they are also providing important opportunities for our students to explore their future in banking and finance.”
Scholarships will be awarded based upon a student’s essay describing their interest in a financial services career and how their experiences have prepared them to engage in banking relationships with individuals and businesses in low- and moderate-income areas in the Kansas City metropolitan area where many residents do not have traditional banking relationships.
“The Bloch School is committed to educating students who will improve the communities where they will one day live,” said Bloch School Dean Brian Klaas. “Banking Leaders of Tomorrow furthers that commitment, and we’re grateful to our partner banks for making this possible.”
Jul 10, 2024
One of 17 schools in the nation to receive the inaugural award
The American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy recognizes pharmacy programs committed to providing community pharmacy services in a transformational way and has designated the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Pharmacy a Community Pharmacy Center of Excellence.
The designation recognizes the significant commitment the school has made to advancement in teaching, service, scholarship, leadership and partnerships. The school is one of 17 schools to receive the award.
Faculty members Kendall Guthrie (Pharm.D. ‘13), Sarah Oprinovich, Pharm.D., and Heather Lyons-Burney (Pharm.D. ‘94), applied for the award, with help from Mark Sawkin, Pharm.D., Mark Patterson, Ph.D., M.P.H. and Yifei Liu, Ph.D.
Alongside the other schools, the UMKC School of Pharmacy will serve as an ambassador for the discipline, and will have unique opportunities to share its knowledge and help other programs develop community-oriented care.
“We will be used as a model for other institutions that would like to incorporate more community pharmacy education into their curriculum,” Oprinovich said. “We will also be in closer contact with other Centers of Excellence, so we can all share practices that will improve our students’ readiness for practicing in contemporary community .”
Dean Russ Melchert, Ph.D., noted the accomplishment’s importance.
“We are very excited and honored to receive the prestigious Center of Excellence designation by AACP for our faculty’s innovative work in advancing community pharmacy practice,” Melchert said. “Pharmacists have been among the most accessible health-care providers, with estimates suggesting that over 90% of the U.S. population lives within 10 miles of a community pharmacy. We are happy to be recognized nationally as a school with expertise in producing outstanding, innovative and entrepreneurial community pharmacy practitioners."
As a Center of Excellence, the UMKC School of Pharmacy now sets its sights on advancing community pharmacy practice for everyone, and on continued training of the caregivers of tomorrow.
According to Oprinovich, many people realize that their community pharmacy is where they can get vaccines, testing for minor acute illnesses, monitor blood pressure and more.
“We have multiple faculty who are given the time and space to serve professional organizations, innovate, and research,” Oprinovich said. “Our experiential education leaders also place high value on training students to be well-prepared for the rapid change that is happening in community pharmacy today.”
The School of Pharmacy will hold this designation for the next five years, after which it will be invited to reapply.
Jul 09, 2024
New center provides opportunities to use multimodal data to solve community problems and develop a critical workforce in Missouri and Midwest.
Shu-Ching Chen, Ph.D., has always known big data would be the wave of the future.
Chen is the inaugural executive director of the Data Science and Analytics Innovation Center (dSAIC) at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, a position he took to continue his research into multimodal big data analytics. By harnessing immense datasets to extract insights, patterns and knowledge, dSAIC provides the foundation for transformational research.
Multimodal big data analytics combines techniques from artificial intelligence, machine learning, data analytics and more to analyze data from different sources and apply them to solve fundamental and real-world problems.
“Companies need to analyze data to benefit business,” Chen said. “If you don’t take advantage, you fall behind.”
At dSAIC, Chen and his team are working to create tools to help students, companies and stakeholders seamlessly bring together different kinds of data points as quickly as possible to allow for easier analysis and integration.
During his 21 years at Florida International University in Miami, Chen’s research into multimodal big data analytics earned funding from the National Science Foundation, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Department of Homeland Security, National Institutes of Health, Department of Energy, Army Research Office, Naval Research Laboratory, Environmental Protection Agency, Florida Office of Insurance Regulation, Florida Department of Transportation, IBM and Microsoft.
His research was also used to help emergency management in several aspects of post-hurricane recovery efforts, like insurance approvals and damage analysis. Chen plans to continue that work in Kansas City, collaborating with emergency management in other natural disaster- related recoveries, as well as continue to develop tools that can make an impact in all industries and communities across the state.
"Companies need to analyze data to benefit business. If you don’t take advantage, you fall behind."
— Shu-Ching Chen, Ph.D.
Now, with Chen as the leader of dSAIC, the center will support university research across Missouri and will play a critical role in workforce development across Kansas City and the region. He also hopes to continue developing models and projects that can be easily recognized by the general public.
In his short time as executive director, the center has been awarded grants, including from the U.S. Department of Education Center of Excellence in Spatial Computing, bringing in more than $1 million in funding.
In Chen’s eyes, dSAIC has the potential to be a prestigious hub for multimodal data science due to Kansas City’s continued growth and potential. He hopes to bring together stakeholders and community leaders to identify the need, identify potential projects and identify the impact, helping make it the best data science center in the country.
Kansas City’s central location, growing potential and opportunities make it an ideal place for students to learn and apply multimodal research into the community, as well as making an impact on surrounding states in the region.
Chen sees the center as a place where graduates will learn the necessary skills and stand out when applying for jobs in the Kansas City area, the region, across the country and around the world.
In an industry where technology is evolving quickly, the center will allow students to develop the skills necessary to keep up with the challenges and changes. The Data Science and Analytics Innovation Center will also be a place for alumni to return to campus and share experience from real-world applications, giving students a unique learning experience.
But it doesn’t stop at data science. Chen believes students from all disciplines and academic units can benefit from studying multimodal data analytics at dSAIC and meet the demand for high-quality employees from top companies.
Data is at the heart of artificial intelligence and machine learning, like the popular ChatGPT, which has seen several applications that go beyond simple search inquiries. With a center like the dSAIC, Chen sees possibilities at the forefront of the next generation of data science technologies.
Jul 02, 2024
UMKC students’ work will be featured on the iconic Crown Vision screen at Kauffman Stadium
Students studying journalism and film and media arts got a grand slam of an opportunity with Pine Tar Collective, the in-house marketing agency for the Kansas City Royals.
The collaborative effort led to a promotional commercial for the University of Missouri-Kansas City partnership with the Royals on Kauffman Stadium Crown Vision, the almost 9,000-square-foot screen above the outfield.
“It was an extraordinarily unique opportunity to have a chance to go out to Kauffman Stadium and really experience what life at The K is all about,” said Steve Kraske, teaching professor of journalism. “To work with professionals who really know what they're doing, have a very clear idea of how to film this project and get it in the can. It was a great experience for our students to have that opportunity.”
Cristian Martinez, a journalism and film and media arts major, was one student who saw the whole project from concept to screen.
“To work with the Royals on this project was amazing,” Martinez said. “It felt like a dream come true. UMKC, whether it be equipment or the professors themselves, has really prepared us for this moment to be on a set with the Royals. It made us felt comfortable. It made us feel like that we were able to really translate what was what we learned in the classroom to a professional set.”
Students got the MVP tour of Kauffman and Pine Tar workspaces. They met again later where the students were able to pitch concepts to the production team and finalize a plan. After two days of shooting, where students got to be hands-on behind and in front of the camera, Pine Tar edited the final video that premiered at UMKC Night at The K. It will air during every Friday home game of the remaining Royals season.
“All of us we were able to attend and watch our commercial up there,” Martinez said. “The Royals showed us on Crown Vision, which is crazy because I always wanted to be up there. They showcased all of us and it was awesome.”
The prime location and partnerships of UMKC allow for these amazing opportunities that students get to advance their career before they even enter the workforce.
“I think coming to KC, this is what it's all about,” Martinez said. “I think some people like to tell themselves, ‘I want to go to Chicago. I want to go to New York. I want to go to LA,’ when in reality, Kansas City is the place to be. You get so many opportunities, like the chance to work hands-on early in your dream career.”
Jun 28, 2024
Award recognizes University of Missouri System students for character and collaborative spirit
Rithika Ginjupalli, a six-year B.A./M.D. student at the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine, has made her mark at the intersection of medicine and public health.
Ginjupalli, originally from India and raised in Colorado, found her love for orthopedic surgery and community public health at UMKC.
Ginjupalli was honored on June 27 at the University of Missouri Board of Curators meeting as this year’s UMKC recipient of the Remington R. Williams Award, which celebrates the life and legacy of late UMKC alumnus Remington Williams (J.D. ’22), who died in a car crash in 2022.
In UMKC Chancellor Mauli Agrawal’s nomination letter, he wrote: “Rithika consistently demonstrates integrity, respect, compassion and empathy in all her interactions. Beyond her academic achievements, she works collaboratively to build and foster environments of empathy and inclusion wherever she goes.”
As a medical student, Ginjupalli has noticed a lack of crossover opportunities for two of her biggest interests: public health and medicine. In addition to her academic duties, she has leaned into public health organizations as much as her schedule allows. With involvement in organizations such as the American Medical Association and the American Cancer Society, she works to effect systematic changes in public health from a medical perspective. She is currently the American Cancer Society’s congressional district lead, collaborating with Congressman Emanuel Cleaver to develop policies.
She also is heavily involved with medical research projects that focus on improving health outcomes through community-based participatory research.
“Each community is different, and that is part of the challenge when approaching systemic issues,” she said. “Community-based participatory research lets you tailor the interventions to each specific community rather than a one-size-fits-all solution.”
In this work, Ginjupalli found her niche in projects that aim to increase health literacy.
“There’s a big gap in health literacy for patients and for a lot of the community members we were seeing,” she said. “It’s an issue that’s everywhere.”
“Rithika has created opportunities for her fellow classmates to learn and participate in these advocacy spaces,” said UMKC Associate Professor Trung Pham, M.D., in his nomination letter for Ginjupalli. “Rithika is an exceptional and diligent student, consistently demonstrating her commitment to academic excellence.”
In 2023 alone, Ginjupalli was given the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Award by the Association of Women Surgeons and Association of Out Surgeons and Allies, the Community Champion Award and the Award for Excellence in Diversity and Health Equity and the Ida Bamberger Memorial Research Award by the UMKC School of Medicine.
Her celebrated achievements haven’t stopped her from dreaming up more ways to make an even bigger impact. Receiving the Remington R. Williams Award is “just a sign that I’m doing something right and to continue what I’m doing,” she said. “We don’t do this work for the recognition of it. But recognizing public health work is important because it motivates others to enter this space too.”
Next up for Ginjupalli is a temporary move to Baltimore, Maryland. She will spend the next year at Johns Hopkins, earning an accelerated Master of Public Health degree before her sixth and final year at UMKC in 2025.
The Remington R. Williams Award is the highest non-academic honor that a student can receive from the Board of Curators. In addition to being a UMKC alumnus, Williams was the student representative to the University of Missouri Board of Curators (2020-2022), and this award is given to students who embody his legacy of high academic achievement, natural leadership and exceptional care to others.
Recipients are selected annually and will receive a leadership medal to wear at commencement, a $1,000 award and an invitation to be recognized at a Board of Curators meeting.
Jun 27, 2024
Kayla Tottress has a calling to help children love learning
For most teachers, their classrooms look much the same, desks, white boards and colorful posters. But for Kayla Tottress, the classroom sometimes looks quite different, a turf-and-dirt kind of different.
The junior in elementary education is part of the University of Missouri-Kansas City Institute for Urban Education (IUE), which trains culturally responsive teachers who receive scholarships in exchange for committing to teach in Kansas City-area districts. Among the IUE’s many partners are Major League Baseball and the Kansas City Royals. Together, they team up to help kids in Kansas City enjoy reading and learn a love of the game through the MLB Urban Youth Academy.
“What a great way for our students to get involved in their community because we have a team, the Royals, so not only are they getting to learn about baseball and teamwork, but they have a fun outlet, a place to go while also encouraging them to do well in school,” Tottress said.UMKC students work with local elementary students throughout the year, helping them strengthen their reading skills at “Power Hour” tutoring sessions. At the end of the semester, students get to have a baseball trivia night. The game requires students to read and answer trivia questions to earn their chance to hit the ball. After they get a hit, the game proceeds like regular baseball.
Though it may seem like fun and games, Tottress said it’s important for students.“I think it's very important that students don't get used to just the tedious, mundane task of everyday learning,” she said. “If we can get them to learn and have fun at the same time, we feel like we're doing a good job as educators.”Major-league partnerships aren’t the only experiences Tottress has had in the classroom. She has also participated in Lead to Read, an initiative to read with students. And she’s been a student teacher at Trailwoods Elementary, part of Kansas City Public Schools, also a UMKC partner. Tottress said being in a classroom, having unique teaching and learning experiences and learning from teachers who have different teaching styles have inspired her to think of how she can bring her own style into the classroom.“One of the advantages of being in a city like Kansas City is that I get to see all different types of people that come from all different walks of life,” Tottress said. “I wouldn’t want to teach anywhere else.”Whether it’s teaching in the classroom, tutoring or leading baseball trivia, for Tottress it’s all about connection. In fact, she says that’s why she chose UMKC. From the moment she inquired at UMKC, Tottress said faculty were responsive to her questions and dedicated to ensuring she was supported. “I really sensed that someone wanted me in their program,” Tottress said. “I love that personal aspect and connection of being connected to a college. I hadn't even said yes yet, and they were already setting things up, saying, ‘We want you to be here.’”
Jun 18, 2024
Genesis Ventura Amaro is on track to become an educator who changes lives
Recent University of Missouri-Kansas City alumna Genesis Ventura Amaro is an Institute for Urban Education (IUE) scholar who is committed to teaching at historically underserved schools. She received the Milken Teacher Leader of Tomorrow Award before she graduated, making her one out of only 13 recipients in Missouri.
The Milken Teacher Leader of Tomorrow Award is a recent establishment from the Missouri branch of the Milken Educator Awards program to celebrate and encourage pre-service teachers enrolled in Missouri’s public Educator Preparation Programs. This year, one Kansas City area student teacher had the honor of receiving this award.
Amaro decided to become an educator after she immigrated to the United States from the Dominican Republic six years ago. Amaro attended UMKC to study early childhood education and was an IUE scholar. This means that Amaro received additional training focused on teaching in urban schools and received a scholarship to support her while becoming a teacher; as an IUE scholar Amaro is committed to teaching in Kansas City’s urban schools for four years after graduation. “I loved being a Roo and I am sad that my time at UMKC is over,” she said. “I really valued how much people wanted me to succeed at UMKC. Being a part of the IUE has allowed me to bring in a different, more responsive perspective to the spaces I find myself in. Discussions with my peers, the school I teach at in urban KC and even anybody who would let me talk about the importance of culturally responsive teaching and restorative practices. All of this I have learned through the IUE seminars.”
Amaro’s professor and mentor Jennifer Fergerson nominated her for the Milken Teacher Leader of Tomorrow Award. “Gen has been a really strong student teacher and has thrived as an educator since she began,” Fergerson said. “She truly embodies what an educator is, and it shows in the classroom. It’s really easy to forget that she is student teaching, since she develops skills so quickly and teaches as someone with much more experience than she actually has.” It was no surprise to Fergerson when Amaro was named as a recipient. “I was really proud of her when she won,” Fergerson said. “Especially because right before I found out, Gen was having a conversation with me about how much she loves what she does. It was just so fitting. She truly deserves this recognition.” However, it was a big surprise to Amaro since she didn’t even know she was nominated. “I feel so honored to be a recipient of the award,” Amaro said. “As a student teacher, my focus has always been on what I could do better, so noticing what I am doing well can be challenging at times. It is very rewarding to know that my hard work is being noticed and acknowledged by others as well.”
Amaro completed her student teaching as part of a year-long internship at the Academy for Integrated Arts charter school (AFIA), which is also where she was presented with the surprise award.The Milken Teacher Leader of Tomorrow Award recipients not only get an exclusive network of highly regarded fellow educators, but will also be actively supported during their first year in the classroom. Each recipient will be paired with a seasoned Milken Educator, who is an experienced teacher, as a mentor. The mentor will provide a safe space for the new educator to ask questions, share ideas and gain guidance. “I’m inspired to become a teacher that students can relate to and connect deeply with,” Amaro said. “Even if I can’t change the teaching world, I can change the lives of individual children. I know how important early childhood is, and I am thankful to be blessed with the opportunity of being trusted with so many little minds and hearts to take care of.”
Jun 18, 2024
Using AI in teaching and research is just the beginning
Kansas City’s research university is known for being innovative and future-forward. As artificial intelligence engrains itself into our everyday lives, many faculty have been on the leading edge of using this technology in the classroom and in their respective fields. Here’s what professors campuswide are doing to keep up with AI.
School of Science and Engineering
ZhiQiang Chen, Ph.D. is one of the founding chair members of a new American Society of Civil Engineers national committee looking at AI in the classroom. The committee is working to answer the global pressing needs of adopting generative AI into civil engineering classrooms.
In Fall 2023, he developed the first civil engineering AI course offered at UMKC titled “Intro to AI for Natural and Built Environment Applications.”
School of Medicine
Sara Gardner (B.L.A. ’01, M.D. ‘02) is looking at how to incorporate appropriate use of AI in patient care and education.
“Clinically, as our faculty and institutions have adapted and learned more, we understand the utility of AI to recognize small, incremental changes in our patients that could lead to better treatment strategies that ultimately improve patient outcomes,” Gardner said. “Our graduates will likely encounter this technology very early in their post-graduate training, so we are looking for opportunities for them to be exposed to, and learn to respond to, this data on clinical clerkships. Our students also need to understand and become adept at querying these databases, whether that is generating clinical documentation to a complex interpretation of test results specific to the personal characteristics of your patient, to better understand how to interpret these results for their individual patients.”
School of Nursing and Health Studies
Jim Spence (B.A. ’95, M.P.A. ’02, B.S.N. ‘09) interim associate dean for academic affairs, has presented at nursing conferences on AI in nursing education.
Spence is also encouraging both faculty and students to utilize AI in the classroom, whether that is for developing test questions or patient case studies. For patient case studies, AI is able to generate details of the patient’s social history such as name, gender, age, occupation and physical history from lab tests such as neurological assessments and cardiac testing.
School of Humanities and Social Sciences
Antonio Byrd, Ph.D., serves on the Modern Language Association and Conference on College Composition and Communication Joint Task on Artificial Intelligence and Writing, a national task force that discusses humanities interventions in AI and higher education. One such example is creating guidelines for AI policies to honor students' linguist diversity and autonomy.
School of Education, Social Work and Psychological Sciences
Jake Marszalek, Ph.D., interim associate dean and professor of psychology, is investigating the potential outcomes of using AI for learning and education.
Marszalek is a co-investigator on a multidisciplinary grant from Unanimous AI to investigate educational outcomes for a software that enables peer-to-peer collaboration while protecting data privacy and security.
Henry W. Bloch School of Management
Larry Wigger, Ph.D., is currently exploring humanity’s role in increasingly automated workplaces due to AI. With AI automation threatening to displace the lowest-skilled workers, given their predominantly routine tasks, tomorrow’s workforce needs a better way to gain the critical experience to manage and lead. Wigger’s research focuses on how future workers should be equipped with critical thinking skills to employ AI ethically, minimizing negative effects.
School of Law
School of Law professor Ryan Copus, J.D., encourages students to use large language models when writing papers, exploring ideas or completing any other assignments. Copus teaches a course titled “Data, Decisions and Justice,” where he introduces the idea of technically and ethically responsible ways to apply the power of AI to regulate legal decision-making. In this course, students get to code and build their own machine learning model as well as engage in AI research literature.
Jun 17, 2024
Five new details about the Foodiverse
Construction is underway on new campus dining options at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. In his State of the University address, Chancellor Mauli Agrawal offered a sneak peek of the UMKC Foodiverse.
“This is an exciting addition for our students, our employees on campus and the Kansas City community,” said Jody Jeffries, director of the Student Union. “This will elevate our dining experience at UMKC.”
What is the Foodiverse?
The Foodiverse will be a food-parlor environment on the first floor of the Student Union. There will be eight food concepts, including the full-service Starbucks on the east and a full-service Chick-fil-A that will replace the Chick-fil-A Express on the west. The other six food stalls include:
An isolated allergen-free zone
Pizza and pasta
Deli
Salad bar
Grill
Home-style meals
Additionally, more modern furnishings will be added to both interior and exteriors space at Student Union.
Why is the Foodiverse being created?
The Foodiverse will be closer to UMKC residence halls and centrally located on campus. It also will be short distance from the KC Streetcar stop that is expected to run to and from the UMKC Volker Campus next year.
What is the construction timeline, and will the dining hall remain open at Atterbury?
The construction at Student Union recently started with clearing space, and is expected to be completed in January 2025 for the spring semester. Meanwhile, the dining hall at Atterbury will remain open. When the Foodiverse opens, Atterbury dining services will be closed for renovations to create a new expanded student welcome center at Atterbury.
Will any dining options remain open at Student Union?
Yes, the full-service Starbucks will maintain its normal business operations during construction.
How will meal plans work for students and for the community?
Meal plan holders will engage with the area by visiting one of the six Foodiverse options to compile a full meal from the specific station, and then will be afforded second helpings from any one of the six options during the same meal period. Plan holders will have Meal Exchanges and Flex Dollars associated with their accounts to allow for full retail purchasing at Starbucks and Chick-fil-A. This will be managed through point-of-sale technology.
Jun 17, 2024
Flexibility and drive allow student to forge professional connections for a greater purpose
At UMKC, students write their own stories, form their own definitions of success and chart innovative career paths. Emmanuel is turning dreams into reality by creating connections in political science and Spanish degree programs and participating in organizations including the Association of Latin American Students and Multicultural Student Affairs.
Emmanuel Fabian Anticipated graduation: 2026 UMKC degree program: Political science and Spanish Hometown: Clarksville, Arkansas
Emmanuel Fabian came to UMKC and found his passions. While studying to be a filmmaker, he discovered his true career goal was to help immigrants in the United States. He changed his major to support that goal but still finds time to hone his art and make connections throughout the university and beyond.
Why did you choose UMKC?
I have a desire for filmmaking, and that wasn't really something that was offered anywhere near me in Arkansas. So, I came to Kansas City. Now that I'm here, I've also learned that I have other interests, and some really dominate. I've been wanting to work with immigrants; see if I can help them out. That’s why I changed my major, even though I am still making films.
How has your college program inspired you?
I try to really get involved, and not just at the university, in Kansas City. I’ve found that it's been very beneficial. I've met a lot of great people.
Who do you most admire?
The people I admire most at this school are all the people that I collaborate with. Some in the Association of Latin American Students, some have been in the Multicultural Student Affairs Office. Some are in the world and languages departments. It's many down-to-earth, great people. They’ve assisted me in so many different ways with my academic career.
Do you have any leadership positions here on campus?
I serve as a public relations officer for the association of Latin American students.. It's beneficial to me. I've been able to meet a lot of great people over there. It’s awesome to talk to everyone, and it helps me balance my schoolwork.
What word best describes you?
Indecisive. That’s something I’ve learned about myself, coming to school here. I've also learned that it just means that I'm interested in many things. Career-wise, it's let me really narrow down my decision on what I want to do in life: helping immigrants.
Jun 13, 2024
Meet the UMKC alumnus as he takes on a new role
Alexander Norbash (B.A./M.D. '86) has returned to his alma mater as the dean of the School of Medicine.
Previously, he served as the chair and professor of radiology at the University of California San Diego School of Medicine, where he continued to hone his extensive background in research and health-care collaboration.
Norbash joins the school at a pivotal time, with a $120 million Healthcare Delivery and Innovation Building breaking ground later this year and a new $14.5 million medical education building under construction on the St. Joseph, Missouri, campus. He joined the school as dean in March.
What inspired your career in medicine?
My father was a surgeon and the town physician in Platte City, Missouri, for many years. His practice was actually a family business. My mother was the office manager. My little brother and I did odd jobs and filing. This was many years ago before electronic medical records. We saw the patients enter the office with numerous ailments and symptoms, many clearly worried, some visibly with discomfort or pain and others with some level of reluctance. Inevitably, many — if not most — left with a sense of relief and gratitude. This left an impression on us that the work was serious and meaningful. Being a physician’s son also means I heard about the frustrations and limitations of health-care delivery, so I felt that I had a balanced impression of the career. In the end, any frustrations or limitation of the career were offset by the gratitude the practitioner felt for the privilege of alleviating pain and suffering in a fellow human being. Later, when it came time to decide on colleges and a career, the final choice was clear.
Talk about a fond UMKC School of Medicine memory.
My classmates were remarkable. They were brilliant and gifted and energetic, always testing the limits of what we could or should do. For a period of time, we believed that our teachers and professors knew us by the moniker, “that terrible class.” We were always testing the limits of rules, rather than following them. Which I suppose is what you expect with individuals who are adventurous, creative, innovative and want to do things “better.” The respective rules might just go out the window in certain instances.
When I was a student, the units were all alive and buzzing with activity. Students were everywhere, and you could hear laughter and happy conversations in all the halls. We had a full-sized pool table on the fifth floor, and on any given evening, six or seven of us would congregate around the pool table watching our classmates winning and losing. (We) talked about politics, religion, what we were doing and planned on doing and all that lay ahead of us in that long and barely visible road we called the future.
What are your goals for the School of Medicine as dean?
I want to have the best and happiest medical school possible. I want the students to be exceptionally kind, brilliant clinicians, completely satisfied and pleasantly surprised by their experience. I want the faculty and staff to be fulfilled and contributing to a community of innovation and experimentation. I want the community – including Kansas City and our adjoining states – to appreciate this amazing gem for what it is, and what it will become.
You are well-versed in the importance of medicine in rural communities, which is the focus of our St. Joseph campus. What is your vision for that program as it grows?
I had a remarkable rural medicine elective experience in Cassville, Missouri, many, many moons ago. I was struck by the strong independence of my preceptor, who was absolutely on his own for all sorts of maladies and issues presented on a daily basis. Our rural practitioners are not only remarkable physicians, but they are also trusted resources, neighbors and sage advisors. We will do everything possible to ensure our rural practitioners preserve the principles of kindness and sensitivity they are known for, while helping them innovate with advances such as population science, preventive medicine and wearable technology to ensure that rural populations benefit from the innovations that are constantly being utilized and implemented in technology-rich urban settings.
What is something about you that may surprise people?
Before choosing medicine as a career, I considered commercial aviation. To that end, my hobby for the past 33 years has been flying, and for the past 30 years it has been flying helicopters. If for some reason I weren’t a physician, my alternative career choice would have been a coast guard helicopter pilot.
Jun 03, 2024
Liberty Gladden heads to South Korea, thanks to her award
UMKC student Liberty Gladden has been selected as a winner of a 2024 Boren Scholarship. Gladden, a junior studying computer and information sciences with a minor in business, will receive funding to pursue intensive Korean language study at a university in South Korea in Fall 2024.
