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.
There are QR codes that take scanners to a website to follow construction updates and see progress photos for those who want to follow along with construction updates. The codes are placed at various locations around the site on the fencing for patrons to scan as they walk past.
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
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
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 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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
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