James Mitchell is this year’s Spotlight Alumni Award recipient for his contributions to sustainability
Each year, the UMKC Alumni Association recognizes outstanding alumni achievements with an awards celebration. James Mitchell (B.M./B.A. ’13) is the Class of 2025 Spotlight Award recipient.
Mitchell is a graduate of the Conservatory, where he studied cello performance, and the School of Science and Engineering, where he studied environmental studies. Although these degrees might seem like an unusual combination, he has merged his love for music and the environment in his career.
Mitchell is a leading expert in climate finance, a director at the Center for Climate-Aligned Finance and a principal at RMI (formerly the Rocky Mountain Institute). He led the development of the Poseidon Principles, a global coalition of banks aimed to reduce carbon emissions in the maritime shipping industry. It is the first agreement of its kind in any industry.
In addition to his work in climate finance, Mitchell is a member of “The Infamous Flapjack Affair,” an indie folk quartet. The quartet provided an opportunity for Mitchell to blend his love for cello and the environment. They created a documentary called “Confluence,” which tells the story of the Colorado River through music.
What inspired you to pursue such an interdisciplinary path and how have those diverse experiences shaped your approach to climate action?
When I arrived at UMKC, there was one question I felt I needed to answer to give myself direction in life: what matters to me? Trying to answer this question led me to pursue a dual degree program that combined music and environmental studies. I discovered the issue that I care most about while at UMKC – climate change.
This unusual path has been broadly fulfilling and has given me an appreciation for the many ways you can go about shifting how things work. Some issues need to be exposed with hard-hitting research, others need to be addressed through careful technical deliberation and coalition building and others are best explored through a different approach altogether, like playing cello on the rim of the Grand Canyon and making a documentary about it.
Can you walk us through the challenges you faced in bringing together a global coalition of banks to adopt this climate standard, and how has it influenced broader market behavior since its launch?
The Poseidon Principles are a first-of-a-kind climate finance standard for the maritime shipping industry. Developing them took about 18 months and involved shuttling between London, Singapore, Hong Kong and New York City to create a “coalition of the willing” while also running a technical working group to write the standard itself. There were many challenges to overcome in the process and it was a very intense period in my career. Since the launch of the Poseidon Principles in 2019, they have become the most successful voluntary climate finance standard to date by market share, with banks representing 80% of the market complying with the standard.
There are tens of thousands of ocean-going ships, which together emit 2% to 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions annually. Today, when one of these ships is financed by a bank, its climate change impacts are considered because of the Poseidon Principles. They have also led to many billions of dollars in sustainability-linked financing for the shipping sector.
What do you believe is the core skill or mindset that has enabled you to be so successful across such a wide range of endeavors, and how do you approach each new venture or challenge?
I have had successes, but I’ve also had failures. Through each experience, I’ve learned something that I’ve applied to the next venture. I was tremendously fortunate to find an issue that I cared deeply about early on. This has been a major source of drive for me. Drive is one ingredient in success, but I’ve found that it must be complemented with a mindset that brings self-awareness and nuance: be humble and continue learning, bring the right people with you and create an environment where risks can be taken at the right scale.
Which project or initiative from your career stands out to you as the most rewarding, and why?
I owe a debt of gratitude to Molly (Caroline) Davies, my undergraduate advisor at UMKC, who recommended that I pursue a master’s degree at the University of Oxford School of Geography and the Environment. It was in the preparatory readings for my master’s program there that I discovered the field of climate finance and my interest in it.
Is there a particular moment that helped solidify your commitment to combining finance and sustainability?
There are a couple of moments that stand out as most rewarding. One is when my first publication as a researcher at the University of Oxford was picked up by the Guardian. The other is playing cello on the rim of the Grand Canyon while filming Confluence. Both were important moments when worlds came together for me: climate change and finance, music and climate change.
What advice would you give to today’s students who are starting out in a rapidly changing world?
Start figuring out what you’re interested in and what matters to you. Use this to guide your studies at UMKC. Whatever you study, learn how to communicate clearly and learn effectively because these are the most important skills in the workforce. Finally, be pragmatic. Don’t stress too much about figuring everything out now or landing your dream job right away. Just find a direction that works for you. Careers are long, the world changes and you can make changes as well.
What’s one piece of wisdom you’ve learned along the way that you wish someone had told you at the beginning of your career?
“Go with friends.” A friend once shared this advice with me, which she received from her mentor as she was embarking on a challenging career in global health. It’s a skill one must learn in mission-oriented careers spent trying to change systems of any kind.
Mar 25, 2025
UMKC Alumni Association honors the Mahaffey Family with the 2025 Legacy Award
Each year, the UMKC Alumni Association recognizes outstanding alumni achievements with an awards celebration. UMKC is honoring the Mahaffey family with the 2025 Legacy Award.
Three generations of the Mahaffey family began their dental careers at the UMKC School of Dentistry. Charles Mahaffey (DDS ’72) opened the family dental practice in 1975. Charles’s son, Darren Mahaffey (DDS ’05), and Darren’s wife, Sarah Mahaffey (DDS ’05), joined the practice in 2005 followed by Samantha (DDS ’22), who is the granddaughter of Charles and niece to Darren and Sarah. All of them share a dedication to the community of Springfield, MO as well as the overall oral health of Missouri.
How does the School of Dentistry continue to play a role in your family’s legacy?
We were all blessed to have begun our careers at UMKC. It is a gift, obligation and privilege to give back to the institution that gave us so many opportunities in life. UMKC served generations of our family, so we are privileged to give back by serving generations of patients in our community. UMKC gave us more than a diploma. It provided a deep and meaningful life experience that changed our paths forever.
Staying connected to the institution that shaped us into the professionals we are today is vital to continue the legacy that we are honored to be building. UMKC offers a strong alumni base full of like-minded colleagues that serve as mentors and friends. We have all been blessed with many friendships with classmates and faculty that have lasted years beyond our time at UMKC.
What motivates you to dedicate so much time to advocacy and mentoring in the field of dentistry?
We all view participation in both local and state-level dental organizations as an important way to give back to a profession that means so much to us. Our motivation to dedicate so much time to mentorship and advocacy comes from our commitment to our patients and bettering the future of dentistry for them. There is a lasting impact of investing in the future of our profession. What will the standard of care look like for our 4-year-old patients when they are 70? We have the privilege of serving a multi-generational practice, which gives us the unique motivation to invest in the future of what dental care will look like.
We have been given the gift of changing people's lives, by getting them back to school, work and social events, or simply getting them out of pain and back to smiling. It is our duty to pay it back and do our part to better the future of dentistry.
What advice would you give to today’s students who are starting out in a rapidly changing world?
Students that are just entering the profession should always remember to be authentic and genuine in their care for people. If your motivation is to better your patient’s health every day, you will always continue to find joy in your daily practice. Darren and Sarah remember Charles’s advice of, “Focus on taking care of people and they will take care of you.”
Your patients are your “why” – why you went through rigorous schooling, why you continue to better yourself at every chance and why you show up every day. True joy in life does not come in the form of financial packages. It comes from the investment in people and in your community.
Looking back on your careers, what is a moment that stand out to you as defining your journeys in the profession?
All four of us have found joy in serving others who may not have readily available access to care. Serving the needs of others will always fill our cups and stand out along the timeline of our careers. Darren and Sarah served in Venezuela during their dental school years through the UMKC School of Dentistry. There, they saw the impact that care can make on underserved communities. Samantha was blessed to serve in Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama and Ghana through Global Brigades.
In 2011, Darren and Sarah also founded the Missouri Mission of Mercy (MOMOM), a large-scale dental clinic that provides free oral health care to patients of all ages who cannot otherwise afford or access care. Part of a nationwide effort, Missouri Mission of Mercy has provided more than $7.98 million in free care to 12,311 patients since its inception. An especially fulfilling element was how many of our dental colleagues, as well as supply companies and other facets of the dental community, came together for the greater good of others. The camaraderie we experienced was fulfilling for our profession and community in ways we didn’t anticipate.
Mar 24, 2025
An exciting milestone for UMKC’s rural-focused medical program as students discover their residency placements
Surrounded by her family, Jess Halla (M.D. ’24) held the white envelope in her hands, her future sealed inside. Gathered inside the Mosiac Life Care Medical Center of St. Joseph, the first cohort of the UMKC School of Medicine St. Joseph Campus, along with their family and friends began the countdown – five, four, three, two, one – to precisely 11 a.m., when graduating medical students across the country simultaneously opened their Match Day letters.
When the moment finally arrived, Halla tore open her envelope, her eyes scanning the words inside. A smile broke across her face, and she erupted into joyous jumps, turning to her family with tears of excitement. She had matched with her first choice, a family medicine program at the University of Kansas - Wichita.
A Program Built for Rural Care
For the members of this inaugural class at the UMKC St. Joseph Campus, the moment is especially significant – it marks the first Match Day for this location. As the first cohort of graduates for the campus, which opened in 2021, these 15 chartered new paths, embracing hands-on healthcare learning in smaller communities.
The UMKC School of Medicine St. Joseph Campus was designed with a clear purpose: to train the next generation of rural physicians. The program offers students a unique opportunity to learn in smaller hospitals and clinics, gaining hands-on experience in settings where they are needed most.
Jess Halla: Following Her Passion for Rural Medicine
“I really found my passion while being here at the St. Joseph campus,” Halla said. “Through UMKC, they do a docent program, so you get paired with a physician for your four years of medical school. I was paired with a family med physician who really opened my eyes to not only family medicine and how it could play a role in a smaller community, but rural medicine too, and the barriers that they face, and how we can face those things as physicians.”
Hoping to eventually serve a rural community like her mentor, Halla was looking for a residency program that would expose her to a variety of medical practices so she would be prepared for the various needs of a rural doctor. And her match will provide her just that.
“I am feeling so excited, so overwhelmed, so thankful and blessed,” Halla said. “I know this is exactly where I'm meant to be, and I'm looking forward to this journey.”
Ashley Ayers: Serving Underserved Communities
For some, like Halla, their passion for rural medicine emerged through their experiences and connections over the past four years. Others, like Ashley Ayers (M.D. ’24), knew from the start that St. Joseph’s small setting was the perfect fit.
“I come from a small town of 250, so I was not so keen on living in Kansas City,” Ayers said. “So St. Joseph was the perfect alternative to Kansas City, but still getting a good education from the UMKC curriculum.”
Ayers also believed St. Joseph was the right choice for her because of the focus on rural medicine.
Growing up within a family of part-time missionaries to Haiti, Ayers discovered her passion for healthcare when joining the missions starting at 16 years old. In medical school, she continued pursuing service-based medicine, completing elective rotations with Native American communities in White Cloud, Kansas, and in rural Ghana.
“I did an elective rotation in Ghana, and that really helped kind of cultivate that passion and give me a better picture for what it looks like to serve underserved communities internationally,” Ayers said. “It was a rural town, so that was kind of cool to get both the local and international perspective of rural health and what that looks like.”
Ayers matched with a family medicine residency with her top choice, CoxHealth in Springfield, Missouri. There, she will be able to foster her passion for providing care to underserved and marginalized populations with rotations in a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC).
“Programs that offered experience in those kinds of clinics really drew me in because those are the exact populations that I'm hoping to help,” Ayers said. ”That’s kind of where my heart was.”
St. Joseph’s Success
Between the Kansas City and St. Joseph Campuses, 135 medical school students and recent graduates matched at a nearly 100% match rate, higher than the national average. More than 50% matched into primary care, and a third matched in Missouri or Kansas City metro area.
St. Joseph students had a wide range of specialties, including five matching into family medicine, and others matching internal medicine, psychiatry, radiation oncology, otolaryngology, OBGYN, orthopedic surgery and interventional radiology.
“If we scripted what we hoped and prayed would be the success of this program, we could not have scripted it better,” St. Joseph Campus Assistant Dean of Student Affairs Kristen Kleffner, Ph.D., said. “The whole mission of this program was to provide healthcare for those in rural communities, particularly in northwest Missouri, where there are some counties that have but one physician.”
Will Obert: Preparing for Rural Orthopedic Surgery
For some students, like Halla and Ayers, their match means staying close to home, training in rural communities similar to the ones they hope to serve. For others, their match is an opportunity to train in a larger setting before eventually returning to a small-town practice.
Will Obert (M.D. ’24), a Palmyra, Missouri, native, hopes to eventually return to a rural setting after completing his residency. However, because of his desire to specialize in orthopedic surgery, he prioritized programs that offer the most comprehensive training.
“I think more so ending up in a rural area when I’m working is more important than where I’m training,” Obert said. “The more rural area that you do training in, you don't see as many complex things sometimes, so I’ll train wherever I think I can get the best training, then end up in a rural area after.”
Obert developed his interest in orthopedic surgery in college after receiving surgery on his knee from a football injury. He later solidified that interest after spending time with Timothy Monohan, M.D., an orthopedic surgeon at a rural hospital during a clerkship in his third year.
“Just how he treated his patients and worked with the staff in the OR in the clinic, that taught me that there's nothing else that I'd rather do with my life than be an orthopedic surgeon,” Obert said.
Obert matched with his first choice, an orthopedic surgery residency program in Danville, Pennsylvania, at Geisinger Health System, the same place his mentor, Monohan, completed his residency.
Looking to the Future
While the St. Joseph Campus medical students prepare to go their separate ways as they begin their residencies next year, many reflected on their time on this new campus and how it prepared them for their future goals.
“I wouldn't have changed it for anything,” Obert said. “The camaraderie that we built with a small group was second to none. It really let me get close with the docs. I have dinner once or twice a year with my docent because we are so close. All in all, I wouldn't have wanted to go anywhere else than St. Joe.”
Halla agreed that attending the St. Joseph Campus gave her a better learning experience than other settings.
“It honestly kind of fell into place, but it turned out to be the best experience I could have ever asked for in medical school, especially having those more small class sizes,” Halla said. “I was one-on-one with attending doctors, so I feel like my patient care experience has been astronomical compared to some of my other friends in different medical schools. We get to see every single patient we want. We can be as hands on as we want, and that really helped me feel more comfortable and confident in my patient care skills.”
Equipped with the personalized attention, immersive patient care experience offered at the UMKC School of Medicine St. Joseph Campus, the inaugural class of graduates is now prepared to embark onto the next phase of their medical journeys through their residencies.
“The decision what you do in this next phase of your journey is what will define you for the rest of your life,” Dean Emeritus Mary Anne Jackson (B.A. ‘77/M.D. ‘78) told the physicians matching at the St. Joseph Campus celebration. “As you scatter across the country, I know you will continue to make us proud by demonstrating the knowledge, kindness, empathy, compassion and professionalism that you've learned here.”
UMKC Match Day 2025 Results
Mar 21, 2025
2025 Staff Awards celebrate achievements and service milestones
The University of Missouri-Kansas City recognized staff across all academic units and various programs and departments at the 2025 Staff Awards ceremony.
More than 200 employees were honored for their accomplishments as well as their contributions to the growth and success of UMKC.
“You are the heartbeat of UMKC – the people who keep things running smoothly, support our students and help drive our university forward,” said Chancellor Mauli Agrawal, whose remarks led the ceremony. “Whether you’re helping a student navigate their first semester, keeping our campus beautiful or contributing to our research and community initiatives, your work makes a real difference. And let me tell you, your impact is undeniable. Just look at what we've achieved this past year.”
UMKC received Carnegie Research 1 status, climbed 25 spots in U.S. News & World Report rankings and recognized by Wall Street Journal as one of the best investments in higher education as No. 1 in student experience and social mobility and No. 2 in best value and starting salaries among all Missouri and Kansas public universities. For the second year in a row, UMKC set records in first-time college enrollment and is on track to break records again this fall with applications and admissions rising across all categories.
“These milestones are no accident,” Agrawal said. “They’re the result of your talent, dedication and hard work. So whether or not your name is called today, please know that our university leadership and faculty see you, and so do our students. We all appreciate everything you do to make UMKC a place of excellence, opportunity and impact.”
