Handpicked students join university’s most prestigious scholarship program for transformative success
The University of Missouri- Kansas City’s Trustees’ Scholars Program is one of the university’s most prestigious opportunities for first-time college students, offering not only a full scholarship, but also a powerful network of support. Backed by a partnership between the university and the UMKC Trustees, the program connects high-achieving students with influential mentors, professional guidance and unique leadership opportunities.
Trustees’ Scholars stand out not just for their academic excellence, but also for their initiative and impact on campus, often founding student organizations, leading peers and shaping the university community. With a strong foundation and access to invaluable resources, such as a study abroad fund, access to the Trustees’ connections, structured community service and housing stipends, these scholars are well-prepared to thrive in their fields and make lasting contributions beyond graduation. “Throughout the years, students always say the Trustees are the best part of the program,” said UMKC Chancellor Mauli Agrawal at the reception. “You will now have access to people the average person has no access to, even I have trouble reaching out to them, but you get to say they are your mentors.”This year’s scholars are seven outstanding students who were selected from more than 150 applicants.
Isabel Ball
Ball is from Kansas City and is studying music education. Ball wants to be a middle school band director or an elementary school teacher. Her Trustee mentor is Pat Macdonald (BLA), director of strategic ventures and operations at the Healthcare Institute for Innovations in Quality.
Alexis Hiebert
Hiebert is from Kansas City and is studying nursing and health sciences with a minor in Spanish. Hiebert hopes to become a certified registered nurse anesthetist and to study abroad during college. Her Trustee mentor is Jennie Clarke (J.D. ’88), retired executive at American Century Investments.
Aiden Levendofsky
Levendofsky is from Manhattan, Kansas, and is studying music composition and piano performance. Levendofsky started playing at age 4 and is pursuing music because it is how he expresses himself. Levendofsky is interested in the intersection of class, culture and political science and hopes to compose music that encourages empathy. His Trustee mentor is Marylou Turner (M.A. ’65, Ed.S. ’79) of the Women’s Committee of the Conservatory.
Kennedy Lucas
Lucas is from Columbia, Missouri. She is majoring in health sciences and is extremely excited to be a part of her cohort. Lucas never thought she would be financially supported throughout college along with the other perks of the program. She believes her greatest asset is her determination. Lucas’ Trustee mentor is Suzanne Shank (J.D./MPA ’82), retired executive at General Electric.
Gavin Paruch
Paruch is from St. Louis, Missouri and is studying biology and hopes to go to medical school. He has lived in four different states, and is looking forward to his college career at UMKC. His Trustee mentor is Sean Doran (B.A. ’09), D.O.
Anika Patton
Patton is from Tulsa, Oklahoma and is majoring in biomedical engineering with the hope of going to dental school to become an orthodontist or oral surgeon. Patton is a soccer player and will continue to play on the UMKC women’s soccer team during college. She is grateful to have the opportunity to continue playing soccer while being a part of the Trustees’ Scholars Program. Her Trustee mentor is Reachel Beichley, former general counsel at MRI Global.
Adam Wang
Wang is from Overland Park and is studying chemistry. He wants to pursue dentistry after college. Wang has deep ties to the university. His mother is a UMKC alumna, graduating from the previous six-year dental program, and his grandfather was a physics researcher at UMKC. His Trustee mentor is Joseph Spalitto (B.S. ’68, DDS ’72), D.D.S.
Aug 29, 2025
Facility is designed to train the next generation of rural healthcare providers
A seven-foot-ceremonial scalpel — not scissors — sliced through a ribbon as University of Missouri-Kansas City and community leaders celebrated the grand opening of the new UMKC School of Medicine building in St. Joseph, Missouri, a milestone for medical education and rural health in northwest Missouri.
The $14.5 million building adds classrooms, exam rooms and simulation labs designed to prepare students for a future in rural medicine. With plastinate models, a cardiopulmonary patient simulator, and a 3D anatomy visualization and virtual dissection tool, the learning spaces are equipped with cutting-edge medical training materials.