Gladden is currently studying abroad at Hanyang University in South Korea, and this opportunity will allow her to return to the country for another semester and further cultural immersion. Gladden’s future goals involve pursuing her Master in Business Administration at UMKC and eventually working as a leader within the U.S. government.
The Boren Awards is a highly competitive national award program, which provides up to $25,000 in funding for students to study language and culture abroad.
The program aims to provide students with the resources and encouragement necessary to acquire skills and experiences in areas of the world critical to U.S. national security. In exchange, recipients accept a service requirement to work for the federal government for at least one year after the completion of their program.
Recipients are chosen based on the relevance of their country and language to U.S. national security, their commitment to long-term government service, demonstrated academic preparation and cultural adaptability.
“I’m excited for this award to help impact my future by allowing me to carry out my career goals on a global scale passionately,” Gladden said. “This opportunity will help me achieve mastery in Korean, which will enable me to further be of service to the Korean people and aid in U.S.-South Korea relations. It is a blessing to be given this opportunity and I credit it to the hard work put in by not only myself, but also so many others who have helped me along this journey such as my UMKC Competitive Awards Advisor McLain Hymer and even professor Alex Matlack.”
Gladden discovered the Boren Awards thanks to Hymer.
"When Liberty and I first met, she had never heard of the Boren Awards before, but it quickly became apparent that this program would be a great fit based on her interest in the Korean language and a future career path within the federal government,” said McLain Hymer, manager of nationally competitive awards at the UMKC Career Services. “I am excited to hear about how this opportunity for cultural immersion will help Liberty continue to enhance her Korean language skills and further her personal and professional development.”
UMKC Career Services offers career development and resources for UMKC students and graduates, such as help with applying for competitive awards to further academic and professional interests. They also offer opportunities for employers to connect with talented students and alumni.
“I am excited to continue working with UMKC students of all academic disciplines as they pursue nationally competitive award opportunities,” Hymer said. “The experiential learning opportunities offered through programs like Boren are amazing ways for our students to deepen their understanding of the world around them and reflect on their goals for the future.”
May 31, 2024
Campus event at Henry W. Bloch School of Management honors hundreds
The University of Missouri-Kansas City is once again a top choice for high school and returning students who received Hispanic Development Fund scholarships for the next academic year.
This year, the Greater Kansas City Hispanic Development Fund awarded a record-breaking $1.2 million dollars in scholarship funds to 509 recipients. Of those, 125 represent new and returning scholars at UMKC.
The Hispanic Development Fund (HDF) awarded its first scholarships in 1984, providing $100 each to 100 students through a separately named Hispanic Scholarship Fund.
UMKC hosted the scholars and their families at the Henry W. Bloch School of Management for the second straight year. Lauren Orozco (B.B.A. ’23) played a large role in organizing this year’s event. As a former HDF scholar, she understands the lasting impact this scholarship program can have.
“The Hispanic Development Fund gave me a valuable and connecting community that helped prepare me for life after I graduated,” said Orozco, who now serves as an admissions counselor at the Bloch school. “That is the lasting mark the Hispanic Development Fund has on their students. They aren't just providing them a scholarship but with a community that will continue to grow and give back.”
During this year’s event, students received detailed information about their opportunities and the partnering organizations, but one of the most important elements of the event was the opportunity for the students and their families to celebrate their success.
Marlon Perez-Morales is a sophomore studying business administration with an emphasis in finance.
“The connections I’ve made through HDF have made a big difference early in my college career. I’m also involved as a mentor and can tell other students about HDF and give back to them.”
Phillip St. John is a senior studying business administration with an emphasis in entrepreneurship. He’s also a second-generation HDF scholar. His father, and UMKC alumnus, Steven St. John (B.A. ’96) was also an HDF scholar and now hosts the popular sports morning show “Border Patrol” on 810 WHB. Knowing the impact HDF can have, he pointed his son toward the program.
“I’ve been an HDF scholar each year here at UMKC,” the younger St. John said. “The financial assistance has been important but the connections I’ve made through this program have had the biggest impact.”
Lilah Crum Barnhill is a junior studying philosophy and French.
“The Hispanic Development has given me an amazing community support system,” Barnhill said. “Receiving this continued financial support as a returning HDF scholar has ensured my success here at UMKC.”
May 31, 2024
One alumnus was featured in the article discussing the return on investment of a bachelor's degree
The University of Missouri-Kansas City was featured in a recent story from the The Wall Street Journal. The story discusses the colleges where students are most likely to see a positive return on the investment of a bachelor's degree.
The journal found that "young professionals graduating from public universities charging in-state tuition often receive a degree that is worth the money—with one caveat. New graduates need to earn at least $50,000 a year, on average, in their first decade off campus for the degree to pay off."
UMKC alumnus James Maiden spoke with The Wall Street Journal about his salary and job experiences before and after receiving his bachelor's degree.
James Maiden (B.L.A. '19) was quoted in the Wall Street Journal about the return of investment on a college degree. Photo by Brandon Parigo | UMKC
From The Wall Street Journal:
"James Maiden, 32 years old, dropped out of the University of Missouri-Kansas City about a decade ago because he needed to make money. He held various jobs, including at a shoe store, before landing one as a marketing manager for a nonprofit theater in Kansas City, Mo., where he earned less than $50,000. It was tough to envision a career path.
'I was working in circles without a degree,' he said. 'I needed to go back.'
After earning his bachelor’s in liberal arts in 2019, Maiden got a job as a communication specialist for a construction company. He now makes almost double what he earned at the theater."
Read the full story from The Wall Street Journal (subscription required).
UMKC has numerous scholarships and programs to make college affordable for all. Learn more about them.
May 29, 2024
The gift from Wagstaff & Cartmell will provide free bar preparation to UMKC School of Law students
Wagstaff & Cartmell, a litigation law firm in Kansas City, made a five-year, $250,000 commitment to the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law’s bar preparation fund. Their gift supports an initiative by the law school to provide a commercial bar preparation program and in-person supplemental course at no additional cost to students.
As of December 2023, every UMKC J.D. graduate has access to these resources.
The stress of bar preparation is a feeling that many attorneys remember, even years into successful careers. Brian Madden (J.D. ’92) and Jack Hyde (J.D. ’11), both partners at Wagstaff & Cartmell, spoke about the importance of supporting students as they take this step in their careers.
“Many of us were fortunate to have support from the firms we were going to work for when it came to bar preparation,” Hyde said. “Not everyone has that support, and it can be a big obstacle. We knew this would be a meaningful way to give back to students that would help them the most.”
While some law firms will pay for bar preparation expenses, students with ambitions in public service and other areas of law will have to decide whether to pay the cost themselves, an average of $4,000, or choose to take the bar exam without that support.
“Recognizing that UMKC serves a very diverse economic student population, and given the current cost of bar preparation, we don’t want to see students forego it due to cost,” Madden said. “I cannot imagine taking the bar exam without preparation. It gives you a comfort level, both with the substance and the psychological stress. It’s so important that everyone has an opportunity to play on an equal playing field with regards to the bar exam.”
The commitment from Wagstaff & Cartmell is the first one by a law firm.
“We would love to see other mid-size and large law firms take this opportunity to support these students,” Madden said. “UMKC Law makes significant contributions to the Kansas City legal market, both at the public level through judges, prosecutors and defenders, and at the private level. There are a lot of very successful private attorneys in the city who graduated from UMKC.”
“The long-term success of UMKC is vital to the local bar and firms like ours based in Kansas City,” Hyde said. “A lot of students end up working in the community they graduate from, so having the school here is vital to Kansas City. It’s the only law school in Kansas City.”
Learn more about the bar preparation initiative at the UMKC School of Law.
May 29, 2024
UMKC is a supporting sponsor of exhibit at Union Station
UMKC is a proud sponsor of the Disney 100 exhibit in Kansas City.
Now at the Bank of America Gallery in Union Station, the Disney 100 exhibit features more than 250 artifacts including works of art, costumes, props and other memorabilia from the historic vault of the Walt Disney Archives.
Kansas City and UMKC have a storied history with Walt Disney and his media empire. Perhaps most well-known, Disney is known to be the first illustrator of KC Roo, the university mascot. To celebrate this shared history, a special gallery is included exclusively for the Kansas City run of the exhibit to celebrate the connections.
“I’m not aware of any other college that can claim the most famous animator in the world drew their mascot. UMKC is singular in that respect.” said George Guastello (B.B.A. ’82, MBA ’84). “As a proud Kansas Citian and UMKC alumnus, it’s a thrill to have a special section, Union Station’s Hometown Connections Gallery, that honors Disney’s deep roots here in our community.”
In addition to the Kansas City gallery, Union Station, UMKC and Missouri Humanities Council have teamed up to present special programming for Disney fans to hear from the voice of Goofy and Pluto, learn about the experience of animators and discover a deeper understanding of Disney’s life and experiences in Kansas City and Missouri.
Join us for UMKC Day at Disney 100 on Oct. 19 for special UMKC presentations that are free after admission purchase.
UMKC professor David Trowbridge, Ph.D., will present Walt Disney’s Kansas City, a presentation and Q&A on Disney’s childhood and early career. Tickets are free on the Union Station website.
There is also a special maker activity with staff from the National Museum of Toys and Miniatures. Participants will explore the different versions of the UMKC mascot, including the one illustrated by Disney and sew their own stuffed kangaroo. Tickets are free on the Union Station website.
Emmy-winning alumnus Douglas Enderle (M.F.A. ’81) will present The Roo Behind the Magic about his career after UMKC. Note: Enderle is only presenting Oct. 19. Tickets are free on the Union Station website.
The exhibit is open until November 2024.
May 24, 2024
Recent investments in student success have resulted in increased retention and graduation rates.
The University of Missouri Board of Curators today approved tuition rates for the 2024-25 academic year.
The new rates maintain UM’s reputation for being a top value in higher education nationally and allow the UM System to continue investing in student success. Since 2018, UM’s strategy for investing in student success has resulted in historic highs in retention and graduation rates. Over the past five years, the university’s cost per degree has fallen 11% when compared to inflation. Undergraduate tuition at all four UM universities will rise 5%. Graduate and professional tuition increases will range from 3% to 5%. Details will be available at each university’s website later today.
University of Missouri-Columbia: https://cashiers.missouri.edu/
University of Missouri-Kansas City: https://www.umkc.edu/cashiers/tuition-fees/
Missouri University of Science & Technology: https://sfa.mst.edu/cost-estimates/
University of Missouri-St. Louis: https://www.umsl.edu/sfs/tuition-fees/index.html
Even with the increases in tuition and fees, the cost of education at UM universities is significantly less than the national average. Additionally, the UM universities continue to outperform their peers related to retention and graduation rates, as well as post-graduation success, which is a measure of how many students achieve their post-graduation goals within six months of graduating. In 2023, more than 95% of UM students graduating achieved their post-graduation goals, nearly 9 points higher than the national average.“We are proud to support student success by providing a world-class education at an exceptional value,” University of Missouri President Mun Choi said. “Our students are completing their degrees on time and with the experience needed to launch great careers right away. The tuition increase will ensure that we keep delivering results that change lives and support the economic development in Missouri.”"As curators, we have two key guideposts when we consider tuition," said Robin Wenneker, chair of the UM Board of Curators. "First, we must be financially responsible fiduciaries of the university. Second, we must do all we can to provide an extraordinary educational experience that will position our graduates for immediate and long-term success. We are meeting both of these important objectives with today’s announcement and look forward to a promising 2024-2025 academic year at all UM universities.” The tuition increases will continue to provide funding to:
Invest in more course sections
Invest in more advisors
Invest in more faculty
Invest in more tutoring support
Invest in new classrooms and laboratories
Invest in new instruments
Invest in research opportunities
May 23, 2024
Kansas City’s very own civil rights hero shares his feelings about UMKC and giving back
Alvin Brooks (B.A. ’59, M.A. ’73) is a name many in the Kansas City community know. He has served as a police officer, councilman and has participated in many acts of public service, urban progression and civil rights. Brooks also had a scholarship named after him for more than a decade and received an honorary doctorate from UMKC in 2012. He has continuously made donations and gifts to UMKC in support of student life, student programs, services and scholarships for 14 years. He is also involved long term with the university’s Institute for Urban Education as an advisory member to this day.
I heard there is a movie coming out about you based off your memoir, and it is directed by Academy Award-winning director, Kevin Wilmott. How did that come about?
Yes! The movie is coming out on Juneteenth, and it is based off my memoir, Binding Us Together. Kevin read it and reached out, saying that he was interested in turning it into a documentary. I wasn’t going to say no to that! I’m excited. Kevin is a great guy and a lot of the scenes from the book will be discussed and shown.
How did you feel when you were named Alumnus of the Year in 2009 and then received an honorary doctorate in 2012?
Oh, I felt great! I didn't expect it, but I was confident about it. It made me think that maybe some of the things that I have done mattered. I am representing UMKC and got to see it grow throughout the years. I was genuinely surprised with an honorary doctorate because I didn’t really do anything to earn one! I’m just happy UMKC valued what I did enough to give me one.
How did you feel when you found out there was a scholarship named after you?
Again, I was extremely honored, knowing that there were people who wanted to give back using my name. Though I am still trying to figure out who were the ones that started it! I think I have a good idea who did it, I will let you know.
Alvin Brooks, on the right, smiling with Frank White Jr. and Jannette Berkley-Patton, M.A., Ph.D.
One of your scholarship preferences is for first-gen students, why do you think that is important?
I’m extremely pleased that being a first-generation student is a requirement. I think it's very significant and needed. The students who have resources to begin with are going to make it anyway, as opposed to those who struggle, who are the first one in their class or family to go to college or even the first one to finish high school. I’ve spoken about this many times. It is an incentive for those students. It will encourage them to push forward in their studies and create something for themselves. That is why it is important.
Why is giving back so valuable and important to you, and how does that tie with being a first-generation student?
I was completely on my own when I was an undergraduate. I had no help, and it was very difficult. I think meeting people that came from such different walks of life really opened my eyes. That is why giving back is valuable to me. I want to help students not have as hard of a time as I did. I also hope funded programs at UMKC attract different students and help first-time students meet a variety of people.
I know you are a humble man, Mr. Brooks, but are you aware of the impact you make toward our community?
No. Well, let me say this. I hope that I have made some impact. Especially in the areas of race relations and interpersonal relations. I'm a believer. Regardless of what your race might be. I think we should all be free and treated kindly. Not just in America, but all six billion of us. That is what I pursue and believe in, and I try to pass that down to my family and those around me. When I get the opportunities to do things, it makes me feel good. To know that people think I can do that. I’m not Moses or Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., but I am an honest man with integrity. So all I can say is that I hope that I have done well representing UMKC, and I am proud to have done what I did. I hope that when people talk about what I’ve done, they can relate to my humble beginnings. I struggled, but accomplished the things that are most important.
What role and impact do you think UMKC is making?
UMKC has become more prominent since my time being here, and I think the university has realized its role of an urban university. UMKC has become more aware of the community around it and has developed over time. There were only a handful of Black students when I was here in 1956. Now, it’s almost like the United Nations in terms of student population. There are still some issues, but I think there has been a consciousness on the part of the university and its higher administrative members, which will be passed on to the students in the classroom. That’s what UMKC is all about.
Learn More About UMKC Foundation
May 17, 2024
The agreement will provide new opportunities for research and collaboration
The University of Missouri-Kansas City has entered into a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement with the United States Cyber Command.
This partnership is set to transform the landscape of artificial intelligence and cybersecurity through collaborative education and research.
UMKC is the first university in the country to sign a cooperative research and development agreement with the United States Cyber Command. This partnership is also only the second to be signed by the command overall, positioning UMKC at the forefront of cybersecurity and AI research.
“This partnership represents a key milestone in demonstrating the technical relevance of UMKC and the Missouri Institute for Defense and Energy’s (MIDE) faculty, staff and students,” said Travis Fields, Ph.D., interim director of MIDE. “We are excited to work on research and development cyber solutions for the Department of Defense.”
UMKC has also entered into an Educational Partnership Agreement with the United States Cyber Command, which aims to enrich UMKC students' learning experiences by providing them with access to internships, guest lectures and state-of-the-art research facilities. UMKC is excited to play a key role in training future leaders of the AI and cybersecurity workforce.
By combining the university’s academic and research excellence with the United States Cyber Command’s operational expertise to drive innovation in artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, this partnership also serves as a collaborative framework for joint research projects. The collaborative efforts are expected to lead to the development of advanced solutions to tackle complex cybersecurity challenges, benefiting both national security interests and the broader field of technology.
May 15, 2024
School of Law clinic provides valuable experience while helping community children
Family legal issues are one of the largest unmet needs in the state of Missouri and in Jackson County. The UMKC School of Law has helped to fill that gap since the opening of its Child and Family Services Clinic in 2000. Since then, the clinic has helped more than 1,000 children be placed in permanent homes.
Clinic director Wendy Ross, J.D., joined UMKC just one year ago but has already been impressed with the impact the clinic has made.
“UMKC has a heart for providing for the community,” Ross said. “They want to reach out and help, all while providing valuable experience for our law students.”
Under the guidance of professors, work in the clinic is done by students studying family law. Services can include representation in court, paperwork to establish guardianship and more. Students at the clinic provide an average of 2,000 hours of service a year, all free of charge to the families.
“This important service to our community is why we chose to highlight the UMKC School of Law Child and Family Services Clinic in a video,” said Curt Crespino, vice chancellor of UMKC External Relations and Constituent Engagement. “The pro bono legal services changed the life of Brittney Hallman’s family and so many others in the Kansas City region.”
Brittney's story and her experience with the clinic were featured in a story on KSHB 41.
The most common service provided is establishing legal guardianship of children, often to the father or grandparents. Without legal guardianship, a caregiver does not have the authority to properly care for a child, including to enroll them in school or make medical decisions.
The clinic serves parents and families who qualify at or under the national poverty guidelines. Services are provided pro bono, allowing people who may not be able to afford a lawyer help navigating the legal system. Clients can be referred to the clinic through family court, nonprofit agencies and other organizations, as well as through direct application. For more information and to have a case considered, call the clinic at 816-235-6336 and complete an intake form over the phone.
May 14, 2024
Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas and Leigh Anne Taylor Knight of the DeBruce Foundation were the keynote speakers
More than 2,600 degrees were conferred on Sunday, May 12 during the University of Missouri-Kansas City Spring Commencement ceremonies.
"Some of you came to UMKC knowing exactly where you were headed," said UMKC Chancellor Mauli Agrawal. "Some of you might have had no idea what you wanted to do. But all of you have chosen your own individual path and arrived here your way. You have overcome challenges and celebrated triumphs that have shaped you into the person you are today."
There were two Commencement ceremonies. Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas was the keynote speaker for the first ceremony, telling graduates to be confident and strive to do their best.
"Each and everyone of us should strive in some way to be famously excellent in whatever it is that we have to do ahead," Lucas said. "As you leave this arena today, know that we support you, that we believe in you."
Leigh Anne Taylor Knight, an alumna of the UMKC School of Education, Social Work and Psychological Sciences and UMKC Trustee, is executive director and chief operating officer of the DeBruce Foundation. She delivered the keynote address for the second ceremony.
“Your achievements today not only represent your hardworking and dedication, but also the unwavering support of those surrounding you today.,” Taylor Knight said. “I encourage you to find your purpose through curiosity, courage and kindness.”
Following the ceremonies, graduates flooded the T-Mobile Center to take photos and celebrate with their loved ones.
Commencement took place on Mother's Day. A few graduates celebrated the occasion by walking across the stage to receive their diploma with their children, several of them carrying them in their arms.
May 12, 2024
Graduating students are recognized for their outstanding academics, leadership and service
Eighteen UMKC students have been named Dean of Students Honor Recipients in recognition of their accomplishments on campus and in the community.
Every semester, exceptional graduating students are honored with this designation. These students maintain excellent academic standards while actively participating in university activities and community service outside of the classroom.
The Spring 2024 honorees’ accomplishments include founding multiple medical interest groups, acting as president of the African Student Association, serving a national role in the American Student Dental Association, revitalizing the rooftop gardens at UMKC and more. These students have contributed numerous volunteer hours in the community with organizations such as Operation Breakthrough, Team Smile, Uzazi Village, Harvesters’, Morning Glory, Girls on the Run and Hope House.
Michele D. Smith, Ph.D., vice provost for student affairs and dean of students, expressed her excitement about the students' achievements.
“These students truly represent what it means to be a Roo through their commitment to academics, service and community. We are delighted to acknowledge their numerous achievements and are eager to see the great futures they have ahead of them.”
Students shared reflections on their time at UMKC at a breakfast celebration in their honor. Some excerpts:
Alyssa O’Brien: “I am a non-traditional student, and I never had the “college experience.” When I came to UMKC to pursue my graduate degree, I really wanted to find my sense of community. Getting involved on and off campus with different organizations has been incredibly impactful for my professional and personal development. My proudest accomplishment was taking a summer internship with the Federal Public Defenders Office of Western Missouri in the Capital Habeus Unit. Although challenging, this was some of the proudest work I have done in my life.”
Chandler Hill: “More than just a place of learning, UMKC has been a catalyst for growth and transformation. From undergrad to dental school, there have been many dedicated faculty and like-minded peers who have played an important role in my experiences and accomplishments. UMKC has encouraged me to think critically, embrace diversity and strive for excellence in all endeavors. My proudest accomplishment at UMKC is not just the grades or accolades, but the relationships I've formed and the impact I've been able to make. My involvement in the UMKC Chapter of the American Student Dental Association (ASDA) helped to develop my passion for advocating for others and leaving a lasting positive impact on both the campus community and beyond.”
Elaine Nikolov: “When I began the six-year B.A./M.D. program, I had no idea the plethora of opportunities that this school would offer me. My fourth year in the program, I began to work every Saturday morning in a clinic serving the homeless and under/uninsured of Kansas City. There, I formed life-long bonds with my fellow students and future colleagues as we worked to provide adequate care to a patient population that has historically been marginalized in medicine. More importantly, the patients I have met and been graced to care for have taught me skills and techniques that no textbook could ever teach. I was taught what true understanding, compassion and patience meant and how I could better provide not only medical care but also humanity to those in need.”
Congratulations to the Spring 2024 Dean of Students Honor Recipients!
Kennison Adams, School of Medicine
Chynna Burton, School of Medicine
Victoria Cegielski, School of Medicine
Allison Eppenauer, School of Pharmacy
Tiana Ford, School of Science and Engineering
Mary Gipson, School of Science and Engineering
Dylan Hailey, School of Medicine
Ashley Hanners, School of Nursing and Health Studies
Chandler Hill, School of Dentistry
Hannah Leyva, School of Humanities and Social Sciences
Davis McCallister, School of Dentistry
Elaine Nikolov, School of Medicine
Alyssa O’Brien, School of Education, Social Work and Psychological Sciences
Dumebi Okocha, School of Medicine
Maryam Oyebamiji, School of Science and Engineering
Rhiannen Schneider, School of Law
Andrew Thompkins, School of Dentistry
Harry Vasquez, School of Science and Engineering
May 10, 2024
Cody Truitt has just one regret; not knowing about the program sooner
Imagine not paying a dime for your senior year of college.
That’s the case for Cody Truitt, a senior in accounting who took advantage of the Amazon Career Choice Program at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, which offers tuition assistance to Amazon employees.
Truitt had started his undergraduate degree a couple of times through the years, but each time, life had gotten in the way. During COVID, he resolved to finish it and enrolled at UMKC because of its convenience, value and ease of transferring.
“It just fit perfectly,” Truitt said.
He knew he would do whatever it took to complete his degree, whether it meant working overnights or overtime to pay for school. He got a job at Amazon to earn extra money, where he soon learned about the career choice program.
“Amazon rocks because they paid for the entirety of my senior year,” Truitt said. “I only wish I had discovered this as a freshman.”
At first, Truitt admitted he was skeptical it may be too good to be true, but to his surprise, the process was simple.
“I figured there were going to be some hoops to jump through, that it wouldn't really work, there'd be some fine print somewhere,” Truitt said. “The moment that I noticed that it worked out, when I checked my UMKC account for what I owed for the semester and I saw $0, I was extremely elated.”
Thanks to Amazon paying his senior year, Truitt was able to take advantage of several opportunities that he may not otherwise have had time for. He did internships at Creative Planning and Bergan KDV.
The extra time didn’t just help Truitt, he was also able to give back through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program, where accounting students provide income tax assistance to the community.
Cody Truitt (top row, left) with fellow VITA volunteers
“It was really great experience because there’s just all sorts of different people from the community,” Truitt said. “We are dealing with people who are disabled, people that are just really, really nervous about their taxes and they come in so shaken up about it and they're able to leave with a smile and, sometimes, a couple dollars coming to them.”
For Truitt, being able to take advantage of these opportunities and persevere was especially meaningful.
“I had a lot of times when I was really struggling in school and I really was barely making it some semesters and just putting in the effort and doing my best and getting through it,” Truitt said. “I realized a lot of the time, I'd end up with better grades than I thought… and every time that happened, I realized I was more capable than I had thought I was before.”
He has some advice for students who may be experiencing challenges in school or in life.
“Take a step back and deep breath and realize that as long as you don't give up, you will get there,” he said.
Truitt is starting a new job soon. The May 2024 graduate has a job lined up as a staff accountant with Allen, Gibbs & Houlik, a certified public accounting firm in Overland Park, KS.
“I'm looking forward to walking across the stage,” Truitt said. “I've worked really hard to get to where I'm at. I know I've improved a lot over the last few years, just as a person, as a student and a professional, so I'm excited to see what the future holds.”
After graduation, Truitt plans to take a few more courses to sit for the CPA exam, then return to school to get a Master of Business Administration degree.
Learn more about Amazon Career Choice Program
May 08, 2024
21st-century discovery to mitigate destruction
It was 3:03 a.m., February 4, 1976. While Guatemala’s citizens slept, the country’s massive Motagua Fault ruptured. In 39 seconds, the resulting 7.5 magnitude earthquake had devastated this Central American nation.
Nearly five decades later, a research team from University of Missouri-Kansas City, in collaboration with U.S. and Guatemalan partners, is investigating the country’s extensive geohazards, including the Motagua Fault.
An International Investigation
The Guatemala GeoHazards International Research Experiences for Students was launched in early January 2023. A long-term vision of director Tina Niemi, this three-year program gained funding in late 2022 from the National Science Foundation.
“Understanding the seismic potential of Guatemala’s active fault systems and volcanic history are key goals of the program,” said Niemi, Ph.D., professor of geology and a Curators’ Distinguished Teaching Professor. “This year, we investigated the earthquake history of the Motagua Fault.”