University Staff Awards
Excellence in Student Success Staff Award
Recognizes a UMKC staff member who has made significant contributions to the academic, social emotional and/or overall wellness of students Carrie Schmalz, coordinator for leadership and student organization development, Student Affairs
Excellence in Research and Creative Works Staff Award
Recognizes a UMKC staff member who has made significant contributions to the university’s research creativity and innovation efforts Lora Owens, research services business services manager, Research and Innovation
Excellence in Engagement and Outreach Staff Award
Recognizes a UMKC staff member who has made significant contributions to the university’s engagement and outreach efforts Casey Davison, senior coordinator of recreational sports, Student Affairs
Inclusive Opportunity and Excellence Staff Award
Recognizes a UMKC staff member who has made significant contributions to the university by fostering an environment of inclusive opportunity and excellence
Zachary Parker, assistant director of LGBTQIA programs and services, Student Affairs
Excellence in Planning, Operations and Stewardship Staff Award
Recognizes a UMKC staff member who has made significant contributions to solve long-standing problems and found new ways to collaborate across departments, develop revenue and increase enrollment Andry Joswara, finance and budget consultant, Finance and Administration
Rising Star Award
Recognizes a UMKC staff member who, in their first five years of continuous service, has made significant contributions to their area of the university community Lauren Orozco, admissions counselor, Henry W. Bloch School of Management
Never Choose the Norm Staff Award
Recognizes a UMKC staff member who dares to be innovative and push boundaries to help the university achieve even greater success in its mission of serving students and our community Mike Duah, lead design strategist, Strategic Marketing and Communications
Chancellor’s Staff Award for Extraordinary Contributions
Recognizes a high-performing UMKC staff member who demonstrates an exceptional ability to foster collaboration, communication and cooperation among colleagues and university constituents and relates their work to the mission and values of the university Davlon Miller, director, UMKC Career Services
Living the Values Awards
Recognizes staff members who best exemplify excellence in demonstrating the university’s key values
Conservatory
Sarah Bigge, manager of admissions and outreach
Curriculum and Assessment
Annie Carr, career development specialist
Finance and Administration
Sara Hampton, manager of business administration
Henry W. Bloch School of Management
Mark Culver, director of program operations
Human Resources
Tom Bachmann, senior HR manager
Information Services
Aaron Fajen, expert network engineer
Institute for Human Development
Leisha Manning, senior office support assistant
Intercollegiate Athletics
Trish Baldwin, manager of business administration
KCUR
Clarate Heckler, manager of live events
Office of Research and Innovation
Chi Johnson, senior business support specialist
Office of Strategic Initiatives
Kara Farren, senior business support specialist
School of Dentistry
Danita Johnson, senior student services coordinator
School of Education, Social Work and Psychological Sciences
J. Michael Pragman, director of Regional Professional Development Center
School of Humanities and Social Sciences
James Utech, finance and budget consultant
School of Law
Breana Boger, law admissions director
School of Medicine
Kimberlee Kalaiwaa, senior office support assistant
School of Nursing and Health Studies
Stephanie Spitz, senior project manager
School of Pharmacy
Casey Ramsey, senior business support specialist
School of Science and Engineering
Tanya Henderson, senior business support specialist
Strategic Marketing and Communications
Sarah Dresslaer, creative services operations manager
Student Affairs
Carrie Schmatz, coordinator for leadership and student organization development
Student Success and Academic Assurance
Carrie Paulette, senior executive assistant
UMKC Innovation Center
Jennifer Starcev, senior communications and project coordinator
University Libraries
Kevin McCarrison, office support assistant
Staff Council Dedication Award
Recognizes a staff member who has made significant contributions to the Staff Council and its initiatives by enhancing communication, volunteering service to the university and community and providing opportunities to develop staff professionally and personally
Sarah Amos, senior student services coordinator, Student Success and Academic Assurance
Administrative Leadership Development Program Graduates
Recognizes staff members who have successfully completed the Dr. Elson S. Floyd Administrative Leadership Development Program, a UM System course where emerging and current leaders expand and refine their leadership skills
Ken BledsoeRebecca Diemer Shelly DoucetStacy DownsSara HamptonLeigh Kerwin Joanna Pohl Janey Stephens
Supervisor Development Series Graduates
Recognizes staff members who have successfully completed the UM Supervisor Development Series, a foundational management and leadership course with university-focused content
Pamala Asher Sadie Billings Katelyn Chapin Gabriel Cohen Shay Duncan Clarate Heckler Chi Johnson Jamie Locke Timothy Maybell Rosa Nataraj Lauren Nelson Emily Newton Amanda Sanders Chayanne Sandoval-Williams Luke Scheil Kristina Shultz Paul Trana
Series on Leadership Essentials Graduates
Recognizes staff members who have successfully completed the Series on Leadership Essentials Program, a UM System course where employees can develop their skills in the areas of communication, engagement, giving and receiving feedback and navigating change
Katelyn Chapin Casey Davison Corynne Nixon
UMKC Graduates
Recognizes staff members who have graduated with a UMKC degree in Spring 2024, Summer 2024 or Fall 2024
Albara Al Saed Leslie Hisman Liz Hoffman-Shrout Dakota Juhan Petra Kralickova Alyssa Lally Adam Larson Tyler Murphy Kathryn Nicolaus Brianna Portmann Janelle Sjue
Service Milestones
Recognizes staff members who have given five or more years of service to UMKC and are celebrating a milestone in fiscal year 2025
5 Years
Michael Abel Nate Addington Roy AllenSarah BeachJordan CallisonElizabeth CaseJames CurrieDestiny Delgado PetersonAlyssa DickShay DuncanRobert DurhamJennifer FergersonJill FolsomAllen George Eric GormlyErin HassettCynthia Hedrick Jon HoltRachel HughesRebecca IrelandKimberley IvanyNathan JacobsCathy KeaslerMaryann Khan Jeina KummerMeghan LamarchePatrick Lenoir Adam Loftin Michele Logue Mackenzie Martin Rafael Martinez Rodriguez Michael McCleanChristen MelvinGraceann MilanoTamara Moore-CallahanKathryn NicolausPaul NyakaturaJesse OsmanSarah PatoraKyle PateEloberto Perdomo EspinosaRyan PierceRyan PoreMorgan RamseyChistiana RangelStephen ReeseCarissa RufClaire RuhlmanGabi Sa TelesWilliam SandersMark SheldonCharity SimmonsJessica SmithRobert SwanJoseph TesoroLinda ThornburghMolly TugushiMatthew WalkerSharon WardJosh WareSherrie WatkinsLeland WhiteMargaret WightDanielle WilsonRachel WitmerTheresa Wright Kristen Zucht
10 Years
Katheryn Acklin Cynthia BeardChristina BergShaun Bernardon Jennifer BurrusJamison CochranConnor FenderPola FirestoneDavid FulkNatalie GilkisonMolly GiulianoLatonia GordonApril GrahamVenita GreenbaumRebecca HigginsJim JarrettEmily KoestererLauren NewcomerJessica PearsonChristopher ShortLaura SkluzacekJames UtechTenishia WebbWade WilliamsonJericho WoodSam Zeff
15 Years
Cheryl AdamPetra BrickerAngela CottrellAlicen LundbergJanelle MalikMary McConnellBrianna PortmannBarbette RoachCrystal SimonisCarol StillJacob VollertsenAshley WannCaleb Zenitsky
20 Years
Arnold AbelsMaria AltmanRandy BanisterKatie BastMichael BrownSharon ColbertJeff CooperJennifer CoulthardOnekia De Leon FranklinMatthew EpleeNathan FishbackMichael FredericksenSara HamptonDavid HannaKaren HutchinsonLing LiJoseph RucinskiMichael ShannonKristina ShultzMercedes TilmanJonathan Young
25 Years
Curt CrespinoMark CulverKaren EnglishMatthew GardnerD’Ramises GatapiaAlexander HolsingerKristi HolsingerWalter JacksonJames LangTroy LilleboScott MiddletonMichelle ReynoldsRichard ThomasDarnell WilliamsSteven Wilson
30 Years
Donald LittletonJustin MalynCoretta MuhammadRonald RamphalJames SchonemannDonald Simmons
35 Years
Jennifer EigstiSharon GriffithGregory Holloway
40 Years
Mary BunyardDaphne Hunter
45 Years
Kevin McCarrison
Mar 19, 2025
Troy Bruun will play key role in campus fiscal responsibility and operations
Troy Bruun will join the University of Missouri-Kansas City as vice chancellor for finance and administration on March 31. With more than 30 years of leadership experience in higher education and government finance, Bruun brings a proven track record of strategic financial management, operational excellence and transformational budgeting to UMKC.
Bruun most recently served as associate vice president for finance, administration and operations at Wichita State University, where he led the university’s financial strategy, budget management and capital development. He also played a crucial role in the financing of Wichita State’s Innovation Campus, which transformed a 120-acre site into a thriving research hub with more than 50 industry partners. Due in part to that project, that campus experienced a 262% increase in research expenditures from 2019 to 2024.
“Troy’s extensive experience in financial leadership, strategic planning, and operational management will be invaluable as UMKC continues to strengthen its fiscal stewardship and institutional growth,” said UMKC Chancellor Mauli Agrawal, Ph.D. “His ability to lead large-scale financial operations and drive innovative budgeting solutions will help position UMKC for long-term success.”
In addition to his role at Wichita State, Bruun held leadership roles with the city of Wichita, Sedgwick County and the city of Ankeny, where he drove cost-saving initiatives, improved financial processes and led multimillion-dollar capital projects.
As vice chancellor for finance and administration at UMKC, Bruun will oversee key financial and administrative functions including budgeting, financial planning, procurement, facilities operations, campus safety and more. His leadership will be critical in ensuring that UMKC continues to operate with fiscal responsibility while advancing its academic mission and strategic initiatives.
“I am honored to join UMKC and contribute to its ongoing success," Bruun said "I look forward to collaborating with the university's leadership, faculty and staff to enhance financial strategies, operational efficiencies and the quality and timing of management information needed by all decision makers in support of UMKC's growth and excellence.”
Bruun holds a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in finance from Wichita State University and a Bachelor of Business Administration in accounting from Iowa State University. He is a certified public accountant and a chartered global management accountant, and he remains an active member of professional finance and higher education associations.
Mar 14, 2025
More than $2.5 million has been distributed to support 2,700 women in graduate programs at UMKC
The University of Missouri-Kansas City Women’s Council celebrated 54 years of supporting women in different fields with its annual Graduate Assistance Fund reception.
This year, 67 women received more than $98,000 from the Women’s Council Graduate Assistance Fund.
Established in 1967, the Women’s Council includes four committees that help execute the mission to support women who will change the world while they pursue their goals as graduate students at UMKC. Sue Agrawal, M.S., the programs committee chair of the UMKC Women’s Council, welcomed everyone and briefly shared the history of the Women’s Council and the Graduate Assistance Fund, also known as GAF. “One of the ways we unite the campus and community members to encourage and support our women graduate students is by providing financial awards to allow these promising women to complete their studies,” Agrawal said. “As we celebrate the 2025 GAF recipients, I want to thank our donors who are here tonight. Your generosity helps these women complete their graduate degrees without financial pressures or shortfalls.”
Sarah Hughes, J.D., the GAF selections chair and incoming Women’s Council board president, shared how impactful the Women’s Council’s Graduate Assistance Fund has been. “The selections committee spends countless hours each year reviewing applicants,” Hughes said. “In addition to the award recipients, we have funded more than $20,000 in immediate aid to students this academic year as well. This means we’ve distributed more than $120,000 in total to our graduate students this year.”
Students who received GAF funding have participated in extensive research projects, traveled the world for historical studies and presented their work at professional conferences. Students representing different UMKC academic units were highlighted at the reception. Elham Basunduwah, a Ph.D. student in computer science, was one of the highlighted recipients. Her research is centered on developing an artificial-intelligence-based approach to predict crowd movement in dynamic environments. “The GAF funding I received is a huge support in advancing my research and academic career,” Basunduwah said. “It will allow me to attend international conferences, including the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers/Computer Vision Foundation Winter Conference on Applications of Computer Vision, and Conference on Image and Vision Computing New Zealand. These opportunities are essential for me to present my work, gain valuable feedback and network with experts in my field.”
Basunduwah’s research is crucial for public safety and event management as it helps prevent overcrowding and improves emergency response strategies.“I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Women’s Council and the generous donors for making this possible,” Basunduwah said. “Your support empowers students like me to pursue meaningful research and contribute to our fields in impactful ways.”Emily Meyer (B.S. ‘07, M.A. ’24) is currently the STEM education program manager at Union Station and president of the science fair directors’ institute. Meyer received two degrees at UMKC and was a GAF recipient in 2014. “I’m so grateful to celebrate with all the recipients from this year today,” Meyer said. “The funds you receive may seem like a small little thing to help push you to the end of your academic career here, but it’s going to make a lasting impact. I know I’m still riding those waves almost 10 years later.”
This year, a new award, The Jan Armstrong Award in STEM studies, was announced at the reception. Armstrong is trained in microbiology, where she noticed a small number of women in her classes. She hopes this award encourages and offers opportunities to young women in the STEM fields. A named award is a $10,000 investment in the Graduate Assistance Fund endowment. Named awards are timeless gifts given in perpetuity because the fund’s principle will always remain intact.
Mar 13, 2025
Nonso Isoh’s involvement on campus has molded him into a leader
At UMKC, students write their own stories, form their own definitions of success and chart innovative career paths. With Kansas City as their classroom, they turn dreams into reality every day.
Nonso Chris Isoh
Anticipated graduation: 2025
UMKC degree program: Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering
Hometown: Asaba, Nigeria
Nonso Isoh’s involvement on campus, from being a resident assistant at UMKC Residential Life to a tutor at Academic Support and Mentoring, has molded him into a leader ready to positively implement change in his future career.
Why did you choose UMKC?
My elder brother earned his Master of Business Administration at UMKC and encouraged me to pursue my master’s degree here as well. At the same time, I’ve always wanted to study abroad and experience college life in America, just like I used to see in the movies!
Why did you choose your field of study?
I completed my undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering, so pursuing it for my master’s was a natural choice. I’ve loved mathematics and physics since elementary school and knew I wanted a career that combined both. Mechanical engineering brings both subjects together beautifully.
What are the benefits of the program?
The Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering program at UMKC lays down an incredible foundation for a future career. If you stay focused and put in the effort, you’ll be well-prepared for the challenges of the engineering world. It also sharpens your critical thinking skills. After a while, you start seeing everything from an engineer’s perspective, always searching for solutions.
Additionally, UMKC offers great opportunities to network through career fairs, workshops and conferences, where you can meet engineers eager to mentor and guide students.
How has your college program inspired you?
It has taught me never to settle for mediocrity and to always to be willing to learn. It has also made me more confident as a person and an engineer. Tackling various projects has boosted my belief that I can achieve anything I set my mind to if I do the necessary work.
Additionally, seeing students just beginning their engineering journey has made me more empathetic—I love sharing my knowledge and helping others in any way I can.
Do you have any scholarships?
I received the Dean’s International Students Award (DISA), which provides $4,000 per semester.
That support is a huge relief. To donors: Your contributions truly make a difference. You may not know the students you’re helping personally, but trust me, your generosity has a significant impact on our lives.
How are you involved at UMKC?
I work as a resident assistant at UMKC Residential Life. I think this is my favorite job on campus, not just because of the covered housing costs and meal plans, but also because of the experience. I’ve enjoyed meeting new residents who end up becoming friends, organizing both social and educational events every month with organizations on campus and engaging in training programs.
I also work as a tutor in Academic Support and Mentoring and assist students with engineering and science courses like calculus, statistics and physics. It’s fulfilling to help students understand difficult concepts.
Additionally, I work as a student manager at the Student Union, where I help organize events and maintain the space. I’m also a member of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), which has been valuable for networking in the engineering field.
And for fun? I play soccer in UMKC’s intramural league with a team of friends!
How has UMKC prepared you for your future career?
UMKC has helped me become more confident in my abilities as a person and an engineer. I’ve learned that being book-smart is just one part of the equation— character and commitment are just as important.
My experiences in leadership roles have also taught me the value of service and patience. Nothing good comes easily and you must put in the work to achieve your goals.
Have you conducted any research?
My independent study is on tensile testing of aluminum. This project involves modeling the material behavior of aluminum using finite element analysis tools to understand stress-strain relationships, material properties and failure mechanisms.
What do you love about UMKC?
UMKC has given me so much. It has shaped me into a better person and a more confident engineer. I’ve made lifelong friends, gained valuable experiences and had countless opportunities to grow.
What is one word that best describes you?
Impact. I believe serving is a privilege, and I always strive to leave a lasting impact wherever I go. Whether in my studies, work or personal relationships. This comes from me putting my all into whatever I do.
What’s your favorite spot to eat in Kansas City?
I am Nigerian so I would have to go with a Nigerian cuisine spot and say Fannie’s, but I also love Joe’s BBQ and Cinzetti’s.
What is some of the most fun you’ve had at UMKC?
I’ve had some of the best memories at UMKC. I was involved in the last UMKC commercial, which was filmed at Union Station. We got to ride the KC streetcar, and it was a new experience acting in a commercial shoot.
I’ve also loved sharing my culture on campus. I got to take part in Culture Fest last year, where I did a fashion walk in Nigerian attire. I got to also perform a traditional Nigerian performance that represented my culture last year during the annual fake African wedding held by the African Students’ Association. I felt so proud to represent my country!
Mar 11, 2025
UMKC offers degree pathways to nine of the 10 best jobs in 2025
Selecting the right degree is essential for landing a top career, and the University of Missouri-Kansas City offers programs that align with many of the best jobs of 2025. With programs spanning healthcare, technology, business and data science, UMKC’s wide range of academic offerings help students turn their ambitions into successful careers.
Each year, U.S. News & World Report ranks the top jobs based on salary potential, opportunities for growth, work-life balance and job security. UMKC provides degree pathways for nine of the top 10 careers on this prestigious list, equipping students with the skills, knowledge and hands-on experience needed to thrive in high-demand fields.
Nurse PractitionerMedian Salary: $126,260Projected Jobs: 135,500Unemployment Rate: 0.6%Education Needed: Master’sUMKC Degree: Post-MSN Nurse Practitioner Certificate, School of Nursing and Health Studies
The School of Nursing and Health Studies offers numerous undergraduate and graduate programs, including post-MSN Nurse Practitioner Certificates. The School of Nursing and Health Studies consistently receives national recognition, including the DNP program ranked in the top 5% across the country, the BSN ranked in the top 15%, and the online graduate program ranked No. 33 in the nation.
Information Technology ManagerMedian Salary: $169,510Projected Jobs: 106,900Unemployment Rate: 1.4%Education Needed: Bachelor’sUMKC Degree: Bachelor of Information Technology, School of Science and Engineering
IT managers help companies meet their technology needs, overseeing the installation and maintenance of computer information systems. These skills can be gained with a bachelor’s degree in Information Technology from the School of Science and Engineering. Additionally, students can further develop their management skills by pursuing an MBA from the Henry W. Bloch School of Management.
Physician AssistantMedian Salary: $130,020Projected Jobs: 43,700Unemployment Rate: 1.6%Education Needed: Master’sUMKC Degree: Master of Medical Science Physician Assistant, School of Medicine
Physician assistants apply their medical expertise to examine, diagnose and treat patients, collaborating with other health care professionals to deliver comprehensive patient care. The Physician Assistant program at UMKC prepares students to practice medicine in as little as 29 months. Offered through the UMKC School of Medicine, the program fosters interdisciplinary learning, allowing future physicians and physician assistants to train together.
Financial ManagerMedian Salary: $156,100Projected Jobs: 138,300Unemployment Rate: 1.4%Education Needed: Bachelor'sUMKC Degree: Bachelor of Business Administration – Finance, Henry W. Bloch School of Management
Financial managers play a key role in guiding organizations' financial health, overseeing budgeting, investment strategies and long-term financial planning. At UMKC, students can develop these critical skills through the Bachelor of Business Administration with a Finance Emphasis. Students seeking graduate opportunities may also pursue the BBA-MSF Business Administration-Finance accelerated program to earn both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in less time. Graduates are well-equipped for careers in corporate finance, investment banking and financial consulting.
Software DeveloperMedian Salary: $132,270Projected Jobs: 303,700Unemployment Rate: 2.4%Education Needed: Bachelor'sUMKC Degree: Bachelor of Computer Science, School of Science and Engineering
Software developers design, test and optimize applications and systems that drive today’s technology-driven world. UMKC’s Bachelor of Science in Computer Science program, offered through the School of Science and Engineering, prepares students with expertise in programming, software engineering and problem-solving. Students interested in accelerating their education can opt for the BS-MS in Computer Science, an integrated program that allows them to complete both undergraduate and graduate degrees in a streamlined pathway.
Information Security AnalystMedian Salary: $120,360Projected Jobs: 59,100Unemployment Rate: 0.5%Education Needed: Bachelor'sUMKC Degree: Bachelor of Information Technology – Cybersecurity Emphasis or Bachelor of Science in Computer Science – Cybersecurity Emphasis, School of Science and Engineering
As cybersecurity threats continue to rise, UMKC’s Bachelor of Information Technology – Cybersecurity Emphasis and Bachelor of Science in Computer Science – Cybersecurity Emphasis degree offerings provide the skills needed to excel as an Information Security Analyst. These programs equip students with expertise in network security, encryption and risk assessment, preparing them to protect organizations from cyber threats.
Medical and Health Services ManagerMedian Salary: $110,680Projected Jobs: 160,600Unemployment Rate: 1.5%Education Needed: Bachelor'sUMKC Degree: Bachelor of Business Administration: Health Administration Emphasis, Henry W. Bloch School of Management
UMKC’s Bachelor of Business Administration – Health Administration Emphasis and Graduate Certificate in Health Leadership equip students with the skills needed to excel as medical and health services managers. With coursework in healthcare management, policy and leadership, students develop the analytical, problem-solving and technical expertise essential for overseeing healthcare facilities.
