Community leaders came together to celebrate impact research milestone will have for region
Federal, state, county, city, business and university leaders gathered at Union Station to celebrate the University of Missouri-Kansas City’s designation as a Carnegie Research 1 university. They spoke about the economic impact of this national designation for the Kansas City community, Missouri and beyond. State Representative Melissa Douglas recognized the university's milestone with a state resolution, and Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas recognized it with a city proclamation.
UMKC achieved Carnegie Research 1, or R1, designation earlier this year. The designation reflects university-wide dedication to research, innovation and community collaboration. Of all four-year institutions in the United States, only 6% are R1 and UMKC is the only one in Kansas City. The R1 designation elevates the academic prestige of UMKC, providing more opportunities for faculty and students through recruitment and research grants. UMKC researchers demonstrated research at Union Station including drones, nursing simulations and more.
This designation isn’t just a milestone for the university; the benefits will echo through the community and beyond. Prestigious faculty and research grants will bring new jobs and opportunities into the region. The research happening at UMKC makes an impact of more than $300 million to the greater Kansas City area each year. Additionally, the university’s research activity annually brings an estimated 2,000 jobs to the area.
Leaders expressed excitement about what this means for our region:
Charlie Shields, chair of Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce, president and CEO of University Health and UMKC Trustee: “UMKC research advances our safety as a society and our health and wellbeing – impacts I see every day at University Health. UMKC is leading the way in key areas of research, including electromagnetic radiation and energy, advanced and critical materials, unmanned platforms, cybersecurity and digital humanities.”
U.S. Representative Mark Alford: “What UMKC is doing in the defense and security space has already led to the creation of private businesses and jobs and has massive potential for continued growth. This milestone only further helps expand on what could have a massive economic impact on the Midwest, creating business and jobs in the region that help our country receive the materials it needs from areas in Kansas and Missouri.”
State Representative Melissa Douglas: “I see UMKC serving in healthcare throughout the state of Missouri, not only at its Health Sciences Campus in Kansas City, but through its satellite campuses to serve rural Missourians. As UMKC continues to expand its healthcare outreach throughout the state of Missouri, I know we’ll see more needed research to improve the lives of all Missourians. Together, we have built a hub of intellectual vitality that will have benefits for years to come.”
Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas: “I’m quite familiar with the good works at UMKC, and grew up with it, as my mother worked there. I’ve seen the city and the university grow together to become world class, and this important R1 designation is a testament to that.”
Jackson County Executive Frank White: “I’ve seen up close how UMKC research can help communities. Our Healthy Jackson County truly made a difference to so many people’s lives. And UMKC’s community-participatory research truly makes a difference to so many people’s lives.”
UMKC Student Government Association President Justice Horn: “This isn’t just a title. It’s a transformation. For students, it means expanded opportunities, greater visibility and stronger preparation for our futures. It’s a game changer—and a sign that UMKC is investing in discovery, innovation and real-world impact right here in the Kansas City community.”
UMKC Chancellor Mauli Agrawal: “This moment reflects the work of an entire community that believes in the power of education, research and partnership to shape a better future for all of us. And it reflects a university that has long been deeply embedded in the life of this city – from healthcare and entrepreneurship to science, the arts and urban development.”
Tim Cowden, President and CEO of the Kansas City Area Development Council: “This R1 status helps elevate our brand to the world. Kansas City's status is rising. The R1 designation is a welcome mat to talent not just in the Kansas City area, but around the world.”
Celebrations continued as buildings around the city lit up in recognition of the university's Carnegie Research 1 status. Union Station, Children's Mercy, Saint Luke's Hospital, Country Club Plaza, City Hall, KC Wheel and Power and Light Building were illuminated UMKC blue and gold.
Regional Recognition
Kansas City Proclamation
Whereas, the Carnegie R1 designation recognizes those universities that have "very high research activity," an achievement only about 6% of four-year institutions of higher education in the U.S. have attained; andWhereas, UMKC is Kansas City's first Carnegie R1 institution, a prestigious designation that reflects years of dedicated research, innovation, and community collaboration; andWhereas UMKC's 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; andWhereas, this elite status represents a transformative era for UMKC, Kansas City, and the broader region, andNow, Therefore, as Mayor of the City of Kansas City, I Quinton D. Lucas, on behalf of the residents of this great city, do hereby recognize UMKC on its achievement as an R1 institution.