The 2023 Guatemala Geohazards field team included 10 U.S. and Guatemalan students, three faculty mentors from UMKC and the University of Missouri, two Guatemalan faculty and one industry mentor.
During this inaugural International Research Experiences for Students program, the group conducted research across several disciplines of geoscience, including volcanology, paleoseismology, surficial processes and geospatial data science. Together, the cohort completed three and a half weeks of field research in Guatemala, followed by a break for preliminary analysis and sample processing. In May, the group reconvened for two weeks of lab work and data analyses at at UMKC and virtually.
“Through this program, students receive an authentic research experience that includes mentorship by faculty from the U.S. and our partner universities in Guatemala,” Niemi said. “They not only increase their scientific inquiry and research skills but practice international collaboration.”
The International Research Experiences for Students faculty are all specialists in geology fields, including the study of Guatemala’s geohazards. With guidance from their mentors, the students collaborate in the scientific process. They develop questions, collect, analyze and interpret data and then present that data.
They also navigate the challenges of international field research.
“These are not controlled experiences,” Niemi said. “There are many uncertainties, such as access permission, weather conditions and malfunctioning equipment, to name a few. Field research requires flexibility and adaptation to the conditions — all valuable life skills.”
Aleigha Dollens (B.S. ’24) participated in the inaugural geohazards program to gain field experience that augments her classwork.
“I worked closely with mentors and learned hands-on how to do research,” said Dollens, whose own research focuses on geophysical imaging of the subsurface of the Motagua Fault.
“I was in a small research group where I asked questions and received feedback from the program’s professors. I’m now more confident in my ability to practice research and in myself as a person.”
Guatemala’s Geohazard Vulnerability
Ranked fourth globally for geohazard disaster risk, Guatemala is continuously exposed to multiple hazards, including earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, landslides, floods and storms. These geohazards threaten countless lives, environmental stability and economic infrastructure.
The 1976 Motagua earthquake, one of innumerable Guatemalan natural disasters, resulted in 23,000 deaths and 74,000 injuries. One million people were displaced — nearly one-fifth of Guatemala’s population at the time. Thousands of aftershocks exacerbated the destruction and resulted in economic damages estimated at 17.9% of the country’s gross domestic product.
These geohazards do not always occur independently, and interactions between hazards often trigger multiple secondary hazards. In recent years, new geohazards have emerged in Guatemala, while existing hazards have intensified.
Omar Beltetón, Ph.D., a professor and researcher at the Higher Studies Center for Energy and Mines and an engineering faculty member at the University of San Carlos, believes information and insight from the UMKC collaboration and investigation will contribute to Guatemala’s development of strategic geohazard resilience.
“Subsidence and sinkholes have formed in streets or highways and caused the collapse of storm drainage pipes,” said Beltetón, an International Research Experiences for Students faculty member from Guatemala. “These are consequences of climate change and urban flooding because of inadequate infrastructure design. Road collapse and landslides in mountainous areas are the result of deforestation and the consequent erosion."
“This research is significant because of our country’s geographic and tectonic setting. The Guatemalan people haven’t been able to escape the suffering from geohazards, including loss of life, infrastructure damage and economic loss. We must try to understand the phenomena to avoid these losses.”
Exploring With 21st-Century Technology
The Guatemala GeoHazards program uniquely utilizes both traditional geologic field mapping and cutting-edge technology, such as LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) drone imaging.
Small but mighty, LiDAR drones are valuable research partners.
“The basic approaches for investigating geohazards have been established for some time, but a significant limitation has been observational capability,” said Francisco Gomez, Ph.D., geological sciences professor at the University of Missouri and the UMKC program’s surficial processes research team mentor. “New technologies provide us with unprecedented views of the earth to push our investigation further.”
“As recently as 25–30 years years ago, earthquake investigations and landslide mapping primarily involved traditional terrestrial surveying. Though accurate, these methods are time-consuming and expensive. Today, unmanned aerial systems provide higher resolution information at a much lower cost. Also, drone images allow us to see subtle tectonic features not otherwise easily visible. It’s a game-changer we could only dream about previously.”
These advancements yield significant, beneficial data about geohazards.
“Some of the most exciting results come from interpretation of the LiDAR data we acquired across the 1976 earthquake rupture trace,” said Niemi, who is a Quaternary geologist specializing in geoarchaeology, sedimentology and active tectonics. “We identified features revealing accumulative offset that can be used to determine the fault’s slip rate. Slip rate is a critical parameter in seismic hazard assessment.”
Mitigation Insights and Strategies
The potential for this research is far-reaching — and sharing the results with other scientists and organizations in Guatemala is a vital component of the work.
“While our number one goal is to educate the next generation in geohazard research, the data we collect have profound significance in defining the occurrence or repeat time of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions,” Niemi said. “Key parameters for seismic and volcanic hazards collected through the program are essential to government preparedness plans and mitigation strategies.
“For example, our volcanology research team began mapping pyroclastic flow deposits from the Chocoyos volcano that occurred 75,000 years ago. This research is the first step to help better constrain future volcanic hazards.”
In Guatemala, the program’s research is in collaboration with the University of San Carlos de Guatemala’s Center for Higher Studies of Energy and Mines and the Centro Universitario del Norte’s Department of Geology. Information from the program can be incorporated in the National Seismic Design Code, which specifies structural safety standards and guidelines for reinforcing existing works.
Results will also be shared with the Guatemalan Association of Structural and Seismic Engineering, the National Coordinator for Disaster Reduction and the Institute of Seismology, Volcanology, Meteorology and Hydrology — the primary governmental institution that monitors geological hazards.
“Our collaboration with UMKC helps us to understand geohazard phenomena in a way that action can be taken to help minimize their impact and help ensure that losses and damage are minimal,” Beltetón said. “The investigation establishes possible danger zones for geohazard threats and the feasibility of building on specific sites. The research also guides the preparation of hazard maps and is a tool for territorial ordering, a mode of land-use planning with an emphasis on conservation.”
Looking to the Future
At the conclusion of the International Research Experiences for Students Program, student participants wrote a scientific abstract and presented their findings at the UMKC’s Guatemala GeoHazards poster symposium. Some will also present their research at this year’s annual meetings of the Association of Environmental and Engineering Geologists (AEG) and the Geological Society of America.
Dollens is one of the students who will present at the AEG conference.
“This program has inspired me to get my master's degree at UMKC and kickstarted my research skills and career as a professional. I’ll always be grateful for the opportunity to work on this project and for the relationships I built with the team,” said Dollens, recipient of a 2023 Summer Undergraduate Research Opportunity award.
She was also awarded the prestigious 2023 Richard Hay Award from the Geological Society of America for her research on evidence of earthquakes at the Quirigua archaeological site in Guatemala. A full circle moment, Niemi was the first recipient of this award 34 years earlier.
These collaborative connections made today and for the future are integral to Niemi’s vision for the program.
“Research is the exploration of the unknown,” Niemi said. “The shared experience of students and mentors exploring geology in the field provides a unique setting that emphasizes inquiry and builds confidence. In this rich learning environment, students observe mentors from different countries discussing geology and modeling the fundamental first step in research — asking questions.
“We’re dedicated to educating the next generation of scientists, diversifying the workforce and promoting societally relevant research that can be translated into solutions.”
May 07, 2024
The six-year B.A./M.D. student is jumpstarting her career through the Royals and MLB
Emmanuella Alawode, Dallas native and fourth-year student in the B.A./M.D program is a Jackie Robinson Scholar. Through this program, Alawode not only gets to participate in career-readiness opportunities, but also receives support from the Kansas City Royals Foundation. The Royals are a UMKC partner. An extra special perk of the program? She got to throw out the first pitch at UMKC Night at The K last month.
Why did you choose UMKC?
I knew I wanted to become a doctor, so I talked to a lot of my mentors and people who also went through the accelerated B.A./M.D. program that saves two years off of the traditional undergraduate and medical-school path. That just reassured me that UMKC was an excellent choice. I really liked the six-year program knowing that I can get a jumpstart with my career. And it is not too far from home.
Why did you choose your field of study?
Growing up, I just really enjoyed science, anatomy dissections, experiments and research. My experience at UT Southwestern in a high school camp was pivotal for me and exposed me to clinical research. I shadowed a breast surgeon and became interested in women’s health. Something else that has shaped my interest in health disparities has been volunteering with my church and helping in their health clinic.
What are the challenges and benefits of the program?
There are a lot of learning curves along the way. Because you are going straight into med school after high school and are also juggling it with doing your undergraduate degrees. A key challenge was learning how I like to study now, and finding the best way to retain the volume of information.
The benefits are that we get early clinical exposure. You get to learn how to interview patients or just medical terminology in your first year. After your second year, you get white coated and get assigned a docent, and that is your docent for your remaining four years. You also get a senior partner, and they are there to guide you along the way. They can help answer questions and help you hone some of your clinical skills.
How has your college program inspired you?
It has gotten me interested in health-care policy advocacy. I’m also interested in how we can better shape medical education and make sure we are honing on helping students to master what they need to know for clinical practice, but also making sure that their mental and physical health does not deteriorate.
Are you a first-generation college student?
Yes. It means that I can hopefully inspire younger people who may not have had medical exposure or don't know what the journey and rigor of medical school. I didn’t know the demands of medical school before. But now, it means I can be a mentor for others and someone that others can look up to, and I love that.
Who do you admire most at UMKC ?
My docent, Dr. Gary Salzman, is my favorite person at UMKC. I like the way that he interacts with patients. Every time we come into the room, the patients are like “‘there’s my favorite doctor!”’ He is always looking out for the best interests of the patients.
Do you have other scholarships in addition to the Jackie Robinson Scholarhip?
Another one that I have received is the UNCF STEM scholarship. Both the Jackie Robinson scholarship and the UNCF STEM scholarship hope to encourage students who are African American or another minority to pursue higher education. I am incredibly grateful for both of those scholarships.
Do you have any standout moments of the Jackie Robinson Scholarship experience?
I would say the love and the foundation have been the standout parts of my experience. When I was applying, I knew they have mentorship and support, but I did not expect the level of support I have since received. One alumni (of the Jackie Robinson scholarship program) purchased MacBooks for most of us, which is nice. Another memorable experience is the first pitch (at the Royals game) that I threw!
What other extracurricular activities are you involved in at UMKC?
Last year, I was the social chair for the student National Medical Association. I am the communications and social media manager for the Association of Women Surgeons. I have been an ambassador with the admissions office and am a member of the Surgical Interest Group. I am also a part of the American Medical Women’s Association and Her Campus as a writer.
What do you hope to take from your experiences at UMKC into your professional career?
I’ve been stretched in many ways that I never thought I could be stretched. The key is learning that you must always think outside of the box. Especially, as a future surgeon, I may not be able to approach a particular procedure the same way I do for another person. Also being flexible. Learning how to manage time wisely. The spirit of perseverance.
Emmanuella was also featured in local news coverage here.
May 02, 2024
Students participating in Enactus partnered with Operation Breakthrough to keep Kansas City families on the road
Reliable transportation can be a domino that holds a family’s opportunities together. It can be the difference between someone getting to work, holding a job and being able to access much-needed resources. With their latest project, Stay Driven, UMKC Enactus sought to help families in need, while making Kansas City their classroom.
During summer 2023, students had the opportunity to visit Operation Breakthrough, a nationally accredited not-for-profit in Kansas City that offers childcare, education and wrap-around services for families in need. While there, staff explained the need for families to have reliable transportation and the difference having it can make on their lives.
“Using public transportation to get to a job can take upwards of 90 minutes each way for working parents,” said Mary Esselman, president and CEO at Operation Breakthrough. “Having reliable transportation allows people to get to those jobs that also have things like benefits and paid time off.”
Ga Ji Wang, a Bloch student with seven years of automotive experience in the Kansas City area, recognized the need to solve this problem. Wang came up with the idea to offer families a car-care clinic.
“Having the working background and skillset that I do, I knew we could find a way to make a difference,” said Wang, a senior studying business administration with an emphasis in entrepreneurship. “Doing something as simple as an oil change can make a big difference in keeping a car on the road.”
The team began work on their Stay Driven project at the start of the spring semester. Together, they worked to recruit volunteer mechanics, manage inventory, plan for the event and coordinate with the staff at Operation Breakthrough. The team also needed to secure funding for their project, which inspired them to turn to UMKC Giving Day.
"Enactus always bootstraps projects through spring fundraising campaigns and the timing was perfect for us to tailor our Giving Day campaign to Stay Driven,” said Imani Lemon, president of UMKC Enactus. “Our theme centered around people donating just $5, which would help cover the cost of oil, a windshield wiper or a light bulb.”
By taking part in Giving Day, the Enactus team was able to raise nearly $1,300, which covered the cost of supplies for Stay Driven. The team was also able to secure donated parts and supplies, as well as help from volunteer mechanics.
On April 5, UMKC Enactus held the Stay Driven event at Operation Breakthrough, helping families receive minor repairs like oil changes, headlight replacement, battery replacement, securing bumpers with zip ties and fluids top offs. In total, they helped 29 families, saving them $3,000 in repair costs.
Sixteen Enactus volunteers participated in the event including Wang, who once again found himself working under the hood. By doing so, he was able to see the difference the team was making first-hand.
“Many of the cars were low on oil and you could already see the damage being caused,” Wang said. “We helped keep multiple cars on the road by simply performing that routine oil change.”
For UMKC Enactus, Stay Driven is anything but a one hit wonder. The team hopes to bring the event back, potentially with help of other Kansas City students taking part in Operation Breakthrough’s Ignition Lab.
“Allowing them to participate in performing minor repairs gives them invaluable experience as they work toward their future,”Esselman said. “Our team and the families who participated in Stay Driven were blown away and we’re excited to continue to support this event and UMKC Enactus.”
May 02, 2024
New UMKC program provides path to dental degree in the United States
Nine dentists from as far away as Cuba and India will begin their dream of practicing in the United States at the UMKC School of Dentistry thanks to a new program at the school.
The advanced standing dental education program, launched at the school in January, will enable these practitioners and all those who follow them in the program to work as dentists in the United States. Without programs like this, dentists from other countries face limited options to practice oral health care in the U.S.
“It’s going to be a life-changing opportunity for these students,” said Gustavo Leal, interim director of the advanced standing program. “These students are fighters who have been working hard to achieve this dream.”
The advanced standing students will finish their dental degree in 2 1/2 years, compared to students in the traditional degree program, who attend school for four years. The shorter timeline condenses two years of coursework into six months, and includes labs, lectures, pre-clinic skills training and exposure to different disciplines. According to Leal, students in the program proved in their skill tests and board exams that they had the knowledge base and skills to handle the accelerated timeline.
The students will join the existing third-year students in the fall of 2024, following the same timeline the next two years. The first cohort of nine students began the program in January and are slated to graduate in May 2027.
According to Dean Steven Haas, around 2010, dental schools started to open avenues for internationally trained dentists, enabling them to avoid the burden of going back to school for an additional four years. With 93 such programs in the United States, UMKC is one of many universities offering a similar path to practicing in the United States. The demand for the program speaks for itself. UMKC received 380 applications for the nine spots available in its first class.
For Haas, these practitioners represent a critical influx of oral health care providers who can address the shortage of oral health care providers in Missouri, where 111 counties are considered underserved, according to the Rural Health Information Hub. Haas said that Dekalb County in northwest Missouri has only one dentist for 10,480 people.
“We know that we need dentists in these rural areas,” Haas said. “By opening up our classes to internationally trained dentists, we’re able to get more oral health care providers out there.”
All third- and fourth-year students complete rotations in a variety of settings, including rural dental clinics.Haas said that it’s important that the program diversify the oral health care workforce as well.
“Our population is changing,” Haas said. By 2050 or 2060, our population will look a lot different. I think dentistry should mirror that demographic shift.”
Haas said that current students will benefit from the infusion of this geographically diverse group of students.
For advanced student Flavia Santos Bada, the program will enable her to practice in the U.S. and help support her family, especially her father, who needs specialized medical care.
Originally from Cuba, Bada immigrated to the United States in 2018 after graduating from dental school there. She joined her parents and sister, who had moved to the U.S. for better medical care for Bada’s father, who has amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
Family is important to her, and UMKC is a good fit.
“The school’s focus on putting patients first captured my attention,” Bada said. “I want to treat people, not just as my patients, as if they were my family.”
For Hadrik Patel, UMKC’s Midwestern location was critical in his decision to apply to the advanced standing program. Originally from India, he was practicing as a dental assistant in Nebraska. He said he was already comfortable in the Midwest, so when UMKC’s program opened up, he immediately applied.
His first few months in the program have confirmed his excitement for the school.
“What has stood out is how many of the faculty are UMKC alumni,” Patel said. “I think that says a lot about the school. They wanted to come back to UMKC to ensure students achieve the same success they have.”
According to Leal, the program introduces more diversity into the student body, providing them with a much different perspective at a personal level as well as professional level. The advanced practice students have worked in the field and provide expertise to current students.
“I am excited to see their progression and how they incorporate themselves with the other dental students,” Leal said. “It’s a great opportunity for our students to grow while providing an opportunity for these practitioners to achieve their dreams.”
May 01, 2024
Piano student broadens horizons and creates lasting friendships while living in senior facility
When most college students walk into their residence hall, they are surrounded by other students their age. Beth Christensen is the youngest person in her residence – by about 50 years.
“I’ve always believed that the most important things about people are not the facts about them,” Christensen said. “The people here may be 50 or 60 years older than me, but that’s not essential to who they are as people. I’ve come to appreciate that even more with the relationships that I’ve created here.”
Christensen, a graduate student studying collaborative piano performance at the University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory, lives in Claridge Court senior living facility in Prairie Village, 15 minutes away from campus. In exchange for residency, she performs concerts and provides regular live music for the residents. Christensen moved into Claridge Court in July 2023 to spend a year there as the student-in-residence. In doing so, she allowed Claridge Court to deepen their commitment to intergenerational programming, making them the only retirement community in the area to have such a partnership.
“It’s really fun to have a relationship with your audience as a performer,” Christensen said. “In the beginning, I wouldn’t do anything too out of the ordinary – I would bring a vocalist sometimes, or I would play classical music. As I got more comfortable, I would try new things and play more recent music. Sometimes people wouldn’t like it, and they let me know. Others love to see where the future of music is going. It’s fun to be able to ask what kind of music people want to hear and work it into my repertoire.”
Video from KMBC 9
As part of her living arrangement, Christensen is encouraged to immerse herself in the community. From yoga and chair volleyball to eating dinner and visiting with neighbors generations older than her, she’s become a full-fledged resident of Claridge Court.
“I’m just part of the community, and it’s awesome,” Christensen said. “There’s a lot of special connections I’ve made. My friend Pat was an educator, and I’m a piano teacher. She has great ideas about how to help kids who are struggling, and I can always ask her advice. We do puzzles together, take walks and go to dinner. I tell her about shows I’m watching. She’s been a great friend, and she’s just one example. I feel so nurtured by these friendships.”
Christensen’s presence at Claridge Court is the result of a partnership between the senior living facility and UMKC Conservatory. This is one of the many partnerships in the community that Claridge Court has fostered, as part of their commitment to intergenerational programming and giving back in the community.
“Part of what distinguishes the UMKC Conservatory from other nationally recognized institutions is our deeply rooted connection to the Kansas City community,” said Courtney Crappell, dean of the UMKC Conservatory. “This collaboration demonstrates our ability to offer community-centered learning opportunities to our students as we leverage the power of the arts to positively impact lives.”
The partnership is supported by Claridge Court residents Charlie and Mary Kay Horner, who have been deeply involved with the Conservatory. The Horners were part of the process to bring this partnership to life, including choosing Christensen as the student-in-residence.
“We are absolutely thrilled that Beth has become such an integral part of our community,” Mary Kay Horner said. “Witnessing the connections she’s made with the residents is incredibly gratifying.”
As a performer, most of the audiences Christensen plays for are filled with strangers. When she performs at Claridge Court, her audience is full of familiar faces. The unique experience of playing to a room of friends is something she cherishes.
“Knowing my audience so personally is something I’ve never experienced before,” Christensen said. “It makes the music more special; it’s been a really cool experience to play for an audience that feel likes family. They really care about me as a person and a musician.”
Rob Salierno, executive director of Claridge Court, says that the benefits of Christensen’s presence extend far beyond her musical talents.
“This unique partnership enriches the lives of both our residents and Beth, fostering invaluable relationships,” Salierno said. “Her musical gifts, meaningful presence and interactions significantly enhance the quality of life for everyone involved.”
Andrew Granade, associate dean of the Conservatory, has helmed the partnership for the Conservatory. He believes the experience can be uniquely rich for the student-in-residence.
“As a UMKC student, you’re surrounded by a lot of people your age with similar goals and aspirations,” Granade said. “It’s such a rich learning experience to be out of that comfort zone and learn from people with life lessons to share and lived experiences that can expand your horizons in ways unimaginable.”
Christensen hopes her fellow residents at Claridge Court have valued the experience as much as she has.
“Music is such a connecting force. It bridges the divisions that exist between people,” she said. “Having the opportunity to make connections with a community that’s several generations older than me has been so special. These connections don’t make our differences go away, but it helps us really appreciate each other. It’s been such a beautiful experience.”
Beth's story has been publicized by KCTV 5, KMBC 9 and the Johnson County Post.
Apr 29, 2024
Team named a Top 4 team in the nation, student named best overall advocate
Two UMKC School of Law Trial Teams competed in the 2024 National Trial Competition. The team of Corbin Healy, Maddi Ilseman and Jacob Eisenhauer made it to the semifinals and ended as one of the top four teams in the country.
Corbin Healy was named the George A. Spiegelberg Best Overall Advocate of the competition.
“Being named Best Overall Advocate is an absolute honor,” Healy said. “I am beyond excited to end my Mock Trial career in such an incredible way alongside the best teammates in the country.”
More than 1,000 students from 140 law schools competed in this year’s competition, sponsored by the American College of Trial Lawyers and the Texas Young Lawyers Association. After both UMKC teams scored a perfect 5-0 in the regionals round, UMKC became one of only three law schools in the country to advance two teams to the national rounds in Houston, Tex.
Left to right: Martina Florido, Olivia Bess-Rhodes and Mattie Seley
Healy, Ilseman and Eisenhauer were joined at the national round by their peers on the other UMKC team, Olivia Bess-Rhodes, Martina Florido and Mattie Seley. School of Law professor L. Michaelle Tobin, J.D., coached both teams.
“I am so proud of the exceptional performance of our trial teams at this year’s competition, Tobin said. “Both teams demonstrated remarkable skill and preparation, earning them a well-deserved place among the top 30 teams from across the nation. These accomplishments reflect the high caliber of legal education at UMKC Law and our commitment to nurturing future leaders in the legal field.”
Apr 19, 2024
First public university in Missouri to offer a Bachelor of Architecture degree
The University of Missouri-Kansas City will launch a Bachelor of Architecture program this fall.
The UMKC Bachelor of Architecture program will be a five-year undergraduate degree program housed in the School of Science and Engineering. It will include courses, studio work and internships with various architectural firms in Kansas City. As part of their coursework, students will also have access to industry-grade equipment at the UMKC Innovation Studio for rapid prototyping their designs, alongside many Kansas City architectural firms that also use the facility.
This new bachelor’s degree offering joins a current joint architecture program, in which students start coursework at UMKC and transfer to Kansas State University to complete a Master of Architecture. Among the benefits of the new program is that UMKC students will get to complete their full degree in Kansas City, a metropolitan area rich in career opportunities.
“We are excited to provide students the ability to pursue architecture and design in a city that’s known for its local and global architectural projects, allowing our students to have real-world experiences in their educational program,” said Kevin Truman, dean of the UMKC School of Science and Engineering.
The program is the first of its kind in the state of Missouri and has strong industry support. Kansas City architectural firms Focal Design Studio, SLATTERY Design + Architecture (formerly Odimo Architects), Populous, Multistudio, Burns & McDonnell and DRAW Architecture + Urban Design signed letters in support of the program. These prominent firms have worked on major Kansas City developments, such as the Kansas City International Airport, Children’s Mercy Park and Rock Island Bridge. There’s also an international profile from these Kansas City architecture firms, such as Super Bowl, FIFA World Cup and Olympic Games venues.
“It is an honor to have the support of local architectural firms as we launch this program at UMKC,” Truman said.
Dawn Taylor, executive director of the American Institute of Architects in Kansas City, said the benefits of offering an architecture program in Kansas City are far reaching.
“Expanding the opportunities at UMKC for students to achieve an architecture degree is exciting and positive, as it offers students an affordable and accessible option to earn their degree,” Taylor said. “Our chapter wants to see more students, especially from our region, choose careers in architecture and design to increase the talent pipeline for all of our firms.”
Faculty from the architecture, urban planning and design program are also excited about the new degree offering.
“As a former student of the UMKC architectural studies curriculum, I am happy, proud and honored to be a part of the new UMKC Bachelor of Architecture program,” said Dominic Musso, a UMKC architecture instructor who will teach in the new program. “Kansas City is an international hub of world-class architectural firms, and having a degree program to provide new graduates to that market is a natural fit. Kansas City’s rich historic character and urban environment provides the ideal backdrop for students to become the next generation of our city’s architects.”
Apr 16, 2024
Grant will fund local internships in the humanities to prepare students in their chosen field
The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation awarded UMKC $5 million to fund humanities internships that will support the UMKC School of Humanities and Social Sciences, students and the local community.
Funding from the Mellon Foundation’s Higher Learning Program will formalize and standardize an internship program that places more than 180 students in paid internships for the length of the grant. While internship stipends will be reserved for nonprofit organizations and research teams, small businesses and corporations will be able to participate as hosts by providing 50% or more of the of the student stipend.
The co-principal investigators on the grant are Diane Mutti-Burke, Professor of History and Jeff Rydberg-Cox, of English and Classics. They are both co-directors of the Center for Digital and Public Humanities at UMKC. Tamara Falicov, Ph.D., dean of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, is also a principal investigator.
Connecting students to internship opportunities is a high-impact practice correlated with increased student persistence, degree completion and post-graduation career success. Research shows students who participate in internships gain personal and professional development, including building interpersonal skills such as teamwork and communication.
“The UMKC School of Humanities and Social Sciences is thrilled to be the recipient of a Mellon Foundation grant to support Internships for undergraduate students in the humanities,” said Falicov. “This grant is coming at a critical time for students who cannot afford to enroll in unpaid internships. Thanks to the Mellon Foundation, students can apply their humanistic training within a community setting while earning a stipend. They will gain valuable skills, explore new career paths and simultaneously contribute to the success of a research project, small business or nonprofit organization in Kansas City and beyond."