Data ScientistMedian Salary: $108,020Projected Jobs: 73,100Unemployment Rate: N/AEducation Needed: Bachelor'sUMKC Degree: BS-MS in Data Science, School of Science and Engineering | MBA in Business Analytics, Henry W. Bloch School of Management
Data scientists analyze complex data using statistics, programming and machine learning to uncover insights. At UMKC, students can prepare for this in-demand career through the Master of Science in Data Science and Analytics or fast-track their education with the BS-MS in Data Science, earning both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in just five years. Students could also pursue a Master of Business Administration in Business Analytics at the Henry W. Bloch School of Management. Graduates are prepared for roles in data analytics, artificial intelligence and business intelligence.
ActuaryMedian Salary: $120,000Projected Jobs: 6,600Unemployment Rate: N/AEducation Needed: Bachelor'sUMKC Degree: Bachelor of Arts or Science in Mathematics and Statistics + Actuarial Science Minor, School of Science and Engineering.
Actuaries use mathematics, statistics and financial theory to assess and manage risk, making them essential in industries like insurance, finance and beyond. At UMKC, students can build a strong foundation for this career through the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Statistics or accelerate their education with the dual-degree program in Mathematics and Statistics (BS) and Statistics (MS). Additionally, the Actuarial Science minor provides specialized coursework to help students prepare for actuarial exams and develop the analytical skills needed for success in this high-demand field.
Mar 11, 2025
Satellite campus would help address rural health-provider shortage
Missouri has a shortage of dentists, especially in the northwest region of the state where most counties have less than one provider for every 2,100 residents. The University of Missouri-Kansas City has a plan to change that.
At his annual State of the University address today, Chancellor Mauli Agrawal announced an expansion plan for the UMKC School of Dentistry to create a satellite program at Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph, Missouri, using a model similar to other satellite healthcare programs run by UMKC. The UMKC School of Medicine created a rural physician program in partnership with Mosaic Life Care, also in St. Joseph, to address physician shortages, and the UMKC School of Pharmacy has campuses at University of Missouri in Columbia and Missouri State University in Springfield to address pharmacist shortages in Missouri.
“UMKC has a longstanding and successful infrastructure in place for educating and training providers to address rural healthcare gaps,” Agrawal said.
The proposed UMKC School of Dentistry satellite program expansion would positively impact the dentist and dental hygiene practitioner shortages in rural Missouri communities, while also delivering high-quality oral healthcare to underserved rural communities through its training clinic.
Currently, the UMKC School of Dentistry is Missouri’s only public dental school and provides 63% of the state’s dentists.
The Doctor of Dental Surgery, or DDS, is a four-year graduate program that currently admits about 109 students each year in Kansas City. The new satellite program in St. Joseph, if approved, would admit 10 students for a total of 40 students when the program is at capacity.
This rural health-focused expansion will increase the number of dentists graduating from UMKC’s program by about 10% annually. The first two years of instruction would be at the Kansas City campus and clinical training in the third and fourth years would be at the St. Joseph satellite, all following the curriculum of the existing Kansas City program.
The Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene is a four-year program with students applying after completing about two years of undergraduate coursework. Each year, the St. Joseph satellite program would admit five students, for a total of 10 students when the program is at capacity. This rural health-focused expansion would increase the number of dental hygienists graduating from UMKC by 15% annually. Once in the program, students would complete two years of major-specific dental hygiene coursework: one year in Kansas City and one year in St. Joseph.
UMKC will be partnering with state, federal and philanthropic leaders to raise an estimated $12 million in one-time renovation and equipment startup costs to start the program on the Missouri Western campus in St. Joseph. A start date for the program will be set when necessary approvals and funding are acquired, but UMKC anticipates a proposed start date in fiscal year 2027.
The proposed programs were introduced to the University of Missouri Board of Curators in February and will be further discussed at the next meeting in April.
Mar 10, 2025
Chancellor announces School of Dentistry expansion plans
University of Missouri-Kansas City Chancellor Mauli Agrawal delivered his annual State of the University address, celebrating significant achievements and urging Kansas City’s only Carnegie Research 1 university to reach even higher in the coming year.
Agrawal acknowledged that the road ahead will bring uncertainties but he counseled the campus to stay focused on transformative plans to expand its excellence and community impact in research, rural healthcare and student success and retention. “We are living in extraordinary times -- times of both tremendous achievement but also tremendous challenge,” Agrawal said. “We must continue to make bold choices and be prepared to find innovative ways to achieve our vision. In a world that brings change every day, we must stay focused on our vision to be Kansas City’s world-class university. But I know you are up to it – it’s in our DNA.”
1. Fueling Research Progress Following Prestigious Carnegie R1 Designation
UMKC announced new research investments to build on its major Carnegie Research 1 status, also known as R1, an honor achieved by only 6% of four-year universities in the nation. This transformative milestone positions UMKC alongside the nation’s most elite research universities.
“R1 signals our constant commitment to innovation, discovery and impact,” Agrawal said. “Across all disciplines, our faculty and research partners are pushing the boundaries of knowledge. They are shaping the future of technology, healthcare and the humanities while solving complex challenges that affect lives in Kansas City and – I’m not exaggerating here – around the world.”A rebranded division of Research and Innovation will find new ways to recognize faculty excellence in innovation and grantsmanship as well as investments in the research enterprise. As funds are available, UMKC plans to: • Launch C-IGNITE: a Collaboratory for Integrating Growth, Innovation and Research Excellence. C-IGNITE will connect faculty with industry and community partners and provide dedicated support for large grant proposals and strategic funding. • Start a new BUILD fund: An initial $1 million investment will advance research capabilities through facility upgrades, acquisition of advanced equipment for core facilities and innovation labs. • Add three new positions in research administration to improve grants services and support.“Achieving R1 does not mean it’s time to rest on our laurels,” Agrawal said. “This accomplishment is more than an external validation of our current excellence – it is a call to action.”
2. Expanding School of Dentistry to St. Joseph to Fill Critical Rural Healthcare Needs
Missouri, particularly its northwest region, faces a severe shortage of dentists, with some counties having less than one provider for every 2,100 residents. UMKC has proposed an expanded dental program in St. Joseph to address the shortage. UMKC is seeking $12 million in funding from state, federal and philanthropic sources to launch the program in space on Missouri Western State University’s campus, aiming for a start date in fiscal year 2027, pending necessary approvals.“UMKC has a longstanding and successful infrastructure in place for educating and training providers to address rural healthcare gaps,” Agrawal said.The new campus would add 10 dental students per year, 40 total when fully operational, increasing UMKC dental graduate output by 10%. The dental hygiene program would add five students per year, increasing UMKC dental hygiene graduates by 15%.Dental students would spend their first two years in Kansas City and complete clinical training in St. Joseph. Dental hygiene students would also split their studies between Kansas City and St. Joseph.
3. Elevating Academic and Support Services for Current Students
UMKC is dramatically expanding its academic success and support services for students. Over the summer, the Victor Wilson Learning Collaborative will open on the fourth floor of Miller Nichols Library. This project creates new spaces for key academic support programs, including Bloch Scholars, First Gen Roo, KC Scholars, Supplemental Instruction and Tutoring, Peer Academic Leadership programs and the Writing Studio.
In May 2025, renovations being to Atterbury Student Success Center, which houses a variety of services aimed at prospective and current students.The renovated space will be home to Admissions, Advising, the Center for Transfer Students and Adult Learners, Roo Advising, Career Services, Professional Career Escalators, University College and International Student Affairs. It will also include an inviting Welcome Center with a two-story atrium to host prospective students and their families. UMKC’s robust Career Services programming will expand to add a Professional Wardrobe Studio, giving students a place to browse and try on professional clothing options as well as take headshots for interviews.UMKC Central, a one-stop shop for students, and the Financial Wellness Center, are both moving from their current location at the Administrative Center to the newly renovated space as well.
4. Grand Opening of Roo Plaza Community Gathering Space in April
Roo Plaza, an enclosed pedestrian plaza on 51st Street between Cherry Street and Rockhill Road, is opening in April in the heart of the UMKC Volker Campus. After spring break, the campus will host a street-party celebration for the grand opening.The space, now closed to cars, will be transformed with art, furnishings, planters and string lights.Agrawal said the new space will benefit everyone in the campus and community as a place to meet and hang out between classes and events. “We have so much in the works right now,” Agrawal said. “Each project ties to specific needs for our students, faculty and the broader Kansas City community.”
5. Celebrating UMKC Excellence in the Community
Agrawal said the dedication and heart of UMKC faculty and staff members bring the university’s mission and vision to life. At UMKC, Roo Spirit is embodied by the extraordinary people behind the scenes, faculty, staff and students who go above and beyond every day to make an impact.“Their contributions extend far beyond our campus,” Agrawal said. “From lending their time and talents to support vulnerable families to rallying coworkers to serve the greater Kansas City community, UMKC staff reflect what it means to be part of something bigger than themselves. Their spirit of giving reminds us that our university’s strength lies not just in what we achieve, but in how we come together to uplift others.”Agrawal said that the coming year may bring uncertainty and challenges, which makes connections to the community and finding philanthropic support more important than ever. He applauded the success of UMKC Giving Day, a 24-hour campaign that raised a record-breaking amount this year: more than $1.2 million.“As we look ahead, let’s take pride in all we have accomplished and keep our sights on building a future where UMKC leads in research, innovation and community impact,” Agrawal said. “Together, we can – and will – shape what’s next.”
Mar 10, 2025
Extension, including stop at UMKC, expected to be ready in 2025
The Kansas City Streetcar Authority recently completed its first test run of a streetcar on its new route to UMKC.
In the five years since the project was approved, UMKC students and alumni have played key roles in paving the way for the KC Streetcar Main Street Extension to be ready to ride later this year.
Kansas City Streetcar Authority
Urban Planning and Economics student Elliott Smith was a planning and operations intern at the Kansas City Streetcar Authority in 2024. His internship covered a lot of ground, including analyses on ridership and reports on the impacts of special events like KC Current games.
Smith also mapped land use and opportunity zones along the Main Street Corridor to create a development tracking and conditions analysis report. The project was shared with the Urban Land Institute of Kansas City and major corridor developers to help identify issues regarding large-scale development around the Main Street extension area.
“I loved learning about transit operations and project development, especially in the buildup to the Main Street Extension to UMKC,” Smith said. “The internship was a great experience and really lined up with my degree programs. I'm so excited to be able to ride the streetcar from downtown to UMKC!”
TREKK Design Group
TREKK Design Group, cofounded by alumni Kimberly (B.S.E.E. ’95) and Trent (B.S.C.E. ’95) Robinett, was responsible for the design survey data collection and performed construction staking on the contractor's behalf for the Main Street KC Streetcar Extension.
The Robinetts are excited about the significance the project will have on the community.
“This project allows us to live out our purpose of improving lives in the heart of our hometown, Kansas City,” Trent said. “Being able to help deliver a project that our friends, family and neighbors will get to use is an amazing feeling.”
The Robinetts also believe this project will be a great opportunity for UMKC.
“The streetcar is going to connect campus to the community,” Kimberly said. “It will improve the university's ability to recruit students by providing more housing opportunities, transportation options and access to new areas. We view UMKC as Kansas City's university and now future students will be better connected to Kansas City.”
This is not the first major Kansas City project the UMKC alumni firm has worked on. TREKK also designed critical systems for the new Kansas City International airport terminal.
HDR
Iain Blair (B.S.C.E. '23) works at engineering firm HDR as a transportation planner while also attending classes at UMKC to earn his graduate degree in civil engineering.
Blair worked on the Envision documentation, a sustainability certification similar to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), specifically with the "Ecology and Quality of Life" and the "Resource Allocation and Leadership" sections.
“As a Kansas Citian, I'm proud to see us make such important investments in the public transportation system,” Blair said. “The Main Street extension is going to be transformative for the future of the city. Empty lots will be developed. New buildings, services and housing opportunities are going to begin to appear along the corridor, just because of the investments that we made in our transportation system.”
Blair credits his undergraduate experience at UMKC, where he pursued a civil engineering degree with a minor in environmental sustainability, to his success at HDR.
“Being a public research university means that, in my opinion, UMKC (like our streetcar system) punches above its weight in terms of quality of education for the price,” Blair said. “When someone at HDR has questions about sustainable concrete and asphalt, I am one of a handful of people whose name gets thrown around to answer their questions. I was just given the right knowledge by the right professors at UMKC and HDR has given me the opportunity to take that extensive technical and theoretical knowledge and apply it.”
Kissick Construction
Led by alum Pete Browne (attended), Kissick Construction was responsible for the underground utility construction on the Main Street extension. This includes relocating and installing new water mains and service lines, fire hydrants, sanitary sewer mains, storm sewer mains and catch basins along the route.
Kissick Construction was also hired on as subcontractor and provided additional utility and concrete work on the track phase of the project.
“I’m passionate about the growth of Kansas City,” Browne said. “Projects like the KC Streetcar Main Street extension are important for the continued economic development of the city.”
Browne is also personally excited about UMKC getting a streetcar stop.
“The streetcar, like UMKC, is moving Kansas City forward,” Browne said. “My father was the first director of the engineering program at UMKC, and I have been impressed with the university’s growth over the last two decades. Having a strong university is critical to the growth of our region, as it impacts the workforce and various businesses. I’m very proud to be a cheerleader for UMKC.”
Parson + Associates
Taylor Rippe (B.B.A. ’19) has worked on KC Streetcar projects for the past six years.
When Rippe was a student at the Henry W. Bloch School of Management, she was selected for the Edward A. Smith Leadership program and was placed at KCATA for a summer internship. She interned for Dick Jarrold, who was a project manager for the Main Street Extension design.
“At the time, I helped take notes in meetings,” Rippe said. “But when I left KCATA in December 2018, I became an intern at Parson + Associates, the firm that handled public engagement and communications during the project design. After graduating, I started working full-time at Parson + Associates and worked with community and key stakeholders as they finalized the design of the project. My team led the communications during the upgrades on main work, which is when KC Water and utilities relocated and upgraded infrastructure in preparation for the streetcar construction.”
Rippe is grateful for UMKC, Professor Doranne Hudson and the Edward A. Smith Leadership Program for providing her with this valuable opportunity.
“I had never considered working in the public realm, but ended up doing so many wonderful things at KCATA, like helping secure a federal grant, that I decided to stay beyond the program,” Rippe said. When I was nearing the end of my second internship with them, KCATA actually connected me with Parson + Associates, allowing me to continue working on projects like KC Streetcar and make real change within my community.”
Rippe is still at Parson + Associates and now works as a subcontractor for Herzog/Stacy Witbeck on the communications team. She helps with business engagement, construction storytelling, resident and business notifications and taking drone photos.
“I’m so excited for UMKC to have a KC Streetcar stop, I just wish it was there when I was a student,” Rippe said. “Students are going to have such an incredible opportunity to explore Kansas City in a totally new way!”
Herzog Transit Services
Mike Goodman (B.A. '09) is the operations manager at Herzog Transit Services, the company responsible for the daily operations and maintenance of the KC Streetcar. As part of the Main Street extension project, Goodman was involved in hiring and training new operators to ensure a smooth and successful expansion.
“I made Kansas City my home in 2005 and have enjoyed watching it grow and evolve,” Goodman said. “Along the way, I’ve been fortunate to contribute to some unique transit projects that have shaped our city. The KC Streetcar is more than just a way to get around—it’s a catalyst for economic growth that has transformed downtown. Instantly recognizable, it stands out for its commitment to safety, quality service and creative community programs, from vibrant streetcar wraps to onboard events. It’s become a true KC staple, right up there with barbecue and a trip to The K.”
Goodman is excited for students to have the opportunity to explore more of Kansas City with the Main Street extension.
“When I was a student at UMKC, the intersection of 51st and Brookside was where I grabbed lunch with friends over Chinese food or pizza and picked up a hot coffee before class,” Goodman said. “It was a place full of energy and connection. With a UMKC streetcar stop, students will be able to explore even more of Kansas City. They’ll have easy access to everything that makes this city special, creating memories and experiences that will make them fall in love with Kansas City just like I did. And hopefully, like me, they’ll choose to make it home upon graduation.”
Mar 07, 2025
Brandon Allen found opportunity and community in the creative writing program
Brandon Allen is a living example that your dream career can start at any time. Going back to get his bachelor's degree at age 40, Allen decided to further invest in his future with the myriad opportunities available at UMKC and in the Kansas City community.
Brandon Allen Anticipated graduation year: May 2026 UMKC degree program: MFA Hometown: Springfield, Missouri
While a younger Brandon Allen chose a different career path than writing, it was not too far off from what he loved to do.
“I've always written since I was eight years old,” Allen said. “I took a detour for several years as a graphic designer to be an animator. I even moved to Los Angeles for six months to try to do the movie thing. Found out it’s not for me, but I realized everything that I did revolved around story, and so I thought it's a lot easier and quicker to write a story than to make it a short film. I then decided I’d rather put my effort into writing.”
Hopping from job to job throughout Missouri and Oklahoma, even getting married along the way, Allen found the path to his dream career at UMKC and within the Kansas City community.
“It's been a good place to learn a lot more about the history of literature and to workshop and improve my craft, which were two of my biggest goals for a master's-level program,” Allen said. “I'd say a huge second benefit is the literary community here. It's easy to meet people who are serious about writing in the program. We have monthly hangouts where we just talk about books that we're reading, movies that we're watching, stuff like that. That's been so helpful, since we’re all actually writing. I think you need that professional and social support, at least that's kind of the way that I pitch it. You'll be around other people, even though a lot of what you do as a writer is in isolation.”
Allen has already found success in his field despite only being in the second year of his program.
“I have several short stories out to national literary journals right now,” he said. “I've been getting some tiered rejection, which is a good thing. They’ll say, ‘We can't use this, but we'd like to see more of your work.’ I'm working on a novel right now, too, and I've drafted another.”
And what gives students in the creative writing program at UMKC that edge? Allen says it’s the people.
“The faculty are all published authors, so I feel like their feedback on my work goes a long way,” he said. “If they are impressed with it, that means it's a little bit closer to being ready to send out. I've been part of writers’ groups for years, but not many people have been seriously published. Having that level of experience here is huge.”
In addition to teaching free-to-the-community writing courses at the Kansas City Public Library as a part of Writers for Readers, Allen had another opportunity to partake in a paid internship creating content for Clio, a website and app created by history professor David Trowbridge that sends vetted historical information to your phone, just by walking around.
“I've always been a history buff and enjoyed that,” he said.
Allen got to create entries for walking trails about Walt Disney’s time in Kansas City, the history of locally brewed beer and audio guides for the art in the new airport terminal.
“I think history gives you a better blueprint for the future,” Allen said. “There's been hundreds and hundreds of years that have happened here in KC, and I want to do right by it, understand it.”
In these tumultuous times, Allen gets a lot of hope from his work, the work of his colleagues and the work of his students.