Leaders say the project signifies a critical investment in training doctors who will practice in rural communities, where the need for physicians continues to grow.
“This 22,000-square-foot facility represents more than bricks and mortar,” UMKC Chancellor Mauli Agrawal said. “It’s a symbol of what’s possible when higher education, healthcare, government and community come together around a common goal: improving access to care for the people of this region.”
The St. Joseph campus first welcomed students in 2021 through a partnership with Mosaic Life Care, allowing students to train directly in the health system while serving patients in northwest Missouri. Now, with a dedicated education building in place, UMKC School of Medicine students have extended opportunities to learn outside of the hospital.
“This new facility was thoughtfully designed to reflect the realities of modern rural practice,” said School of Medicine Dean Alexander Norbash. “It supports the team-based approach that defines excellence in medical care today.”
UM System President Mun Choi called the campus a model for how higher education can partner with government, healthcare and local communities to create meaningful, long-term impacts while creating innovative solutions to pressing challenges and crucial needs.
“By focusing on rural medical education, we’re strengthening the state’s capacity to address physician shortages and improve access to care for all Missourians,” Choi said.
Which is why the location of the building is just as important as the state-of-the-art facilities inside.
“Research shows that students who complete rural training are much more likely to return to those communities to practice or be willing to go out to those rural communities and provide specialty care, helping address chronic physician shortages,” said Mosiac Life Care Chief Administrative Officer Davin Turner.
The project was funded through a mix of federal, state and local support, including $1.5 million from the state of Missouri. Missouri State Rep. Brenda Shields said the bipartisan backing was a recognition of the urgent need to expand rural healthcare access.
“By investing in educational infrastructure, Missouri is not only addressing today’s challenges, but laying the groundwork for healthier, more prosperous communities in the future,” Shields said. “The St. Joseph campus stands as a point of pride for the state, showcasing Missouri’s leadership in rural healthcare innovation and workforce development.”
Missouri, like many other states nationwide, is experiencing significant challenges with rural healthcare, including physician shortages and lack of facilities. Within Missouri, over 78% of health professional shortage areas are in rural areas.
“This campus represents just one of the many ways UMKC is responding,” Agrawal said. “Increasing the number of doctors is incredibly important. But just as important is preparing doctors who are committed to rural practice and who understand the communities they’ll serve.
For students, the new facility also makes medical school more accessible. Mikalah Brock, who grew up in and lives in Maysville, Missouri, just 30 miles east of St. Joseph, said studying close to home allows her to pursue her degree while continuing to live and raise her family in her hometown. But more importantly, it provides her an opportunity to attend medical school at a university that invests in communities like the one she is from and wants to serve.
“We learn about the unique challenges our patients face in rural medicine from physicians who have spent their careers dedicated to rural health,” Brock said. “It’s why this program isn’t just about earning a degree. It’s about joining a movement to improve healthcare across Missouri.”
The St. Joseph education building adds to the list of other rural healthcare initiatives, including a Rural Pathway Program, rural residencies, School of Pharmacy satellite campuses in Columbia and Springfield and the School of Dentistry’s recent announcement of St. Joseph extension plans as well.
After speeches and a ceremonial ribbon cutting, Wednesday’s grand opening event for the new St. Joseph Medical School building continued inside the building with student-led tours and demonstrations, showcasing the new facilities.
“This building represents hope, not just for students and faculty, but for the patients, families and entire communities who will benefit from better access to care,” Turner said.
Aug 20, 2025
Roo pride shines through summer transformations
From expanded educational access and modernized facilities to restored cultural treasures and practical improvements, UMKC continues to evolve in ways that matter. Whether you're returning to campus or arriving for the first time, there’s never been a more exciting time to be a Roo. Here’s a look at what’s new this year at UMKC.