The $5 million from the Mellon Foundation includes $4 million in expendable funds over five years and $1 million for endowment to support the program beyond the initial grant period. Interested humanities majors and internship providers may inquire for more information by emailing Jenni Frangos, Ph.D., Mellon internship director at frangosj@umkc.edu, Sandra Enríquez, Ph.D., Mellon internship associate director at enriquezs@umkc.edu or Anabeth Laaker, Mellon internship coordinator at aclaaker@umkc.edu.
Apr 16, 2024
UMKC students presented their research on hearing loss, ACL injuries, music complexities and more
Each year, undergraduate students from all four UM System schools go to Jefferson City, Missouri and present their research in front of elected officials at Undergraduate Research Day at the Capitol. University of Missouri-Kansas City students who presented are from the Conservatory, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, School of Science and Engineering and the School of Nursing and Health Studies
Research: The Urban Heat Island Effect: Creating an Interactive Model.
Sophia Baugher is a junior from Independence majoring in earth and environmental science.
Baugher's investigation of how natural and manmade surfaces impact the Urban Heat Island Effect has led her to develop an interactive model for educational purposes.
The Urban Heat Island Effect is a phenomenon that affects metropolitan centers across the entire world. With the recent trend of rising temperature thanks to climate change comes an increased risk in heat borne illnesses, and even an increased risk of heat-related death.
Baugher’s Urban Heat Island model involved a model city being crafted from 3-D-printed materials, real roofing and asphalt samples and plants and trees that also show the affects that can mitigate this phenomenon. The project also utilizes a FLIR C5 thermal camera that will be used to demonstrate the temperature effects in real-time, as directed by the user.
Research: Foxg1a is required for hair cell development and regeneration in the zebrafish lateral line
Emily Bledsoe is a junior from Overland Park majoring in biology.
In the human inner ear, hearing and balance are mediated by specialized sensory cells, called hair cells. When damaged, these hair cells cannot regrow, resulting in deafness and balance disorders. In the state of Missouri, one in ten Missourians experience hearing loss or deafness, meaning there is a large population who could benefit from research into hair cell biology.
Aquatic animals, including zebrafish, have specialized hair cells used in their lateral line systems to sense water current. These hair cells are very similar to the inner ear hair cells in humans, but unlike human hair cells, these lateral line hair cells can regrow throughout the lifespan of the fish.
Bledsoe is investigating the foxg1a gene, which is important for inner ear development, and determining if it also plays a role in hair cell development and regeneration in the zebrafish.
Research: Circadian Regulation of Spt Ada Gcn5 Acetyltransferase (SAGA) in Drosophila Melanogaster
Chris Ekengren is a senior from Raytown majoring in biology.
Austin Evans is a freshman from Neosho majoring in biology.
Together, Ekengren and Evans are tracing enzymes in the brain to learn how they affect the dynamics of circadian regulation and its related neurodegenerative diseases.
Spinocerebellar ataxia type 7 (SCA7) is a disease which leads to the degeneration of the retina and cerebellum, causing neurodegeneration, blindness and loss of motor skills. Following the ATXN7 gene, to the Ataxin7 protein, to the transcriptional cofactor called SAGA which is critical for gene expression, Atxn7 polyQ may disrupt the balance bound and free non-stop causing dysregulation.
Ekengren and Evans aim to investigate the dynamics of circadian regulation of SAGA and non-stop in the brain and how their dysfunction may lead to disease.
Research: Unveiling Urban Trauma: The Impact of Design on Community Well-Being
Maryam Oyebamiji is a senior from Kansas City majoring in urban planning and design.
Through her research on community development design, Oyebamiji has discovered how trauma-informed design can promote well-being in diverse populations.
Design is a powerful force that shapes the physical and social fabric of our communities. When wielded responsibly, it has the potential to uplift and enrich the lives of individuals, fostering a sense of belonging and well-being.
Design negligence, a term gaining prominence in contemporary discourse, encapsulates the unintended consequences of ill-informed or negligent design decisions. In the context of community development, design negligence not only fails to address the unique needs and aspirations of diverse populations but can also actively enforce trauma, perpetuating cycles of inequality and marginalization.
Research: Exploring the Molecular Links Between Circadian Rhythm and Neurodegeneration
Sydney Rogers is a sophomore from Blue Springs majoring in health sciences.
Anna Shaw is a sophomore from Independence majoring in biology.
Together, Rogers and Shaw are studying sleep patterns in fruit flies and investigating how loss of sleep affects proteins in the brain. Researching these effects can help us understand the health problems related to sleep deprivation.
Sleep quality is important for every dimension of mental and physical health, and numerous analyses show a correlation with sleep loss and disease. The circadian rhythm is a 24-hour internal biological clock that bodily proteins rely on to determine their level of activity throughout the day. Disruption of this internal cycle causes circadian dysfunction which can be correlated with the onset of a wide spectrum of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
Rogers and Shaw’s research identifies sleep patterns using behavioral to investigate how loss of sleep disrupts ubiquitination patterns. SAGA is a protein complex that harbors the deubiquitinating enzyme Non-stop. Non-stop is shown to participate in the regulation of the circadian rhythm and could be a key factor in understanding the effects of sleep disruption.
Research: Physical Activity, Sleep, and Demographic Patterns in Urban Missouri Youth: A Quasi-Experimental Study
Olivia Sours is a senior from Independence majoring in nursing.
With data collected from accelerometers worn by adolescent youth, Sours is looking for correlations between physical activity levels and sleep patterns. In her research, Sours utilizes Garmin VivoFit4 health tracking wrist-worn devices to monitor sleep time and daily step counts in her primary focus group of adolescents in Kansas City Public School systems.
Connections between sleep and physical activity are vital components of growth and development, especially in adolescence. Lack of adequate sleep and sleep quality has been known to affect mood, school performance, as well as health in general.
Middle school students in urban areas also face complexities that may cause increased complications in sleep and physical activity, calling for a comprehensive intervention approach that allows students to engage in physical activity safely and learn about how to take care of themselves with productive strategies.
Research: The Humorous Disability Rhetoric of Jess Thom
Emily Stauffer is a senior from Kansas City majoring in English.
Stauffer's rhetorical analysis of comedian Jess Thom aims to show how humor can educate and promote understanding of disabilities. Thom was diagnosed with Tourette’s Syndrome in her early 20s, and now in her 40s, is working to break down barriers for people with disabilities.
Tourette’s Syndrome is a neurological condition that causes tics, which are sudden movements or sounds a person makes and cannot control. Tourette’s is extremely common, yet still a highly stigmatized condition.
Stauffer’s work focuses on Thom’s use of humor to educate her audiences on her disability and promote understanding.
Research: Characterizing Lava Flow Behavior Using Digital Models of Small Tubes from Flows at Askja, Iceland
Mya Thomas is a junior from Columbia majoring in earth and environmental science.
The low-cost photogrammetry technique that Mya Thomas developed to create digital models of small lava tubes from flows at Askja Volcano in Iceland has wide applications, from modeling caves in Missouri to modeling geographic features on the moon.
Caves are a large part of Missouri’s natural heritage and the state’s tourism. Creating digital models of geologic features using this photogrammetry technique increases accessibility and enables detailed study of their characteristics.
Research: A Perfect Tuning System?
Brady Wolff is a senior from Lake Winnebago majoring in music composition and music theory.
Wolff has developed a new visual aid to represent the complexities of musical pieces composed with a "just intonation" tuning system. This tool not only provides theoretical insight into modern compositions, but also has implications for music education.
Research on just intonation explores the practical applications of pure harmonic ratios in composed music, fostering innovative harmonic possibilities. Current research delves into the tuning systems utilized by specific composers but lacks a comprehensive overview for individual compositions.
To address this gap, Wolff developed a visual aid capable of displaying the tuning center, harmonic reach, and harmonic complexity of numerous compositions composed with just intonation. Inspired by the lattice structures employed by Ben Johnston, Wolff’s visual aid provides insight to other notable composers, including Catherine Lamb and Sean Archibald (Sevish).
Research: The Growth Plate and Its Role in Youth ACL Injuries
Isaac Woodward is a junior from Riverside majoring in mechanical engineering.
The anterior cruciate ligament, or ACL, is a ligament in the knee joint that is commonly injured during athletic activities. ACL injuries often have long recovery times and can cause lifelong knee problems. Using computer modeling, Isaac Woodward's research seeks to understand the role that the adolescent growth plate plays in ACL injuries.
Recent research has shown that, from the ages of 14-18 in particular, female athletes are much more likely to suffer an ACL injury than male athletes. One possible cause of this trend is the adolescent growth plate: a soft, cartilage-like segment in an adolescent’s leg bones that allows the adolescent leg to grow until it reaches maturity, at which point the growth plate hardens into bone. Due to the softer, springier properties of the growth plate, some have hypothesized that the growth plate may act as a shock absorber for the knee.
Because the female growth plate hardens into bone several years earlier than in males, such a shock absorbing effect of the growth plate may explain this strange spike in teenage female ACL injuries.
To investigate the role of the growth plate in ACL injury, Woodward used computer modeling software to create two software models of the same knee joint: one with a growth plate and one without. Tests were then run on these two models to investigate the impact of the growth plate on ACL stress. The test results indicate that the growth plate does have a shock absorbing effect on the ACL in certain modes of knee loading, thus offering a potential explanation for this strange trend in adolescent ACL injuries.
Apr 15, 2024
Investigating fruit flies to learn about the progression of myotonic dystrophy
Talk about significant research. UMKC Assistant Professor Maria Spletter’s biology lab is investigating the breakdown of proteins in the body that lead to chronic conditions such as cancer and heart disease. She has lasered in on myotonic dystrophy — or loss of muscle function.
Myotonic dystrophy is among the most common rare diseases, estimated to affect 1 in 2,100 births. The muscle disease also causes accelerated aging as the regulation of ribonucleic acid — present in all living cells and also called “RNA” — changes and alters muscle control, growth and contraction.
Spletter selected a model that is insignificant in size but significant in efficiency: the fruit fly Drosophila.
Why Drosophila?
“Drosophila are a very powerful genetic model,” Spletter said. “This means that there are a lot of tools available in the fly that enable us to do experiments that are not possible in mice or rats or humans. Plus, Drosophila grow quickly from an egg to adult fly in 10 days, so you can follow each step during development in a matter of weeks instead of years.”
Another benefit of using Drosophila is the muscles it has are highly conserved, meaning the proteins that build muscles, how muscles contract and the structure and organization of muscles are the same in flies as they are in humans. In fact, models of human disease in flies reveal the same mechanism and same muscle type. These flies, therefore, provide a useful model to understand the basic mechanisms and defects in the muscle that result from a disease-causing mutation, so that further studies in human cells can be targeted.
This means the team can look at the developmental mechanisms that lead to loss or damage to muscle fibers during a time point that is impossible to study in detail with mammals. By tracking the initial stages of muscle fiber during development, they can tell exactly which steps in the assembly process are defective. Studies in mice or rats typically do not have this level of resolution and have not focused in detail on how the structure of the muscle is disrupted.
Testing With High-Powered Tools
“We test muscle function to measure how well flies can fly, jump, climb, flip themselves over after falling on their back and how quickly they are able to clean themselves after being dusted with a fluorescent powder,” Spletter said. “All of these give us insight into live flies on their behavior when it comes to how well their muscles work.”
To investigate the function of these RNA-binding proteins on the cellular level, the lab labels the tip of the muscle with a fluorescent marker and watches the muscle move using a microscope. They then quantify the movement by measuring how often the muscles contract, how much they move when they contract and the dynamics of the contraction. This is where contraction is usually impaired and irregular in mutant flies.
The researchers then use a high-powered microscope that utilizes lasers to image samples to look at muscles that are stained and label different components. Unlike a traditional microscope, the laser is able to image single planes that are 1 micron or less thick (a fruit fly is about 1 millimeter thick, and there are 1,000 microns in 1 millimeter). An indirect flight muscle cell is around 100 microns thick, so at least 100 pictures of different planes in the muscle can be taken to see all the structures inside it.
With the lab’s microscope having four different lasers, four different components of the cell can be viewed at the same time to see where they are located relative to each other. With the mutants in particular, the team can observe how their localization has changed. This allows comparison between mutant and control flies to see how the structure is different in the mutants on a cellular structural level.
The team then takes tissue samples from control and mutant flies to molecular and biochemical testing to find out what genetically changed in the mutant muscles, subsequently linking molecular defects to changes in cellular structure as well as muscle function.
This is usually when mRNA-Seq, a combination of a biochemistry and bioinformatics approach, takes place. The mRNA (coding blueprints that are turned into proteins in the cell) from the fruit fly is isolated and the lab sequences every single gene and gene variant expressed in the muscle cell. Typically, there are around 6,000 to 8,000 genes expressed at any time, and if you look across development, around 10,000 genes change expression. The data is usually viewed for individual genes, individual splice events within one gene, or globally at all the changes in gene expression and splicing. The various levels of data obtained allow the lab to understand on a systems level what has changed in the mutant muscle cell in comparison to the control, and on an individual gene level to identify targets that might explain specific pieces of the phenotype we see.
Spletter’s lab also conducts mass spectrometry, an analytical tool useful for measuring the mass-to-charge ratio of one or more molecules present in a sample, to isolate the proteins from muscle cells and determine the identity of most of the proteins present in the muscle. Around 4,000 proteins are typically detected, but more sensitive machines can see up to 6,000 proteins. This analytical method provides information on which proteins change in our mutant muscles and allows the comparison of the protein changes in the RNA from the mRNA-Seq data to find out exactly how changes in RNA regulation lead to defects in muscle fibers and structure.
The Discoveries
Recent research findings from Spletter’s lab, which were published on bioRxiv, revealed how the characteristics in mutant muscle are a domino effect. The small things that go wrong at each step in the muscle development lead and further heighten the effect on the muscle. This leads to greater disruption on the muscle, compared to when Bruno1 mutant is added to the later part of muscle development.
From the same research findings, Spletter’s lab discovered the potential possibility of testing gene therapy strategies in the flies that are currently in development for possible use in human patients.
Although gene replacement therapy can “normalize” patterns of splicing, patients only have a partial improvement of symptoms. This means that gene therapy usually improves quality of life, and will likely extend life expectancy, but is not a cure.
Spletter’s lab was able to gain insight into why exactly this is the case.
“Because the structure of the muscle has defects in the core mechanical structure that allows it to move, just fixing the splicing pattern is not sufficient to fix those defects,” Spletter said. “This suggests that we need better detection methods to find patients before they seek medical help, as the earlier a gene therapy can be administered, the better chance these patients are going to have of maintaining muscle function.”
Apr 11, 2024
Programs are Doctor of Nursing Practice, Doctor of Pharmacy and legal writing
Three UMKC graduate school programs were ranked among the top 40 in the nation in the rankings released today by U.S. News & World Report, with 10 programs ranked in the top 100.
The Doctor of Nursing Practice program in the School of Nursing and Health Studies was ranked 19th in the nation, out of a total of 156 ranked schools. The program ranked 49th in the nation last year.Rankings for other Doctor of Nursing Practice programs in the region included University of Missouri (34th), University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (45th) and Saint Louis University (97th ).“Our Doctor of Nursing Practice program has been well-respected nationally and highly ranked for decades due to the work of our faculty, staff and especially our students,” said School of Nursing Dean Joy Roberts J.D., M.S.N., APRN-BC. “We take pride in our programs, and our graduates offer high-quality care and education to the people of Kansas City and across Missouri, as well as people across the United States.” The Doctor of Pharmacy program in the UMKC School of Pharmacy ranked 31st in the country.“We very much appreciate this great recognition for all the hard work and successes that our students, staff and faculty produce and achieve every year,” said Dean Russell Melchert, Ph.D., R.P.h. “This is an opportunity for all in the nation, and particularly future students here in Missouri and the greater Kansas City area, to see what great opportunities lie ahead for those who would like to join our Roo pharmacy family.”The UMKC Schools of Pharmacy and Nursing and Health Studies are located in the UMKC Health Sciences District, a walkable campus where all UMKC health profession schools are located alongside a dozen health-care institutions. The location allows for interdisciplinary work among health professions and nearby clinical and research opportunities. Each year, UMKC students gain real-world experience and provide crucial services to the Kansas City community through community programs like Our Healthy Jackson County and community health clinics. The UMKC School of Law ranked in the nation's top 50 in two sub-specialty categories: legal writing (16th) and trial advocacy (48th).“We’re thrilled that these rankings show what we know to be true, that UMKC School of Law is an excellent place to get a legal education,” Dean Lumen Mulligan, J.D., M.A., said. “Strong legal writing is the foundation of a career in law, and we focus on it from day one. Students use these skills to excel in their chosen specialties. One of the best examples is the success of our trial advocacy program. Our student trial advocacy teams are some of the best in the country due to their exceptional lawyering skills.”In addition to coursework, the UMKC School of Law is uniquely situated to provide robust practical experiences to its students. Students have access to experiences in Missouri and Kansas, with two state courts of appeal, two federal district courts, eight county courts and seven municipal courts nearby, in addition to multiple community clinics and internship opportunities where students can assist real clients under the supervision of licensed attorneys.
Apr 09, 2024
Bloch students serve the Kansas City Community at Voluntary Income Tax Assistance clinic
For more than five years, the University of Missouri-Kansas City has served the community through the federal Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program which helps individuals with low-to-moderate income, people with disabilities, the elderly and those who speak limited English file their taxes.
The VITA program was founded in 1971, and currently has more than 3,200 sites around the United States. The UMKC location is one of 11 sites in the Kansas City Metro Tax Coalition, managed by MU Extension. This tax season for the first time, Henry W. Bloch School of Management students have been able to earn college credit for helping people at the UMKC VITA site.
“This ensures all volunteers meet an advanced level of proficiency and ensures that there are a consistent number of volunteers at the site for the duration of tax season,” said Kimberly Luken, assistant teaching professor of accounting at Bloch.
The VITA Tax Program offers hands-on experience, something Bloch accounting student Bryce Hort has used to his benefit. Hort has had the opportunity to serve as the VITA site coordinator in Tulsa, Oklahoma and Kansas City over the past few years. He calls the experience fulfilling.
“There's something so gratifying about being able to see the fruits of your labor nearly instantaneously in the form of the tax refund numbers that appear when preparing a return,” Hort said. “You truly feel like you're making a difference in that moment, which motivates you to continue.”
Hort has also been able to get real-world experience while participating in this program and walk away with skills that will help him after graduation.
“I've had the opportunity to be involved in the processing of hundreds of tax returns, all before I even graduate with an accounting degree,” Hort said. “Not only is this an excellent resume builder, it's also an excellent confidence builder. Once I enter the workforce with my degree, I will already have a distinct advantage in terms of confidence and familiarity with tax law and the tax preparation process.”
There are 18 students taking the course for credit this year as well as 20 community volunteers. Luken said the program offers many benefits to students including peer-to-peer mentorship.
“As a professor, what I find most impressive is the welcoming environment the students create, their professionalism, their commitment to make sure they do it right, their willingness to learn and above all, the respect they show our taxpayers,” Luken said. “These students work directly with the taxpayers. This requires an incredible amount of patience, compassion and effective communications skills.”
Last year, the UMKC site prepared about 180 federal returns. The goal for them this year was to double that number, something they easily achieved, completing over 400 federal returns totaling more than $427,000. The team has also completed nearly 500 state returns, totaling more than $138,000.
Luken’s goals for the UMKC VITA program include growing the number of students taking the course, maintaining a ratio of 50/50 student volunteers and community members.
“I want our clients to know they can count on UMKC to be here for them.” Luken said.
If you are interested in volunteering at UMKC or another site, email Luken at kimberly.luken@umkc.edu or complete the Kansas City Metro Tax Coalition volunteer application.
Apr 09, 2024
Annual Faculty Awards honor excellence in teaching, leadership, research and more
The University of Missouri-Kansas City recognized more than 20 faculty members across the university in the 2024 Faculty Awards celebration. Awards were given for research and scholarship, teaching and mentorship, diversity, engagement, service and leadership.
The ceremony began with remarks from Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor Jennifer Lundgren who shared her appreciation for the faculty at UMKC.
“Your contributions and success reach beyond the classroom, lab or stage,” said Lundgren. “As involved as you are here on campus, you contribute to the community in a way that reflects our philosophy that we are ‘Kansas City’s top university.’”
Chancellor Mauli Agrawal thanked faculty for choosing UMKC.
“This is one of my favorite events because we have the opportunity to celebrate you – our outstanding faculty,” said Agrawal. “UMKC and Kansas City are fortunate that you choose to work and research here.”
The event concluded with recognizing faculty members a part of UMKC Faculty Senate and the Center for Advancing Faculty Excellence, followed by a reception in the James C. Olson Performing Arts Center lobby.
Congratulations to the 2024 awardees:
Research Awards
N.T. Veatch Award for Distinguished Research and Creativity
Timothy Cox, School of Dentistry
Trustees’ Faculty Scholar Award
Shizhen Wang, School of Science and Engineering
Mohammad Rafiee, School of Science and Engineering
Teaching Awards
Elmer F. Pierson Good Teaching Awards
John Ball, School of Dentistry
Christopher Garmon, Henry W. Bloch School of Management
Steve Leben, School of Law
Angela Myers, School of Medicine
Provost’s Award for Excellence in Teaching: early career faculty
Brandi Bowers, School of Pharmacy
Patrick Brayer, School of Law
Provost’s Award for Excellence in Teaching: mid-career/senior faculty
Paul Barron, School of Science and Engineering
Gayle Levy, School of Humanities and Social Sciences
Provost’s Award for Excellence in Mentoring
Karen Savage, Conservatory
Excellence in Mentoring Undergraduate Researchers, Scholars and Artists
Debra Leiter, School of Humanities and Social Sciences
Joey Lightner, School of Nursing and Health Studies
Mohammad Rafiee, School of Science and Engineering
Diversity, Engagement and Leadership Award
Chancellor’s Award for Embracing Diversity
Theresa Torres, School of Humanities and Social Sciences
Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Community Engagement
Alberto Villamandos, School of Humanities and Social Sciences
Fengpeng Sun, School of Science and Engineering
Leadership and Career Contributions Awards
Chancellor’s Award for Exceptional Leadership
Leigh Salzsieder, Henry W. Bloch School of Management
Chancellor’s Award for Career Contributions to the University
Yi Chen, Conservatory
New Curators’ Distinguished Professors
Curators’ Distinguished Professor
Simon Friedman, School of Pharmacy
Clancy Martin, School of Humanities and Social Sciences
Yong Wang, School of Dentistry
Apr 04, 2024
Chancellor announces research achievements, student-success milestones and major building initiatives
UMKC Chancellor Mauli Agrawal delivered the annual State of the University address on April 3, highlighting the significant achievements Kansas City’s university has accomplished in the past year.
“Today, we bear witness to how we at UMKC are breaking the norm to create a transformative university that can change lives and push the boundaries of excellence,” Agrawal said. “In the next few years, we are poised to achieve the most elite level of research excellence, accelerate our students’ success, and we are literally changing the face of our campus with signature building projects that support our highest strategic goals. If excellence in everything we do, big or small, is our goal, then in the pursuit of excellence we can never be satisfied with status quo.”
1. Research
With recent, rapid growth in its research enterprise, UMKC anticipates achieving a Carnegie R1 designation in the next two to four years. To put that in perspective, only 146 universities out of 2,800 four-year institutions currently have R1 research status, putting UMKC into a prestigious group.
The R1 designation will make it easier to attract even more world-class faculty and students, and to receive more research funding and partnerships with other R1 institutions.
“It will accelerate the creation of new knowledge to serve society and to enrich our students’ classroom experiences, and exposing students to high-quality research is a proven way to enhance their career outcomes,” Agrawal said. “Our students, graduate and undergraduate, deserve the very best. And the same could be said for our community.”
UMKC is Kansas City’s only public research university and has played a crucial role in various Missouri research projects, including major roles in two tech hub designations from the U.S. Economic Development Administration that hold the potential to unlock hundreds of millions in research funding for UMKC, the University of Missouri System, Missouri and Kansas.
2. Student Success
UMKC achieved several milestones in student success during the 2023-24 academic year including:
The largest class of first-time college students in UMKC history in 2023, success it hopes to continue in Fall 2024
Significant increases in transfer student applications for Fall 2024
Increases in domestic graduate student enrollment
Highest student retention and graduation rates in a decade, thanks to innovative new programs like First Gen Roos, which gained national recognition when the Center for First-Generation Student Success named UMKC a First Scholars program, the center’s second-highest designation
UMKC is also rolling out new degree programs in the next year, creating degrees of high relevance to students that also capitalize on key community strengths and workforce needs.
Upcoming programs going through final approvals and preparation include:
A Bachelor of Architecture program in the School of Science and Engineering, starting in 2025.
A Master of Legal Studies program through the School of Law.
Eight new Ph.D. programs in electrical engineering, computer engineering, civil engineering, computer science, economics, education, humanities and natural sciences starting in Fall 2025.
3. Major Building Initiatives and Updates
UMKC is planning major changes to its physical facilities to meet key strategic goals. Here are some of them:
Healthcare Delivery and Innovation Building
UMKC will begin construction in June on the $120 million Healthcare Delivery and Innovation Building, the largest capital in its history, when it begins clearing out a parking lot at 25th and Charlotte. A celebration is planned for this September. This building, home to combined space for dental and medical programs as well as research space for health equity, biomedical engineering and data analytics center, is scheduled to open in 2026.
Foodiverse
After the spring semester ends, food service in the Student Union, with the exception of Starbucks, will close to make way for the Foodiverse. Opening in January 2025, this food venue will have more options, from a grill and salad bar to pasta and an allergen-free zone. Chick Fil A will reopen in January 2025, too.
Student Success Space
Work on new student success space will begin this summer on fourth floor of the Miller Nichols Library. Academic Programs such as Supplemental Instruction and Academic Support and Mentoring will move to that new space.
Pedestrian Plaza
51st Street between Cherry Street and Rockhill Road will open as a pedestrian plaza this fall, providing campus and community gathering and green spaces.
Streetcar Stop
The Kansas City Streetcar will pull up to the UMKC front door in mid-2025. UMKC is working on plans for retail and a possible arena space near this public transportation hub.
UMKC School of Medicine-St. Joseph Campus
A grand opening for a medical education building on the UMKC School of Medicine-St. Joseph campus is slated for next year, expanding the university’s work in preparing the next generation of doctors for Missouri’s rural areas.
UMKC Conservatory Expansion
A sneak peek of the UMKC Conservatory expansion showed off future plans for enhancing the university’s performing arts programs.
4. Partnerships
The Chancellor celebrated UMKC’s move to think outside the norm when it comes to partnerships that benefit students. As one example: UMKC is a proud higher education partner with all four professional, major-league sports teams: the Kansas City Chiefs, the Kansas City Current, the Kansas City Royals and Sporting KC. These partnerships provide students with unique learning opportunities such as job shadowing, mentorship, internships and leadership development.