“I think at the end of the day, it's mostly about empathy,” he said. “I don't mean sympathy. You don't have to understand or justify what people are doing. Stories, even stories that are tragic, allow you to live another person's experience and then you understand why they're doing what they're doing. You may not agree with it, but it just helps you connect in that way. I think we could use a lot more of that these days.”
Mar 07, 2025
$1.9 Million Grant Funds Research to Study the Effects of Sound in the Operating Room
In University Health operating rooms, sound is under the microscope, thanks to two UMKC professors and their research team. This project, backed by a $1.9 million, five-year research grant from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, seeks to improve patient outcomes from surgery, all by changing the sound environment in the operating room.
Identifying the Problem
The grant is the result of a collaboration between School of Medicine Associate Dean of Women’s Health and professor Gary Sutkin, M.D., and Conservatory professor Paul Rudy, DMA.
The main goal?
“Make it easier for people to work in the operating room,” Sutkin said.
The main challenge? Noise.
“You really have to be very careful about how you communicate in the operating room,” Sutkin said. “One of the causes of miscommunication is just that the operating room is super loud. I mean it literally. There are loud machines that are at the noise level of dishwashers, garbage disposals or power mowers. We have to talk over those machines and there may be three or four conversations going on at the same time.”
All this noise contributes to the sound environment, which is where Rudy’s expertise lies. He’s been studying sound for more than 20 years.
“We live in a really noisy world, and I want everyone to be aware of the sound environment and how they contribute to it,” Rudy said. “Sound is a cognitive drain because our brains are always processing it, even while we’re asleep.”
Rudy likes to compare a surgical team to an orchestra performance. Both settings require discipline and focus, but within different areas. It’s second nature for musicians to operate in ways that don’t add any extra noise to their environments. That level of awareness is what makes Rudy instrumental to this research project.
“Until Gary brought me into this project, I’d never imagined using my sound research and composer skills in this kind of way,” Rudy said. “It’s a unique experience for me, and it’s really pushed me to think differently and get curious about things that I may not have before.”
One of the first steps to improving communication in the operating room is changing that sound environment. Noisy machines may stand between a surgeon and the nurse or anesthesiologist, making it harder to hear each other. Line of sight, or lack thereof, can also hinder communication.
“We can’t see each other between all the machines,” Sutkin said. “If you do have a line of sight, you can look at each other and acknowledge each other even though you’re wearing a mask. You can’t lip read, but you can still tell by body language if someone’s listening.”
Sutkin, Rudy and their team have identified these challenges by observing and measuring dozens of surgeries and documenting each time there is a communication breakdown.
“We need to collect all those miscommunication events so we can better understand why they happen,” Sutkin said. “Miscommunication is very much like speeding when you drive. It happens all the time, and patients do just fine. We speed all the time, and we don’t get into accidents. And yet, we know from large-scale studies that speeding is the number one cause of driving accidents. Similarly, miscommunication is fine for the patient until it isn't, until there’s a crash.”
By recording all these observations, they can better understand what happens when there’s a ‘crash’ or when a patient has a poor outcome because of a miscommunication.
“Many of the sounds in the operating room are necessary, such as machines beeping and conversations between the surgical team,” Rudy said. “So, I observe these surgeries through the lens of minimizing unnecessary sounds. Something such as crumpling up a piece of plastic and throwing it in the trash at the wrong time can interrupt an important conversation and prevent anything else from being heard.”
Creating Solutions
With five years of funding secured, this team has the breadth to experiment with dozens of different ideas on how to “solve” these miscommunications.
“We have about 30 possible solutions,” one student said.
Some of these solutions are as simple as turning off extraneous machines or creating new check-in protocols amongst a surgical team. In the long-term, Rudy envisions new standards for the manufacture of hospital equipment that both eliminate noise and create a more harmonious atmosphere through an improved sound environment.
While the work is centered around trying these solutions at University Health right now, there are plans to implement the most promising ones in Children’s Mercy’s operating rooms to compare the results.
“If it works at two hospitals, then we’ve got the basis for successful intervention styles.” Sutkin said.
Scaling a project like this for operating rooms across the country requires flexibility. Not all operating rooms are the same size, run the same equipment or have personnel with the same needs and preferences.
“We could show them what worked for us sure, but they must consider things that will work specifically for their institution,” Sutkin said. “Take what works and leave what doesn’t.”
This research has the potential to revolutionize the way operating rooms are run, and is yet another display of the strong collaboration between the UMKC School of Medicine and University Health.
“This is all about patient safety at University Health, and we couldn’t do it without all the incredible people there,” Sutkin said. “I’m hoping that we will reward their enthusiasm and investment with improving patient safety.”
Mar 06, 2025
Introducing the MBA in Business Analytics
The UMKC Henry W. Bloch School of Management is launching its newest graduate offering: a Master of Business Administration in Business Analytics, designed to equip professionals with the critical skills needed in today’s data-driven economy. The UMKC MBA in Business Analytics program will launch in Fall 2025, providing students with cutting-edge analytical and leadership expertise.
With businesses increasingly relying on data to drive strategic decisions, demand for analytics professionals continues to grow. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, data-science jobs are projected to increase 36% from 2021 to 2031, far outpacing average job growth. The MBA in Business Analytics is tailored to prepare students for high-demand careers in fields including finance, healthcare, e-commerce, marketing and supply-chain management.
“As Kansas City's business school, we are committed to providing programs that align with market needs,” said Brian Klaas, dean of the Bloch School. “The Business Analytics MBA will give our students a competitive advantage by combining advanced business strategy with in-depth data analysis skills.”
While many courses will be available in an online synchronous format, the program will require some in-person coursework to facilitate work on hands-on projects and networking with peers and industry professionals.
“The hybrid structure ensures students gain hands-on experience while maintaining flexibility, allowing working professionals to continue their education,” Klaas said.
A key distinction of the MBA in Business Analytics is its STEM designation, which makes it particularly attractive to international students. This designation allows international graduates to avail potentially up to 36 months of post-degree completion Optional Practical Training.
“Our global partnerships, combined with the STEM designation, position this program as a premier choice for international students seeking a top-tier business analytics education,” said UMKC Chancellor Mauli Agrawal.
The program will provide students with access to UMKC’s vast business network, engaging with top employers in Kansas City and beyond.
“I wish that this program was available when I was doing my MBA at UMKC,” said Joseph Rasmussen (MBA ’18). Rasmussen, currently senior director of business intelligence at Spring Venture Group, serves on the Business Analytics Advisory Council for the program. “Getting an MBA in Business Analytics blends data with core business knowledge like strategy, marketing, finance, operations and accounting. Having this knowledge will allow graduates to bridge the gap between data and decision-making”
Applications are open now for the Fall 2025 semester. Learn more about the program and apply here.
Feb 26, 2025
Kansas City honors amazing women inducted in 10th anniversary celebration
The University of Missouri-Kansas City inducted seven women at this year’s Starr Women’s Hall of Fame event at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts.
The bi-annual celebration kicked off with event chair Michelle Wimes (B.A. ’88), senior vice president and chief equity and inclusion officer at Children’s Mercy, discussing the history and significance of the UMKC Starr Women’s Hall of Fame and why it is important to preserve and tell their stories.
“It is hard to believe, but this academic year represents a milestone anniversary for the Starr Women’s Hall of Fame, which we launched in 2014 and inducted our first class of celebrated leaders in 2015,” Wimes said. “To date, 45 women have been inducted, and their stories permanently enshrined in the Starr archives. It is this combination of recognition that sets the Starr Women’s Hall of Fame apart from other entities that recognize and celebrate the achievements of women leaders.”
UMKC Chancellor Mauli Agrawal introduced the first four inductees and shared his excitement for the Starr Women’s Hall of Fame and the future of the program.
“At UMKC, we are proud to partner with so many of you to steward this incredible institution, ensuring the stories of the women we honor continue to inspire future generations,” Agrawal said.
Curt Crespino, vice chancellor of External Relations and Constituent Engagement, shared how amazing and how far this program has come along.
“As originally envisioned, the Starr Women's Hall of Fame also includes its archive, which is located in the UMKC Miller Nichols Library,” Crespino said. “The addition of the archive affords the hall of fame the opportunity to become a living, breathing testimony to the life’s work of our amazing inductees.”
A Class of 2023 inductee, Karen Daniel (M.S. ’81), was honorary chair this year. 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 shared what these women meant to the Kansas City area.
“Not only are Starr Women's Hall of Fame inductees serving as role models for these young women, I am heartened they are eagerly accepting that the torch will pass to them to not only sustain the archives, but to live their lives in such a way as to be future inductees.” Daniel said.
All seven inductees were awarded medals on stage; those who were inducted posthumously were represented by family or friends.
Wimes closed out the ceremony and shared this year's event raised more than $334,000 for the Starr Women's Hall of Fame archive.
“Karen and I are both proud alumnae of UMKC and I have been a volunteer leader at the university for many years, almost too many to count,” Wimes shared. “Whenever asked about volunteering at UMKC, I always say do it! My heartfelt thanks to the UMKC team for all you do to make memorable events like today’s possible for our community. Through your efforts and work, you bring the university and the community together in ways that are truly meaningful and impactful.”
2025 Starr Women’s Hall of Fame Inductees
The Starr Women's Hall of Fame, held every two years at UMKC, honors remarkable women from Kansas City and preserves the legacy of their achievements. These honorees include social reformers, volunteers, philanthropists, civic leaders and educators. All these individuals’ dedication and efforts have positively impacted the Kansas City community. This year’s inductees are:
Eliza Burton Conley Jr.
Muriel Irene McBrien Kauffman
Roshann Parris
Clara Reyes
Annabeth Surbaugh
Marian E. Washington
Marjorie A. Williams
Feb 21, 2025
Carl Allen won award for being an outstanding educator who represents highest standards of teaching
Carl Allen, William D. and Mary Grant/Missouri Endowed Professor of Jazz Studies, was named the 2025 Ellis Marsalis, Jr. Educator of the Year by the Jazz Education Network, a professional organization dedicated to building the jazz arts community through education and performance.
The Ellis Marsalis, Jr. Educator of the Year Award recognizes “an outstanding college or university educator in the field of jazz, who represents the highest standards of teaching and whose results have brought distinction to their institution and their students.”
“Professor Allen’s unwavering passion for jazz and his commitment to his students’ success perfectly embody the spirit of this award,” said Courtney Crappell, dean of the UMKC Conservatory. “His dedication and artistry continue to elevate our program and inspires the next generation of musicians to pursue innovation and excellence in everything they do.”
Allen has been at UMKC since 2021; prior to that, he was the artistic director of jazz studies at the Juilliard School. Along with his career in academics, Allen has played on Grammy-winning albums and with jazz legends, including Ron Carter and Kansas City native Bobby Watson. Part of what drew Allen to UMKC and Kansas City is its jazz history and the opportunities that could bring for his students.
“We don’t grow in isolation. We grow in community,” Allen said. “Relationships are important. They’re cyclical. Students need access to the jazz community and the people working in it to succeed and fulfill their dreams.”
Allen often brings guest artists into his classroom. His connections in the jazz world have brought his past students and fellow musicians to work with UMKC students, including Ron Carter, Cyrus Chestnut, Terence Blanchard and Christian McBride.
“When our students have the chance to be in the room and interact with these jazz greats, it makes them human,” Allen said. “These kinds of opportunities shape these students, and I always want to provide more of them.”
The work in the classroom is important, but for Allen, what happens outside of the classroom is just as important. Along with helping his students grow in their music abilities, he helps them grow as people. His work is to help them grow as people, not just musicians.
“I want them to be great,” Allen said. “You can be great as a musician, as a parent, as a computer technician. Whatever you aspire to be, I want you to be great because you’ve set a high standard for yourself in every aspect of your life. We have the power to affect other peoples’ lives through the gifts we’ve been given, and we should be the best version of ourselves.”
Feb 19, 2025
Diana Kander is this year’s Defying the Odds Alumni Award winner
Each year, the UMKC Alumni Association recognizes outstanding alumni achievements with an awards celebration. Diana Kander (B.A. ’02) is the Class of 2025 Defying the Odds Award recipient.
“Try Hard, Never Quit, Have Fun.”
This family motto has seen Diana Kander throughout her life: fleeing the Soviet Union as an 8 year old, to a debate-scholarship student who graduated from UMKC in two and a half years, to a Georgetown-educated attorney, university professor, the founder of 10 companies, consultant to Fortune 500 companies and government leadership teams, and on top of all that, a New York Times bestselling author.
“I came from a country that encouraged conformity and memorization while harshly discouraging individuality or academic curiosity,” Kander said. “UMKC embraced my inner entrepreneur and opened my eyes to what was truly possible in America.”
What has been the common thread in your approach to entrepreneurship, and how do you identify opportunities that others might overlook?
As a little girl who had just learned English and was wearing second-hand clothes to school, it took me a long time to find my place socially. But, that made me curious. I didn’t accept anything as it was, because in order to find my way, I had to question everything and find another way to achieve it. Today, that curiosity, that inner 8 year old, is still there, and she helps me to question the way things have been done so far. So, for me, that common thread is curiosity.
What advice would you give to today’s young entrepreneurs or students who are starting out in a rapidly changing world?
It’s not necessary to quit your day job and pour all your savings into your idea right out of the gate. There are tons of ways to de-risk your ideas, to iterate on them, to test them, so that once you’re ready to make that leap, your chances of success are much higher.
What is your favorite UMKC memory?
My favorite memory was when my husband, Jason Kander, who was attending a different university, spent his “semester abroad” at UMKC, and we got to attend classes together for a semester. Also, being on the debate team gave me confidence and a camaraderie to start college well.
What is your proudest accomplishment?
My proudest accomplishment is the business I’ve built as an author, consultant and speaker, because it’s given me the opportunity to do things I love, but also something my parents unfortunately didn’t have: the freedom to spend substantial time with my family. My parents were able to give my sister and me a chance at success by working non-stop. I’m proud that I’ve been able to take the opportunity they gave me and really make something of it.
Feb 18, 2025
More than 1,900 students recognized
The University of Missouri-Kansas City honors the dedication and effort required to achieve excellence. Every semester demands commitment, integrity and perseverance. In the Fall 2024 semester, 1,909 undergraduate and professional students earned a spot on the UMKC 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 2024 list, make sure you congratulate their achievement.
Below are the Dean’s Lists for the Fall 2024 semester.