Missouri State Senate Resolution
Whereas, the members of the Missouri Senate believe it is altogether fitting and proper to recognize exemplary Missouri universities which have been distinguished as prestigious educational and research facilities; andWhereas, the members now pause to recognize the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) in Kansas City, Missouri, which received the honor of being designated as a Carnegie R1 institution, andWhereas, beginning in 1970, the Carnegie Commission on Higher Education began developing a classification of colleges and universities to support its program of research and policy establishment, which UMKC exceeded by spending $55 million and awarding 134 doctorate degrees, andWhereas, in order to be named a Carnegie R1 university, an institution must spend at least $50 million on research and development and award an average of at least seventy research doctorates in a single year, andWhereas, UMKC is Kansas City's first Carnegie R1 institution, reflecting years of dedication and persistence to research, innovation, and community collaboration; andWhereas, out of more than 2,800 four-year institutions, only 187 universities are designated as Carnegie R1, three of which now include UMKC, Missouri University of Science and Technology, and St. Louis University; andWhereas, achieving the Carnegie R1 designation comes five years ahead of the 2030 goal set in the university's strategic plan and represents a truly transformative era for UMKC, Kansas City, and the community; andWhereas, UMKC's key research areas include advancing health care, defense, and specialties in electromagnetic radiation and energy; advanced and critical materials; unmanned platforms; artificial intelligence; cybersecurity, data science; and digital humanities; andWhereas, UMKC promotes learning through the discovery, preservation, and dissemination of knowledge of public value across a broad spectrum of disciplines and fields of study and celebrates the individual by providing opportunities for all by intertwining these goals with innovation to enable transformational impact aimed at bringing cultural, social, health, and economic prosperity to the metropolitan, regional, and global communities;Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved that we, the members of the Missouri Senate, One Hundred Third General Assembly, join to congratulate the University of Missouri-Kansas City for being designated as a prestigious Carnegie R1 institution and share our best wishes for continued success; andBe It Further Resolved that the Secretary of the Senate be instructed to prepare a properly inscribed copy of this resolution for presentation to the University of Missouri-Kansas City.
May 28, 2025
Space will centralize and enhance university academic support services
The University of Missouri-Kansas City celebrated the opening of the Victor Wilson Learning Collaborative.
This transformative space on the fourth floor of the Miller Nichols Library is designed to centralize and enhance the university’s academic support services, offering students a modern, collaborative environment to thrive. It features open study areas, meeting rooms, laptop stations and dedicated spaces for programs like UMKC-created Supplemental Instruction, Peer Academic Leadership and First Gen Roo Scholars.
Kristi Holsinger, senior vice provost for student success, was a key leader in the development of the learning collaborative.
"This center is more than just a physical space; it's a commitment to our students' success,” said Kristi Holsinger, senior vice provost for student success. “By bringing essential resources together in one location, we're removing barriers and creating opportunities for every student to excel."
The Miller Nichols Charitable Foundation issued a $2 million match challenge for the space, which was met by generous gifts from the Marion and Henry Bloch Family Foundation and the Victor Wilson Trust. The space is named in honor of Victor Wilson, a Kansas City native whose multi-million legacy gift has funded thousands of student scholarships and supported campus improvements for 75 years.
"Victor Wilson's vision was to invest in the future of Kansas City through education,” said Amanda Davis, chief advancement officer and president of the UMKC Foundation. “His generosity has not only provided scholarships, but has also laid the foundation for a space where students can connect, learn and succeed. This center is a testament to the lasting power of thoughtful giving."The project was also supported through a $250,000 gift from Professor Emeritus Elizabeth Noble, Ph.D. of the School of Education, Social Work and Psychological Sciences. The Victor Wilson Learning Collaborative will open to students June 2.
May 19, 2025
22 are recognized for their outstanding academics, leadership and service
More than 20 UMKC students have been named Dean of Students Honor Recipients in recognition of their accomplishments on campus and in the community.
Every semester, exceptional graduating students are honored with this designation. These students maintain excellent academic standards while actively participating in university activities and community service outside of the classroom.