5. Strategic Engagement and Fundraising
This past fiscal year, UMKC broke its all-time record in annual philanthropic production with $94 million.
As for this fiscal year, UMKC already surpassed its annual goal of $45 million and that doesn’t count Giving Day, which broke a record for single-day giving by raising in excess of $430,000, more than triple last year’s total.
“As you know, our community’s support is so much more than dollars,” Agrawal said. “We have an incredibly dedicated cadre of top leaders from throughout Kansas City who freely share their time and energy to help make UMKC top-class."
Apr 03, 2024
Harvard fellow, sports and media professionals collaborate to discuss influence and impact of hip-hop with students
No longer business as usual, the University of Missouri-Kansas City Henry W. Bloch School of Management continues to find new ways to educate and inspire students. Their latest move, the business of hip-hop. The music genre celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2023. What started with two turntables in a house party in the Bronx, is now a trillion-dollar industry.
The business of hip-hop is a collaborative effort among the Bloch School, UMKC Athletics and the UMKC Men of Color Academy (MoCa). More than 100 campuses worldwide teach courses on hip-hop culture and rap music; many of which speak to lucrative opportunities the genre brings across sports, fashion, food/beverage and the culture at large.
“The goal was really for students to see the different avenues that they could go into when it comes to sports and music and how our culture intertwines into our careers,” said Elizabeth Montelongo (BA ’21), program coordinator of student services and recruitment at the Bloch school.
Montelongo led the charge coordinating this new event, bringing in C. Keith Harrison, Ed.D., business professor at the University of Central Florida, and Nasir Jones, Hiphop Fellow at Harvard University, as keynote speaker.
“Hip-hop has dramatically evolved over the last 50 plus years,” Harrison said. “We’re teaching students about the success and risk-taking of hip-hop culture.”
Harrison speaks extensively on the intersection of hip-hop and business, and how many are using it to their advantage. Over its 50-year history, hip-hop has been used to solve business, health and educational challenges that lead to important change and awareness in communities.
This event also included panelists with a wide variety of backgrounds and experience. UMKC Alumna Shae Perry (B.A. ’19) who currently serves as morning host on Hot 103 Jamz in Kansas City, Felicia Martin senior vice president of inclusion education and community engagement at the NCAA, Jeff Porter, Ph.D., vice president of corporate partnerships at the Kansas City Current and Bryan Boots, Ph.D., managing director at the Regnier Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation.
Together, this panel helped students navigate questions surrounding business opportunities in sports and music and how to inspire young people who interact with students through the Bloch Mentorship Program. The latter is something Harrison believes is achieved through good professional role models in these fields, not just artists and athletes.
“Seeing images of the successful humans in hip-hop and sports, in addition to and beyond rappers and athletes is key, especially black Americans and other folks of color,” Harrison said.
And while not everyone who dreams of life as a professional athlete or artist will make it, it’s important not to put out the spark in young people who aspire for more.
“Even though we can think a dream is unrealistic, it’s important not to clip anyone's wings and allow them to fly and be a support system to them,” Montelongo said.
The Business of Hip-Hop will return in the 2024-25 academic year, with hopes of bringing high school students to the conversation.
Apr 01, 2024
Elderly and low-income patients to receive health care in their homes
Nicole Gorsuch recently received a grant that funds in-home immunizations for low-income, elderly and immobile patients, working to fill a health-care gap that exists in parts of rural Missouri.
For Nicole (Nickie) Gorsuch, the final step after pharmacy school at the University of Tennessee toward being a full-fledged pharmacist was a one-year community residency. Gorsuch was matched in Charleston, Missouri, through a partnership between UMKC and L & S Pharmacy in the town. Charleston is an underserved town in rural southeast Missouri, and Gorsuch is exactly the kind of candidate UMKC hopes to send into these areas.
“Nickie came to our program ready to be molded, excited to learn and ready to practice her skills,” said Sara Opronovich, Pharm.D., the school’s residency program director and Gorsuch’s supervisor.
Gorsuch arrived in Charleston last summer and quickly witnessed the lack of accessible and robust health care.
“We have, like, one doctor that comes to town once a week,” she said.
The lack of health-care facilities, combined with limited transportation and insecure housing, means that residents are often at higher risk of developing a condition that goes untreated, potentially turning serious without intervention. Gorsuch had her work cut out for her.
Along with being the only pharmacy in Charleston, L & S Pharmacy is a community pharmacy that has clinic days to vaccinate residents. During these days, Gorsuch noticed several patients weren’t able to come into the pharmacy to receive their vaccines.
“I was like, ‘well, why don’t we just go to them?’” Gorsuch said.
The program started small.
“One day, we had a few patients, so we just lined them up on our calendar to just go to them to give them their vaccines because, again, they don’t have a car,” she said. “We don’t have Ubers or taxis or anything. They have to walk, and a lot of our elderly population just don’t have the resources to get the things they need.”
As the demand for in-home vaccinations grew, Gorsuch began to think bigger about what more this program could do for residents.
“That’s why we applied for this grant through Missouri Pharmacy Association,” Gorsuch said.
“In rural and underserved locations like southeast Missouri, these problems are amplified,” Opronovich said. “The seemingly simple intervention of giving a shot is also more difficult with fewer providers and more challenges with social determinants of health. Nickie’s work points out the added challenge of providing this health resource and shines a light on the need to provide funding for such interventions.”
The funding from the $60,000 grant was received in late 2023 and has enabled L & S Pharmacy to conduct transportation screenings to assess which patients can travel to the pharmacy and which patients need in-home or delivery care. This gives Gorsuch and the team a more complete picture of their patients’ challenges. The funding also covers transportation fees for the pharmacy team as well as vaccines for some uninsured patients.
Gorsuch’s in-home immunization program has shed even more light on the existing health-care challenges that rural communities face.
“We had a patient who has been to the pharmacy a lot, and I never knew that he didn’t have transportation (until screening), but he walked to the pharmacy,” Gorsuch said. “I never knew because I never asked. The more that we ask, the more we know.
“It’s not a really walkable area, but for some patients it has to be because they don’t have any other way.”
Gorsuch’s work at L & S Pharmacy will continue through the end of her residency in summer 2024. The program has enough funding for at least the next five months. With the help of community partners like grocery stores in Charleston, Gorsuch hopes to reach more potential patients who are not already in the health-care system in places they already. Community partners like grocery stores and food pantries open up conversations about the benefits of vaccines and how their local pharmacy is there to help.
“The more we can get out to the people, the better we are able to capture everyone,” Gorsuch said.
Mar 25, 2024
2024 Staff Awards celebrate service milestones and accomplishments
The University of Missouri-Kansas City recognized staff across all academic units and various programs and departments at the 2024 Staff Awards ceremony in March. The ceremony recognized more than 200 employees who have shown an incredible commitment to their personal success, as well as the growth and success of UMKC.
The ceremony began with remarks from Chancellor Mauli Agrawal who shared his admiration for the hardworking staff at UMKC.
“I am always overwhelmed by the dedication of our staff and all of your accomplishments,” Agrawal said. “Whether you were recognized today or not, you are essential to the success of our students and to the success of our university.”
During the ceremony, Bill Marse, director of biomedical communications at the School of Dentistry, took to the podium to introduce awardees and share his remarkable service milestone of 50 years at UMKC.
“I am fortunate to be in a position where coming to work is a choice,” Marse said. “It’s a very exciting, rewarding and enjoyable choice.”
In typical UMKC style, the ceremony closed with a spirited and celebratory “Roo Up!”
Congratulations to the 2024 awardees:
Staff Council Dedication Award
Kim Kushner, IT Project Manager, Information Services
Excellence in Student Success Staff Award
Scott Ezzell, Bloch Manager of Admissions and Recruitment, Henry W. Bloch School of Management
Excellence in Research and Creative Works Staff Award
Brian Kanoy, Senior Program/Project Support Coordinator, School of Science and Engineering
Excellence in Engagement and Outreach Staff Award
Nate Addington, Director of Engagement and Outreach, External Relations and Constituent Engagement
Inclusive Opportunity AND Excellence Staff Award
Lorena Juanez, Senior Admissions Counselor, Student Success and Academic Assurance
Excellence in Planning, Operations and Stewardship Staff Award
Sarah Beth Schulz, Executive Assistant to the Dean, School of Science and Engineering
Rising Star Award
Caroline Kelly, Senior Academic Advisor, School of Medicine
Chancellor’s Staff Award for Extraordinary Contributions
Chris Popoola, Faculty Affairs Specialist, Faculty Support and Academic Innovation
Living the Values Award
Roy Allen, Director of Research and Institutional Programs, Missouri Institute for Defense & Energy
Petra Bricker, Career Advising Manager, School of Medicine
Jordan Davis, Senior Manager of Admissions, UMKC Conservatory
Keichanda Dees-Burnett, Assistant Dean of Student Support and Director of Multicultural Student Affairs, Student Affairs
Onekia De Leon Franklin, Senior Office Support Assistant, School of Nursing and Health Sciences
Barb Domke, Senior Academic Advisor, Henry W. Bloch School of Management
Emma Fahrlander, Strategic Communication Specialist, Strategic Marketing and Communications
Hannah Hohenstein-Flack, Senior Executive Assistant, School of Humanities and Social Sciences
Brian Kanoy, Senior Program/Project Support Coordinator, School of Science and Engineering
Susi Krulewich, Director of PAL Program, Curriculum and Assessment
Chauncey Kuhl, Plumbing and Electrical Supervisor, Finance and Administration
Megan Malcom, Degree Auditor, Student Success and Academic Assurance
Susan Miller, Library Information Specialist, University Libraries
Joey Medellin, Senior Program/Project Support Coordinator, UMKC Innovation Center
Christi Posey, Head Coach, Intercollegiate Athletics
Roy Potter, Senior Technology Resource Manager, School of Dentistry
Janet Rogers, Executive Assistant, School of Law
Laura Rupp, Director I Event Services, External Relations and Constituent Engagement
Amanda Sanders, Business Support Specialist II, KCUR
Crystal Simonis, Research Compliance IRB Manager, Office of Research Services
Bailey Tennesen, Senior Educational Program Coordinator, School of Education, Social Work, and Psychological Sciences
Rick Thomas, Manager IT, Information Services
Molly Tugushi, Office Support Associate, School of Pharmacy
Supervisory Development Series Graduates
Melissa Allison
Carol-Le Braden
Kayla Channell
Nicole L’Amour
Gabriela Sa Teles
Sarah Major
Carla Marquina Panduro
Danielle Marx
Lora Owens
Katherine Sylvester
Dr. Elson S. Floyd Administrative Leadership Development Program
KC Atchinson
Elizabeth Hoffman-Shrout
Nathan Jacobs
Angela Jenkins
Andre Logan
Melissa Newkirk
Gabriela Sa Teles
Bryan Scrivener
Kaitlin Woody
Series on Leadership Essentials Program
Avery Brotherton
Andrea Cady
Jamie Charles
Sarah Dresslaer
Tanna Engle
Rebecca Ireland
Kim Kushner
Tara Lane
Nathan Lonngren
Carla Marquina Panduro
Gregory McMullen
Lora Owens
Zachary Parker
Organizational Perspectives and Leadership Program
Tom Bachmann
Carol-Le Braden
Yolanda Branch
Katey Collins
Christina Davis
Shay Duncan
Susan Garrett
Teresa Huff-Pomstra
Laura King
Noah Kramer
Alia Krzyzanowski
Alyssa Lally
Jacob Lazzo
Anthony Maly
Amy McKune
Mako Miller
Megan Raney
Olujimi Sode
Emily Strayhall
Rick Thomas
Thomas Willoughby
Staff who graduated with a UMKC degree in Spring 2023, Summer 2023 or Fall 2023
Katie Anton
Shaun Bernardon
Jessica Hill
Nicole L’Amour
Jameilla Robinson
James Surber
Douglass Whitehead
Theresa Wright
5 Years of Service
Silas Arnold
Deidre Ashley
Katherine Atcheson
KC Atchinson
Tom Bachmann
Kenneth Bledsoe
Angela Bolen
Keishea Boyd
Carol-Le Braden
Sharon Breshears
Jennifer Brown
Dylan Burd
Krystal Burghoff
Joseph Crow
Allen Dale
Timothy Dean
Brett Dietrich
Patrick Dixon
Mary Donahue
Nikhila Donti Reddy
Mackenzie Doss
Sarah Dresslaer
Megan Elsen
Brooke Fischer
Chainy Folsom
Garren Frasher
Danny Freeman
Georgia Freidhof
Kathryn Grindstaff
Teresa Huff-Pomstra
Phillip Humphrey
Curtis Jacey
Ellis Johnson
Chante Keller
Laura King
Anne Kipper
Michael Knabel
Kay Lee
Richard Lentz
Brandon Martin
Hannah Martin
Hope McMorrow
Susan Miller
Leslie Mohan
Tram Nguyen
Mark Pederson
Mariah Peel
John Pragman
Prasanna Reniguntala
Jessie Riggs
Janey Stephens
Nomin Ujiyediin
Kimberly Vittorino
Kelly Weaver
Shelby Webb
Abby Weiser
Krisana West
Robert Wren
Tejkumar Yentrapragada
Alexander Zier
10 Years of Service
Patricia Baldwin
Casey Bauer
Amber Blair
Karen Bronsman
Kenneth Brooks
Rosana Challacombe
Joe Constantino
Amannda DeBoef
Clint Dominick
Dustin Dye
Aaron Fajen
Ronald Jones
Rebecca Markley
Laura Michaelsen
Tamara Morris
Julie Myer
Julie Smith
John Sulzer
Joyce Ward
Kenneth Wesley
Ryan West
Thomas Willoughby
Laura Ziegler
15 Years of Service
Katie Anton
Stephen Barnes
Catherine Battles
Steven Bowman
Elizabeth Couzens
Michael Cowan
LaRae Elliott Vowiell
Katherine Garey
George Gotto IV
Ursula Gurney
Roland Hemmings Jr
David Hoskins
Kingsley Kakie
Michelle Kroner
Brad Martens
Terrence McKelvy
Donald Parmalee
Suyopa Pinto
Amy Samaripa
Sheila Thomas
Jared Wight
20 Years of Service
Eric Anderson
David Babcock
Matthew Bunch
Carol Calhoun
Keichanda Dees-Burnett
Amber Heffernan
Joey Medellin
Sarah Morris
Rosa Nataraj
Helen Perry
Stephen Pottebaum
Christopher Prewitt
Arzelyn Umali
Almaz Wassie
Rosie Weaver
25 Years of Service
Rosie Booze
Dennis Clark
Dennis Elmore
Nancy Hoover
Steven McDonald
Jane Poe
Paul Schwartz
Vicki Van Noy
30 Years of Service
Della Damon
Jody Jeffries
Steven Jenks
Frank Morris
Nancy Wilkinson
35 Years of Service
Carmen Jaramillo
40 Years of Service
Heidi Updike
50 Years of Service
Bill Marse
Mar 20, 2024
More than $98,000 awarded to 69 recipients to support post-graduate work
The UMKC Women’s Council held its annual reception to celebrate this year’s Graduate Assistance Fund awardees.
Nearly 70 women received funds to support their graduate studies at UMKC. The Women’s Council celebrated 53 years of supporting women in different fields, adding four new awards. Alumna Jacqueline Thompson (D.M.A. ’84), who was a GAF recipient in 1981, gave remarks at this year’s reception.
“I thought I was going to have to drop out because I was running out of money,” she said. “The GAF fund saved me. It helped me complete my degree and contributed to who I am today.” The life-changing award inspired Thompson to commit to give back to the Graduate Assistance Fund every year. Years later, when she revisited UMKC, students who received her help recognized her. Meeting these students made her realize how much the impact of her gift, regardless of size, made to them. “I told myself that I didn’t have to make a lot of waves, but I could be a ripple. If I made enough little ripples, I could make a difference,” Thompson added.To continue making a difference, Thompson also signed an intent form to leave a planned gift to the Women’s Council Graduate Assistance Fund.
Esther Han, conservatory student, giving her remarks
Esther Han is a Conservatory student who is working toward her Master of Music degree in piano performance and pedagogy. She is one of the few GAF recipients who received an additional merit award. “There are not that many fund opportunities for musicians, so being selected is a huge deal,” Han said. “It is very special because I am going to Germany to perform with my husband. I wouldn’t be able to go without GAF because of the graduate tuition cost.” Amen Teshome is a second year Ph.D. student studying cell biology and biophysics. She is working on identifying the impact of certain proteins related to glaucoma. Teshome is a first-time GAF recipient and was also a recipient of an additional merit award.
Amen Teshome, second year Ph.D. student, on the right
“It is super meaningful and rewarding, knowing that my research is making a difference and being validated,” Teshome said. “I feel super motivated to be here, and it’s really helping me push through during research. Because of the GAF, I get to attend the annual meeting for the Association of Research in Vision and Ophthalmology in Seattle. I would not be able to afford it on my own."
This year, the Women’s Council debuted four new named awards for the Graduate Assistance Fund. They were donated by UMKC Provost Jenny Lundgren, Ph.D.; UMKC Chancellor Mauli Agrawal, Ph.D. and his wife, Sue Agrawal, who is on the Board of Directors for the Women’s Council; UMKC Foundation President Amanda Davis and former students and associates of Bibie Chronwall, M.Ed., Ph.D. The fund awards were named after people the donors held close to heart and will help fulfill future generations of women to reach their educational goals and establish careers that will benefit others.
“I’ve been on the selection committee for four years now and have seen the hard work of our students, along with how the GAF impacts them,” Sue Agrawal said. “The best part is the principle of the fund won’t be spent, so it will keep growing over time and help more students in the future.”
The Graduate Assistance Fund has distributed more than $2.4 million since it started.
Mar 15, 2024
The Class of 2024 discovered where they would be continuing their medical journey
Excited cheers poured out of the UMKC Student Union on Friday, where more than 100 medical students tore open envelopes to discover where they would spend the next few years doing their medical residency training.
The students participated in the National Resident Matching Program, also known as Match Day, when medical students learn what residency program they matched with, as well as the specialty they will practice.
For medical student Divya Jain, it was a long time coming, but very much worth it. Although the Overland Park native is in the six-year B.A./M.D. program at the UMKC School of Medicine, she took a two-year break to get her master’s degree in public policy at Harvard University.
“In the six-year med program, we start preparing for our residency at 18 years old,” Jain said. “It’s been eight years in the making, but matching feels like all the hard work was worth it because we get the privilege of taking care of people.”
Jain matched in a residency program at the University of Washington in Seattle, where she will enter her preferred specialty of OB/GYN. Her rotations at University Health Truman Medical Center instilled in her a passion for improving women’s health. That passion motivated her to also dive deeper into patient advocacy at a systemic level.
“Obviously doctors impact our patients on an individual level, but caring for our patients doesn’t have to stop at the 15-minute visit,” Jain said. “We have so much more potential to make profound changes for our patients’ health through advocacy on a larger level.”
Match Day is a family affair for many students, and that was especially true for Josephine Nwankwo of Oklahoma City, who matched at the Baylor College of Medicine in physical medicine and rehabilitation. She’ll join her sister, Angela Nwankwo (B.A./M.D. ’22), who is also a resident in the same program.
Their mother is a registered nurse, and over the years the family traveled to their mother’s native Nigeria, bringing medications from the United States that weren’t available there. It instilled in Nwankwo a desire to return to Nigeria to bring rehabilitation treatment to the country.
“Visiting my family in Nigeria opened my eyes to the health-care inequities in the world,” Nwankwo said. “I feel like rehabilitation is a resource that’s not really offered in these developing countries. I would love to return to Nigeria because the service could really benefit the people there.”
New School of Medicine Dean Alexander Norbash congratulated the class, while adding some perspective on what was his fifth day leading the school.
“It’s an interesting day, because you began it with a certain mindset, and you’re ending it envisioning yourself in Topeka or San Francisco as a psychiatrist or a cardiac surgeon,” Norbash said. “It’s one of those watershed days you can’t ever forget.”
According to Norbash, more than 50 percent of the students matched into primary care. The class matched in a wide range of specialties, including anesthesiology, emergency medicine, psychiatry, dermatology and several surgical specialties. A third of the students matched in Missouri, with 30 percent of students staying in the Kansas City metropolitan area.
Lauren and Brevin Miller are two of those students who will stay in Kansas City. The married couple, who met in Spanish class their freshman year, were anxiously awaiting their match to see if they would practice in the same city. Both grew up in Missouri. Lauren is from St. Louis and Brevin is from St. Joseph, so the couple had high hopes of staying close to Kansas City.
Gathered in front of nervous family and friends, the couple ripped open their envelopes together and screamed with joy when they read their exciting news. Lauren matched at Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City specializing in pediatrics, and Brevin matched at the University of Kansas Health System, specializing in surgical otolaryngology.
“Matching together is everything,” Brevin said. “All our hard work paid off. And our basset hounds get to stay in Kansas City!”
UMKC Match Day 2024 Results
Mar 15, 2024
UMKC connections were a perfect match for Annmarie Orlando to pursue sports law
Annmarie Orlando knows two things: she wants a career in sports law, and she wants it in her hometown of Kansas City.
“I chose UMKC because I’m from Kansas City and I knew that I wanted to stay here,” Orlando, student at UMKC School of Law, said. “I’ve grown up here and I know it’s a great city to live in, and there’s lots of opportunities for work.”
One came with longtime UMKC partner Sporting Kansas City. The university and soccer club have been partners for a decade; part of that partnership includes first opportunity for internships for UMKC students.
For Orlando, it’s been the chance to start the career she’s been working toward for years. Orlando was an athlete growing up, and she wanted a career related to sports. After obtaining her undergraduate degree in sports management, a family member suggested law school as a next path. She started law school elsewhere and decided to transfer to return to Kansas City. The experience she’s had here has been unmatched.
Orlando's mentor, Kylie DeWees, a staff attorney at Sporting KC, spoke at the UMKC Sports Law Club in Fall 2023.
“Other than Sporting KC, I’ve had a few more opportunities to get experience while in law school,” Orlando said. “I worked with the athletics department at UMKC and got to work with the athletic director on NCAA rules and compliance. I’ve also gotten to work with NAIA and their lawyers as well.” In addition to working in sports law, Orlando volunteered with the public defender’s office. Although she found the work rewarding, the experience confirmed that her calling was sports law. She credits the law school and real-world opportunities with helping her define her career path. “Getting that real-life understanding of how it actually is working in the legal field while still in school helps figure out if you actually like that area of law,” Orlando said. “The law school’s career center is very helpful. They really care about helping students get experience where they want to be.”
For Orlando, that experience at Sporting KC involved legal research, contract review and learning the unique rules of Major League Soccer, among other things. Her mentor and Sporting KC staff attorney Kylie DeWees says that getting to study sports law in the soccer capital of America is invaluable, especially with the 2026 World Up on the horizon. “Our student interns can drive 15 minutes from class to come here and get practical experience on a big stage,” DeWees said. “You can’t beat that.” With Kansas City’s rising profile in the sports world, Orlando knows that she’s in the right place to begin her career. “Kansas City is a great place to study sports law,” Orlando said. “With the growth the city has seen and all the new teams we’re getting, there are lots of opportunities here.”
Mar 13, 2024
New schedule will offer greater work-week flexibility
The University of Missouri-Kansas City Henry W. Bloch School of Management will implement a new schedule for its Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA) program to improve the frequency and depth of students’ engagement with the course content and focus more in-person class time to interactive activities, while simultaneously eliminating the monthly Friday class and moving regular classes to two or three Saturdays per month.
Unlike the traditional MBA, the EMBA focuses intensively on enhancing and refining leadership skills. EMBA students already possess extensive work experience and often enter the program while simultaneously working full time.
“These changes will improve student experience by allowing more flexibility in learning and reducing conflicts with students’ work schedules,” said Arif Ahmed, Ph.D., associate dean of the Bloch School.
Program management made the decision after seeking and receiving input from students, community stakeholders, faculty, and staff. Factors including paid-time-off changes, childcare needs and even doctors’ surgery schedules were considered.
“We had a couple of doctors who said you know, I'd really like to do your program, but Friday is my day in surgery and it's never going to happen as long as you have this particular class schedule,” said Eugene Pegler, executive director of student affairs at Bloch.
The changes also include moving a small portion of some courses to asynchronous online engagements distributed over the semester, which allows for focusing more on activities and discussions during the live in-person sessions.
In addition to regular classes, EMBA students complete four signature residency experiences. Two of these intensive courses are in Kansas City, one is in Washington D.C. and the final intensive course is a study-abroad experience, currently in Belgium.
These residency experiences offer a comprehensive exploration of leadership, strategy, public policy and global business. Over the 21-month program, EMBA students also receive dedicated support from their own Bloch executive coach, helping them gain deeper insight into their professional strengths and practice how to leverage them to become a more authentic leader.
The Henry W. Bloch School of Management is currently accepting applications for the Fall 2024 EMBA cohort. Explore the new schedule and program details.
Mar 07, 2024
When humans return to the moon, UMKC research will help them avoid problematic interactions with lunar dust while mining that same dust for valuabl...
Ahmed Hassan, Ph.D., associate professor of computing and engineering, is working with partners at the National Institute of Standards and Technology, the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory and the Space Science Institute to gain a more thorough understanding of the composition and properties of lunar dust. Hassan is crafting three-dimensional models of the shapes of individual, microscopic dust particles.
Why? Lunar dust is literally unearthly. It has unique geotechnical properties due to the absence of geological processes on the moon, such as chemical weathering, humidity and atmospheric wind. And the moon’s magnetospheric interactions and constant collisions with comets and asteroids also create discrepancies.
As a result, the shape of microscopic particles in the moon’s regolith, or lunar dust, differs from the shape of particles in earthly materials that resemble it at the macro level; for example, they have sharper, jagged edges. And those different shapes have to be accounted for.
During the Apollo missions, lunar particles caused significant problems such as abrasion of vehicles, spacecraft and scientific equipment as well as obscuring the solar panels that generated electricity. During a lunar landing, the rocket engine sends dust particles flying “like tiny bullets,” Hassan said.
Lunar dust adhering to spacesuits even caused allergy-like symptoms for the astronauts when it penetrated the atmosphere inside the spacecraft when they returned from moonwalks.
“Depending on the application, lunar regolith (dust) particles can cause serious problems or be used as a valuable resource in future lunar expeditions,” Hassan said. “The research results can help guide a wide range of lunar applications, from electrostatic dust removal from solar panels to using it to fabricate structures on the moon.”
Yes, to build structures. Among the applications of Hassan’s research is the feasibility of using lunar dust to make concrete on the moon, a critically important factor for building permanent settlements.
In his initial study, Hassan and his team were able to model 25 distinct particle shapes from a tiny sample of lunar dust brought back from the moon missions of the 1970s. For his current study, he has access to approximately 10,000 particles.