Conservatory
Donovan AndesCaroline BlackKatrina BlumbergIsabella BrownGage BrownSophia CareyLana DauwVictoria DriverKayla ForbesJacob GehrEthan GodfreyBrooklynn GormanSam GranadeCameron GurssSara HanfordCaden HelmerMadalyn HesterleeKatie HurdJaden JarmanHadley JarvisIan JohnsonJaeden JohnsonEthan KauffmanGalen KroegerMatt LeePatricia LovingAbby MauldinZoe MeinsLilly MeyerMichael NavatoAbigail OhmsLaci OlberdingDavid OosseRiley PembletonDillon PottsEverett QuiettRozlynn RichertMicah Ruiz EsparzaEduardo SandovalSam SchislerEmily SchutzelCrew ShaferSierra ShotkoskiRui SimaMolly SloanJaxon St.ClairNeave SullivanAaron TsengDmitrii TulupovAidan Van LeerSol VeenstraKloe WagnerElizabeth WatzkeMichael WebberIsabel WeberMaddie WilliamsIsabel Yearian
Henry W. Bloch School of Management
Rick AbbasZuhur AbdiYassin AliNicholas AlvaradoKeilyn Alvarado-OrtegaJake AmesCollin AndrewsHannah ArchdekinCamden BakerElisha BaldwinBridget BartholomausLessly BerriosLauren BlakelyBrady BlankenshipCarson BlehmAudrey BrownCain ButcherJack ButtsCarlos CamachoJaqueline Cardenas TostadoBrianna CarterBri CastleberryDaniela Castro-CarreraJiaqi ChangXuyuzhi ChengOlga CherniavskaChris ChiGrace Clark Satori ClosserAbigail CloughZach CoonCaroline CooperPatrick CottonSheily CovarrubiasAllie CrawfordAbby CrooksPayton Crump-McHughMary CunninghamAnna CurtisKareem DadkhahDevynn DayKannon DillaboughHuy DinhHaley DowlerGreta EbersoleAbbi EllermanConnor EngelSydney EstellSydney EvensonLuke FacinelliAriel FanningMiguel Fernandez NovasSebastian FloresCaroline FoellerAmelia FunstonAva GatesAki GebreKiera GodseyBryson GoschJohn GosseVictoria GuerraDaniel GutgesellAustin HaggardNicolas HartungJensen Hassani-SadiHaley HeidbrederGrace HensleyGriffin HerErica HesterClaire HicksSam HulseyMissy HuntebrinkerKimber HusteadBrandon JamesJanice Jituboh AluyiLayla JohnsonParker JohnsonCayla JohnsonJayden JohnsonLiam JoyceSarah KannenbergAlexander KaroutzosGrace KertzKaleb KingNatalie KingAvery KrahenbillEmma KratzAnna KruegerAndrew LairJordan LaubNhi LeJason LeeLily LefferdMark LewisJenny LiSunny LinYijun LiuCyrus LoarHope LockeEric LopezAdriana Lopez-JuradoCassandra LudwigArsh MaheyJuan MarronMariana MartinezDestiny Martinez-LopezCarlos MataMia Matthews-BeavenMyles MeadHunter MiesnerKhadija MohamedDaniella MoralesDavid MorminoAnna MortonDonovan MurnieksShayla MurphyDan NastarowiczPerla Navarro-OrtizChance NelsonKim NguyenVivian NguyenJustin NguyenKhanh NguyenErika NunezWyatt OhnemusFernando OlivaresJavier Olivares BurgosAlex OvertonJohn PaccioneJeimy Pascual AguilarDeesha PatelElyse PayneSavannah PeisertMarlon Perez-MoralesAlyssa RankinsMicaela RichardsDalton RipleyTrey RobinsonJazmin RomoDevon RoweHannah RufPacey SalzmanKyle SchleicherLiddy ScuratoGabrielle SimmsEve SkilesAnna SlipychConnor SmithAshley Solis-JimenezMiriya StilesJade StoneJeffrey SuEmmyLou SwanKristen SwartsWhitney TaylorSivkan ThindEthan TolbertAsh TorresJosh TranMandy TranNicole TruongAlex UnsethNayeli VargasJayden VazzanoEli VogtEthan WelkerTristin WhittonEmma WoodEthan YangYingdan Zhang
School of Dentistry
Hayley AdairMichael AllisonNeil BoesKayla BurdetteCamden ChastainRiley ClarkeLexi CliftKadyn CobbDrew CubaMegan DartHannah DavieDrake DuganGiovanni FerraroJason FirthShelbi FlahautCasey GeddesMichael GimottyJackson GlynnSeth HofheinsKatie JenningsChristopher JohnsonTia KahwajiKatie KannenbergPeyton KusgenTommy MatayaGabby MertzEthan NettlerKylie NicholsJiani OsbornMichelle PalmerK-Leigh PappasRiley PerelesLisa RaymondQuinten ReasonerSage ReichenbergerMatthew RodriguesAdam SattlerHadley SchreinerEthan SmithJustin SurberJaiden TaggartNoah TallyJuliana TomitaClaire WaughEdward Wun
School of Education, Social Work and Psychological Sciences
Jenni AbadShams AlarthyRayan Al-HamdiReena AlshalabiAlea AshfordConnor AthearnIsabella BamnolkerKayauna BarnesAdelin BaynumDaylan BeckerBetsy BenavidesAmna BilalMariah BlackmoreElaina BlodgettJaylin BriscoeJaylie BuiPeyton BurchDrake BurkeLucy Cardenas VargasMargaret CarsonAlexander CarterAva ChinnockLindana Clavijo FajardoKelsee CorbinEmily DamianDarci DaughertyMartha DelatorreMaleah DowntonCarter Dye-MasonBailee EhlersAngelica EscobarKimberly EscobedoJordan FitchLai'Ayla FlowersCorinne FogartyMichelle FormanPeter FuentesEmma GarciaMacy GoetzGrace Gomez-PalacioNaomi GontermanRorie GormanAbby GuzmanJoshua HannszRobert HartmanLilli HaskinsJared HatfieldCatherine HawkinsHanan HayyehAngelina HerrMayerli HerreraCelina HoNicole HoganLily HollisMary IangChinecherem IhenachoAndria JersettKatelyn JohnsonNyree JonesLyba KhawarKendra KincaidMikaylah KingKennedy KingMason KummAlyssa LaShureAbby LogsdonKelvin LuPaige LyfordErin MagelGracie MalicoatTalisa MansouriMorgan MashburnCate MaxeyIsaac McBurneyJossie McClellandBrianne McGovernKate McKownBelen Mendoza SotoMaya MillerJules MortonConfi MuhozaAlex NelsonBrooke NewtonMatahreni NureiniMac OppermannHazel PageAinsley PickeringKenya PollestadAna Puentes RezaAngela RaymerElizabeth ReamsArriana RichardsonAlanie RiveraSarah RobinsonKiko RodriguezNatalia RosalesLaine RossMckenna RowlandNajma SaidIsabella SalinasPaige SanfordCandy SarresSamara SayidJulian SchollMikayla SchumacherBelah ShanksVictoria SicolaMariana Simental GrijalvaAdriana SpanglerGriffin SurberTarah TavisSophie TaylorBlair TaylorMadison ThimmeschJulia ThomsonAbby TiemannAlyssa TimmonsNayla Torres-RodriguezKayla TottressElla TrucanoLydia WeaverDallas WelchSean WesselEllee WheelockGrace WilsonEmilie Young
School of Humanities and Social Sciences
Alia AbdelgawadRebecca AbebeYoussef AbouelelaSammy Abu-NamousNatalie AdermannShikha AgarwalMaanvi AggarwalNasteho AhmedGrace AllenBrooke AmosMiriam AndersonMary AngottiBrittny AntillancaAshley AppleberryDaniela Arzabala LopezMeha AsirSulei AtiehLaila AtkinsAbanoub AttallahKaylee BaggerlyJada BaileyIsabella BakerHana BangaKelby BannermanGrace BatdorfKaya BeitzAlissa BerrieKaitlyn BerryGrace BeshoreUpala BhowmikKayla BiggsMaisy BlantonAditi BobbaHaya BodaSari BoehmJo BoosmanTracey BradfordBrady BrechtCourtney BreedloveCaroline BrimmJulius BriscoeBridger BrockmanMary BrooksSydney BrownJamar BrownMichelle BrownKate BrummundKate BruntzNicholas CacyBrinlea CalaisLauren CarberyGrace CarrEthan ChaOlivia ChristensenSavannah ChristopherJocelyn ClarkChristina CloughGrace CoganMorgan ColeAurelia ColletteMichael CollingsAnna CollinsSonja CombsAbby ConnorTaylor CovertKylee CoxLuke CozadAnnabelle CrappellDaze Creamer-EllecampAshley CrockettMeagan CrockettLilah Crum BarnhillAaliyah DanielsLilith DavisAbigail DeanTaegan DenmonDarrelyn DollarChristian DossJeffrey EakinsVia EasterJenna EikelKadie ElmoreFreyja EmeryRachel EricksonAlexandrea ErismanJosefina EsparzaEva EvansTochi EzeanolueBen FauserGrace Fausnett-BondDaisy FergusonJacqueline Fernandez-PatlanChloe FischerKim FloresCassandra FloresMia ForneyMcKaylie ForrestRowan FrazierSamantha FrockChris FullerJasmine GamelAngelika GarcianoAlison GardnerKatie GarrettOlivia GebhardtCarlie GeiseTayler GilbertDevan GirishLandon GonzalezTakariah GonzalezIshita GorjalaAndrew GottmanRebekah GrantSydney GravattNatalya GruzdEmani GuerinBrennah GuinnDakota GunnAlizah HaaseYasmeen HanonSara HanonBrianna Hardesty-BiondoZachary HarrellHaylee HarrellIsabel HarrymanRebecca HayesGrace HeathClara HeikenRayney HeldLogan HendersonMarc HermanYency Hernandez-SanchezMackenzie HerndonMelissa HerreraMila HerreraIan HilderbrandKatarina HillSeth HillLauren HirningSamuel HitchcockSienna HoopingarnerAva HrabanEvan HuangSarah IllimoottilAhmed IqbalFatima IqbalCara JacobNabeeha JalaliFahad JamalJustin JangFaduma JarikChristian JespersenChloe JiovenaleEmily JohnsonCerylean JonesDaniel JonesMarkus JonesMadisyn JonesAidan JoyceHugo Juarez-AvalosReid KalkmanKeely KeckZahra KhanKhadija KhanNatalie KiesAmanuel KifleMackenzie KlausJoseph KnowlesSamanyu KoduriPrithvi KoneruSri KoyaDiksha KrishnaswamySindhuja KudapaAllyson KukowskiVictor Lane-HayesJarissa LaraBenjamin LewisVance LiNoah LibowitzAnnie LileKyle LilleyJacob LobdellJacob LoeschTaylor LopezGracie LoreySam LuTaylor MacknightLauren MageeGyan MalaniKrish ManekMayzie MangosLilah ManningGabby Marin CastanedaKylie MarshallChase MarshallAudrey MartensBrianna MartinTanner MartinAspen MartindaleElizabeth MartinezNysa MaruthyNekail McafeeBrooke McCanlesEmma McdonaldAubrionna MeadJuan MedranoGeorge MendezRachel MengGovind MenonCohen MerrickCharlie MeyerMaddie MeyerAnnamarie MilanoGrace MillerWren MillerAnthony MishrikyAndrew MishrikyYasmina MokhtarKenney Monzon BrunoJay MoorePhoebe MurphyConstantin MusteataMegan Myers-WearySaichaitanya NallajennugariCharles NevilleEthan NguyenErick NicolasSavy NistalaBalqiisa NurMichelle Oliva-EspinosaAlexa OmorodionHafssa OuazzaniBrenna OxleyMin PaingRiya ParikhSarah ParkReagan ParkerJordan PaxtonCydney PayneRephael PearsonAngelina PearsonNatalie PeersonLana PeregrinaBlake PfannesCaitlin PickertKenzie PietzschLeya PogueJailyn PolkElizabeth PorrittArthur QualmanArushi RaiAlina RainesTheo RaitzerArchi RajSophia RamosSurya RangarajHamza RaufJillian RayJack ReavesPrisha ReddyAdam ReedSamyra RegaladoNathaniel ReiserIsabella ReyesMadelyn RiffeeRemi RochaMarco RodriguezJoslyn RossEmma RuckerThessa RyanJoy RyanHarryson SalcedoJouhel SalinasKayla Savinon FernandezKaitlyn SchebaumHaden SchelpIsabelle SchroederArya ShahDelaney ShieldsKowthar ShireEmily ShoemakeEvan ShoryJoe SimmonsZa'Carriah SimmonsIqbal SinghMolly SloanJonathan SmithKc SmithRob SongerHarry Soper PlazaHenry SowellBen SpringerAydan StiglerVictoria StlouisJazlyn SummersTristan SupernawNatalie SwampillaiTennessee TaffnerYordanos TarikDa'Mya ThomasRyan ThomasEmma ThomasKaelyn ThompsonNathan ThurmanYvonne TorbertKimberly Torres-VelaTe TranDhairya TrivediSophia TrudeHannie TruongAllBright TunNicole ValadezKatie ValdovinosDana Valenzuela PortilloReana Van VoorstNivriti VaranasiDanusri VaratharajSarai VasquezCamille VerhoevenMadeline VillalobosEthan VillasenorCatie WalkerBradley WaltonKeegan WatkinsLuke WatkissZane Watt HovenAlexiea WernerLyric WestleyEmily WheelerElla WhitfieldChristina WholeyKyra WilburnNathan WilcoxAlexander WildtConstantin WilliamsMonica WinemillerGavin WithamAlexandria WoerthThistle WolfHannah WoodsGrace WorkmanJames WorthamSarah YimDaniel York
School of Law
Kit AdderholtAbayomi AkinmoladunRashid AliMohammad AlkhatibCallison AmesDominic AmmatelliAllee ArmitageShep AronTiara ArtiesRebekah ArwoodKelsy AustwickSidney Bach-NormanZoda BallewAshley BartonJoseph BazataJohn BelfonteRaef BellOlivia BenoitBekah BerardiAlyse BergerCameron BerryEmma BeuerleinCharles BeulensQuintin BossertAlexandra BowerBrent BoydShayna BrazealKyle BrownHarrison BurchfieldEthan BureshCade BurghartKarima BurnsJason CantrellMarin CareyJosie CareyRachel CarrKenzie CarsonJohn CastelloAmanda CastillejaTrevor CernechAshley CerrentanoPiper ChristensonBrian ChristianJesse ClaypoolTyler ClevengerThomas CluckMayara CoelhoPhilip ColeFrancesco ConsalvoMakenna CopelandBobbie CrewStephanie CrockerKristen CroucherTaylor CullenDavid CummardIan CuthbertAdam DanielBrooke DaughertyJames DeisterTrinity DelaneyAlex DeLucaMichael DerusseauEmily DesbienKendall DillonAudrey DoeringSofia DominguezAnna DonaldsonJosie DostalJack DoughertyMackenzie DouglasMarkia DouglasYara DuranIvana EasleyJackson ElderNoah FahnestockNoah FanslerAngelina FerraraCarson FinkMatthew FischbachCaroline FishTaylor FlemonsBrian FordJoseph GambleDanny GamezVictoria GardnerKirby GarrettMia GoekeEthan GraySophie GreenErika GreerJoseph GutierrezHarper HaganMcCalister HallJennifer HalversonJoseph HardyBret HartGlenne HarvellMary Paige HawkinsAddison HaynesGrant HeimanCatherine HenneWill HenricksonEmma HeroldLiam HeuselTorri HicksBen HobstetterHans HodesCliff HollyGrant HouskeKirsten HoutzJulia HowellLukas HudsonAlison HuffAaron HungClayton HutchinsAntonina InfrancaOlivia JabaleyRyan JacobsenKaylee JacobsonElizabeth JanneyTara JanowskiLogan JeffersHunter JenkinsCristina JimenezNoah JohnsonCat JohnsonNathan JohnsonJared JohnstoneClaire JoskiKatherine KarnatzRyan KatzMargaret KellstromColin KieltyEmma King MurphyCole KingsleyWilliam KirkpatrickAlec KirwanWilliam KnutsonWieu KuotSalenna LaffoonRyan LahmanNick LangsdaleAlexander LangstonRies LasterLauren LawsonJacob LeamonJilliane LewisLauren LipariLilly LucasMadeline MannRachel MartinRob MasseyBrad MatteuzziElizabeth McCarthyKenny McDermedLauren McFailDaniel McGovernGregory MelhamBruce Mena-SierraErin MillerAlexander MillerLogan MitchellBrett MordecaiMeredith MorrisonCorey MyersKyle NelsonMatthew NeswickJacob NiemeyerKendal NilgesSarah OldfatherEthan OliverJohn Olomon-HowellAsh OnstottPyper OttDeyanira Parra LugoSamuel PetersonWhitney PetersonEmma PiazzaMegan PilegeTaylor PinonKirsten PintoAmanda PoeKaylee PopejoyLeslye QuintanillaAlexandra Quintanillo HernandezNicholas ReckerJoshua RepplingerErin RichardsHailey RichardsJessica RigbyHunter RobertsAddison RockersChristopher RogersCarrigan RohachEmma RomanoMichael RoseAnthony RossTaylor RumseyKelee RussEthan SahudinYara SalamedJosefina SanchezLouise SarverClaire SchallenbergKloe SchnellJoseph ScholtenKatie SchultzRobert SchwindAshley SegniboMadison SelfMargaret SelfEmersyn ShaltonTanner SheltonBrent ShinkleTaylor ShoemakerUmar SiddikiDiego SilvaJoseph SkojacHelene SlinkerKyle SmithKathryn SopcichWill SpeidelAddison SpiehsAndrew StaffordJoseph SteinbacherMacy SteinlageKaylee StillieCorrine SurrattJenni SweetonAnna Syptak-WelchMaxson TechauMatthew TeemantJohn ThompsonGabrielle ThurnReece TreasureLuke TrusdaleGiorgi TsivtsivadzeSumeya TummalaJoseph UnanaowoAnna VanBuskirkWilliam VanceAbby VandiverElias VaoifiJohn ViewAlex VillalobosIsabella VillegasSydney VogelgesangAlexander von KeudellDanielle WagnerRobert WaldMatthew WalkerSeth WalkerStephanie WaxmanLandon WebbSamantha WhiteBrennan WhittRiley WilliamsAndrew WiseKevin WiseIan WisemanThomas WolffRegan WoodJoshua YanceyChristopher YardleyHeather YatesWilliam YoungsJesse ZeckCamron ZerrGrant Zykan
School of Nursing and Health Studies
Yaretzy Aguirre CamachoHiba AlterjalliRocio AlvaradoDarby AnguianoKeeley AtkinElla BaileyMaddie BallingerDeeanna BarbeeMia BatistaJudy BattsSajeda BeeKayley BellCaroline BrandtDanielle BroxtonElizabeth BurgenerAlivia CalvertAlex CarreonTacee CatlettSihaam CaydaruusShema ColleyAnnabel ColonRylee CourterClaire CovertWesley CribbLydia CripeBrenna CroninElaina CroninMalath DaffaallahLillian DangEspy DanielsKelsey DavisNouran ElhiweejSam EllerbeckJazmine EllsworthLyric EwingAlyssa FebresTia FieldsFatima Fierros-EspinozaIsabelle FishJennifer FrisbeyKarina GaleasKatelyn GendronXimena GomezLeah GreenwaldKenna HacklerBrenden HansenConnor HardyZowie HayesHalle HeerenBritney HernandezCecelia HinesGlenne HinklePaw HserMahado HusseinAbby IslandAshley JacobsonLillian KamlerKenzie KennicuttMeik KernsJessica KnoxCamryn KorteJulianna KuyMolly LaFolletteAngelica LamCJ LamptonPiper LangmannHannah LindNatalia Lopez-RodriguezKyle LostrohDanielle MakaraNallely MartinezRafia MehmoodMaria MergenChristian MitchellRahma MohamedKarson MorrisLeAnn NguyenNatalie NguyenKristina NguyenCrystal OdugweMadison PageJasmine PattersonKassandra PerezSarah PerreaOlivia PlattGabrielle PorterLaci PowellLexi PribylOlivia QuinnVanessa ReyesElle RobinsonGray RobisonJeffrey RodriguezSydney RogersSabrina RogersRachel RonquilloShannon RoseRuth SchinstockEvan SchoorIsaac ScottWah Moo SheeSarah Jane ShidelerEmma SinclairTyesha SmithZaria SmithLaChe' SmithMakenna SmockQuinn SpearKrista SteeleRiley StehlikKarsyn StehlikBrooke TannerAva TeiwesSebastian TorresJenny TranMakayla TraylorEmma TurnerBethany VandenburgMel VentersCaden VoAlexis VoigtEmily WatkinsRyanne WattreeMackenzie WebbLinda WhitsellBriona WoodsTaylor Woods-ZakarasTomare WrightMya ZagoracJazmin ZepedaBethany Ziebarth
School of Pharmacy
Ali AkersHaley AndersonSafa AnsariBrooke AtchisonAlexis BallAbbey BartlettSharon BaskaranDaniel BatheAlex BiglerEthan BillupsKeith BodenhamerKayla BondRebekah BostonWeston BoswellKamden BoydKelley BurnsKiara CarpenterAnatoli CerneiKatherine ComerMadison CrawfordMackenzie DavisBreckin DawScott DuensingAlex EasterMaddie EppleSydney FalterMakenzie FletcherJulia FlynnBailey FowlerNatalie FrankBri FrerkingMarian FrizzellTanyaa GurushankarClaire HainesSeth HammackDarra HarperRose HauserDrew HedrickJoshua HendersonLauren HendrixKevin HoBridget HolmesAminatu IdowuJudah JerlsAnna JohnstonPaul KaggwaNav KaurElla KemmAlison KeverMaya KivistoCourtney KneseClaire KollarsSophia KovalenkoAvery LakeCassie LeeMichael LuShane McConnellAnna McDonaldCarson MohrJacob MorssElijah NeerPayton NeubauerMINH NguyenTam NguyenHailey OeschCole ParkerHayden PaulsIsabella PetryLexi RiggsAli RyalsJoseph SalazarAlan ScalziSavannah SchludeJustin SchmidtKaren SeeChris SimkinsGisele SimonAnnie SimphalyPeyton StearmanMegan StewartJohn StriblingRachel SturdevantVictoria TaggartMegan TandyAli TehraniTraeten ThorellEmra TmusicPeter TranTommy TranCorrina TrimbleBrett TurnerAshley VestMatney WatersKatie WeberLogan WestWill WhiteClara WiedemanAllison WinklerLauren YoungbloodJefferson Zhong
School of Science and Engineering