Virtual Parking System Now in Effect
UMKC is modernizing campus mobility with a new virtual parking system, officially launched in August. Students and staff can now manage parking permits entirely online, eliminating the need for physical tags or stickers. This user-friendly system streamlines the parking experience and improves campus accessibility. It’s part of a broader shift toward sustainability and tech-driven convenience at UMKC.
UMKC School of Medicine Expands to St. Joseph
The UMKC School of Medicine has officially opened its doors in St. Joseph, Missouri. Having trained rural healthcare providers since 2021, this new physical location embodies the university’s commitment to increasing access to medical education and healthcare in underserved areas. The expansion is aimed at addressing regional healthcare needs and training the next generation of medical professionals closer to the communities they’ll serve, reaffirming UMKC’s mission to improve lives across Missouri and beyond.
Victor Wilson Learning Collaborative Boosts Academic Success
Students can now access the Victor Wilson Learning Collaborative. This state-of-the-art academic resource center is on the 4th floor of Miller Nichols Library and is designed to uplift student achievement. The revamped space is now home to all student success services, like First Generation Roos, Professional Career Escalators, Academic Support and Mentoring and Supplemental Instruction. It includes expanded study areas, cutting-edge technology and a more open and inclusive layout that encourages collaboration.
Roo Plaza Opens as a Student-Centered Hub
Roo Plaza, a new outdoor gathering space at the heart of the Volker Campus, is officially open. This vibrant plaza features shaded seating areas, outdoor study zones and green spaces designed with students in mind. More than just a place to relax between classes, Roo Plaza enhances the social and cultural fabric of the campus perfect for student events, performances or just a casual meet-up with friends. The plaza represents a growing investment in making UMKC a destination where students can thrive both academically and socially.
Jump Into UMKC
Designed exclusively for incoming undergraduates, Jump Into UMKC is a premiere multi-day onboarding experience crafted to welcome our newest Roos and support their transition to campus life. This program offers early access to move in for on campus residents, engaging workshops on time management, career readiness, technology use and confidence-building, plus fun social activities that introduce students to peers, faculty and Kansas City.
Haag Hall Murals Restored to Their Original Glory
The historic murals in Haag Hall have been fully restored, thanks to generous funding from the KC Monuments Coalition through a Mellon Foundation grant awarded to the UMKC School of Humanities and Social Sciences. The murals, painted by Spanish artist Luis Quintanilla in 1940, are significant both artistically and historically. They depict scenes from Don Quixote and include the name of Spanish Civil War fighter Julián Zugazagoitia, grandfather of Julián Zugazagoitia, the current director of The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. The restoration not only revives these treasured works but also brings attention to UMKC’s place in international artistic and political history. It is currently the only KC Monuments Coalition project on a UMKC campus.
Aug 20, 2025
UMKC School of Science and Engineering alums leverage their computer science degrees in numerous ways
Computer science degrees open doors to some of the fastest-growing and in-demand fields today. At the University of Missouri-Kansas City, Roos are turning their education into real-world impact across a variety of fields. Here are just a few examples of the diverse career paths they’re pursuing with their degrees.
User Experience Designer
Molly Gilstrap (B.A. ’20) wanted a degree that balanced technical skills with creativity. She chose UMKC because it offers a Bachelor of Arts in computer science, which she preferred over the Bachelor of Science degree. This option allowed her to include more graphic design and art electives alongside her computer science courses.
“I love design and creativity and wanted to take those classes alongside the sciences,” Gilstrap said. “The role I’m in now combines design and technology, so getting this degree at UMKC really prepared me for the post-graduate world.”
Gilstrap accepted a job with Commerce Bank six months before graduation thanks to a job fair at UMKC.
“I started at Commerce Bank in their Developer Acceleration Program as a software developer and rotated through different IT departments for my first year and a half until I found the role that was the right fit for me,” Gilstrap said. “I loved my user experience rotation because I felt like I finally found a position that let me use both the left and right sides of my brain.”