To prepare for future missions, space scientists created various reproductions of lunar dust, called simulants, crafted from materials on the earth. Recent advances in 3D X-Ray capabilities, however, revealed a problem.
“Some of the simulants matched the physical properties of lunar regolith; some matched the chemical properties. But no one had tried to match particle shapes,” Hassan said.
X-ray nanocomputed tomography (XCT) allowed scientists to examine the shape of particles as small as 400 nanometers (billionths of a meter) in length. That revealed the sharp, jagged edges and other unique properties that the next generation of simulants will have to match.
Future astronauts will be better prepared to deal with the moon’s unique environment, thanks to Hassan’s efforts.
Mar 07, 2024
Suzanne Shank's support for UMKC and the Kansas City arts community goes above and beyond
Each year, the UMKC Alumni Association recognizes outstanding alumni achievements with an awards celebration. Suzanne Shank (J.D., M.P.A ‘82) is the Class of 2024 Bill French Alumni Service Award recipient.
From a young age, Shank’s love of the arts shined bright as she committed herself to dance lessons, even performing with the Kansas City Ballet when it was part of the UMKC Conservatory. Despite not pursuing the arts in her professional life, Shank’s support for the place she once performed has been extensive.
“I’ve always appreciated the arts and what they bring to the community,” Shank said. “I also recognize how necessary arts education is to a community.”
Shank has served on the Friends of the Conservatory Board and as a chair for Crescendo, the annual gala supporting student scholarships. In that role, she was instrumental in raising more than $1 million for student scholarships. In 2005, Suzanne and her late husband established the Suzanne Shank and Marty Smoler Scholarship, which supports a student studying in the Conservatory.
“UMKC is so important to Kansas City, and I wanted to be philanthropic where my money would have the most impact,” Shank said. “UMKC has done such an amazing job supporting the needs of the surrounding community and that should be rewarded.”
Shank currently serves on the UMKC Board of Trustees as a vice chair and serves on the executive committee. In addition to serving on the Trustees’ Scholars Committee for many years, where she has been a thought leader and Trustees' Scholar mentor, she also serves on the Next Generation Trustees’ Scholars Working Group. She recently established the Suzanne Shank Trustees’ Scholars Scholarship.
Her impact on the Kansas City community goes well beyond her support of UMKC. She has actively participated in numerous nonprofit associations, showcasing her commitment to philanthropy and community development. Her leadership roles in local organizations such as the KC Ballet, the Symphony League and the Lyric Opera, have contributed significantly to the cultural and artistic fabric of Kansas City.
Mar 04, 2024
Includes hands-on learning opportunities for students; alumni and campus engagement
The University of Missouri-Kansas City announced a three-year partnership with the Kansas City Royals, beginning in March 2024, built around student-success programs and additional opportunities for alumni, campus and community engagement.
With this partnership, UMKC is now a proud higher education partner of all four major professional sports teams in Kansas City: the Royals, Kansas City Current, Sporting KC and the Kansas City Chiefs.
“This Royals partnership is a grand slam, another great partnership to offer our students unparalleled opportunities for unique real-life learning experiences, mentorship and ways to connect to build their career network,” said Anne Hartung Spenner, vice chancellor for UMKC Strategic Marketing and Communications. “We’ve enjoyed a great relationship with the Royals for years, and we’re thrilled to make it official. Partnering with all four of our city’s major professional sports teams is a benefit to all at Kansas City’s top university and our community.”
The UMKC and Royals partnership celebrates the unique, authentic connection that already exists between the organizations, from hosting commencement ceremonies to UMKC Night at The K to the Sherman Scholars program at the Institute of Urban Education at the UMKC School of Education, Social Work and Psychological Sciences.
“UMKC is an immense part of Kansas City’s history, and the Royals are honored that this partnership will allow for two pillars in the community to work together to better our future generations,” said Alex Schulte, vice president of corporate partnerships.
A few components of the new UMKC and Royals partnership:
“Bring Out the Bots” is a STEM initiative for high school students to create a robot to throw the first pitch at a Royals game. Students from the UMKC School of Science and Engineering will collaborate with the KC STEM Alliance and local middle school students to conceptualize and build a robot. When the robot is ready, the students will attend a game and witness the robot throwing the first pitch.
Media/film and communications students from the UMKC School of Humanities and Social Sciences will get a chance to collaborate with the Royals’ in-house creative agency, Pine Tar Collective, to make a 30-second ad for UMKC. The ad will premiere on CrownVision on April 19 for UMKC Night at The K. The video will then run during every homestand.
UMKC and the Royals will donate 50 tickets to a youth organization for a gameday experience at a Royals game.
The Kansas City Royals are adding a new segment to the Royals Radio Network to highlight players in the farm system. The “Future Royals” feature will air twice a month during games and include a shoutout to UMKC at the beginning and end of each feature.
UMKC and the Royals share a history centered around campus support and celebration.
UMKC commencement ceremonies in May 2021 and 2022 took place in Kauffman Stadium.
The first UMKC Night at The K took place in 2023, with co-branded jerseys for fans and entertainment featuring the UMKC pep band and KC Roos Dance Team. The second one will be April 19 and will feature co-branded crewnecks for fans who buy theme tickets as well as UMKC entertainment and more.
The Sherman Family Foundation, founded by Royals CEO John Sherman and his wife, Marny, supports the Sherman Scholars program at the UMKC Institute for Urban Education. The program provides annual scholarships to graduate and undergraduate students in teacher prep programs; Sherman Scholars attend a Royals game together every year.
UMKC partners with the Kansas City Royals Foundation’s MLB Urban Youth Academy for the KC Roos Softball home field.
Royals owner, John Sherman received an honorary doctorate in 2013 from UMKC, and is a member of the Entrepreneur Hall of Fame at the UMKC Henry W. Bloch School of Management Executive Hall.
UMKC alumna Karen Daniel (M.S. ’81 accounting) was inducted in 2023 into the Starr Women’s Hall of Fame at UMKC. She is the first African American woman to be a Major League Baseball owner since her addition to the Kansas City Royals ownership group in 2020.
Feb 28, 2024
Hugh Jackman, Justin Bieber and Jasmine Tookes are just a few of the other clients on Kirk Myers’ DogPound roster
Are you ready for it? Meet the mastermind behind Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour workout routine.
Kirk Myers (B.L.A.) is a UMKC alumnus who is a rock star in his field. As a Kansas City area native, he says that our city laid the foundation of who he is now. He was a UMKC student when he ultimately found his end game and moved to New York City to build his empire. Myers is a household name in the fitness industry, with clients ranging from models like Adriana Lima to singers like Swift, Justin Bieber and many more. Myers moved to New York City in 2011, and enchanted the personal training and fitness world in 2015 with DogPound, and his empire has only grown since then.
What made you decide to start your fitness business?
I had my own battles with obesity at a very young age to the point where I almost died. I was determined to get myself healthy and fit and was able to lose weight. I set out to help others and from then on that’s been my mission and I love it.
What made you decide to attend UMKC and what did you study?
My brother went to University of Missouri, but my sister went to UMKC for law school, and I had always heard good things. My initial major was elementary education, but I ultimately decided to go with liberal arts and pursue my passion in fitness. I ended up losing 100 pounds during my time at UMKC!
Where did the name DogPound come from?
I was introduced to Hugh Jackman around the time I was starting to create my own brand and since he always brought his dog around, the inspiration for the name DogPound really came to fruition.
What makes DogPound stand out in the fitness world?
I’d probably also have to say the community we have, our staff, trainers and clients. It’s like a family, and we look forward to seeing each other every day! The community is strong, and clients really feel that because it’s authentic. We also have some super unique training methods that keep people coming back for more. Pairing clients with a team of trainers allows for constant variety while keeping some consistency.
Do you think your experience as UMKC impacted your future? How so?
Absolutely! It taught me that anything is possible and to never give up on your dreams. I took those lessons and put it into my work ethic.
How do you think Kansas City impacted you as a person? Do you think it gave you the opportunity to grow into who you are?
I love Kansas City! I think it’s amazing and I call it a hidden treasure. There are so many good people, cool art and history. It laid the foundation for who I am. My family and childhood best friends still live there. My first time really living in a city was when I went to UMKC, so it exposed me to a more urban lifestyle.
How has an education at UMKC helped you?
I think what I appreciated and learned the most is how to balance a busy schedule and how to do research. Those are two things I currently use every day as founder and trainer at DogPound.
What would you say to students who aspire to be successful like you?
Stay humble and keep at it! You can achieve anything you put your mind to but it’s important to give back and always remember where you came from.
Is there anything outside of DogPound that you are proud of accomplishing?
When I began as a trainer, I wanted to help people. As the company grew, we developed the five pillars of our brand — teamwork, passion, authenticity, positivity and to give back — all of which we believe has really led the vision to grow and helps define our purpose. Through these pillars, we’ve partnered with organizations that support children like Community of Unity for many years as well as volunteering at The Bowery Mission in New York City. I am proud of the way our team extends their community to those who need it.
What advice would you give to prospective UMKC students, or current UMKC students?
Be OK with not knowing what you want to do in life as you enter your college years. Your 20s will be a rollercoaster decade. Have fun, but also be smart and try to plan ahead when possible.
Feb 26, 2024
Awarded projects range from advertising to writing
The University of Missouri-Kansas City Strategic Marketing and Communications division received 10 awards for excellence in advancement, alumni relations, marketing and communications initiatives and materials from the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education, also known as CASE.
The division received 2023 Best of District VI Awards in categories that include advertising, design, magazines, videos and writing.
“At UMKC, we are blessed with an immensely talented marketing and communications team who do great work, day in and day out, sharing our university’s unique story to the world,” said Anne Hartung Spenner, vice chancellor for Strategic Marketing and Communications. “This year we broke our team record for CASE awards. What a great honor to see our team’s excellent work recognized by our higher education peers.”
Here are the following projects that received awards:
Special Events: In-Person (Single-Day): School of Medicine 50th anniversary event
In 2022, the UMKC School of Medicine celebrated the 50th anniversary of the founding of the school and its innovative six-year program that accepts students right out of high school. The UMKC Strategic Marketing and Communications team designed a full suite of materials such as a 50th anniversary logo and videos shown during the gala.
Videos: Commercials: RoosDo TV spots
The RoosDo TV spots aim to showcase UMKC Roos who are creating change across Kansas City and the rest of the world by spotlighting Roos who are bringing health-care solutions to those most in need, inventing new technologies that change lives, dedicating themselves to service and running businesses that employ thousands of people.
Publications: Student Recruitment (Series or Package): First Gen Roo
First Gen Roo is a program that supports first-generation college students at UMKC and helps them navigate the college experience. Strategic Marketing and Communications partnered with the First Gen Roo program staff to create branding and a series of recruitment materials to attract future students to the program.
Videos: Promotional (Short): Community Engagement Video – Clio
This video tells the story of Clio, a website and mobile app used across the country to record and preserve history in digital format. It also shares how its creator, David Trowbridge, Ph.D. , William T. Kemper associate research professor in digital and public humanities at the UMKC, uses Clio to help artistic, cultural and historical organizations in Kansas City, and across the country, tell their stories.
Videos: Promotional (Long): Bloch 100th video
We celebrated prominent Kansas City leader and founder of H&R Block Henry W. Bloch’s 100th birthday with a special celebration to pay tribute to his legacy and a video to honor Bloch and all he has meant to Kansas City, UMKC and the community. The event, on his birthday July 30, was open to the community, alumni, faculty, staff and students, as well as close Bloch family and friends.
Videos: Fundraising (Flash Campaign/Giving Day): Giving Day 2022
UMKC students shared their stories about the positive impact scholarships have made on their lives and education as part of a video for UMKC Giving Day. The video also featured UMKC alumni and donors.
Magazines: Alumni/General Interest (Printed Once a Year): Vanguard Volume 6
Vanguard Magazine is an annual research-centered publication that features the latest faculty news and research at UMKC. This specific issue highlighted stories that included sustainable urban agriculture, removing chemicals from drinking water, technology enhancements for work zone safety and limiting glaucoma damage.
Design: Invitations: Crescendo invitation
UMKC Crescendo is a signature university event that showcases student talent at its renowned Conservatory. The invitation for the event is a representation of the creativity, the passion and the deep artistic connections of the event.
Marketing: Marketing Initiatives (More Than 25 Staff): Quick to Market 60-Day enrollment push
The marketing team, partnering with enrollment management, gained approval for a plan to market to new geographic areas, market specific degree programs and employ more commercial marketing techniques. Three months after launch, there was a 10%increase in applications and admits and more than 5,900 qualified leads from new areas alone for the following semester.
Writing: News/Feature (Less Than 1,000 Words): Professors Study the Impact of Sound on Operating Room Safety
The story highlights how a faculty donation leads to collaboration between professors in the School of Medicine and UMKC Conservatory to yield safer surgeries.
Feb 26, 2024
UMKC Alumni Association honors the Tedrow/Selders/Hogerty Family with the 2024 Legacy Award
Each year, the UMKC Alumni Association recognizes outstanding alumni achievements. UMKC is honoring the Tedrow/Selders/Hogerty family with its Class of 2024 Legacy Award.
The family legacy dates back more than 100 years, when Joseph Herbert Tedrow graduated from the Kansas City School of Law (now UMKC School of Law) in 1922. The next family members to attend UMKC, then known as the University of Kansas City, were brothers Loyd Selders (B.A. ’39) and David V. Selders, who attended but did not finish due to World War II.
The story extends several more generations. Alumni include Joseph’s granddaughter, Martha Hogerty (B.A. ’75, J.D. ’79), and grandson, Eugene (Pat) Selders, Jr. (B.A. ’72). Martha’s daughter, Mary (Hogerty) Needham (B.A. ’88) and her cousin Joan (Tedrow) Gilson (M.A. ’83, Ph.D. ’94), David’s daughter Dianne Selders Hogerty (B.A. ’78) and her son David Michael Hogerty (B.A. ’89) are also esteemed alumni.
“I don’t remember a time when the campus was not a part of the essential fabric of my life,” Needham said. “It was thrilling to think that I was writing the next chapter in a very long legacy.”
Members of the family have contributed greatly to the Kansas City community and beyond, both in their careers and volunteerism. Their philanthropic endeavors cross the city and region, including the Junior League of Kansas City, League of Women Voters, St. Mary’s Medical Center, South Plaza Neighborhood Association, Jackson County Historical Society, UMKC Neighborhood Advisory Council and more.
Joseph Herbert Tedrow was a member of the Kansas City, Missouri Chamber of Commerce from 1915 until his death in 1951. Most of those years were spent as transportation commissioner; he testified before the Interstate Commerce commission in Washington, D.C. on numerous occasions and authored a book of transportation regulation.
Martha Hogerty served as Missouri public counsel for 12 years, where she advocated for Missouri residents and small businesses in matters of utility services. She served as the consumer advocate representative on the Federal Communications Commission’s Joint Board, which made recommendations to preserve and advance universal telephone service, and as a president of the National Association of State Utility Consumer Advocates. Now retired, but a lifelong learner, Martha returned to UMKC to audit classes.
In 1974, David V. Selders founded Family Features Editorial Syndicate to deliver branded food content directly to consumers; the company provided high-quality content and photography to local magazines and newspapers free of charge. Selders and Family Features pioneered the use of formatted content and the commitment to tracking content placements. Fifty years later, Family Features is still headquartered in Mission, Kansas, and works with top brands to deliver food, lifestyle, and home and garden content. Dianne Selders Hogerty and David Michael Hogerty joined the family business during their careers. Dianne co-founded a chapter of Les Dames d’Escoffier International in Kansas City, a philanthropic organization of women leaders in the food, beverage and hospitality industry. She served as president of the international organization in 2004-05.
“I married after my freshman year of college and stopped my education to begin our family,” Dianne said. “At the ripe old age of 29, I returned to school and finished my degree at UMKC. If UMKC hadn’t been here so I could continue my education, I wouldn’t have become the ‘me’ I am today. I will be forever grateful.”
Feb 26, 2024
UMKC Alumni Association recognizes Carmaletta Williams, Ph.D., with Spotlight Award
Each year, the UMKC Alumni Association recognizes the achievements of outstanding alumni with an awards celebration. The Spotlight Award recognizes the excellence of a member of our UMKC community whose accomplishments, leadership and public service have caused regional and national attention to be focused on the university and the metropolitan area. This year, the Alumni Association is honoring Carmaletta Williams (B.A. ’84, M.A. ’87), Ph.D., with its Class of 2024 Alumni Spotlight Award.
Williams earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in English from UMKC. She boasts a 28-year-long career teaching English and African American Studies at Johnson County Community College, where she also served as the founding Executive Director of the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. In addition, she received an Emmy for her portrayal of Zora Neale Hurston in “Zora Neale Hurston: Queen of the Harlem Renaissance.” She currently serves as the executive director of the Black Archives of Mid-America.
“Dr. Williams is engaged in extremely important work in this community,” said Diane Mutti Burke, Ph.D., director of the UMKC Center for Midwestern Studies and co-director of the UMKC Center for Digital and Public Humanities. “The Black Archives of Mid-America, with Dr. Williams at its helm, is one of the most significant institutions engaged in the preservation and dissemination of the history of Black Kansas Citians, a community of great national historic significance.”
It was clear speaking to Williams that her work is not slowing down any time soon.
What inspired your interest in English literature and a career in teaching?
My goal as a child was to become a writer. My mother told me that was well and good, but I needed to be sure that I had a regular income to support myself. She suggested that I be a teacher who writes. I always considered myself a writer who taught.
In what ways do writers and poets of color uniquely contribute to the English literature genre and to our shared global community?
Writers have an obligation to pull their readers into the work and have them share the experiences that they are sharing. Because the largest oeuvre of American literature is of the white European writers, Black writers and writers of other ethnic backgrounds have a unique perspective of life and lived experiences that they have to make accessible for people who share their heritage and for others wanting to learn more.
You received an Emmy for your portrayal of Zora Neale Hurston on PBS. Is acting a new pursuit for you, and do you plan to continue?
Acting is not new. I have been performing as Zora Neale Hurston for over two decades now. I performed in church as a small child and in high school plays. Teaching is certainly performance. Today’s students, especially, were raised on television, so they need to be “entertained” as they are taught. Developing pneumonic devices so students can remember the information presented in the classroom takes a bit of the same artistry and creativity that I use in performances – I try something, gauge student reactions, and if positive I repeat it, if not, I try something else. The goals is to help them to understand the information. If students understand, they will remember.
What drew you to teaching internationally and bringing English literature to students around the world?
There is a big world out there filled with people who surely want to know more about the American experience. I gladly share this with them. And as I teach . . . I learn.
What advice do you have for students who would like to follow in your footsteps?
Although I would be deeply flattered if any of my students told me they would like to follow in my footsteps, I would advise any one of them to chart their own paths. Their talents and goals are different from mine, and probably superior, so they need to develop their own means of achieving their goals.
How did UMKC prepare you for/contribute to your success?
My mother and grandmother repeatedly told me that the purpose of an education was to teach me how to learn. UMKC reinforced that. I learned that no matter what I decided to do with my life, or how I was to earn my living, that the basics were given to me. I just had to instill them and adapt them to my life’s choices.
Feb 21, 2024
President of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum (NLBM) Bob Kendrick shares the history of NLBM and the role it’s played in society
The African American Student Union (TAASU) Freedom Breakfast was created to commemorate the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr., promote unity and harmony within the UMKC community and celebrate people of all backgrounds and experiences.
This year marked the 33rd anniversary of the breakfast and included student performances.
Bob Kendrick, the president of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, was the keynote speaker this year. He spoke about the history of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, from its humble beginnings to the $25 million new museum campus that is expected to be completed by 2028.“Baseball is what started the ball of social progress rolling in our country,” Kendrick said. “The Negro Leagues gave women the opportunity, before the country gave women the opportunity to do things. It indeed was a pioneering league,” he said “They did not care what color you were, and they did not care what gender you were. It is wonderful to have a place where our children can enter and truly gain a better understanding and appreciation as to why diversity, equity and inclusion are valid pillars towards building respect in our society.”
“In this country, if you dare to dream, you believe in yourself, you can do or become anything you want to be. These baseball players dreamed about playing baseball, they did not know they were making history and did not care about making history. They just wanted to play ball. The pride, the passion and the determination that they displayed in the face of adversity, their story is not about the adversity, but rather what they did to overcome that adversity. This is a story that transcends race, it transcends age and it transcends gender.” Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas also spoke at the event.“Don’t be afraid to be proudly and exceptionally Black,” Lucas said. “We are changemakers on a university campus in Kansas City, where we are making a difference for our future.”“We need your voices making a difference. We need you all to make sure you are building the society of the future, that just doesn’t talk about equal opportunity, but lifts up our young people and lets them know about the pride and greatness they have within themselves.”
Feb 20, 2024
This American Heart Month, two UMKC faculty members discuss all things heart, both physical and emotional
For American Heart Month, we talked to cardiologist Tracy Stevens (M.D. '90), and licensed professional counselor Shantai McCray, M.A., L.P.C., about keeping our hearts feeling good, healing a broken (or damaged) heart and more.
Whether you plan to spend the holiday with your special someone or by taking part in some self-care, our two heart experts and UMKC faculty members can help make every day an opportunity to celebrate your heart, not just Valentine’s Day.
Stevens
Stevens is a professor of medicine at UMKC, a cardiologist and medical director of the Muriel I. Kauffman Women’s Heart Center. She found passion for all things heart when she was working as a physical therapist at Saint Luke’s Hospital’s cardiology rehab center, and decided to attend the UMKC School of Medicine’s four-year medical program.
“I still remain so grateful for the education and experience in my four years at UMKC,” she said.
She has been a champion of women’s heart health throughout her career, and is passionate about educating people about ways to keep their hearts healthy.
McCray
McCray originally planned to attend law school, and first became a family court case manager, where she found she had a gift for compassion and understanding. Her plans for law school were still in sight, but as she started her family she continued her work in the field of mental health, substance abuse and family services.
“At some point I had figured out that this is what I was supposed to be doing,” McCray said.
After earning a master’s degree in counseling, she started a private practice and eventually became an adjunct teacher in the psychology department at UMKC in 2022.
What does the average person need to know when it comes to taking care of our heart?
Stevens: It boils down to one word and it’s “discipline.” We can prevent traditional heart attack and stroke by 95% by engaging in lifestyle strategies. It’s what we know to do, we just aren’t doing it. Eat healthy. Think of a plate, not a platter. Half the plate is vegetables, a quarter fruit, a quarter protein. Just keep it simple. Stay active. You don’t have to be a maniac about exercise, but move. Do what you like to do and make yourself do it. Maintain ideal body weight, don’t smoke, limit alcohol and avoid prolonged sitting. Sitting is the new smoking and it’s killing us.
If we do those ideal lifestyle strategies, it reduces our risk by 95%. If you just pick two, you reduce your risk by 92%.
McCray: One of the things that I think is important both personally and in my position as a helper, is first, acknowledgment. Sometimes I feel like that is the biggest part of the battle, because we live in a society where productivity is key, and we continue to move and to go and to get involved and to be engaged, and there’s not enough focus. There hasn’t been enough focus on making sure that you’re okay so you can be at your best when you’re doing all these things. Just be in acknowledgment that there’s something going on, that you’re feeling something. It’s okay to feel it. Because we’re in this rat race, we don’t always stop.
I give the example of putting my feet on the floor in the morning and asking myself, ’Where am I?’ And not physically, but, where am I? What am I feeling? What do I need to do in order to get myself to a better place?
If we acknowledge it, then we can be prepared to work through it. If we push it to the side, that’s when it starts to build up and that’s when you start to have some of the larger issues.
What signs might indicate our heart isn’t in the best shape?
Stevens: If you’re stepping on the gas and now you can’t get the gas, you should think, “could this be my heart?” Anything exertional that limits you from the waist up. We think of a heart attack as the Hollywood holding-the-chest-clenched-fist visual. We don’t do a good job of asking about chest pain. It could not be chest pain but chest pressure. It could be indigestion, shortness of breath, pain between the shoulder blades, a toothache, elbow pain, dizziness. A symptom I worry about is new overwhelming fatigue. Anything from the waist up, including fatigue, that you can’t explain, you should ask, “could this be my heart?”
McCray: You know what it feels like to feel normal. When you notice you’re feeling abnormal or something’s off, you have to pay attention to that. If you’re in practice of checking in on yourself mentally or physically, then you have a better idea of what’s going on. If you aren’t accustomed to tapping into your emotions, you might be feeling something, but not able to recognize it.
So start with the mindset that, “Yep, I have feelings. They’re normal, and I need to be able to identify those. If I can do that, then I can do something about it before getting to a point where it's out of control.”
Let’s talk broken hearts. How can someone get back to feeling good?
Stevens: It’s never too late! We want to be on these healthy habits that reduce inflammation in our body. The anti-inflammatory lifestyle is of utmost importance, and it’s never too late to adopt healthy strategies.
McCray: Healing is not linear. You have to show yourself self-compassion and be really intentional about allowing yourself to feel. It is a process of grief when you’ve lost someone and it can be really impactful. Allow it to come when it does and don’t get into your head and judge yourself. That just adds to it.
The other thing I’ll say is still being intentional about connecting with people. As tough as it is, when your heart has been broken and trust has been compromised, connection still heals. Vulnerability begins connection. So even at your most vulnerable, you need that connection. Maybe it’s with a parent or a good friend. You can also connect with nature or a pet.
How can we help the people around us take care of their hearts too?
Stevens: It’s very sensitive, especially if you’re in a culture where people prepare food a certain way (with excess sodium or unhealthy eating habits). It’s hard to change, and disagreements break out when you try to change culture. It’s empowering people to understand that these lifestyle strategies make a difference. Even if you do just two. The best way to treat a heart attack is to prevent it. Being preventative is far easier up front than being reactive to crisis and chronic disease that could have been prevented.
McCray: When you’re talking about community, it’s just about being present. We live in a productivity-driven society, and we go and go and go. So, when we’re asking those questions and checking in with one another, if we are making eye contact and being sincere, then it allows people to feel safe to open up. If we allow ourselves to stop and really be present and intentional about connecting with one another, then we can start to reduce the stigma around emotions.
Feb 14, 2024
The School Of Science and Engineering Professor is a Certified Flight Instructor
Ahead of the Super Bowl LVIII, School of Science and Engineering Professor Mujahid Abdulrahim, Ph.D. decided to take his love for the Kansas City Chiefs to new heights with skywriting. The certified flight instructor drew out designs such as the Kansas City Chiefs logo and a heart with Travis Kelce's 87 in the middle to celebrate the tight end's relationship with Taylor Swift in the sky. His work was featured in the Kansas City Star, FOX4 KC and KMBC 9.