Hashim AbdullaAbel AbebeZaid Abu-SalahHafsa AhmedCameron AkhtarRashid Al GhailaniSadia AlamAhmed AlbarwaniKalkidan AlemayehuHanna AlemuSaid Al-FarsiEkram AliKarrar AljabaraAli AlsaffarSabea AlshammariAli AlsulaimanAnahi AlvarezBrandon Alvarez De La CruzAnum AmanullahDivenderjit Amarjit SinghViraj AminMeerub AmirErica AndersonNnenna AnikweNicolas AponteHalena Aquino-DunkinZain ArainAndres ArreolaSamantha Arroyo-PichardoJeremiah ArthurIbrahim AssafToleen AtiehKali AughinbaughKeeli AustinHilina AyenewJazmin Baeza-RussellCatherine BahadursinghAdelle BakerEyad BakheetBoubacar BaldeDylan BallRabeea BariJeff BarnhillGavin BartonTanu BassiJadyn BauerSophia BaugherLucy BeckenbachAaron BeckmanRohit BeledeKatelyn BellSamantha BeltranAdriana BenassiAmgad BenkhadraSalma BensahriLogan BeshearsEthan BessetteDelanie BestgenEric BetancourtElle BetzShayla BhuriJacob BiddingerAzaan BilalEmma BjornstadColton BlakleyDavid BoatrightHarshitha BonthuKate BoosmanKelsey BoucherJulia BourquinRyann BowmanWyatt BoydXavier BrandhorstMary BreauJaVion BriscoeShafter BriscoeDylan BrollSharli BrownJennifer BrownRand BrownChamberlain BrownsbergerJulia BrunoGarrett BryerZaina BsataAbigail BuckLindsey BuehlerKayla BurbachBk BurkaJessica BurkhartJack BurnosMarcus ButlerKyle ButlerCooper BuzbeeBenjamin CalcaraBrenda CalderonOlivia CarlsonAdella CastanerKeyra Castillo AvilaJudi CavenderSarah ChangNoah ChapmanShlok ChauhanXingyu ChenYumiko ChenAudrey ChildersNooriya ChishtiGrace ChurchCameron CiancioloMichael ClaussSamuel ClearyTeagan CoombesChristeen CoonSarah CrawfordDylan CrosbyPrincess CullomMuzan DaffaallahMichael D'AgostinoElias DamianCaitlyn DavisAshton DavisMyka DavisNicholas de RaadSheyda DehghaniNoah DevlinOpjeet DhanoaMaria DiazGaby Diaz LeguilluJohnny DiepKyla DinhKatreena DinhKhoa DoBrock DobbieAbhigna Dugaputi Jasmine DukesBrian DuongTessa EadsReed EasonJoel EbenezerSarah EbenezerBhavana EdigaMaryam El-DemerdashMohamed ElgasimReina EllemanDoug ElyAnthony EppelheimerKatelyn ErceEuropa EstabrookKaycee FactorArsala FatimaTasneem FatimahDanny FaustElizabeth FeldkampLauren FergusonSienna FickenArfa FirozNusaybah FiroziAdamaris Flores ValadezChristina ForbesEthan FordDavid ForsonLogan FortnerKylan FosterSienna FranklinSymone FranksDylan FrazierKevin FrazierConner FreeoufOlivia FritzJoy FruRemica FunderburkAngela FurmanKrishna GandhamDylan GastonAmy GayleJosh GehrLogan GeorgeAdrina GeorgeAlex GhasemiTaylor GilbertSirat GillCody GlassbrennerKathleen GodornesJackson GoldSebastian GomezMJ GonzalezMirka GonzalezJohn GoodenKyle GoodmanAdam GouddouBrandon GouvionLance GrabmillerJackson GrantCallum GraysonMichael GreenBrenda Guevara-AlatorreAaron GulatiAutumn GuptaElaina GurungElla GuyearLina GuzmanSophia HaiCaden HallCarter HallAnass HammoudStephen HangeZach HardeeAlina HasanRuweyda HassanTaiba HayadMuskaan HayerDominic HeaterBen HelusElbert HenriquezSam HermanTroy HermannSelena HerreraKatarina HertellAlex HiebertCassidy HillLauren HinesEvelyn HoTrenton HoeflickerBruno HoeltgebaumAlex HoffmanIzzy HogelinTanner HoilandTobias HoldenMcKenna HoodRaviv HoreshAdam HoskinsMadhav HotaMaung HtooCameron HuddlestonKona HudsonSpencer HughesAndy HumphreyCollin HunterDalton HuntleyKhaled Harun HusseinDaniel HuynhJim HuynhAisha IbitoyeMohid IdreesSaid IsakovHiba IssawiJason JacksonConnor JacoberLillie JacobsDania JacubKamron JafariSteven JalinskyAlpha JallohNatasha JamaGuntas JammuJocelyn Jarquin GarciaMohammad JarradAJ JayasekarKarissa JenesseBrenden JenningsBrendan JohnsonKevin JonesOliver JonesRachel JoseJuliana JosephJessica JosephJoan JoshyGwendolyn JoslinTyler KaiserTyler KaminskiAkshay KannanShazia KanwalAnshika KapoorSimarpreet KaurDavid KeltnerSydney KennedyJack KeysRahhaf KhalilShree KhambekarEshal KhanSean KhanHannah KhatiwadaZawni KhineWei Shen KhooIan KimDaniel KingSydney KingGabe KingdonBraeden KingsolverMary KleneGabrielle KleoppelElijah KlineZach KnuthAshok KothamasuGabriel KribbsAlisa Krolevich BertrandHudson KropAbhinav KrovvidiKirtis KuhnMiguel KunkleMaddie KunzJack KurtzLizzy LaffoldBrandon LaingThao LamCalvin LarisonHarper LarsenSteven LeAlicia LeLoc LeAusten LeckbeeDavid LeeEmanuel LefeboManroop LehalGrace LendtChristian LeonardCat LewinAlex LiDavid LinAngela LiuBishop LohmanJoey LongMakayla LongJuan LopezNatalia LopezTiffany LorAlyssa LoveBailey Love-DavisAsh LovettAlex LyAbdihakeem MaalimAbdullahi MaalimDuncan MacdonaldChinmayee MageshLeher MalhotraSarina MalisosAtlas MallamsSavanah ManionNathan ManningMakailyn MantleWilson MaoRachel MarquartKassandra Martinez-RiveraAva MastersonJulian MatrasMaura McCaigEvan McDanielAndrew McDanielLilian McGheeClayton McGinnisNicholas MckenzieHayden McnallanMikenna MeadowsTanner MeansFinn MeggittLeah MengAbreham MesfinNick MilesEthan MillerMadyson MinkerChase MinnickSalman MirzaMadison MitchellJaxen MitchellNihal ModuguGenova MongaloJackson MontaigneEli MontgomeryKyle MoorKatelyn MooreMariana MoralesAlexander Moreno PerezBerenice Moreno-PerezPeter MorganKegan MorrowDenny MosbyXander MosleyMaria Eduarda MottaNina MruckovskiUmer MuhammudAnthony MunizKristy MuriukiBree MurphyCanann MurphyMaximillian MurrayTrevon MyersShrihari NagarajanKyle NaluanShriya NandakumarEmily NatanovaTiffany NdauwaJack NeerMitul NeerubaiAnna NejedloBen NelsonTaylor NevezMinh NgoAmy NgoAquila NgoJoey NguyenToan NguyenChristy NguyenDanny NguyenCadao NguyenVincent NguyenNhat NguyenEthan NguyenMason NguyenChristine NguyenThuan NguyenKevin NguyenCecilia NguyenScott NguyenEmily NguyenGretschen NicholNoah NicholsRobert Nicolas-EstradaJulius NiyonzimaAliza NoorSpencer NormanTrevor NortonChikasi NwachukwuAndrew O'DellDemilade OgunleyeDiamond OgunsijiPeter OkekeFaith OlaoyeSemire Olatunde-SalawuVictor OlatunjiMary OldhamRoslyn O'LearyCaden OllarVictoria OlusanyaIan O'NealDylan OrpinIsa Ortiz-AcostaGunner PaceSara PaceVaishali PadarthyCora PaddockBrayton PalmaJasmine ParmarChetan ParmarJazmin ParraWill ParrishPearl PatelJai PatelYagna PatelJeet PatelAarohi PatelSydney PeckLilli PeckRyan PetersWill PeverillNick PfeiferHallee PhamJason PhanAlisha PhelpsSpencer PingelCarter PittsAudrey PlunkettChina PolferRuvim PopeskuAnjie PopoolaFisayo PopoolaNicholas PorterIan PowellOliver PowellAdam PowersIsabelle PrussOlyvia PughMaggie PursleyWylie PutnamRage PutzlerHafsa RahmanNachiket RajinikanthDiana RamirezAriana RanstromBrielle RedingerAlexis ReedThomas ReillyRuben RenteriaVanesa ReyesKaitlyn RichmondJosh RobardsBen RobinsonParker RobinsonAlexander RobinsonLanden RobyChris RodriguezNick RoederViger RomoEvelin Romo-MaciasTimothy RonoTyler RossAly RubleAndrew RuffinEmery RuliffsonKenna RyalsAustin SalinskyPreston SantoSafal SapkotaSofia SarrisSamantha SaunsaucieSophy SaykallyMike SchillingRowan SchmidliAvri SchultzCarson SchultzZain SchwartzSam ScottBrenden SeilerWayne SellersAyush ShahTauqir ShahidMahnoor ShahidParanjay SharmaBailey SharpAnna ShawAlend ShkurCalvin ShuckWilliam SikorskiSloan SkarzynskiClayton SlonikerKendal SmithJadan SmithKatie SmithKaleb SmithKieran SmithArsalan Sohail SohailNdeye SonkoRichard SorianoJose SosaHaley SpringerLily StedmanTom SteinmanPeter SternJaydine StilesAlex StinsonJordan StrausbaughSebastian Strong-HuffTuhin SudhakarEmily SunseriChristian SuttonSthuthi TadipartiHannah TaiAlex TangLeslie Tellez-MunozJustin ThomasMya ThomasAiden ThompsonMax ThompsonVignesh TiruvannamalaiJen TownesCoral TracyMichelle TranChristina TranVincent TranChuong TranAnh Thu TranHiep TranBen TranaHalle TrimboliEmma TroutTaylor TrudellMya TurnerLevi TurnerRebecca TurnerMadison TwiteShruthika UduthuriLauren UkenaSebashton UnderhillAaron UptonJordy Urbina-GuardadoAmber VaidNathan ValencicConnor VanBockernMaria VanBockernCyrus VangNathan VanzeylAkshaj VariathBhavya VattikondaJanani Venkat RamananRohan VenkateshMichael ViermannChris ViermannNhu VoPhuc VoKevin VoBrian VoHalley VogtsBrianna VossGracie WagnerHay WahMorgan WalkerReece WalkerGriffin WalshJosh WaltonNicholas WardChris WardNoah WatkinsAshton WeeksJacob WeidleApollos WeissenfluhWei WengKimora WhetstoneMeghan WhiteKai WhiteLevi WilhelmIsaac WilliamsPaige WilliamsTomie WilliamsDrew WillisAlyssa WoodJozey WoodTodd WoodruffIsaac WoodwardRobert WrenGracie WrightAniston WulffJordan XiongVincent YangAlexander YarsulikSamuel YohannesEllie YuPresley Ziegenbein
University College
Mustafa Al-HamdiRobby AppleberryMolly BentonKevin ConnorBenny CrowleyKiran DeolMaddy DuvallTristan FeenerTanya Hladky-BlyIan IdeAnevay MartzSamantha MassoodJoselin MolinaAbisai Montes-TorresPaw MooRoman NapieralaCarolina NavarroTar RehTaygen RenoAlex RivardCarson RocheAngelica RodriguezJanet SalcidoGavin SalzsiederAxel SanchezJade Soto
If a student’s name does not appear on the list, please direct questions to the appropriate school or college.
Feb 17, 2025
Carnegie R1 status unlocks new opportunities for the community and campus
The University of Missouri-Kansas City reached a historic milestone as Kansas City’s first Carnegie R1 institution, a prestigious designation that reflects years of dedication to research, innovation and community collaboration. With this achievement, UMKC joins an elite group of U.S. institutions reshaping the future of discovery and education.
“This milestone is a huge victory for all of the Kansas City area and its top research university,” said UMKC Chancellor Mauli Agrawal. “We’ve seen a steady and rapid rise in the excellence of UMKC, thanks to the incredible hard work and drive of our faculty, students, staff and community partners.”
Of the more than 2,800 four-year institutions, only 187 universities - about 6% - are R1, according to a Carnegie news release.
Achieving the Carnegie R1 classification comes five years ahead of the 2030 goal set in the university’s strategic plan. This elite status represents a transformative era for UMKC, Kansas City and the broader region.
“University research allows us to develop cutting-edge solutions to real-life societal problems that can lead to innovation and change around the world,” said UMKC Vice Chancellor for Research Sumeet Dua. “It trains students in critical reasoning and problem-solving skills, partners with industry and government to address national and global issues and fosters a culture of curiosity and collaboration on campus and in the community—thanks to the dedication and expertise of our faculty, who serve as mentors, innovators and thought leaders, driving this mission forward.”
Local and regional leaders are celebrating the UMKC R1 designation as a game-changer for Kansas City
Quinton Lucas, mayor of Kansas City: "UMKC's achievement of R1 status draws national attention to the groundbreaking work taking place in Kansas City. This accolade strengthens UMKC and Kansas City's reputation as an educational leader and a driver of innovation, showcasing the dedication and impact of its faculty, researchers and students."
Tim Cowden, president and CEO of Kansas City Area Development Council: “R1 status elevates Kansas City on the world stage, attracting businesses, creating high-paying jobs and fostering a competitive edge in the global marketplace.”
DeAngela Burns-Wallace, president and CEO of the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation: “Carnegie R1 status enhances UMKC’s ability to address critical issues, like access to opportunity and fostering entrepreneurial ecosystems, that are central to our work. The university’s dedication to innovative, community-driven research will amplify efforts to create a more dynamic Kansas City economy.”
Mun Choi, president of the University of Missouri System: “Achieving Carnegie Research 1 classification is an incredible honor for UMKC and the entire UM System. Chancellor Agrawal, along with dedicated faculty and staff at UMKC, have worked hard to meet the requirements necessary for this remarkable accomplishment. We are proud to now have three R1 institutions within the UM System, which will transform our outreach and impact across the state.”
Todd Graves, chair of the UM Board of Curators: "This is a landmark day for the University of Missouri-Kansas City as it joins the ranks of the nation’s top research institutions. The Board of Curators applauds this achievement. With this R1 designation, UMKC reaffirms its commitment to advancing knowledge, fostering innovation and making a lasting impact in Missouri and beyond."
To be a Carnegie R1 university, an institution must spend at least $50 million on research and development and award at least 70 research doctorates on average in a single year. UMKC spent $55 million, and awarded 134 doctorates.
UMKC key research areas are advancing healthcare, defense and more with specialties in electromagnetic radiation and energy; advanced and critical materials; unmanned platforms; artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and data science and digital humanities.
Five examples of high-caliber research at UMKC
UMKC is leading a national study to combat rising maternal mortality rate, focusing on pregnant women with heart conditions. John Spertus, MD, one of the country’s leading health outcomes researchers, is co-primary investigator on the grant, the highest National Institutes of Health funding in UMKC history: $8.3 million
As a finalist for a National Science Foundation Regional Innovation Engines Type II Award, UMKC has the opportunity to receive funding of up to $160 million over 10 years. This is a large-scale effort to bring jobs and manufacturing critical materials that we rely upon from other countries back to the U.S. This initiative will create thousands of high-paying jobs, launch 70 new businesses and boost our regional economy by $17 billion by 2035. This effort boosts America’s economic and national security by reducing reliance on foreign supply chains and positioning UMKC as a national leader in sustainable technology.
The Mellon Foundation awarded UMKC $4 million to create the Kansas City Monuments Coalition to help fund 16 preservation and commemorative organizations across Kansas City so visitors can enjoy historic sites for years to come. Locations include UMKC, the city of Kansas City itself plus classic points-of-interest local residents will recognize from childhood field trips such as Fort Osage National Historic Site, Missouri Town and the Wornall-Majors House Museums.
Conservatory Professor Amy Robertson is studying how music therapy – singing lullabies – to extremely young premature babies can lead to better health outcomes, including reducing brain bleeds, so infants can thrive and reduce their time in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit—or NICU—to go home earlier.
The American Association of Psychology featured the research of Westly Youngren, who is studying ways to make dreams pleasant to alleviate trauma and stress to create better sleep and quality of life.
In addition to UMKC, Missouri University of Science and Technology – another University of Missouri System campus – and St. Louis University also achieved R1 in 2025. Regional R1 universities include the University of Missouri in Columbia, Washington University, University of Kansas and Kansas State University. Other notable R1 universities are Columbia, Georgetown, Harvard, Johns Hopkins, Princeton, Stanford and Yale.
The R1 designation elevates the academic profile of UMKC, paving the way for expanded opportunities that empower both faculty and students.
“All aspects of our lives are impacted by research—our food, transportation, healthcare interventions, education and even the arts are all influenced by research,” said Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor Jennifer Lundgren. “Having research-active faculty ensures students are learning from professionals who are pushing their disciplines forward.”
For UMKC Ph.D. candidate Jennifer Truitt, researching mental health with faculty mentor Daniel Maitland, whose research on the loneliness epidemic was recently featured in the New York Times, the UMKC R1 designation has already made a difference.
“UMKC’s ambition to achieve R1 was one of the reasons I chose to transfer here,” Truitt said. “It affirms that this is the ideal environment for impactful research because R1 status means access to tools, funding and networks that elevate the quality of our work.”
For more information, images and videos about UMKC research and its Carnegie R1 designation, visit go.umkc.edu/r1.
Feb 13, 2025
Transition of management for KCUR, Classical KC
The University of Missouri-Kansas City announced today that it will seek to transfer the management of its public radio stations KCUR and Classical KC to a community-based, independent nonprofit within the next three years.
The UM System Board of Curators, which currently holds the licenses for KCUR and Classical KC, expressed its support for a recommendation put forth Feb. 6 by UMKC Chancellor Mauli Agrawal. The board also supported a similar plan from UMSL for its public radio affiliate STLPR.
Agrawal noted that transitioning the Kansas City station to an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization is a positive move that will allow the University of Missouri System to focus on its highest priorities of education and research while giving the community-based radio stations the flexibility to better navigate an increasingly dynamic and competitive media landscape.
Agrawal proposed a three-year transition that will:
Accommodate establishment of an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization to manage the station.
Develop sustainable strategies for core administrative functions, including finance, human resources and information technology, which are currently supported by the university.
Ensure the smooth transfer of key assets, including broadcast licenses, equipment and physical spaces, as appropriate.
Agrawal noted that a group of community leaders already has contacted the university to express the intent to form a nonprofit to manage KCUR and Classical KC. The stations will continue to operate as usual during the transition period, with no anticipated changes to programming or staffing.
“The radio stations have been a valued part of our campus and Kansas City community for many years, informing and engaging our community with their high-quality news and programming,” Agrawal said. “This transition will set the stage for them to flourish and grow for decades to come. We remain committed to actively supporting this transition and will work closely with the station and the community-led nonprofit to ensure they have the resources and tools needed to succeed.”
While this transition represents a shift in structure, Chancellor Agrawal said this plan does not change the university’s commitment to public radio. UMKC will remain a proud supporter and partner of KCUR and Classical KC, recognizing their critical contributions to civic dialogue, education and cultural enrichment in Missouri and beyond.
“We’re excited to start this new chapter in our longstanding relationship with UMKC,” said KCUR General Manager Sarah Morris. “Our association has made it possible for us to provide Kansas City audiences with essential news and entertainment programs for decades. But as our industry evolves ever more quickly, this bold move allows us the flexibility to adapt in real time.