In her role as a user experience designer, Gilstrap designs enjoyable, user-friendly digital experiences for Commerce Bank customers by collaborating with other designers and developers to implement prototypes.
“My computer science degree has been a huge benefit because I can effectively communicate with the developers I work with and understand their point of view and questions,” Gilstrap said. “The critical thinking skills I gained have helped me solve complex design problems. While my current role doesn’t require coding, the skills I learned related to coding help me break down problems, diagram solutions and collaborate with developers.”
Director of Wireless Solutions
Mitch Rappard (B.S. ’98) chose computer science because he enjoys learning and knew the field would always offer something new.
“From the evolution of networks to virtual machines, to cloud computing and now to machine learning, there is never a dull moment!” Rappard said. “Computer science is the foundation of some of the most exciting technological advances happening today.”
UMKC equipped Rappard with a broad set of skills that prepared him well for the workforce.
“UMKC provided me with a toolbelt of skills including software development, working with large data sets, collaborating across large teams and networking protocols,” he said.
Rappard is currently Director of Wireless Solutions at Palo Alto Networks.
“My degree in computer science gave me a strong technical foundation which I’ve been able to use as a springboard into other areas of interest, such as mobile networks and AI,” Rappard said.
Rappard has advice for prospective students thinking about a computer science degree.
“Like many industries, AI is having a major impact in computer science,” he said. “Because things are changing so fast, it’s important to look beyond today and focus on what the field might look like in five to 10 years. Do some research and find areas you think you will enjoy and understand how AI might affect those areas. For example, if you love coding, make sure you try or at least understand tools like Cursor and Claude Code. Computer science will continue to be a key foundation for technology, but the landscape will look very different in the years ahead.”
Analyst and Technical Advisor
Though now retired, Jim Hummer (B.S. ’84, M.S. ’89) continues to apply the skills he learned from his computer science degree at the Kansas City Regional Crime Lab. Twice a week, he volunteers in the digital evidence section as an analyst and technical advisor, working with computer-aided design and AI tools. His role includes network administration, database development, video and audio analysis and laser-scanned crime scene reconstruction, building on the knowledge he gained at UMKC more than 40 years ago.
“When I chose to major in computer science, it was still a relatively new discipline,” Hummer said. It seemed to hold a lot of promises for the future and aligned with my general interest in science and mathematics.”
Drawn by the university’s flexible course schedule, Hummer chose to complete both his undergraduate and graduate degrees in computer science at UMKC.
“UMKC was a great option for me as a nontraditional student balancing a full-time job and family responsibilities,” Hummer said. “The university offered courses that fit with my work schedule and family life.”
Hummer emphasizes that computer science is more than just software and hardware.
“Computer science is also about learning to think critically and how to see and understand complexity both in systems and in the world around you,” Hummer said. “Beyond technical knowledge, my education taught me to think systematically about problems and solutions. That mindset served me well whether I was writing code or managing projects.”
Equipped with his degrees in the field, Hummer said, many employment doors opened for him. He was able to work on material science software, aviation and air traffic control systems, enterprise management systems and educational technology projects both domestically and internationally throughout his career.
Software Engineer
Deborah Kirchner’s (B.S. ’20) path to computer science began with a degree in chemistry. After realizing she didn’t enjoy working in chemistry, she decided to pursue a degree in computer science as she remembered loving the introductory computer science course she took during her first degree.
“With the high demand for software engineers at the time, switching to computer science seemed like the obvious choice,” Kirchner said.
Kirchner considered attending a coding boot camp but chose to pursue a bachelor’s degree to gain a deeper understanding of the fundamentals.
“That decision paid off, as having a solid foundation in computer science has helped me a lot in my career,” she said.
Kirchner currently works as a software engineer at Boeing. She credits her degree with giving her flexibility and wide range of skillsets to transition from web development in her previous job to real-time software engineering in C++ in her current role.