Feb 12, 2024
U.S. News ranks online master’s program 36th in the nation
The UMKC School of Nursing and Health Studies ranked No. 36 among the nation’s best online graduate programs by U.S. News & World Report.
According to Dean Joy Roberts, the school takes pride in the recognition for its online Master of Science (M.S.N.) program.“Our M.S.N. program has been well respected nationally, and highly ranked for decades due to the work of our faculty, staff and especially our students,” said Roberts. “Our graduates offer high-quality care and education to the people of Kansas City and across Missouri, as well as across the United States.”An early innovator in online graduate programs, this marks 12 consecutive years the program placed in the top 50. The ranking improved from No. 46 in 2023. The school’s many online offerings enable working registered nurses to continue to provide care in their communities, while preparing for the evolving and dynamic challenges of health care.Students in these programs participate in online discussions just as if they were present in the classroom. Technology offers two-way communication in real time via multiple modes. Students also receive on-site learning through summer institutes, where they attend clinical training or dissertation work sessions as well as deliver presentations to classmates and faculty. UMKC offers a variety of online graduate nursing tracks, including Master of Science in Nursing and other options:Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (A.G.N.P.)Family Nurse Practitioner (F.N.P.)Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (N.N.P.)Nurse Educator (N.E.)Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (P.N.P.) Primary Care and Acute-Care (A.C. P.N.P.)Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (P.M.H.N.P.)Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (W.H.N.P.)Ph.D.Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.)
Feb 07, 2024
History student gets opportunity to work with the Arrowhead Art Collection
Meghan Jaben (M.A. ’16), Interdisciplinary Ph.D. student in history, has a unique internship accomplishment.
“The Chiefs have won two Super Bowls since I’ve been here, and we get a Super Bowl ring as part of the organization,” Jaben said. “It’s awesome that we’re able to have this memory of such great seasons.”
GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium is not just a Kansas City icon. This season, the Chiefs announced an official partnership with UMKC that provides some truly unique opportunities to students just like Jaben.She got to work with the Arrowhead Art Collection, which houses multiple pieces of art throughout GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium . It began as part of the 2010 renovation. Every piece was made by an artist with a connection to Chiefs Kingdom.
Photo courtesy of Meghan Jaben
“I got the opportunity to come work with the collection through an internship with the UMKC history department,” Jaben said. “It’s a funded internship where they match you with an opportunity in the community.”In Jaben’s case, that opportunity was at the Kansas City icon, GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium . This would be a touchdown for any student’s career, but as a former college athlete, Jaben was particularly excited.“I watched sports growing up. I also played sports, so sports have been a really big part of my life,” Jaben said. “To be able to blend sports and art was the dream, so it’s been really fun.”Such an opportunity isn’t available to every college student. Jaben credits the proximity to the city.
“There’s huge value in being a student in the city where there are so many opportunities,” Jaben said. “There are alumni. There are community members to connect you. There are existing relationships with organizations that help a student who might not have those connections be able to branch out. Kansas City is full opportunities waiting for them.”
Feb 06, 2024
Students earn both degrees in four years, saving time and money while they get a jump on their careers
The Henry W. Bloch School of Management at the University of Missouri-Kansas City unveiled its newest program, More in 4, targeting a select, high-achieving group of students to receive generous scholarship dollars while accelerating their path to an MBA.
Accelerated MBA programs at other universities offer a five-year path to a master's degree. With More in 4, UMKC will provide a unique opportunity for students to earn two degrees - their bachelor’s and master’s in business - in just four years, saving students time and money.
“As Kansas City's business school, we're thrilled to offer students this opportunity to accelerate their education and jumpstart their careers,” said Brian Klaas, dean of the UMKC Bloch School.
The new program also aligns with UMKC’s track record as an institution committed to accelerating students’ degree pursuits, launching them more quickly into their desired careers. UMKC offerings include the nationally ranked six-year B.A. / M.D. Program at the UMKC School of Medicine and the 3 + 3 Program at the UMKC School of Law, among others.
"UMKC has a long, successful history with accelerated, combined degree programs," said UMKC Chancellor Mauli Agrawal. "Our commitment to providing new, first-class opportunities to our students is what makes us Kansas City's top university."
By earning their MBA, students open a world of career possibilities and a chance to sharpen critical thinking and communications skills while they gain business and leadership skills to advance their career more quickly. More in 4 also taps the vast business leadership network of Kansas City and the Midwest, offering up the real-world learning students are looking for today in a college experience, according to a recent article in Insider HigherEd.
Students who complete the More In 4 program will graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting or Bachelor of Business Administration as well as a Master of Business Administration.
Bloch alumni Nathaniel Hagedorn, founder and CEO of Northpoint Development, offered inspiration for the More in 4 program and sees it as an opportunity to build talent for the region.
“We are very grateful to Nathaniel Hagedorn for his very generous financial support of the scholarship program and also for his willingness to engage with and mentor program participants,” Dean Klaas said.
Feb 06, 2024
Diana Tamer worked with the African Access Initiative, which is targeting the cancer crisis in Africa
For Diana Tamer, Pharm.D., oncology is a calling. What fuels her passion for treating cancer comes from diverse places – from her first oncology patient to the health-care workers she trained in the Ivory Coast.
Her expertise in oncology pharmacy presented her with a unique opportunity last summer to train health-care workers in Africa through BIO Ventures for Global Health’s (BVGH) African Access Initiative. The initiative targets the growing cancer crisis in Africa by connecting international experts to health-care providers in Africa. By expanding access to provider expertise, the goal is to empower African health-care professionals to provide high-quality oncology care across the patient population.Tamer initially signed on to deliver an online lecture on oncology to health-care providers across Africa. As an expert in the field, creating an oncology lecture is old hat for her, but this particular training was a bit more complicated — it needed to be in French, the official language of several countries in Africa. Thankfully, Tamer grew up speaking French in her native country of Lebanon, but she hadn’t spoken the language regularly for many years. It would normally take her 20 hours to put together a new lecture. This ended up taking about 60.Although preparing the training would take a lot of work, Tamer had the full support of her colleagues in the Division of Pharmacy Practice and Administration. When she approached the chair of the department, Cameron Lindsey, Pharm.D., with the opportunity, Lindsey thought it was meant for Tamer.“The opportunity was perfectly matched for someone with Tamer’s expertise and her ability to communicate, coupled with her longstanding passion as an educator and pharmacist,” Lindsey said. “Her local and national impact on cancer prevention, screening and treatment is well known, and it enabled the training of so many people across the globe while elevating the health of patients in the region.”Nearly 150 health-care providers, including nurses, oncologists, physicians and pharmacists from 27 African countries attended the online lecture. Tamer’s lecture lasted an hour and 15 minutes, but she stayed on the call for another 90 minutes answering questions. “They were really thirsty for knowledge, and they really wanted to make a difference,” Tamer said. “When you see that as a professor, it makes you want to give even more.”In preparing for the lecture, Tamer began to see an alarming trend in these African countries that spoke to what she is passionate about in health care.“Cervical cancer rates are high in Africa,” Tamer said. “It’s killing a lot of women. Young women with kids and families —and it breaks my heart.”From that point forward, Tamer was all in. There was an in-person training already scheduled in the Ivory Coast in July 2023, and she wanted to help out. To make that happen, she cut short a vacation to Lebanon.
“I am in academia because I feel that I can impact more cancer patients by passing on my knowledge to my students,” Tamer said. “I’ve always dreamt of helping places that lack access to high quality health care, so this was an opportunity of a lifetime. I was going to do everything to make it happen.”For the in-person training, Tamer worked for weeks in tandem with BVGH and a fellow oncology pharmacist in Canada, Charles Collin. The three worked together for weeks developing the specialized training. They went separately to the Ivory Coast, with Collin traveling to Africa first, and Tamer and the BVGH team arriving two weeks later. They communicated frequently during Collin’s time in the Ivory Coast, and soon realized their training would need to be drastically reworked.“As soon as Charles got on the ground, we realized what the situation was there,” Tamer said. “They wanted us to advance clinical pharmacy services, but basic pharmacy services needed to be developed first.”Over the next two weeks, she reworked the entire training to outline many of the best practices that are the norm in oncology pharmacy and infusion centers in the United States. From doctor-pharmacist communication to safety measures handling oncology medications, Tamer went over everything that health-care professionals expect in a modern clinical oncology pharmacy setting.Once she arrived in the Ivory Coast, she presented training to 20 health-care workers eight hours a day for three straight days.“I’ve never talked this long in my life,” Tamer said. “Typically, on the days I teach for a few hours at UMKC, I am wiped out for the rest of the day.”But Tamer was not done after the day-long training. Once she finished lecturing, she spent her evenings tweaking her teachings with things she learned that day. She toured facilities, including hospitals, cancer center and pharmacy. As time went on, the health-care providers started opening up to Tamer, providing her with a more complete picture of where their health-care system stands. On her last day, the doctors on site invited her to present her findings and outline how they could work at the government and hospital level to fill in the gaps they have compared to modern clinical pharmacy practice in countries like the United States. Tamer continues to work with the BVGH team to develop and complete a post-visit report exploring opportunities for improved oncology pharmacy services there as well as improved cancer patient treatments and outcomes. Tamer’s hard work is much appreciated by the health care workers who took her training, like Dr. Eunice Adouko, a pharmacist at the Alassane Ouattara National Radiotherapy Center in the Ivory Coast“BIO Ventures for Global Health’s oncology pharmacy training has been a high-quality initiative to improve the knowledge and skills of pharmacists, practitioners, technicians, and nurses in cancer centers,” Adouko said. “Thanks to Dr. Diana Tamer and Charles Collin, we now have excellent resources in terms of cancer treatment.”When Tamer began her oncology career at AdventHealth Shawnee Mission Cancer Center in 2017, her passion for the field took root with her first two patients. On her first day at the center, Tamer had two patients begin treatment for cervical cancer. The two women were in their early 30s, and Tamer developed a close bond with both. One of the women would go on to survive, but the second patient did not. Tamer treated the latter for four years, trying non-traditional clinical treatments and pushing to get her patient in sought-after clinical trials. This was at the height of the COVID pandemic when many health-care workers were under incredible stress.“Before she died, she told me, ‘Promise me you will never quit what you are doing, and you will continue to make a difference in people’s lives,’” Tamer said. “I did promise her that, and I told her that people like her make me want to continue doing what I’m doing despite all of the challenges. “And that’s what drove me to go to help in Africa as well.”
Tamer was recently featured in an Advent Health Shawnee Mission piece, titled, "Keeping Her Promise."
Feb 05, 2024
More than 1,500 students recognized
Here at UMKC, we understand that excellence takes time and energy. It requires commitment and tenacity to push through the harder times. During the Fall 2023 semester, 1,516 of our undergraduate and professional students made the Dean’s List.
This is an incredible academic accomplishment. Students must complete a minimum full-time program of 12 graded hours and meet their individual unit’s GPA threshold to qualify for the Dean’s List. These students showed what it meant to take pride in their academic success. If you know someone who made the Fall 2023 list, make sure you congratulate their achievement!
Below are the Dean’s Lists for the Fall 2023 semester.
Conservatory
Ciel BackusBrett BoyerIsabella BrownRiley BuckWilliam ClippardAurora ConroyNathan CoveyElsa DickersonFrancesca FarinaCameron GurssJackson HarrisonHadley JarvisGalen KroegerGrace LaughtonSantino LicameliAbby MauldinSarah McguyerZoe MeinsKendal MeyerMichelle NelsonChin NukulvutthiopasAshley NunezDavid OosseDillon PottsRozlynn RichertMicah Ruiz EsparzaHenry ScamurraEmily SchutzelWhitney SchweigerCrew ShaferMia SparksElla StottsThomas WelnickZach WestMaddie WilliamsBrady WolffManyi WuJohn Zhu
Henry W. Bloch School of Management
Sarah AbdelgaderSasha AhmadKaitlyn AllcornParker AllenKeilyn Alvarado-OrtegaSophia AmesBrenna ArmstrongJoshua AsfawLeena AssafCamden BakerRobin BaltersJack BeardDarren BemissIsrael BerhanuLessly BerriosAndrew BetzEzra BottsJulianne BromagenAubrey BrownJack ButtsMael CaissonMak CaldwellCarlos CamachoStefano CamerlengoAutumn CampbellJoel CamposJacobi CapletonJose CardosoChandler CarterBrianna CarterQuinn CavinHenry CharlesYan ChenXuyuzhi ChengOlga CherniavskaChris ChiSatori ClosserWen CloughMadi CochranBrevyn ColeMatthew CollingsBraeden ConnellyZach CoonCassidy CooperCaroline CooperBrie CoxZaylee CoxAllie CrawfordMackenzie CroleyAbby CrooksToby DaleyDaniel DavalosPaola DavisNicole DavisTarrin DeayonSarah DeckerSeth DenbowAshton DevinPardeep DhillonAdriana Diaz LeguilluKannon DillaboughKelvin DinhArnela DzilicGreta EbersoleAbbi EllermanClayton ErhardKendall ErnzenLuke FacinelliMesa FalleurMiguel Fernandez NovasSebastian FloresSydnee FlowersCaroline FoellerLuke FosterJesse FrazierFrancis Reynald GatdulaAki GebreFathi GeelleCelina GentaKiera GodseyBryson GoschJohn GosseBlane GrayDaniel GutgesellSaid HajiLily HayChris HayterMorgan HeimsothGriffin HerSophie HernandezDeya HernandezKenya Hernandez-LopezClaire HicksJosh HinkleLucero HinojosSophia HoKatie HollarJoshua HoodBryce HortLibby HortonXiaoyan HuKiki HuangCaleb HubertDavante HudsonJessica HuynhSeungwoo ImEmily ImesOlga IvanovaParker JohnsonLiam JoyceTyler KalmRirika KamimuraCiara KaneSarah KannenbergNavi KaurSukhmun KaurGrace KertzJackson KingEmma KratzSamuel KrauseAnna KruegerTaylor KvaleBrooklyn LammersShfeo LarJordan LaubLily LefferdKatie LemonIsaac LetschSophia LimongiWeijia LiuYijun LiuCyrus LoarHope LockeEmily LongEric LopezAdriana Lopez-JuradoBojia LuCassandra LudwigAvery MarsdenZoey MarshallMia Matthews-BeavenMorgan McginnisCharles McGrawLeah McIntyreMyles MeadJason MearsIvonee MejiaMcKenna MestasHunter MiesnerKai MillerAmber MillsHayden MitchellTiara MoraDonovan MurnieksShayla MurphyJami NaranjoMarissa NeuerAnthony NguyenKim NguyenVivian NguyenAnh NguyenJustin NguyenQuan NguyenRyan NguyenZach NicholsDylan O'BrienTengis OchirbatAndrew O'DellCameron OesterleNoelia OlivaresFernando OlivaresJavier Olivares BurgosJoshua OliverAlice OropezaMcKenna ParsonsDeesha PatelSahil PatelKrina PatelElyse PayneSydney PedersonSavannah PeisertMarlon Perez-MoralesMya PhamHuynh PhanTara PopeEthan PotterSarah PottsDunia QakeiCassandra QueralJose QuintanaKeenan RandolphChase RedingtonRuben ReyesRiley RhoadsMicaela RichardsGabby RiegelVanessa RomeroJessica RomeroJazmin RomoDevon RoweAndy Sanchez-ColatoAlex SantoroKevin SarmientoMaggie SchoemehlDaniel SchwallerAvari SchwenkRyan ScottRiLeigh ScottLiddy ScuratoJesse SerranoMizki ShireMaggie SilvyMags SimmonsGabrielle SimmsEve SkilesKaity SmithLexy SmithPhilip St. JohnEmily SteinbeckMiriya StilesEvan StonerKristen SwartsRaivion TaylorWhitney TaylorGavin TewErin ThessenSivkan ThindDrew ThompsonKaelyn ThompsonKyler TickleAnastassiya TimofeyevaMandy TranMae TuschmanBrooke TwaddleAlex UnsethStacia UtleySteven VuYue WangPaige WerremeyerTristin WhittonMarissa WilliamsLance WillyardBen WilsonEmma WoodTianzhao XuIvy YangGrace YuYing ZhuLauren Zoller
School of Dentistry
Ahmad AlhoutiAli AliMichael AllisonFares AlsafarNeil BoesCamden ChastainMegan DartDrake DuganGiovanni FerraroJason FirthShelbi FlahautIsabella FriemelThomas GareCasey GeddesMichael GimottyJackson GlynnSeth HofheinsNaima IbrahimChristopher JohnsonCole JohnsonTia KahwajiElizabeth KiefnerAnastasia KruegerPeyton KusgenKaylee KytasaariRobbie MauGabby MertzEthan NettlerAnh NguyenKylie NicholsMichelle PalmerK-Leigh PappasRiley PerelesQuinten ReasonerMatthew RodriguesKatie RoeAdam SattlerHailey SchlupAmy SchmiemeierHadley SchreinerMackenzie SimpsonLauren SlavensDiana StepanovaJustin SurberJaiden TaggartSaxon TeubnerJuliana TomitaJacob TrammellMatthew WahleClaire WaughEdward Wun
School of Education, Social Work and Psychological Sciences
Bahsan AbdiShams AlarthyElla AlexanderRayan Al-HamdiReena AlshalabiRosa Alvarado-RodriguezGenesis Amaro VenturaConnor AthearnMadison AtkinsIsabella BamnolkerAlyssa BarbeeAdelin BaynumCharlie BellAmna BilalElaina BlodgettJo BoosmanJaylie BuiJenna BulgerErica BurnettAlex BurneyLucy Cardenas VargasMargaret CarsonEileen ChangAngie ChavezMariah ChavezAva ChinnockEmily CollierRobin ConradKelsee CorbinPaige CorderoJaret CourterMartha DelatorreYico DengLaura DickinsonZach DomvilleMaleah DowntonEverett DufurKennedy DuncanAlex DunhamJennifer EnyeribeKatelyn ErceKimberly EscobedoOlivia FesslerCamille FryGio GiangrossoAlison GilbertSadie GilesGrace Gomez-PalacioNaomi GontermanAbby GuzmanEllie HackerMae'Kenya HallMyles HardyLydia HarterMayerli HerreraRaeli HowertonKatie HudsonJordan JacksonAmanda JamesAndria JersettNicholas JohnstonMattea JonesMya JonesSunita KalikoteCaroline KeithleyLyba KhawarMikaylah KingAbby LogsdonAlyssa LopezErin MagelJess MajhorGracie MalicoatNathan ManningKatherine MasonLaura McClaflinJamie McCleadHeather McCoyCheyenne McGaryBrianne McGovernMichael McGroskyKate McKownMaya MillerBrenna MorganConfi MuhozaAlex NelsonJessica NguyenAndra OkoyeSamantha PanznerLauren ParkerNatalie PeaceLily PriceRonnie QuickCurtis RadakovichRakiah RichardsonJacqueline RiveraAlanie RiveraValencia RodriguezAdeline RogersTara RossIsabella SalinasPaige SanfordCandy SarresAlyssa SchulzAmina ShahNeeti SiddiqueNoah SimsAdriana SpanglerAbigail SwansonAndrew TraceyAnnie TranLandrea Van MolMeaghan VandeheyGabi VandenburgEllery VaughnRah'ki WalkerLydia WeaverAdelaine WeidlerDallas WelchNoah WerremeyerSean WesselIsaia WilcoxenRenika WilliamsKy WilliamsGrace WilsonHenry Witt
School of Humanities and Social Sciences
Natalie AdermannAshley AllemannElizabeth AllenDanielle AltschulEsli Alvarado-IslasTaylor AndersonAlbania AndradeAshley AppleberryDaniela Arzabala LopezKaylee BaggerlyIsabella BakerAmelia BaldwinAndi BasaloKaya BeitzLogan BeltKashauna BerryKaitlyn BerryHeather BerryKayla BiggsEmily BlackMaisy BlantonMatt BollinTracey BradfordElyse BredfeldtMaddy BremerBridger BrockmanChanah BrownVictoria BrownSydney BrownKate BrummundGrace CarrYessica CasaresAugustine CaytonOlivia ChristensenJocelyn ClarkChristina CloughGrace CoganMorgan ColeMichael CollingsDestanie CollinsAbby ConnorSalome ConteronOlivia CottonJami CoxLuke CozadJay CravensDaze Creamer-EllecampPidge CrozierLilah Crum BarnhillAdelina CurielAaliyah DanielsLilith DavisAshley DavisStephanie DonovanPaul DurlandRachel EricksonAlexandrea ErismanViolet EsquivelLilly EstradaNoah FanslerMikayla FarageSam FaulhaberRae FellDaisy FergusonMachaela FordNicole ForysKelly FuentesLiliana GonzalezZachary GraggRebekah GrantDoris GravesOscar GrisNatalya GruzdAndy GuzmanYasmeen HanonHaylee HarrellIsabel HarrymanMichael HaynesGrace HeathLogan HendersonYency Hernandez-SanchezSarah HerndonMelissa HerreraKatarina HillBen HillearyLauren HirningSamuel HitchcockPhillip HoDavid HolmesPeyton HowardAmy HurleyEmily JacobsJustin JangFaduma JarikEmily JohnsonChance JohnsonSidney JohnsonParker JonesCerylean JonesDaniel JonesHugo Juarez AvalosLetty KaiserKat KalfayanTeayom KarimpourianKatelyn KaysCaiden KeenErynn KellGrant KendallSarah KirkMackenzie KlausJoshua KoopsMaddie KovarikSydney KramerLauren KreiselSara KronawitterJack KrzykowskiEliott LabethAdam LansdownJulien Le BourdoulousSam LendoHallie LewisBenjamin LewisRayvon LewisHannah LeyvaNoah LibowitzDayton LittleHennessey LopezEvie LozanoMaggie MaennerLauren MageeMayzie MangosLilah ManningScott ManuelGabby Marin CastanedaAlexandra MattssonCatie McArthurKiara McCreaFelicia McDonaldAli McKeeAubrionna MeadJuan MedranoNick MehnGeorge MendezItzel MendezEbele MgbemenaKale Marie MichaelGrace MillerWren MillerYasmina MokhtarCatherine MonaghanJose MontoyaKenney Monzon BrunoJay MooreMaddie MurphySamuel NagyAreeba NaseerJosie NewmanJessie NguyenJackson OgdenKanyon OlberdingMichelle Oliva-EspinosaAsh OnstottSarah ParkReece ParkerJordan PaxtonCaitlin PickertMegan PilegeElizabeth PorrittArthur QualmanTheo RaitzerJack ReavesAdam ReedCheyenne ReeseJacob ReevesManuel RiveraNovalee RiveraRogelio RodriguezJoslyn RossOlivia RubioBrooke RuppThessa RyanJoy RyanJouhel SalinasAbby SanduskyEmma SauerNeal SawyersEmma SaylerIsabelle SchroederAdriana SegovianoVictor SewankamboDelaney ShieldsKowthar ShireJoe SimmonsZa'Carriah SimmonsMolly SloanHarry Soper PlazaHenry SowellVincent SpriggsBenjamin SpringerReagan StarkAydan StiglerEvan StolbergPeyton StremmelJazlyn SummersTristan SupernawTennessee TaffnerHannah TawneyDa'Mya ThomasJulia ThompsonKimberly Torres-VelaSophia TrudeHannie TruongAllBright TunMichaela Vanden HullJacob VanzantCamille VerhoevenCatie WalkerAmber WaltersKeegan WatkinsAbigail WeilerDylan WelchElla WhitfieldSeneca WhortonAlexander WildtAbram WilliamsVictor WilliamsLainey WillisBrynn WinklerThistle WolfLeigh WoodyGrace WorkmanIsabella Yennie
School of Law
Kit AdderholtLoulya AlabedAllee ArmitageShep AronKelsy AustwickSidney Bach-NormanBailey BakerOlivia BanesJuliana BartoliAshley BartonMary BellRaef BellBekah BerardiCameron BerryOlivia Bess-RhodesOtto BoschReema BounajemBrent BoydJulia BreukelmanNaomi BuieEthan BureshKarima BurnsJason CantrellJosie CareyRachel CarrJohn CastelloAshley CerrentanoBrian ChristianAndrew ClarkPayton ClousePhilip ColeMakenna CopelandAshley CornishBobbie CrewTaylor CullenMegan CurrieSamantha CusumanoMegan DeanAlexus DeanTrinity DelaneyAlex DeLucaAlexis DennyEmily DesbienKendall DillonEmma Kate DillonSofia DominguezAnna DonaldsonJosie DostalJacques DoughertyChristopher DouglasMaria DunnYara DuranAlec EbersoleMatthew EblenErica EdmistenJacob EisenhauerJackson ElderWilson EllisLukas FieldsCarson FinkSamantha FisherMartina FloridoNatelee ForbesBrian FordLexie FoxJustice FrankeKit FrazenTaylor FreundKersten FrostDanny GamezJulie GastErika GreerMatthew GrimaldiLillian HallJakob HalphinSpencer HashagenCorbin HealyGrant HeimanCatherine HenneEmma HeroldLiam HeuselTorri HicksBen HobstetterHans HodesCliff HollyWyatt HoughGrant HouskeJulia HowellLukas HudsonAlison HuffMatthew HyattOlivia JabaleyKaylee JacobsonElizabeth JanneyTara JanowskiLogan JeffersNoah JohnsonNathan JohnsonJared JohnstoneIan JonesMargaret KellstromEmma KingCole KingsleyAlec KirwanKaren KutninkSalenna LaffoonShelbie LangfordNick LangsdaleJustin LarsonLauren LawsonJacob LeamonJilliane LewisSara LewisLauren LipariLilly LucasErin LynchMadeline MannBrad MatteuzziLauren McFailBruce Mena-SierraAlexandra MiddlecampKaleb MillerBailey MoffettAnna MooreBrett MordecaiMaureen MurphyHannah MurphyJacob NiemeyerKendal NilgesThomas NocitaSam NultonAustin OhnmeisAnnMarie OrlandoReid ParkerShivani PatelSamuel PetersonEmma PiazzaKirsten PintoAustin PolinaKaylee PopejoyLeslye QuintanillaAriel Nicole RecaldeJohn RellihanErin RichardsChance RiddleJessica RigbyAddison RockersChristopher RogersEmma RomanoMichael RoseTaylor RumseyDana SamaniegoClaire SchallenbergRhiannen SchneiderKloe SchnellRobert SchwindAshley SegniboMadelyn SeleyMadison SelfMargaret SelfJoel SenJarrett SextonAdina ShabazzOlga ShupyatskayaHaley SirokmanJoseph SkojacHelene SlinkerLiudmila SloanKyle SmithSage SmithCait SpackmanWill SpeidelAndrew StaffordJoseph SteinbacherNichole StewartKaylee StillieLaura StinglEllen StingleyColby StoneBenton StrongAnna Syptak-WelchMaxson TechauGabrielle ThurnMegan TiedeReece TreasureNika TsiklauriGiorgi TsivtsivadzeAnna VanBuskirkWilliam VanceElias VaoifiJohn ViewAlex VillalobosRobert WaldMatthew WalkerSeth WalkerStephanie WaxmanSamantha WhiteKyle WhiteBrennan WhittKevin WiseIan WisemanCalli WisemanThomas WolffBryce WolffRegan WoodKristin WoolumsConnor WorksWilliam Youngs
School of Medicine
Youssef AbouelelaMaanvi AggarwalLaila AlhajeriShayaan AnisTharika ArunkumarMeha AsirAnam AzimRiya BhatMira BhatiaAlex BoydEthan ChaShreya ChalapalliQasim ChohdryTochi EzeanolueMallory GardKeshav GhanekarEllie GiraDevan GirishMaddie GrimesShekhar GugnaniMason HawleyRayney HeldMarc HermanEvan HuangSarah IllimoottilMira IyerFahad JamalAJ JenkinsJulia JoseJeshna KaparthiAmanuel KifleSindhuja KudapaNeha KumarAnnalise LawlorLeo LiuKushi MadduruPriyanka MahadevGyan MalaniKenna MarlingGovind MenonAnthony MishrikyDaniel MoftakharYeanna MoonPhoebe MurphyCarla NemerEthan NguyenAratrika PalAarti PalaniappanRiya ParikhVani PatelRonit PatelMeirah PaulUma PillaiPrecious PlaisimeLeya PogueArushi RaiNeeti ReddyMuzzammil SalauJoel SetyaAnanya SharmaAhad SheikhNikitha ShethKoda ShivelyLiana StowellSid SuvarnaNatalie SwampillaiDiana TranEthan VillasenorCece WattsMarley WoodfordJames WorthamJustin WuGauri Yadav
School of Nursing and Health Studies