The 22 Spring 2025 honorees’ accomplishments include mentoring other students, volunteering on petitions for the wrongfully incarcerated, volunteering at homeless healthcare clinics, completing intensive research projects, advocating for students, founding a student organization chapter, winning Student Entrepreneur of the Year and more.
"Recognizing these exceptional students as Dean of Students Honor Recipients is one of the most inspiring parts of my role,” said Todd Wells, dean of students. “They exemplify what it means to be a Roo: resilient, compassionate and committed to making a difference. Their leadership and dedication enrich our campus community, and I couldn’t be prouder of the impact they’ve made at UMKC."
Students shared reflections on their time at UMKC at a celebration in their honor. A few excerpts:
Kyra Afolabi: “UMKC has been nothing short of unexpected experiences in the best way possible. Being part of a high-achieving student population has motivated and humbled me. UMKC has inspired me to not just go through the motions for the satisfaction of receiving a degree, but that there is a lot more to me and that comes from me than I believed.”
Joel Campos: “My time at UMKC has been truly transformative. As a first-generation college student, I came here unsure of what to expect. I found not just a campus but a community. From the Henry W. Bloch School of Management to my role as a student success coach with the Men of Character Academy, I’ve grown as a leader, a learner and a man. UMKC has inspired me to step into spaces I once thought weren’t meant for me and to help open those doors wider for others.”
Dalton Hermanson: “UMKC has provided me with so many experiences, including the opportunity to volunteer at homeless healthcare clinics across the metro. Combining my passions for medicine and community service provided me with unique insights into the patients that I serve. The instructors and physician leaders here are a constant reminder of what I want to work towards as a future physician. Though my time at UMKC was short, it taught me more than I can put into words.”
Iyanna Moss: “This university has given me more than just an education. It has given me a community that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. The relationships I’ve built here and the support I’ve received have been invaluable. UMKC inspired me to pursue my passion for psychology and I accomplished something I once felt was a distant dream: completing my degree.”
Lesly Romo: “While some entrepreneurs make headlines for dropping out of college, I’m proud to say that UMKC was one of the best investments I ever made. It gave me the foundation not just to start businesses but to start them with purpose. It taught me that leadership isn’t just about building companies, it’s about building relationships. As a young Latina entrepreneur, I hope to inspire others to turn their largest imaginations into actions to create realities, no matter the magnitude or barriers placed upon them.”
Congratulations to the Spring 2025 Dean of Students Honor Recipients!
Kyra Afolabi, School of Humanities and Social Science
Joel Campos, Henry W. Bloch School of Management
Ashley Cerrentano, School of Law
Claire Covert, School of Nursing and Health Studies
Francisco Flores, School of Dentistry
Dalton Hermanson, School of Medicine
Nonso Isoh, School of Science and Engineering
Bianca Ituarte, School of Medicine
Z Kemp, School of Science and Engineering
Kaitlyn Korah, School of Pharmacy
Celeste Michael, School of Humanities and Social Science
Divya Minnaganti, School of Medicine
Sahrish Mirjat, School of Medicine
David Morcos, School of Medicine
Iyanna Moss, School of Humanities and Social Science
Lesly Romo, Henry W. Bloch School of Management
Hannah Suffian, School of Medicine
Amber Sun, School of Medicine
Emily Trapani, Conservatory
Landrea Van Mol, School of Education, Social Work and Psychological Sciences
Michael Vierra, School of Medicine
Felix Yang, School of Medicine
May 15, 2025
The award recognizes champions for urban education who have made significant contributions to further education in the greater Kansas City Area
The University of Missouri-Kansas City’s Institute for Urban Education, also known as IUE, had its fourth annual Forever IUE celebration. This yearly tradition honors and recognizes IUE graduates, alumni, school partners and donors and commemorates the success of the program’s impact on urban education in Kansas City.
This year’s celebration kicked off with Sara Helfrich, Ph.D., the dean of the university’s School of Education, Social Work and Psychological Sciences, welcoming everyone. “The Institute of Urban Education holds a unique and vital place within our school,” Helfrich said. “It represents our unwavering commitment to preparing educators who are not only highly skilled but deeply educated and committed to the success of every student in the Kansas City area.” Jennifer Waddell, Ph.D., director of the IUE, shared the history of the institute. She said the program is the first of its kind in the entire nation and that later this year will be the 20th anniversary of the IUE.