“The success of this transition will rely on strong community support, dedicated leadership and a shared vision for the future of public radio, and we look forward to ensuring that happens.”
Board of Curators Chair Todd Graves praised the foresight of the proposal.
“The Curators are supportive of the recommendations from our chancellors at UMKC and UMSL,” Graves said. “Together, we are confident that this transition will position stations in both communities for success in the years ahead.”
The transitions will not affect Mizzou’s public radio station, KBIA. Curators also hold that station’s license, but it will continue as currently structured. Its mission is directly tied to education as the training ground for students in the MU School of Journalism.
Feb 10, 2025
The Moot Court team finished in the quarterfinals of the National Moot Court Competition
The UMKC School of Law’s Moot Court Competition team was one of the top eight teams in the country at the 2025 National Moot Court Competition, co-sponsored by the American College of Trial Lawyers and New York City Bar Association.
More than 145 teams from 108 law schools competed in this year’s competition, considered one of the most prestigious in the country. This is the second time in three years that a UMKC team has won the regional competition and participated in the national rounds.
“I could not have asked for a better team,” said Steve Leben, moot court team coach, associate dean of the law school and former appellate judge. “These results show that our students can compete with students from any law school in the country. Fortunately for the Kansas City legal community, all three of them plan to stay in town after graduation.”
The competition includes writing an appellate brief and making oral arguments for a hypothetical legal case. Students on the team argue for the petitioner and respondent sides. The UMKC School of Law team was made up of third-year law students Sidney Bach-Norman, Emma Piazza and Helene Slinker.
“Participating in the National Moot Court Competition was the best experience I’ve had while in law school,” Piazza said. “It was a great opportunity to meet students from other law schools and gain helpful feedback from attorneys that I wouldn’t otherwise be connected to. This competition gave me valuable skills that will translate well into my career as an attorney.”
Piazza was named the top speaker in the five-state regional competition, held in November. The team won five rounds in their regional competition, becoming undefeated champions and earning their place in the national tournament. They won three rounds at nationals before narrowly losing in the quarterfinals to the eventual runner-up team from the University of Iowa.
“This was my first time visiting New York City, and it was an unforgettable experience,” Bach-Norman said. “The competition was incredible, and I will always treasure the opportunity to co-counsel with Emma and Helene and be coached by Judge Leben.”
Learn more about UMKC School of Law’s moot court teams and other competition opportunities.
Feb 10, 2025
Four students will receive funds to enhance their educational opportunities
The University of Missouri-Kansas City has announced the Chiefs Opportunity Fund recipients.
The award is given to graduates and undergraduate students to apply for projects and learning opportunities such as professional development, unpaid internships, graduate school preparation or transportation costs. The 2024 awardees are:
Cameron Johnson, senior, business administrationJohnson will use funds for expenses related to the Law School Admissions Test, commonly called LSAT. Amanuel Bekele, senior, computer scienceBekele will use funds to pay for travel to an internship. Karina Galeas, sophomore, health sciencesJasmine Galeas, freshman, biologyThe sisters will use funds for a professional development trip related to their majors. “This encounter will be a memorable and profound learning experience, equipping me with the tools to advocate for better healthcare access and support for vulnerable communities,” Jasmine Galeas said.The student fund was created as part of the university’s five-year partnership with the Kansas City Chiefs.
2023 Awardees Mariah Duran Amy Gayle Abdihakeem MaalimEdgar Prado Noah Sims Timothy WilliamsNizar KhamisKyra AfolabiMcKayla AnnesserBrooke Higgins
Jan 31, 2025
Percival Everett shared personal stories and inspiration behind ‘James’
One of the nation’s most celebrated writers, Percival Everett, author of “James,” the 2024 National Book Award for Fiction – visited with students and presented 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.
Everett is a distinguished professor of English at the University of Southern California, known for his award-winning novels. His novel “James,” in addition to the National Book Award for Fiction, won the 2024 Kirkus Prize and recently the Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Fiction. “James” is a retells “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” by Mark Twain through Jim’s perspective.Everett hosted a small Q&A session with UMKC writing students earlier in the day before delivering his lecture to a packed Spencer Theatre.
John Barton, Ph.D., department chair and professor of English, welcomed Everett to the stage. “It’s a distinct honor and privilege to introduce distinguished Professor Everett,” Barton said. “As a professor in English who teaches literature, I want to say thank you for the literary world you created.” Everett talked briefly about what he admired about Twain, what he learned from his writing and what brought him to write fiction. In his own life, Everett said it helped him with observation, how knowledge often comes from places you’d never expect. He shared earlier experiences from when he was a child to when he was a ranch hand as an adult. His message: avoid making assumptions.
“It is often assumed that just because some people have the same skin color, they have the same experience,” Everett said. “But it is more complicated than that. Our location, our upbringing and the culture we’re around all influences our experience.”Everett also read excerpts from “James” and dove into the reason why he wrote the book and the meaning behind it. Afterwards, he answered questions from the audience and hosted a book signing for those who attended.
Many prominent figures in the community attended, including Kansas City’s civic leader Alvin Brooks and Carmaletta Williams, CEO at the Black Archives of Mid-America. 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. The Cockefair Chair also partners with regional civic organizations including the Black Archives of Mid-America to bring in high-caliber speakers like Everett.
Jan 31, 2025
UM System partnership has paved the way for friendship, understanding through sports
Students at the University of Missouri-Kansas City have long enjoyed intramural sports, but through a 2020 partnership with the University of Missouri System and the Special Olympics of Missouri, the camaraderie formed through intramurals now extends beyond campus.
Since the partnership, UMKC Campus Recreation has incorporated a Unified Sports League in its intramural programming. Unified Sports is a Special Olympics program that joins people with and without disabilities on the same team. Teammates are matched up based on age and ability to train and play together, forming friendships and understanding.
The UMKC Unified Sports teams include UMKC students and athletes from the KC Metro Area Special Olympics playing flag football, pickleball, basketball and bocce.Casey Davison, UMKC campus recreation’s senior coordinator of recreational sports, helped found the UMKC teams. “Our partnership with KC Metro Area Special Olympics and our Unified Sports programming exemplifies the power of inclusion, creating a space where people of all abilities can connect, compete and grow together,” Davison said. “This partnership not only enriches our campus but also strengthens ties with the KC community through meaningful engagement and collective impact.”
Though the teams have only been together a short time, they have already been successful with four appearances in National Intramural-Recreational Sports Association (NIRSA) regional tournaments, one of which the basketball team left undefeated. Cameron Reece, a senior in electrical and computer engineering, plays on the Unified basketball team. One of his favorite memories was traveling with the team to compete in the regional tournament in Columbia, Missouri.“Unified Teams on campus is something dear to my heart,” Reece said. “I love basketball…I find it a lot of fun practicing together, coming up with plays, then getting to see how far we can go. It's something I look forward to.”
Brooke Tanner is a senior in nursing who plays on the flag football team. She traveled to Nebraska with the team, where they won a regional tournament. “I have made amazing connections with the athletes and their families,” Tanner said. “We just have a blast together and it is so fun.” Meg Ward is the Kansas City program director for Special Olympics Missouri. Ward said UMKC is one of the only universities in Missouri to incorporate Unified teams into its intramural programs.“We see UMKC as an exceptional model for peers across the state,” Ward said. “Through the context of Unified intramurals, our SOMO Athletes are playing sports on a college campus, building new friendships and ultimately finding increased joy and confidence on and off the playing field.”For students who may be interested in joining, Reece said all they have to do is come to a Unified Night. “We are always looking for people to join us to play or just have a good time,” he said.
Unified Nights are Tuesday nights from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Swinney Center and Durwood Soccer Stadium, dependent on the season.
Jan 30, 2025
Madeline Mann’s unconventional career path prepared her for law school success
Working in law isn’t Madeline Mann’s first career. Mann was a firefighter until a career-ending injury sent her down the path to become an arson investigator. Although they have little in common on the surface, her experiences in those jobs led her to law school.
Madeline MannAnticipated graduation year: May 2025UMKC degree program: J.D.Hometown: Atlanta, GA
“Because of my injury, I was exposed to employment law and worker’s compensation,” Mann said. “Then when I was an arson investigator, I learned a lot more about criminal law. I really loved investigating but felt that my career would be limited at some point. I wanted more options in case I didn’t have the same passion in 20 years. Law school seemed like a good choice to explore more paths.”
Her path led her to UMKC and Kansas City from Atlanta, GA. Kansas City’s size made Mann feel at home, and the university’s welcomeness to nontraditional students and strong employment network sealed the deal.
“I was looking for a law school that was relatively affordable, in a city I’d enjoy living in, and could help me open as many doors as possible for my legal career,” Mann said. “UMKC checked all of those boxes. After doing some research, it was clear to me that this school is a regional powerhouse that frequently places graduates in both public interest roles and at big law firms.”
Mann has made the most of her time at the UMKC School of Law. She is currently a fellow with the Human Trafficking Institute; as part of her work there, she put together a UMKC Continuing Legal Education event on recognizing and addressing human trafficking through a multidisciplinary lens. Due to her exceptional work in this area, she was recognized by the Missouri Lawyers Media with a Leader of Tomorrow Award at their statewide, annual Women's Justice Awards. Additionally, the UMKC Women's Council selected Mann for a Graduate Assistance Fund award and an award for outstanding merit.
Mann also worked for the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the District of Kansas and the Platte County Prosecutor’s Office, where she spoke in court and sharpened her trial skills. Her time in those jobs exposed her to work on civil cases, which she discovered an interest in. That interest led her to work as a summer associate for civil defense firm Armstrong Teasdale in their Kansas City office. Her time with Armstrong Teasdale led to a job offer, and she’ll be returning there after finishing law school.
“I’ve really enjoyed law school,” Mann said. “I want to be here; you get to learn interesting things and talk to smart people about those interesting things.”
We asked Mann to tell us more about her time at the UMKC School of Law.
What are the challenges of the program?
The learning curve for soft skills, like time-management and organization, can be steep. Law school can be challenging for students who have yet to develop those skills because they’re trying to develop good habits while also trying to learn the law. That’s not something unique to UMKC School of Law. I imagine it’s the most challenging part of being at any law school.
What are the benefits of the program?
UMKC School of Law offers great resources to both non-traditional students and those coming directly from finishing their undergraduate education. The career services office helps students for whom the law is a second (or third) career leverage past experiences to obtain internships and jobs in the legal field. They also help traditional students properly form a resume and prepare for interviews. UMKC School of Law is also much more affordable than other law schools, which is a huge benefit.
How has your college program inspired you?
I know law school may not be the most enjoyable experience for a lot of people, but I think it’s hard not to feel inspired while learning about the law. Even before working in public safety, I always wanted to help people and be dependable and add some good to the world. Law school has definitely revealed more paths for doing just that.
Since entering college, what have you learned about yourself?
I learned that I actually like to learn. I used to think of myself as someone who didn’t enjoy being in a classroom and wasn’t really meant for academic settings.
Who do you admire most at UMKC?
I have to give another shoutout to the career services office at UMKC School of Law. Even though I had a career prior coming to law school, there was much about the legal hiring process that I was unfamiliar with. Jennifer Dierks and Megan Dougherty are always willing to answer questions.
What do your scholarships mean to you?
The scholarships I have are meaningful because they are a large part of the reason why I am able to graduate from law school virtually debt-free. That is not a luxury most law students have, and it’s not something I take for granted.
To the people that donate to UMKC School of Law: your donations give students freedom. Students with higher school-related debt often look for high-paying jobs, even if those jobs don’t align with their professional interests. Students with less financial pressure have the freedom to follow their interests, even if those jobs do not offer the same high salaries.
What other extracurricular activities/student organizations are you involved in at UMKC?
I am part of AWLS, which is the student chapter of the Association of Women Lawyers, and I am also a member of the Military Veterans Law Association.
What do you hope to take from your experiences at UMKC into your professional career?
Through the externship program at UMKC School of Law, I’ve had opportunities to work at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Kansas and the Platte County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. This past summer, I worked as a summer associate for Armstrong Teasdale. Throughout my 3L year, I am working as a fellow with the Human Trafficking Institute. These experiences have helped me sharpen my legal skills and form great relationships that will last far beyond graduation.
What are you most proud of during your time at UMKC?
I am proud of my fellowship with the Human Trafficking Institute and for getting a job at Armstrong Teasdale. Both organizations, though wildly different, are full of incredibly smart, kind and impressive people. I’m proud to be on those teams.
What is one word that best describes you?
Driven. The definition is “relentlessly compelled by the need to accomplish a goal; very hard-working and ambitious.” I am a goal-oriented person and have always considered myself a hard-worker.
What do you love about UMKC?
The culture is very relaxed and supportive, and the school is full of really bright, wonderful people. Law school is inherently competitive, but everybody here is helpful in a way that I wasn’t anticipating. Students are always studying together, sharing outlines and helping each other. The environment here is relaxed and welcoming; I just think it’s pretty special.
What are some of your best memories/most fun you’ve had at UMKC?
Some of my best memories are attending different professional events at the school. Those events are great opportunities to meet lawyers and learn more about different career paths. On more than one occasion, I’ve become friends with some of the attorneys who I met during those events and likely would not have otherwise met.
Who is your favorite professor?
Associate Dean Steve Leben. He brings real-world experience to the classroom, is a great teacher and is always willing to help.
How has UMKC prepared you for your career?
The professional opportunities I’ve had throughout my time at UMKC School of Law gave me varied legal experience that ultimately led to a post-graduation job offer from my top choice law firm.
If you were talking to a high schooler or someone on the fence about UMKC Law, what would you tell them?
I would first tell them to take a year or two off and get a job. It doesn’t have to be a legal job. Just get a job and work. Being independent and out in the world provides new perspective and will make getting through law school much easier.
I would tell them UMKC School of Law is the best option if they want to start their career or permanently stay in the Kansas City area because they will graduate with less debt than their peers and have tons of great job and networking opportunities.
What makes you proud to be a Roo?
Because UMKC School of Law is such a regional powerhouse, the alumni are locally represented in all areas of the law, at all levels, and maintain an affinity for UMKC School of Law graduates. I meet lawyers who graduated from UMKC School of Law decades ago, yet there is still somewhat of an instant connection when they discover I’m a UMKC student.
Jan 30, 2025
Missouri Institute for Defense and Energy (MIDE) leads research projects to improve society
MIDE currently accounts for 20% of the University of Missouri-Kansas City research expenditures and, as of 2024, has secured more than $60 million in externally awarded grants and contracts. The increase in funding over the years has provided them with more opportunities to showcase their expertise in electromagnetic fields, cybersecurity and robotics.
For Kaitie Butler, a student studying mechanical engineering at UMKC, joining MIDE was a natural progression of her lifelong passion for aerospace and defense. Raised in a family with strong military ties, Butler was drawn to the idea of working in an industry that combined service with her curiosity for the sciences.
“MIDE is the perfect connection between these two worlds,” Butler said. “I am able to invest my skills into furthering national security for our nation and the science and technology field within the global technology base.”
At MIDE, Butler not only found the perfect platform to explore her passions but also a strong mentor who challenges her. She first met Travis Fields, Ph.D., interim director of MIDE, at a seminar.
“He has been a pivotal figure in my journey,” Butler said. “From the moment I joined MIDE, he encouraged me to explore different areas of research. Not all bosses challenge and push you but that needs to happen, especially when you're working with important stuff like we do. But he also is aware and cares about whatever you're going through.”
Fields has influenced numerous students’ research experiences, including Butler's. His leadership goes beyond academic guidance—he challenges students to think critically and prepares them for future careers.
“Students are really the backbone of the research at MIDE,” Fields said. “I'm not the one in the lab anymore. The students are the ones who are getting these experiences they cannot get anywhere else. They are the ones who really make up more than half of our workforce at MIDE. We cannot do this without them.”
Fields’ ability to create a supportive environment for students has led Butler to embrace multiple disciplines within the aerospace industry. Her research ranges from engineering tasks, like wiring autonomous vehicles, to more hands-on tasks, including flight testing and systems design. Her favorite part of working at MIDE is the flight testing, where she gets to directly see her designs come to life by testing them in real-world scenarios that demand quick thinking and adaptability.
“Flight testing includes training internal MIDE members as well as going out in the field and getting our vehicle to fly in certain formations,” Butler said.
She also loves the people she works with.
“I love working for MIDE,” Butler said. “I've worked at a couple of different places, but within MIDE, we have a great culture. We're always building each other up. We're always challenging one another.”
Butler is confident her experiences and connections at MIDE will transform her future career.
“Since we're able to go out and present our research at all these different conferences, I’m able to connect with a lot of different folks in the industry, not just aerospace defense,” she said.
Thanks to her experiences at MIDE, Butler is already making an impact.
“I got an internship through X-Force National Security Innovation Network,” she said. “We actually designed a reconfigurable drone, in collaboration with NSWC Crane, and it was published in an article. I wouldn't have had that experience if it weren't for my position at MIDE and the people who got me here.”
MIDE’s focus on applied research that ensures the work produced not only advances academically, but also delivers real-world solutions is something that also excites Fields.
“My favorite part of working in MIDE is seeing the impact, seeing that we are delivering real things,” Fields said. “We are trying to solve real problems, and we have students who are getting to see the real problems and real threat briefs now going out and having a real impact at these major organizations across the country in defense labs and with major contractors.”
MIDE staff and students get to showcase their expertise by training real operators on how to use advanced systems. Some Air Force operators even travel thousands of miles to come to Kansas City just to be trained by MIDE staff and students on how to use large, unmanned aircrafts.
The impact of MIDE’s work is evident in the high demand for its graduates. Companies from across the country are attending UMKC career fairs to hire MIDE students, recognizing their unique skill sets and preparedness for real-world challenges.
By offering hands-on research opportunities and fostering professional relationships, MIDE is molding the next generation of leaders in defense and technology to contribute to a safer, more innovative future.
Jan 28, 2025
Emily Shoemake loves the opportunities and experiences she couldn’t find elsewhere
At UMKC, students write their own stories, form their own definitions of success and chart innovative career paths. With Kansas City as their classroom, they turn dreams into reality every day.
Emily Shoemake Anticipated graduation: 2027UMKC degree program: HistoryHometown: Troy, Missouri
When Emily Shoemake was looking for colleges, she didn’t have high expectations.“I had negative preconceived notions about what college would be,” Shoemake said.As a high school student, she watched as her older sister battled cancer while trying to earn her degree, fight administrative hurdles and keep her scholarship as a student athlete. The experience left Shoemake and her family with a skeptical outlook of whether the college she chose would live up to the common promise of support and community. So, when the time came for her to decide where to go, Shoemake knew her priorities. She and her family toured UMKC, where they learned about support programs like First Gen Roo, Peer Academic Leadership, Roo Wellness and the Raj Bala Agrawal Care Center. It sounded great, but given their experience with her sister’s institution, they were skeptical. Despite her hesitation, Shoemake decided to take a leap of faith. “I chose UMKC because they offered more resources than I ever thought I would need,” Shoemake said. “It was my first week when I realized that UMKC intended on following through with their promise to care and help me succeed here.”Shoemake got involved with First Gen Roo, a program that supports students with programming designed to help them get familiar with and adjust to college. It was during a First Gen program where the realization of that support became overwhelming. She talked with the program director, Megan Elsen, who helped Shoemake get in touch with Roo Wellness and counseling services. “They made sure I was okay, which is incredibly comforting,” Shoemake said. “So after that first week and after that day, I think I was able to settle in and adjust and realize that this campus is offering everything that I'm going to need to succeed and focus on my academics.”