“The fundamentals and my experience with C++ at UMKC made the transition much easier,” she said. “While I program daily, I’ve been surprised by how relevant other classes like networking, operating systems, data structures and even computer architecture have been for my career.”
From user-experience design to digital forensics, UMKC computer science alumni are making the most of their careers in unique ways. They are a testament to how a computer science degree from UMKC provides a strong foundation, not just with coursework but also soft skills like problem solving, that opens doors to various opportunities. Explore our program offerings if you are curious about where a computer science degree can take you.
Aug 20, 2025
Meet Paul G. Luepke
Paul G. Luepke, DDS, M.S., FACD, joined the UMKC School of Dentistry as dean in June.
Luepke has held leadership and faculty positions at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, most recently as associate dean of faculty affairs, interim associate dean for clinical and extramural affairs and chair of periodontology in the College of Dentistry.
Luepke joins the School of Dentistry with significant forward momentum. He will help guide the school’s transition to the new Healthcare Delivery and Innovation Building when it is complete in 2026. The new building will enhance the school’s dental clinics, which provide 70,000 patient visits and $500,000 in uncompensated care per year.
What inspired your career in dentistry?
I enjoyed going to the dentist, especially getting braces. I was really intrigued when they took out my teeth at oral surgery. Both my parents were in the medical field, so I knew I wanted to be in healthcare. I’m also good with my hands, and creative. So that added up to dentistry for me.
The beauty of dentistry is it has some art to it, in addition to the science, in creating a great smile for someone. Doing something that can transform somebody, as far as their smile goes, can change the dynamics for that person in getting a job and maybe even where they fit in society. So if you can be part of that transformation, even in a little way, I think it is very fulfilling that you’ve made a difference in somebody’s life.
What attracted you to the UMKC School of Dentistry initially?
I had a career in the military, and we were always receiving dentists from different dental schools. Everybody we got from UMKC, we never had to worry about the core principles of their training. We could go right to getting them involved in delivering healthcare to the troops. I can't say that about every school. Sometimes we had to spend a little extra time. Then in my other academic positions, we would interview dental students from all the different universities, and I was always very impressed by the UMKC students.
In addition, my wife is from Missouri. She was born in St. Joseph, Missouri, and she still has family in the Kansas City area. I had never been to Kansas City, but we’ve been saying we wanted to come here. It took an interview to get here and actually enjoy the city.
What are you most looking forward to in your first year as dean?
Getting to know the people and trying to develop a very cohesive culture. That's what I really would like to establish, where we can all work together on the same team. So that’s been my goal, meeting people and learning what direction they want to go while making sure I can help steer them in that way, not only in a year, but five and 10 years from now. If we get everybody going in the same direction for the future of dentistry, we have a better chance of serving our students in 2030 and beyond.
Why is research important in the field of dentistry?
We want to provide evidence that what we're teaching is backed by research. From a clinical perspective, I want our students to know why they’re doing something and what evidence stands behind it. That gives our students and patients more confidence that what we’re doing will result in the best outcome.
We have quite the research enterprise here, especially in bone biology and craniofacial growth. I think the School of Dentistry is one of the most research-intensive institutions that I have been involved with. Now that the university has the R1 designation, we feel proud that we're a piece of that new acknowledgement as well.
What is something about you that may surprise people?
I love barbecue. I have a ceramic kamado smoker at home, and I’m always trying to perfect my barbecue. I’m always seeking the best way to make my ribs. I haven’t done burnt ends to the level of what we have in Kansas City, but I’ll be perfecting my barbecuing skills.
I’ve already started eating my way through Kansas City’s barbecue restaurants, five so far. When I came here, that was my first question to everybody, what's your favorite barbecue? Now I’ve established a list of places to try. I’m trying to do burnt ends and turkey at each place to make a complete comparison. Those two are my barometer of satisfaction.
Aug 12, 2025
UMKC celebrates nursing faculty member
The University Missouri-Kansas City honors the impact of a tireless healthcare provider and longtime School of Nursing and Health Studies faculty member, Loretta Joan Gedward-North (1963-2025).