“I recently read a report that most teachers do not feel valued as educators,” Waddell said. “I wish they could be here tonight to see this crowd, showing that it is clear Kansas City does value education and our educators.”
Hugh Zimmer was a tireless advocate for UMKC and was a champion for educators. He devoted his time and talents to the growth of the IUE, served as the chair of the chancellor’s national advisory board and continues to impact UMKC and the IUE to this day. The Hugh J. Zimmer Award for Excellence in Urban Education honors his legacy as an award that is only presented when an individual has made a significant impact and contribution to the IUE. This year, there was an individual who stood out to the IUE and was honored at the event.Jerry Reece was named a legend of Kansas City by Ingram’s magazine because of his philanthropic efforts and impact in the community. He is heavily involved with UMKC, being a longtime member of the UMKC Foundation board and the UMKC Trustees. Reece has been a part of the IUE and the program’s mission for more than a decade. His involvement helped the IUE grow tremendously in scope and impacted the urban schools they partner with. Reece also has an established endowment scholarship with his wife, Patty Reece, for IUE students. Zimmer’s grandchildren were present at the celebration and were excited to honor Reece with this award. “Hugh was a wonderful mentor and the reason I joined the IUE in the first place,” Reece said. “I remember he came into my office one day and talked about the program, then told me I should consider being a part of it. If you knew Hugh, you’d know he always had this commanding presence with him, so I wasn’t sure if I even had a choice. I was glad I did. I’m extremely grateful to receive this award that honors him.” Along with his achievements in real estate, Reece has earned many community awards and honors, including an honorary alumnus title at UMKC. He also chaired the UMKC Conservatory’s Crescendo gala alongside his wife last year and broke the event’s fundraising record. The rest of the event included recognizing UMKC IUE students who are graduating this year and are certified to teach, sharing where each new educator will work. Those schools were present to celebrate with their new incoming teachers. One of those new teachers is Addison Douglas, who recently received the Missouri Teacher Leader of Tomorrow Award by the Missouri Milken Educators. She was one of 15 students in the entire state who received this honor.
Addison Douglas at Forever IUE
“Being an IUE scholar means that I already have more experience, knowledge and support than a lot of my colleagues,” Douglas said. “I’m very honored to receive this award. I would not have been able to achieve this without all the support I get from the program. I’m extremely grateful to everyone who helped me get here and I’m excited to start my journey as an educator in Kansas City.”IUE students are committed to teaching at Kansas City area schools for four years after graduation. Douglas will be teaching at Center Elementary School upon graduation.
May 15, 2025
Logan Mitchell found his community at UMKC Law after a personal tragedy
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.
Logan Mitchell
Anticipated graduation year: May 2025
UMKC degree program: Juris Doctor
Hometown: Wichita, KS
When Logan Mitchell was looking at law schools, UMKC School of Law was one of his top choices. After touring it and several other law schools, the community and support he saw at UMKC sold him. Mitchell suffered a personal tragedy just months into law school, and the support he received made such an impact he’s spent much of his time on campus paying it forward.
Why did you choose UMKC?
I've always loved Kansas City. I’m from Wichita, but my aunt and uncle live in Kansas City. We would visit them when I was growing up. So, I already had a feel for the city. It’s a small school in the heart of a big city, which I love. There are a lot of opportunities within the community. A lot of alumni stay in Kansas City, and there’s a really strong UMKC Law alumni network. They want to help students out and connect them to the legal community.
When I was looking at law schools, I toured a few schools. While everyone was nice, UMKC was just different. It felt like the people really knew and cared about each other. The law emissary student who gave me my tour at UMKC was actually a friend of a friend. When we walked down the halls, he introduced me to his friends and to professors. Everyone was so kind; I just loved the community feel.
Why did you choose your field of study?
My undergraduate degree is in journalism with a sports management minor. I loved those programs, but wasn’t quite sure what I wanted to do. My uncle is an attorney here in Kansas City and asked if I had ever considered law school. I worked at his firm for a year after I graduated college and loved it. I felt like I could make a difference in the world.
