The University of Missouri-Kansas City recognized 19 faculty members across the university in the 2025 Faculty Awards Celebration. Awards were given for research and scholarship, teaching and mentorship, engagement, service and leadership.

The event began with a reception on the terrace outside UMKC neighbor Linda Hall Library followed by a ceremony indoors.

"While we know you don’t do this work for applause, today is a moment to say – sincerely and clearly – that we see what you do, and we are grateful," Provost Jennifer Lundgren said. "You are the foundation of this university. And today, we celebrate not just individual achievements, but the shared spirit that defines our campus community."

Chancellor Mauli Agrawal also delivered remarks at the ceremony.

"Because of your dedication, UMKC is thriving," Agrawal said. "Our students are graduating prepared to lead, our research is pushing boundaries and our impact in Kansas City and our region continues to grow. You are the driving force behind our success."

They recognized the 2025 awardees:

Research Awards

N.T. Veatch Award for Distinguished Research and Creativity

Zhu Li, School of Science and Engineering

Trustees’ Faculty Fellow Award

Hadara Bar-Nadav, School of Humanities and Social Sciences

Teaching Awards

Elmer F. Pierson Good Teaching Awards

Sara Gardner, School of Medicine
Julie Kline, Henry W. Bloch School of Management

Provost’s Award for Excellence in Teaching: Early Career Faculty

Michael Ternes, School of Education, Social Work and Psychological Sciences
Timothy Wezeman, School of Dentistry

Provost’s Award for Excellence in Teaching: Mid-Career/Senior Faculty

Xiangping Chu, School of Medicine
L. Michaelle Tobin, School of Law

Provost’s Award for Excellence in Mentoring

Stephane Dissel, School of Science and Engineering

Excellence in Mentoring Undergraduate Researchers, Scholars and Artists

Kelsey Gardiner, School of Nursing and Health Studies
Hillary McGraw, School of Science and Engineering

Engagement, Service and Leadership Awards

Chancellor’s Award for Inclusive Opportunity and Excellence

Baek-Young Choi, School of Science and Engineering

Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Community Engagement

Leadership and Career Contributions Awards

Chancellor’s Award for Exceptional Leadership

Andrew Granade, Conservatory

Chancellor’s Award for Career Contributions to the University

Kati Toivanen, School of Humanities and Social Sciences

New Curators' Distinguished Professors

Curators’ Distinguished Teaching Professor

Yugyung Lee, School of Science and Engineering
Sean O'Brien, School of Law