And she has. Shoemake said she has found support from many professors who she has found approachable, helpful and dedicated to helping her succeed. “UMKC is one of the only schools that truly delivers on its mission statement,” she said. “I’ve actually been introduced to some contacts in the history department through First Gen about some opportunities with learning more about World War I, and the potential internships, and study abroad. So there are lots of connections just based through networking and talking about my interest with history.”In addition to classes, Shoemake has joined Professional Career Escalators, where she’s learned career skills and networked with professionals. “They've been helping with resumé building and how to come off professional in interviews, whether it be a career fair or things like that,” Shoemake said. She has also taken part in the honors program and student organizations such as history club, where she knew she’d found her crowd from the day she attended the welcome back potluck. “It felt like for the first time I stepped into a room full of people like me,” Shoemake said. “That evening left me with a sense of home I was not expecting.” After working her first semester as a student support specialist for Peer Academic Leadership, Shoemake is now training to support other students by becoming a mentor herself.
She has no plans to slow down: she’s working on two papers she hopes to publish and has signed up for a study abroad trip to the Netherlands in the summer to learn about art, culture and history with an itinerary that includes stops at the Van Gogh Museum, Rembrandt Music Museum, concentration camps and Anne Frank's house.With her first year having exceeded her expectations, Shoemake said she’s proud to be a Roo. “The people here are what set this apart,” she said. “And if there's one final thing I am proud to say, it's that I am a person at UMKC, and I will make a difference.”
Jan 27, 2025
Chiefs Cheer teammates pursue physician assistant, marketing degrees
Carly Hays and Laney Duchene are making the most of their college experience in their hometown. As UMKC students and cheerleaders for the Kansas City Chiefs, they’re balancing time in the classroom and gamedays in the loudest stadium in the world.
Hays and Duchene share deep connections to Kansas City, a city that has shaped their identities and ambitions. Hays, who moved to Kansas City from St. Louis at an early age, considers herself a true Kansas Citian.
“Kansas City is where I grew up and where I’ve built my life,” she said.
Duchene, a lifelong resident of Independence, Missouri, shares a similar sentiment. “I loved that UMKC was close to home,” she said. “I get the perks of living at home while attending college.”
For Duchene, the decision to attend UMKC was all about family. “My dad and sisters also attended UMKC, so it feels like a family tradition,” she said.
Hays, on the other hand, was drawn to UMKC for its strong physician assistant program in the School of Medicine, which allowed her to stay close to home after completing her undergraduate degree at the University of Missouri in Columbia.
Since arriving on their respective campuses, Hays and Duchene have thrived at UMKC, where they’ve found supportive communities and opportunities to grow.
Hays notes that her first year was full of both rewarding and challenging experiences.
“This was the most mentally and physically challenging thing I’ve ever done,” she said. “I had to completely relearn how to study, but the support from my cohort and faculty has been incredible.”
Duchene, a senior studying business administration with a marketing emphasis at the Henry W. Bloch School of Management, credits her professors and the course curriculum with preparing her for her future.
“My classes have been incredibly practical,” she said. “I’ve learned so much about professional communication, which has translated directly into what I do with the Chiefs.”
Both students’ experiences at UMKC have directly influenced their roles as Chiefs cheerleaders. Hays’ background as a competitive dancer and a member of the Mizzou Golden Girls dance team prepared her for the demands of professional cheerleading.
“Dance is my escape when school gets heavy, and school is my escape when dance gets heavy,” she said.
Duchene’s time on the KC Roos Dance Team helped her transition back into the dance world after taking a break to focus on academics.
“Joining the Roos team got me back in the groove and really helped prepare me for the Chiefs,” she said.
Despite both students’ having extensive dance backgrounds, they both quickly learned making the Chiefs squad would require more homework.
“We also had to participate in interviews, answer questions about Chiefs history and demonstrate our knowledge of the game,” Hays said.
Once past this stage, they advanced to in-person finals, a three-day event involving choreography, public speaking and media training. Hays is currently in her second year with Chiefs Cheer and notes some audition advantages for returning members.
“Veteran candidates skip the preliminary rounds, but every cheerleader must earn their spot back each season,” Hays said.
Duchene, a rookie, recalls how challenging the process was: “It’s not just about dancing, it’s about representing the brand with professionalism and knowledge.”
On gamedays, their routines begin long before the stadium fills with fans.
“Depending on the time of the game, we get up as early as 4 a.m. and show up to GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium ready in our hair and makeup,” Duchene said. “The atmosphere is electric, and the bond with my teammates makes it all worth it.”
“Stepping onto the field at Arrowhead is an unforgettable experience,” Hays said. “It’s a mix of pride and adrenaline.”
UMKC is an official higher education partner of the Chiefs, a partnership both Hays and Duchene say they’ve loved experiencing firsthand. Hays specifically notes the significance of seeing UMKC signage in Arrowhead Stadium.
“When I’m on the field, I see the UMKC banner, and it’s like my two worlds coming together,” she said.
Duchene agrees, recalling a memorable moment when UMKC Chancellor Mauli Agrawal walked by as the cheerleaders prepared to take the field.
“Seeing him walk on the field with other UMKC students and seeing the UMKC logo at Arrowhead during games is such an honor,” she said.
The connection between UMKC and the Chiefs is more than symbolic for Hays and Duchene, it’s engrained into their practices as well. UMKC alumna Stephanie Judah (BBA '95), who serves as the director of entertainment teams for the Kansas City Chiefs, plays a key role in guiding both Hays and Duchene in their journey with the team.
"UMKC was a huge part of my life and education. During my time at UMKC and the Bloch School, I was also a Chiefs Cheerleader," Judah said. "To now have two cheerleaders that are currently UMKC students is such a wonderful thing. It is like bringing two worlds together. It is a special bond that will connect us forever."
Hays and Duchene also take pride in representing Kansas City on and off the field. Through her clinical experiences at University Health, Carly has been able to serve the community that shaped her.
“UMKC’s partnership with University Health allows me to provide care to Kansas Citians,” she said. “It’s a great representation of giving back to the city that raised me.”
For Duchene, the sense of camaraderie within the Chiefs organization has been a highlight of her experience.
“The Chiefs team feels like a big family,” she said. “We’re so lucky to have this incredible bond.”
As Hays continues her journey in the physician assistant program and Duchene prepares to graduate in May, both students have their sights set on the future. Hays is focused on completing her degree and continuing to balance her dual passions. Duchene hopes to stay with the Chiefs while pursuing a career in marketing.
“Being part of UMKC and the Chiefs has been an unforgettable experience,” Duchene said. “It’s a privilege to celebrate both in such meaningful ways.”
Jan 23, 2025
Historic preservation projects span across the Kansas City community
The Mellon Foundation awarded the University of Missouri-Kansas City $4 million to create the Kansas City Monuments Coalition to help fund 16 preservation and commemorative organizations across Kansas City so visitors can enjoy historic sites for years to come.
Locations include UMKC, the city of Kansas City itself plus classic points-of-interest local residents will recognize from childhood field trips such as Fort Osage National Historic Site, Missouri Town and the Wornall-Majors House Museums. Others are relatively unknown exhibits that can host the field trips of tomorrow.
The grant was awarded as part of the Mellon Foundation’s Monuments Projects to the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, thanks to the work of Diane Mutti Burke, Ph.D., Sandra Enríquez, Ph.D. and David Trowbridge, Ph.D. from the history department, as well as Michael Sprague, coordinator for the Center for Digital and Public Humanities.
Mutti Burke explained the Mellon Foundation is expansive in how it defines monuments.
“It’s statues, of course, but also historic structures, interpretative signage, public exhibits, digital content and artistic and cultural programming,” she said.
The grant will support the historical and preservation projects of the 16 community organizations as well as public programming in partnership with the Kansas City Public Library. Examples include refreshing the Luis Quintanilla mural in Haag Hall on campus out to updates on exhibits at the Fort Osage National Historic Site. The UMKC team is excited about what support from Mellon will mean for local historical organizations.
“Our team has established relationships with our community partners and over the years we have talked about their needs and ideas,” Trowbridge said. “The most exciting part of the grant is getting them financial support and collaborating with them as they do this important work.”
The UMKC team founded the Kansas City Monuments Coalition to ensure the funding go as far as possible and to as many community organizations as possible.
“We felt if we could all work together and have ongoing conversations, we could learn from one another” Mutti Burke said. “By working together, we can be greater than the sum of our parts.”
“This transformative grant from the Mellon Foundation emphasizes the importance of inclusive storytelling and historical preservation” said Sumeet Dua, Ph.D., vice chancellor for research and economic development at UMKC. “The exceptional work of our UMKC faculty has been instrumental in securing this opportunity, showcasing their dedication to engaging with the community and reshaping how history is represented and understood.”
The work of the Kansas City Monuments Coalition will further advance the UMKC mission as a public urban research university by bridging the work of faculty, students and community partners. Enríquez explained community engagement has been a cornerstone of the history department and Center for Digital and Public Humanities and that support from the Mellon Foundation will bolster this commitment to collaborative historical interpretation.
“The work of the UMKC team and our community partners is a thrilling opportunity to leverage our strengths and collectively build a historical landscape that better reflects the experiences of everyone who calls Kansas City home,” Enríquez said.
Most of the $4 million will directly fund the historical efforts of partner organizations. The projects must be completed within the three years allotted by the Mellon Foundation. The UMKC team, including numerous additional faculty and staff, will also organize and deliver public programs as well as collaborate with the Kansas City Public Library’s Digital Branch on its next KC history website project. The grant includes funding for two full-time staff positions and graduate students who will aid this effort. Students who are part of the Mellon humanities internship program awarded to UMKC are also eligible to work on this project.
“The Monuments Project is an unprecedented multi-year commitment by the Mellon Foundation that is aimed at transforming the nation’s commemorative landscape to ensure our collective histories are more completely and accurately represented,” according to the foundation. “The Monuments Project supports efforts to express, elevate and preserve the stories of those who have often been denied historical recognition, and explores how we might foster a more complete telling of who we are as a nation.”
Jan 22, 2025
Mark Hoffman of Children’s Mercy is a School of Medicine professor
The University of Missouri-Kansas City now has four administrators and professors who are fellows in the National Academy of Inventors, a prestigious group of innovative researchers.
The academy recently selected Mark Hoffman, Ph.D., UMKC School of Medicine pediatrics professor and chief research information officer at Children’s Mercy Kansas City, a clinical partner of the university, for induction into its 2024 Class of Fellows this June. This recognition is the highest professional distinction given exclusively to inventors, recognizing those who have shown exceptional innovation in developing or advancing groundbreaking inventions that have made a significant impact on quality of life, economic growth and societal well-being.
Throughout his nearly three-decade career, Hoffman has made significant contributions to the field of medical technology. As a distinguished inventor and researcher, his work has resulted in 22 U.S. patents and three international patents, underscoring his commitment to enhancing healthcare through innovative solutions.
“In fifth grade, I chose to do my first formal report on Thomas Edison, sparking my lifelong interest in invention,” Hoffman said. “Being elected as a fellow of the National Academy of Inventors is a humbling recognition of my career and I look forward to leading the ongoing, innovative work at Children’s Mercy.”
Hoffman is the first from Children’s Mercy to join this distinguished group of world-class innovators and leaders, and the fourth from UMKC. Previous winners from UMKC include:
Chancellor Mauli Agrawal, Ph.D., Class of 2015
Reza Derakhshani, Ph.D., associate dean in the School of Science and Engineering, Class of 2020
Anthony Caruso, Ph.D., vice chancellor for strategic initiatives, Class of 2021
“I am grateful to Dr. Caruso for nominating me into this prestigious group,” Hoffman said.
Hoffman will be inducted at the 14th Annual NAI Conference held June 23 to 26 in Atlanta. During this ceremony, Hoffman and the other 170 exceptional inventors of the 2024 Class of Fellows will be presented with honors from NAI representatives and the United States Patent and Trademark Office.
According to NAI President Paul R. Sandberg, an election to the rank of fellow, “reflects not only your accomplishments but also your dedication to advancing technology and fostering invention for the benefit of society.”
Jan 21, 2025
U.S. News & World Report ranks online master’s program No. 33
The UMKC School of Nursing and Health Studies ranked No. 33 among nation’s best online nursing programs by U.S. News & World Report.
According to Dean Joy Roberts, the ranking is a testament to the continued success of the program.
“UMKC’s Master of Science in Nursing program has educated hundreds of advanced practice nurses and nurse educators since its inception and our graduates have gone on to work throughout Missouri, Kansas and the United States,” Roberts said. “We are proud of our graduates, our current students and the faculty who educate them.”
Up from No. 36 last year, this is the 13th year in a row the program has ranked in the top 50 of the 149 schools on list. For working registered nurses, the school’s many online offerings enable them to continue providing care in their communities, while preparing them for the evolving and dynamic challenges of healthcare.
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.
For pediatric nurse practitioner Lori Erickson (BSN ’06, MSN ’09, Ph.D. ’20), her coursework in the Master of Science program laid the foundation for her progression as an advanced provider. Now the director of remote health solutions at Children’s Mercy Kansas City, the connections she made during clinical rotations were far reaching and the opportunities to experience different clinical and leadership scenarios in nursing were invaluable.
“My connections with faculty and staff at UMKC have continued after graduation and are part of the reason that I returned to the School of Nursing for my Ph.D.,” Erickson said. “My Doctorate in Nursing prompted my shift to focus on outcomes in a rigorous way. I would not be where I am without the Roos.”
UMKC offers a variety of online graduate nursing tracks, including Master of Science in Nursing and other options: Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGNP) Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP) Nurse Educator (NE) Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP) Primary Care and Acute-Care (ACPNP) Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP) Ph.D. Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Jan 21, 2025
Plans for boutique hotel, spa and more could transform unique building
A local group comprised of Sunflower Development Group and hospitality veteran Jen Gulvik has secured permission to proceed with a historic redevelopment project involving one of Kansas City’s most beloved assets: the Epperson House at the University of Missouri-Kansas City.
The group’s vision would maintain the rich historic heritage of Epperson House while transforming it for modern day use into a 14-room boutique hotel with a café, small library bar, full-service restaurant, intimate event space and a hydrothermal spa offering body and facial treatments, ancient European baths, hot and cold therapies, visiting practitioner workshops and retreats and other wellness programming.
“This is an exciting step forward for the future of this beloved local historic treasure,” said UMKC Chancellor Mauli Agrawal, who has been working toward saving the distinctive Tudor-Gothic mansion on campus since he arrived in 2018. “One of the most frequent questions I get about UMKC is about next steps for the Epperson House, and now I finally can share a promising answer.”
Built in 1920 on what’s now the southern edge of the UMKC Volker Campus, Epperson House was the home of Kansas City insurance tycoon Uriah Epperson and his wife, Mary. The 24,000-square-foot, 54-room mansion at 52nd and Cherry streets is a curious blend of a castle and stately home.
1922 photograph of Epperson House
Eventually bequeathed to the university, Epperson House was used for a variety of purposes over the years but has been empty for more than a decade. Its destiny seemed uncertain with a long list of projects needed to bring it up to building code and ADA requirements. Throughout the years, Historic Kansas City Foundation has listed it on its most endangered buildings list.
In 2023, UMKC issued a request for proposals, commonly called an RFP, seeking a public-private partnership for the rehabilitation of the famed Epperson House. The university recently selected a team led by Mark Moberly (M.S. ’06) and Jason Swords of Sunflower Development Group in partnership with hospitality veteran Jen Gulvik. The design architect for the project will be Kansas City-based Generator Studio.
No university funds are being used for this project. The Epperson House will be leased and rehabilitated by the development team. All operations for the project will be funded and managed by that group. The plan is for UMKC to realize revenue from the partnership that will help support the university's mission.
In addition, the group is engaging Heritage Consulting Group to ensure the historic fabric of Epperson House is preserved throughout the rehabilitation process. Among the house’s unusual features are ornate woodwork, an indoor swimming pool, billiard room, barbershop, a custom organ and a tunnel linking the east and west wings.
Organ loft in Epperson House, a second-story space that opens into the ballroom
“There is nothing comparable to this type of spa or development in the Kansas City area, and the story of Epperson House cannot be replicated,” said Gulvik, who regularly walks in the neighborhood past Epperson House and is enchanted by its uniqueness. “A restored Epperson House will serve the neighborhood, UMKC faculty, staff and students, travelers to Kansas City and the community at large - especially given its proximity to the KC Streetcar stop at UMKC, slated to open later this year.”
The team will soon begin development efforts, which include seeking operating and financial partners as well as pursuing state and federal historic tax credits, to turn the project into a reality within the next few years.
While restoring historic buildings can be complex, the development group and its partners say they have the experience needed to overcome hurdles.
Sunflower Development Group is a real-estate development company based in Kansas City that has been involved in more than $500 million of new and historic commercial developments over the past 15 years. The group’s local historic rehabilitation projects include Ambassador Hotel, The Grand KC Apartments, Longview Mansion, Cosby Hotel building and Pershing Lofts.
Epperson House ballroom
Gulvik’s hospitality marketing experience includes revitalizing and growing Houlihan’s Restaurants, Bristol Seafood Grill and J. Gilbert’s restaurant brands nationwide, and advisory for Fairwave Coffee Collective, which owns 30 cafes.
Generator Studio’s architecture and interior design business has a focus on hospitality. Generator led design for Grand Place, a major historic preservation project transforming the former Kansas City Star building and is currently designing the Margaritaville Hotel in Kansas City, Kansas in addition to hospitality spaces for professional sports venues. Generator partner and director of interior design, Christina Franklin, has designed more than 20 boutique hotels for West Coast-based Pacifica Hotels.
“We look forward to engaging with the university, neighborhood and Kansas City preservation community in our development and historic rehabilitation plans,” said Moberly of Sunflower Development Group. “It’s an important architectural landmark in the area and bridges the university to the neighborhood. What an exciting opportunity to work on a project in partnership with my alma mater that will create a destination for which everyone in our community can be proud.”
Sewing room in Epperson House
The news is exciting to Epperson historian Chris Wolff (M.A. ’12) of UMKC who leads popular tours outside the home during Halloween season (the public is not permitted inside as it awaits rehabilitation). Wolff tells visitors about the house’s storied past and the lore of ghosts and other haunting phenomena.
“To say people are captivated by Epperson House is an understatement,” Wolff said. “I’m ecstatic that it has interested people who have a vision to restore and repurpose it so all of Kansas City can enjoy it into the future.”
Jan 15, 2025