I also think that it’s a career that allows you to pivot and try different areas and interests. When I came to law school, I was interested in personal injury law. I’ve had the opportunity to clerk at a few firms and be immersed in personal injury law. I found it really rewarding. I’ve also learned about other areas of law that have been interesting, like sports law and family law. Right now, I have an internship with the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), and I’m loving it. I’ve had the opportunity to explore different interests, which is so valuable.
What are the challenges of the program?
Law school and legal careers are really demanding. People who enter this building are passionate and care so much so it can be easy to define yourself as just a lawyer. There’s nothing wrong with that, but you have to remember to take care of yourself and make time for yourself outside of the law. You can’t pour from an empty cup.
Law school is difficult, but it’s really rewarding. I think we can set an example for the next classes and generations of lawyers and show them that taking care of ourselves and each other is important. Having a supportive community around you makes a difference.
What are the benefits of the program?
During law school, I’ve had four different internships and clerkships, including at the NAIA, Dollar Burns Becker & Hershewe, Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office, and Votava Nantz & Johnson. I’ve seen so many different offices and areas of the law and learned a lot about how different lawyers operate. I’ve had a lot of opportunities that I wouldn’t have if I had gone elsewhere.
It’s very easy to get involved at UMKC Law, and people want you to be part of the community. I’m a law emissary and give tours to prospective students; I love sharing my experiences with them. I’ve also been a member of the Student Bar Association for two years and get to be a voice for my fellow students.
How has your college program inspired you?
I’ve been really inspired by the UMKC Law community as a whole. Faculty, staff and fellow students really care about each other inside and out of the classroom. Two months into law school, my mom and only parent passed away. I came back to school and classes two days later. Everyone, my friends, faculty, staff, were so supportive. They promised they would help me get to the finish line.
I wasn’t always an A+ student, but my mom encouraged me to work hard and believed in me. I wanted to finish school for her. It would have easy to decide it was too much and quit, but all the support I had made the difference. I hope I can be that support for other students, especially those who go through a crisis. I needed someone to believe in me, and I had that. Now I want to be that for other people.
Since entering college, what have you learned about yourself?
I can do hard things. There’s a quote by Theodore Roosevelt about “the man in the arena,” which basically says that people may criticize those who fail, but those who may fail at least had the courage to try and put up a fight. Maybe I could have done more or been a better student, but I’ve fought and done my best. That’s all I can ask for.
Who do you admire most at UMKC?
There are a lot of people. I have to shout out my fiancée, Julia. We met here at UMKC Law in our first semester. We had just started dating when my mom passed away. She walked alongside me through that whole experience, even though it was hard and was one of my biggest supporters. I am so lucky that UMKC introduced me to her, and I can’t wait to marry her next year.
Professor Yvette Lindgren teaches family law, and I’ve taken a few of her classes. She’s knowledgeable in a way that piques people’s interest in that area of law, even those who walked in with no knowledge or interest. I just think she’s an incredible person and professor. I am disappointed I just met her my last year of law school.
Ashley Swanson-Hoye is the director of law student services, and she’s been an amazing source of support. She’s always had an open door for me, especially after my mom passed. Sometimes I just needed someone to talk to, and I could go to her at any time and just be real with her about how I was feeling.
Finally, Professor Ryan Copus, who I have had for several classes and who supervised my research and writing requirement, has also been a consistent source of support during my time at law school. While his classes were difficult, he has always been so approachable and always makes himself available to talk about school, life or sports, which has been so invaluable to me.
UMKC has been my rock through the hardest time in my life. Losing my mom changed my entire world, but this building and the people here uplifted me when I needed it most. I will always be eternally grateful for this campus and these people. It’s more than just a law school or a university. I’ve built lifelong, invaluable relationships.
You’re a student emissary for the law school and part of Student Bar Association. Tell me more about your involvement.
I love being an emissary and talking to potential students, telling them about the school and its history and the supportive environment and people. Law school is a whole different atmosphere. There’s a lot to learn and figure out. I take a lot of pride in being able to help incoming students and make their lives a little easier. I know how stressful it can be to start law school and not know anyone or how it all works.