North is a member of the North/Cheadle family, which received the Legacy Family Award in 2022 from the UMKC Alumni Association. North worked more than 40 years as a nurse, dedicating her life to patient care. Her time as a faculty member in the School of Nursing and Health Studies leaves an indelible impact on the healthcare field through the countless future nurses she mentored and inspired.
Outside of her work as a nurse practitioner, she dedicated much of her time to the Young Survival Coalition, an organization that supports young women diagnosed with breast cancer. As part of the organization, she was committed to connecting the medical community of Kansas City to the organization’s resources.
“Loretta Gedward-North first taught in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program and then moved to the Master of Science in Nursing program to share her knowledge of advanced practice nursing,” Dean Joy Roberts said. “Soft-spoken, calm and supportive, Loretta was a favorite professor of many UMKC students. Although she left UMKC a few years ago, Loretta kept in touch with her student and faculty friends, who will miss her smiling face and soothing voice.”
Aug 08, 2025
Tatiana Dokoudovska shaped Kansas City ballet for generations
In the world of dance, few have had the profound impact that Tatiana Dokoudovska did on both the art and the community she nurtured. From the early 1950s to the late 1980s, Miss Tania, as she was lovingly known by her students, shaped the future of ballet in Kansas City — first as a gifted and seasoned artist, then as a teacher, mentor and visionary who helped build the foundation of a strong, enduring ballet program at the University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory and the Kansas City Ballet Company.
Dokoudovska's artistic achievements were nothing short of extraordinary. She began her professional career at the age of 12, performing in operettas and motion pictures, before dancing with some of the world’s most prestigious ballet companies, including the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo and American Ballet Theatre. Throughout her international career, she performed in iconic venues across Europe and the United States, leaving a lasting impression as a soloist and a choreographer.However, it was in Kansas City, where Dokoudovska truly cemented her legacy. In 1954, she became the head of the ballet department at the UMKC Conservatory. A role she held until her retirement in 1989. During her tenure, she not only founded the Kansas City Ballet Company and choreographed for the Kansas City Philharmonic but also played a pivotal role in the development of the Conservatory’s bachelor’s degree program in dance, one of the first in the nation.Dokoudovska’s contributions extended far beyond choreography and instruction. She was a fierce advocate for the arts, dedicating her time, energy and resources to developing Kansas City’s ballet community. Her students went on to dance with some of the most respected companies in the world, including the New York City Ballet, Alvin Ailey and the Joffrey Ballet, all an enduring testament to her impact as a teacher.In honor of Dokoudovska’s remarkable influence and impact, William T. Laaser, a Kansas City Ballet alumnus, has made a transformative gift to the UMKC Conservatory through his estate plans. His gift will establish the Tatiana Dokoudovska Endowed Professorship in Ballet, ensuring that future generations of dancers will continue to receive the world-class training and mentorship that Dokoudovska provided for him and all her students.“Besides giving her students wonderful experiences and opportunities, Miss Tania taught us skills and values that extended far beyond the ballet studio,” Laaser said. “She left her mark on this world and her legacy will continue through us and our children.”
Photo from a scrapbook provided by Laaser of Dokoudovska teaching his class
The Tatiana Dokoudovska Endowed Professorship in Ballet is not just a tribute to an extraordinary teacher, but a vital investment in the future of the UMKC Conservatory’s ballet program. This generous endowed professorship allows the UMKC Conservatory’s ballet program to remain at the forefront of excellence, attracting and retaining top-tier faculty members who can carry forward Dokoudovska’s mission of artistic excellence. It also celebrates the life and legacy of a woman who dedicated her entire career to elevating ballet in Kansas City and beyond. Through this endowment, Dokoudovska’s commitment to the next generation of dancers will continue, and her transformative impact will be felt for years to come.
Interested in Giving to UMKC?
Discover ways you can support students and the community.
Aug 04, 2025