Yaretzy Aguirre CamachoFaduma AhmedHiba AlterjalliTheresa AlvarezKeeley AtkinTami AyegboBreegan BarnettJudy BattsElauni BennettAvery BradyCaroline BrandtAmelia BreuerMattea BrooksAnnMarie BucksbeeSkyler BurkeAlivia CalvertAlex CarreonKayla CoatesEmily CrainLydia CripeKoy CrockettMackenzie DaltonKayla DansbyKelsey DavisBrylee DierkingBree DowdyNouran ElhiweejLyric EwingNaomi EyanaghoNonso EzeTia FieldsFatima FierrosToni FraizerEllyssa GallingerKatelyn GendronCarly GillenRayna GivhanKatelyn GoochSophia GranthamLeah GreenwaldJuli GutierrezAshley HannersZahra HassanZowie HayesChloe HazzardHalle HeerenKatie HegerBritney HernandezVanessa Hernandez ValdezNatasha HillardCecelia HinesGlenne HinkleJohana Infante MaganaJonn JacksonEmily JacksonAnna JenningsLily JohnsonAislinn JorgeJalen JuanKayla JumpKali KahlerGabby KatzMeik KernsCamryn KorteAmber KwonMayson LaneTiri LaneyBridget LindKatelynne LittleAspen LivengoodDanielle MakaraMichael MaloneyJane MasseyKudzai MazhouRafia MehmoodAshley MillerCierra MitchellBrooke MuehlingBrianna MyersJoy NevarezNatalie NguyenKristina NguyenAshley NguyenChristine NguyenKatie NobleCrystal OdugweBritney OdugweAilin OrtizKimberly OstmannTaylor OswaldMadison PageBrittany ParkerDaevion ParkerKelly Perea InestrozaKassandra PerezEvonna PhelpsLexi PribylSydney RhodesJeffrey RodriguezSydney RogersShannon RoseEmina SarajlicOlivia SoursQuinn SpearAdreanna StarnesRiley StehlikKarsyn StehlikElizabeth SteppBrooke TannerSarah ThalkenJenny TranBethany VandenburgKadin VireCaden VoGrace WaldeierMaleah WestBailee WestonKamara Winda
School of Pharmacy
Brooke AtchisonSharon BaskaranKayla BondBryce BortkaMaddie EppleMarian FrizzellJoshua HendersonHaley HernandezVincent IrwinElla KemmMaya KivistoJaeni LeeBryce LucasPayton NeubauerTam NguyenHailey OeschJoseph SalazarSavannah SchludeRachel SkoskyJohn StriblingTraeten ThorellTommy TranWill WhiteLauren YoungbloodJefferson Zhong
School of Science and Engineering
Aymen AbboodSalma AbdelrahmanHashim AbdullaMohsen AbdulrahmanAnar AgayevAryan AhirHafsa AhmedRashid Al GhailaniSadia AlamSaleh AlameeriSuleyman AlasgarliAhmed AlbarwaniAmmar AlbeloushiLulu AldarweeshKalkidan AlemayehuHanna AlemuFahad AlfarhanSulaiman AlhammadiAbdulrahman AlhammadiMohammed AlharbiEkram AliHamad AlkhameesMouada AllanAbdulwahab AlmatouqCarlos Alonzo CordonYousef AlqallafNadeen AlsalmanAli AlsulaimanMeshari AlsuwaidanKhaled AlthunayanBrandon Alvarez De La CruzDivenderjit Amarjit SinghErica AmelunkeEmma AngleAbrahim AnsariNicolas AponteHalena Aquino-DunkinSami ArcherJeremiah ArthurKatrina AsistidoJamileh AssafIbrahim AssafKali AughinbaughBenny AulnerKeeli AustinJeremiah BaezaErin BakerJosh BalinoDylan BallLaith BanyalmarjehDrew BarcelonaKailynn BarntJadyn BauerLucy BeckenbachLuke BeckerAaron BeckmanYeabsira BelaynehTrevor BellClay BelzAmgad BenkhadraSarah BensahriSalma BensahriLogan BeshearsEthan BessetteMeghana BhumireddyAlex BiglerMikenna BirdEmma BjornstadRobert BlackburnTessa BlytheMaggie BoleyElizabeth BondKate BoosmanAiman BoullaouzRyann BowmanWyatt BoydGrace BrandnerMary BreauDylan BrollSharli BrownJasmine BrownJennifer BrownBela BrowningBraunson BrownsbergerChamberlain BrownsbergerRiley BruceJulia BrunoJaden BruscatoZaina BsataLindsey BuehlerJessica BurkhartJack BurnosAnna BurnsKayla BushartKaitie ButlerMarcus ButlerKyle ButlerSamuel BuxtonCooper BuzbeeYuqing CaiLilyan CalandrinoJuan CalderonLupe Campos-SotoOlivia CarlsonAustin CassDonovan CastanedaKristine Isha CastilloJosh CastroNoah ChapmanJessica ChaseXingyu ChenYumiko ChenBetelhem CherieMichael ChiPaul ChmelirBrandon ChongIteara ChristianCatherine ChrobakGrace ChurchCameron CiancioloCody ClarkEmily ClarkBrayden ClarkConnor ClarkMichael ClaussLexi CliftMarissa ColmarRiley ConnorsBridgit ConwayCitlalinzi Cortes TorresKarina CoxSarah CrawfordJarod CriderPrincess CullomAndrew CustisJacob CutlerMuzan DaffaallahMohammed DaghmoushMichael D'AgostinoEthan DangLily DangGrace DangAbdulaziz DarweeshAustin DavidCaitlyn DavisNicholas de RaadRJ DedertTim DeGraffenreidSheyda DehghaniKopelyn DeLongNoah DevlinAissatou DialloGaby Diaz LeguilluJohnny DiepSeth DinslageHaindavi DirisalaLydie DjibaKhoa DoLan DoAnh DoanBrock DobbieAleigha DollensPorter DombrowskiMika DonelsonAbigail DotyDakota DouglasLogan DudleyKaia DunfordBrian DuongMichael DurandSilas DuvallMason EarlyReed EasonRayaan EkilahMohamed ElgasimNaomi EmersonJoe EppersonEuropa EstabrookMichael FamurewaLauren FergusonChristina ForbesDavid ForsonKylan FosterSymone FranksMichael FrazierDylan FrazierKevin FrazierConner FreeoufAlejandra Frias FraireNolan FroeseHenry FrommerPeyton FryNicholas GaitanPavan GantaWilliam GarayChad GardnerSai Charan GarrepallyLauren GarrettJay GaskellRediet GebreJosh GehrMatthew GerstnerAlex GhasemiGianna GiarraputoSirat GillAmber GillaniJeffrey GillumCesar GinerMary GipsonDiego GiraldoKyle GoodmanBrandon GouvionLance GrabmillerJackson GrantSophie GreenSam GriffinSeth GrishamAutumn GuptaPhan HaTrey HallAmanda HammStephen HangeJosh HarraldBethany HartNathaniel HartmanAlina HasanRuweyda HassanDominic HeaterMackenzie HebererRoe HendricksJohnny HeosSam HermanSelena HerreraCassie HerringBrooke HigginsMason HilgenkampCassidy HillBenjamin HillRegina HoKevin HoNgocTien HoangTrenton HoeflickerIzzy HogelinTanner HoilandKona HudsonTimothy HuffAndy HumphreyCollin HunterThomas HusmannDaniel HuynhChristine HwangGavin HystenAisha IbitoyeAbram InmanAhpelonia IoanisMaisha IslamHiba IssawiLillie JacobsDania JacubMorgan JamesGuntas JammuHanan JanJocelyn Jarquin GarciaMohammad JarradTerrence JayJudah JerlsGrayson JohnstonKevin JonesJuliana JosephJessica JosephDaniel JumpTyler KaiserGouri KallanagowdarTyler KaminskiLillian KamlerEkjoatroop KaurAidan KaysDavid KeltnerSydney KennedyCharles KeysJack KeysWaleed KhaleelRahhaf KhalilShree KhambekarAamna KhanSean KhanWei Shen KhooSydney KingGabe KingdonAubry KleinsorgeMary KleneCarolyn KnappMadison KoesterAnton KoleciKevna KonduruSai Lakshmi KotaBrylie KovarGabriel KribbsMatthew KunkleMaddie KunzJack KurtzThao LamMichaell (Michelle) LarkinAnthony LeThien Phu LeAlicia LeKim LeAusten LeckbeeDavid LeeMick LeinbachSomark LenkaTroy LeonardCat LewinBrett LewisJohn-Charles Lile-HenleyDevin LinMatt LindboeJordan LindererOlivia LittleBishop LohmanMakayla LongEstrella LopezNatalia LopezDaniel LoveAlex LyAliyah LyonsLisa MachLuke MalcomAtlas MallamsSavanah ManionEvan MarleyGrace MarquardtCorey MarrsSidney MartinYasamin MashayekhiZavier MattsonAleena MazharJosh McAnerneyAmaya McBrideTrinity McCannIsabelle McCarthyMichael McCormackEvan McDanielMike McDonoughClayton McGinnisNicholas MckenzieKayla McKnightGrace McKownSamantha MedleyFinn MeggittHamza MehidiVanessa MenzAva MetcalfBethlehem MezemirBryce MillerEthan MillerBrooks MillerMadyson MinkerSalman MirzaMadison MitchellNina MitchellJaxen MitchellDevin ModdeGenova MongaloKaylee Monroy RiverosMaddie MooreLuke MooreKatelyn MooreElizabeth MooreTrenton MooseMariana MoralesBerenice Moreno-PerezPeter 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University College
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If a student's name does not appear on the list, please direct questions to the appropriate school or college.
Feb 05, 2024
Erin Hambrick is changing the way we understand childhood trauma
Did you know people can experience growth after traumatic events? Erin Hambrick, Ph.D., is looking into how people have the ability go through trauma at a young age and all come out with different responses.
Last year, Hambrick’s work was chosen among hundreds of articles, and she was selected to be an inaugural speaker at Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) Aware to discuss her paper. The ACEs Aware initiative is a first-in-the nation effort to screen patients for Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) to help improve and save lives.
What is your area of expertise?
I’m a clinical child psychologist. I specialize in children’s exposure to adversity; specifically, how the timing, nature and severity of the negative experience can affect their development throughout the lifespan. I also study how positive experiences can be used to intervene and help children resume a more positive developmental trajectory.
What is the focus of your research?
My lab really zeroes in on how we can use what we know about what happened to a kid to inform how we might intervene. Some of what we do is longitudinal studies, where we’ll look and see what happened to kids and how it affects their long-term experience. We also work with therapeutic preschools and community-based agencies, to assess life experiences that kids have had. We help them understand what to expect in terms of how long treatments take, particularly what social supports and protective factors we really need to shore up for the child before we might expect the interventions to begin working.
What led you to this field of study?
Early in my study, I was really interested in the way people had the ability to experience hardship and get through it. Why is it that some people can go through really extreme circumstances and either come out okay, or even exhibit some growth? We obviously know that adversity and trauma can lead to many negative outcomes that we want to prevent, but it doesn’t always do that. So, I’ve been very interested in why is it that we have this differential response, and how we can learn more about it so that we can help more people get through traumas and adversities.
What is your research paper about?
An open question for some time has been the relative impact of when adversity happens during a child’s development. I think for a long time we really haven’t appreciated that severe, chronic and unrelenting stress even during the first few months of life is not only impactful but might be more impactful than stressors or experiences later. So, this paper was perhaps the first to show that chronic and unrelenting exposure to adversity during the first two months of life have a more pervasive and negative impact on children’s developmental trajectories than adverse experiences later in life.
What do you wish more people know about your research?
To me the number one message is how powerful, positive early life relationships can set children up for success. The most exciting part is that we are talking about stuff everyone can do. We’re talking about feeding a baby when its hungry, regulating a baby’s temperature and smiling at a baby when it wakes up. However, we probably will need some systems changed, to make those basic realities available to all children. I wish people knew just how important those early moments are but also just how capable we are as a society in doing what it takes to give kids a positive start.
Why is your research important to understand?
The reason why early exposure to extreme stress and relational poverty is so impactful is how fast our brains are developing in response to our environment in those early days. Our very first experiences set our neural “templates” for the way the world works. If we are bathed in stress in our early days, then our stress responses strengthen and grow while the parts of our brain that help us grow and develop are kind of put on hold. Therefore, with early life adversity and relational poverty, we often see global deficits in sensory processing, cogitation, self-regulation, other relational skills and more.
Feb 01, 2024
Kevin Willmott shares earlier history of ‘Becoming Martin’
Academy Award winner Kevin Willmott was the guest speaker for this year’s Martin Luther King Jr. Lecture.
Willmott, the writer of critically acclaimed films such as “CSA: The Confederate States of America,” “Chi-Raq” and “BlacKKKlansman,” spoke about how a young sociology student would become the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.
Tamara Falicov, dean of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, was excited to welcome back her long-time colleague for the 15th instance of this annual campus event.
“Kevin is an inspired filmmaker, with a collaborative spirit and dedication to this region,” Falicov said.
Based on the research conducted for his play “Becoming Martin,” Willmott shared the little-told history of King as a college student and the people around him, especially the minister Benjamin Mays and King’s own father, who inspired him to create a legacy that has inspired so many others.
“Anybody who achieves anything, it’s always about the people who helped you along the way,” Willmott said.
Students across UMKC came out to hear Willmott speak.
“I had heard of him as a filmmaker,” said Elliott Smith, an urban planning and economics student. “It’s great how he extrapolated the history to reflect the culture of the time and made it relatable.”
“I was impacted, as a younger listener, how he compared the tragedies of the 60s to modern tragedies we have experienced in our time,” said Taylor Trudell, a student in environmental science“The examples really put it all in perspective for how to get stuff done.”
The full lecture is available to watch online.
Jan 29, 2024
Henry Wash shares the impact his mentors had on him, and how he started High Aspirations
Each year, the UMKC Alumni Association recognizes outstanding alumni achievements with an awards celebration. Henry Wash (B.A., M.P.A) is the Class of 2024 Defying the Odds Award recipient.
Wash is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of High Aspirations (HA) and served as a mentor and board member of HA from 2003 to 2013. He has over 26 years of expertise in designing, implementing and evaluating programming for at-risk populations.
Wash’s educational accomplishments include an associate degree in applied science, associate degree in arts, bachelor’s in sociology, minor in Black studies and Master of Public Administration in urban affairs.
He overcame his circumstances in large part due to the mentoring he received from two prominent Kansas Citians, Henry W. Bloch and Thurman N. Mitchell, KCTV5. These two mentors have helped Wash identify his purpose in life. This led Wash to pursue his vision of making an impact on the Kansas City community, especially for young men. Wash is a current board member of Caring for Kids, Children’s Campus KCK, KC Common Good and Hawthorn Foundation.
What was the inspiration for High Aspirations?
HA was one of my research projects while attending the UMKC Henry W. Bloch School of Management in 2003. It was founded on evidence-based peer reviewed and empirical research from various backgrounds such as public administration, anthropology, sociology, higher education, psychology, Black studies and business. I walked away from a profession in the freight world to pursue my true calling in 2013 and have not looked back since. Today, we have the first mentoring campus for African American men in Kansas City. Our vision is to help make the world a better place.
How did UMKC prepare you for or contribute to your success?
I would not be where I am today without UMKC. My education gave me the foundation to gain experience and become the Henry Wash I am today.
What advice do you have for students who would like to follow in your footsteps?
Take your time. It has taken me 20 years. The sooner you pursue the purpose in your life, the better you’ll be.
Jan 25, 2024
Stadium tours, job shadowing and leadership lunches are among the unique opportunities
Trying on Super Bowl rings and standing on the sidelines of GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. This is a day in the life of a UMKC student with the university’s new partnership with the Kansas City Chiefs.
The partnership is focused on opportunities for students to learn from the Chiefs front office staff. During the first five months of the five-year partnership, students have attended several leadership lunches and a shadowing day at the Chiefs training facility. Also as part of the partnership, scholarships, internships and fellowships will be available exclusively to UMKC students. Students attending the leadership lunches and shadowing day have learned from a number of Chiefs staff members, including the chief financial officer, vice president of accounting, project director of manufacturing, engineering, plumbing and construction, vice president of player services and assessment, director of player engagement and more. “We’re giving an opportunity for students to understand all the different lines of work we do here and skillsets that our employees have,” said Kim Hobbs, Chiefs Vice President of Partnership Strategy and Development.
Student groups First Gen Roo, Professional Career Escalators and Men of Color Academy attended leadership lunches both on the UMKC campus and the Chiefs practice facility. Men of Color Academy is a cohort-based program that encourages academic achievement, leadership and personal growth. Program director JaVon Hill says that this partnership is a game-changer for students.“This dynamic partnership between UMKC and the Chiefs unlocks a world of possibilities for our students,” Hill said. “They are fortunate to be part of this unique relationship that will open doors to unparalleled access and networks, serve as a direct launchpad for empowerment, spark inspiration and fuel innovation all at the same time.”Students in the Professional Career Escalators program have benefited from these open doors, literally, with a shadowing day spent at the Chiefs practice facility and GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Students in this program – which emphasizes professional experiences in the health-care, education, business, engineering, law and justice fields – had unparalleled access to top-level staff members. Much of their time was spent in small groups with staff members to learn about their jobs and career fields and make valuable connections.Juan Owens attended the shadowing day just before graduating from UMKC with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. He spent the day with Shaun Tyrance, Ph.D., vice president of player services and assessment. In his role, Tyrance focuses on all aspects of behavioral health, wellness and performance psychology for all club employees, including players, coaches and staff. Owens said that the opportunity to talk with Tyrance was invaluable to his own career aspirations. Graduate school may be in Owens’ future, and he credits the shadowing day with helping define what that may look like.“I got to learn what exactly it is to be a sports psychologist,” Owens said. “I understand more what it takes to be that person and what I can do in my own community. Where I come from, there’s not a lot of resources, so this opportunity means a lot.”Beyond spending time with Chiefs’ front-office staff, the students enjoyed a behind-the-scenes stadium tour and learned about the history of the organization and the Hunt family. The opportunity to spend time at a world-championship organization is a lesson in success.“This opportunity to really engage with front-office leadership, learn about their career trajectories and connect with our students is powerful,” said Mako Miller, director of the Professional Career Escalators program. “Having such a recognized organization interact with our students in various ways shows a commitment to their career and leadership development. The Chiefs are providing this “behind-the-scenes” look at how an entity like a professional sports team operates and all that it takes to have a successful team.”
Jan 25, 2024
It’s written in the stars… and across the UMKC campus
Ever wondered where you are destined to spend time on campus? Look no further. Here’s a list of the zodiac signs as UMKC spots.
Aries: Swinney Recreation Center | March 21-April 19
Energetic and competitive, Aries are bound to feel fired-up after a workout at Swinney Recreation Center. The fire sign will also feel right at home with the sauna and steam room facilities.
Taurus: UMKC Dining Hall | April 20-May 20
Tauruses are known for enjoying the finer things in life, including food, environments and people. The UMKC Dining Hall encompasses all the above with its vast dining space and various food options.
Gemini: University Playhouse | May 21-June 20
The University Playhouse is home to lots of on-campus events, where Geminis will be able to express their sociable nature. Plus, the faces on each side of the building represent a Gemini’s intrinsic duality nature.
Cancer: Haag Hall | June 21-July 22
Cancers are known for being sentimental. A lover of history, they’ll especially appreciate the history behind the Don Quixote mural located in Haag Hall.
Leo: Student Union | July 23-Aug. 22
Always craving attention, a Leo is bound to run into someone they know at one of the busiest spots on campus. Ruled by the sun, Leos will also be pleased at the opportunity to bask in the sunlight at the Student Union rooftop.
Virgo: Miller Nichols Library and Learning Center | Aug 23.-Sept. 22
Ruled by Mercury, the planet of communication, it is only fitting for Virgos to be assigned the Miller Nichols Library. With four floors of varying noise levels, at least one floor is bound to meet their high standards.
Libra: The Quad (Blue and Gold Chairs) | Sept 23.- Oct. 22
The balanced nature of libra loves the quad, especially due to its convenient location to most classrooms and lecture halls. The blue and gold chairs also provide the sign known for being great conversationalists the perfect spot to chat with friends in between classes.
Scorpio: Diastole Scholars’ Center | Oct 23.-Nov. 21
Tucked away in the corner of the UMKC Hospital Hill Campus, the Diastole Scholars’ Center is as secretive as a Scorpio. Their mysterious aura pairs perfectly with the Diastole Scholars’ Center’s academia-inspired setting.
Sagittarius: Innovation Studio | Nov. 22-Dec. 21
The sign known for loving adventures will be able to escape reality at the Innovation Studio. From the AR/VR lab to the flight simulator, they will be able to indulge their free-spirited nature.
Capricorn: Atterbury Student Success Center | Dec. 22-Jan. 19
Known for being one of the most hardworking signs, Capricorns will be able to sharpen their academic skills at the Atterbury Student Success Center. Also known for being practical, they’ll be pleased at the various food and drink options available here, perfect for snacking in between study breaks.
Aquarius: James C. Olson Performing Arts Center | Jan. 20-Feb. 18
The James C. Olson Performing Arts Center offers various performances throughout the year, and at least one of them is bound meet an Aquarius’ eclectic and abstract taste.
Pisces: Warko Observatory | Feb 19.-March 20
Pisces will be able to Indulge their escapist nature with stargazing at the Warko Observatory. The sign known for being more on the introverted sign will be pleased at the opportunity to recharge their social battery at this quaint spot.
Jan 17, 2024
PreLaw magazine recognizes five programs for excellence
The UMKC School of Law was named a Best Value Law School by PreLaw magazine. Additionally, PreLaw recognized the law school as having five top programs: family law, trial advocacy, technology law, business law and tax law.
Schools recognized for being a Best Value Law School have favorable employment rates, bar passage rates and overall cost of attendance.
“Our goal isn’t to get our students to graduation, it’s to prepare them for everything that comes after that,” Lumen Mulligan, dean of UMKC School of Law said. “Providing value to our students means giving them the tools to pass the bar exam and have a successful career in law while trying to remove as many financial barriers as possible. Programs such as our new, all-inclusive bar prep program support success for all students, regardless of financial circumstances.”
This recognition isn’t just a point of pride. Breana Boger, director of admissions for the UMKC School of Law, says that these rankings are important to future law students when making the decision where to attend school.
“These rankings help communicate the caliber of our programs and success of our students,” Boger said. “It helps prospective students paint the picture for their own future success.”
The university’s location in the heart of Kansas City provides UMKC law students with numerous opportunities to get practical experience before graduation, including clerkships with judges, opportunities with federal and state government agencies, and internships with private law practices and organizations. Additionally, the law school operates several clinics, which give students experience and provide low-cost services to the community. Clinics include the Child and Family Law Clinic, Taxpayer Assistance Clinic, Expungement Clinic and Taxpayers Assistance Clinic.
That practical experience is just one of the reasons the UMKC School of Law was recognized as a top school for many of its programs. Students interested in family law, trial advocacy, technology law, business law or tax law will find valuable opportunities to learn both in and out of the classroom.
“We have outstanding faculty who are leaders in their fields and many alumni who come back to share their knowledge with students,” Mulligan said. “No matter what area of law a student wants to practice, they’ll find opportunities to learn and a community who wants to support them.”
Jan 16, 2024
Tatyana Charles sought a second degree after finding her calling
In her clinical rotations at University Health, nursing student Tatyana Charles (B.H.S. '21) gets to practice exactly what she set out to do when she decided to pursue a nursing career.
“I feel grateful that I'm able to take care of my patients in their most vulnerable state to make them smile and take care of their immediate needs,” Charles said.
As a Kansas City native, Charles always knew she wanted to help her hometown neighbors. When she first came to the University of Missouri-Kansas City, that looked a little different. Charles pursued a bachelor’s degree in health sciences with plans to pursue a career in health administration. She later learned that her passion lied elsewhere.“I soon realized that I loved patient interaction and patient engagement, so I then chose to pursue nursing,” Charles said. She chose to remain at UMKC for her second degree because of the nursing program graduates’ high passage rate on the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCLEX-RN) exam. More than 98% of UMKC nursing students passed the board exam in 2022. Charles also felt confident that she would be supported because of the positive experience she had in the health sciences program.
Now Charles is working on post-surgical care rotation at University Health, an academic medical center dedicated to providing health care to the Kansas City community, both for those with insurance and without. She plans to pursue a career as an emergency room nurse after graduation, and feels certain of her skills. “I feel well prepared,” she said. “Our faculty teaches us what to expect and what abnormally can happen and what to do next.”
Working at a mission-driven hospital like University Health is the perfect fit for Charles, who not only wants to care for patients, but also wants to be an advocate for them and help them find ongoing resources to help them. “I tell people all the time that I have a passion to serve the underserved,” Charles said. “I want to be able to give knowledge to the local resources here in Kansas City to help the lower economic population.”
Jan 09, 2024