I am also a Student Bar Association class representative. We plan social events and address student concerns. I try my best to be tapped into what people are interested in or concerned about. Sometimes students might tell another student something, but they don’t want to take it higher than that. I appreciate being able to be an advocate for my classmates and share their interests with administration.
What do you hope to take from your experiences at UMKC into your professional career?
Always have an open mind and be willing to learn something new. A quote that comes to mind is “the more you know, the more you know that you don’t know.” I’ve been in law school for three years and learned so much, but I could be here for another 1,000 years and still not know everything. I want to be someone who is always open to learning more, seeing things from a different perspective and thinking outside the box.
May 09, 2025
University of Missouri System high honor has become a family legacy
University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law Curators’ Professor Nancy Levit, J.D., is the 2025 Thomas Jefferson Award recipient. The award, given by the University of Missouri System, honors a member of the University of Missouri community who "through personal influence and performance of duty in teaching, writing and scholarship, character and influence, devotion and loyalty to the University best exemplifies the principles and ideals of Thomas Jefferson."
“The Thomas Jefferson Award is so meaningful because it represents commitment to the ideals of reason, free expression and the dissemination of knowledge,” Levit said. “The real honor goes to my wonderful colleagues of 36 years who have made UMKC such an exciting intellectual home.”
Levit is the second person in her family to receive the Thomas Jefferson Award. Her father, Marty Levit, received the award in 1984 during his time as a philosophy and education professor at UMKC. Marty was drawn to UMKC in part for its emphasis on interdisciplinary education, a sentiment that was passed on to Nancy. Marty and Nancy Levit also share a love for teaching and building relationships with their students and colleagues.
“The last line of my father’s obituary was appreciation for the thousands of students who enriched his life, and that’s a sentiment I feel every day,” Levit said. “The students are the best part of the job. Watching them find their niche and the things that excite them is so energizing.”
Levit joined the UMKC School of Law as a faculty member in 1988, the same year that her father retired. Her areas of specialty are torts, employment law and jurisprudence. In addition to the law courses she teaches, Levit is the long-time faculty advisor to the UMKC Law Review. She has authored or co-authored 11 books, more than 50 law review articles and more than 10 book chapters. She has earned numerous recognitions, including the Missouri Lawyers Media Women’s Justice Legal Scholar Award (2011), UMKC School of Law Professor of the Year Award six times, university-wide Elmer P. Pierson Teaching Award three times, UMKC School of Law Tierra M. Farrow Teaching Award (2010), university-wide Chancellor’s Award for Teaching (2011), Missouri Governor’s Teaching Award (2004, 2012), Daniel Brenner Publishing Award three times and the university-wide N.T. Veatch Award for Distinguished Research (2000).
“I can think of few more deserving of receiving the Thomas Jefferson Award than Professor Levit,” said Lumen Mulligan, dean of the UMKC School of Law. “She is a leading voice today on fairness in the workplace. She has enriched the lives of generations of UMKC law students as a gifted teacher, and her service to the university and the profession have no equal. That she now joins her father as a recipient of this award is, quite simply, moving.”
Levit’s relationship with the university began through her father, but it has been sustained in large part due to the strong faculty and student relationships that are prominent within the law school.
“One of the hallmarks of the UMKC School of Law is that it is a truly collegial and happy place,” Levit said. “When students first arrive, we tell them to look around because these people will become their best friends and colleagues for years to come. My fellow faculty are terrific at having meaningful conversations with students about their interests and goals and then helping them make connections in the community. Something that UMKC law students learn is to be other-directed, to give back. Alumni come and give back. We have a whole city of lawyers willing to share their expertise with our students.”
One of those alumni is Judge Stephen R. Bough (J.D. ‘97), U. S. District Court, Western District of Missouri. Bough has organized several symposia for the UMKC Law Review on innovative criminal sentences, multidistrict litigation and Missouri specialty courts and regularly provides his expertise to students.
“Professor Levit taught my first-year torts class, and for 30 years she has continued to teach me about the law, humanity and how to be a better person,” Bough said. “She is always available to give great advice and refers the best law clerks. Nancy could teach at any law school in the country; we are blessed that she has chosen UMKC Law School.”
May 01, 2025