Kansas City’s Carnegie R1 university receives continued recognition for its degree programs
The University of Missouri-Kansas City rose in the rankings for a second year in a row in the U.S. News & World Report 2026 Best National Universities report released today.
UMKC leaders ascribe the improvement in the rankings to a focus on student success while being recognized for the university’s growing reputation, including the recent Carnegie Research 1 designation and KC Streetcar stop locating at its front door.
“Rising rankings reflect the excellence of our university and its work on providing the support students need to succeed,” Chancellor Mauli Agrawal said.
Nationally, UMKC ranked 129th among public universities, up six spots from last year. Overall, among all public and private universities in the national ranking, UMKC jumped 12 spots to 232.
In addition, the UMKC Bachelor of Science in Nursing program ranked No. 59 nationally, putting it in the top 10 percent of more than 650 nursing programs ranked by U.S. News & World Report.
Not only did UMKC achieve a high national ranking, but its undergraduate nursing program now is the top-ranked nursing program in the state of Missouri and ranked above all nursing schools in the two-state area except for the University of Kansas, which ranked 40th.
Dean Joy Roberts of the UMKC School of Nursing and Health Studies said they were pleased with the program’s place in the U.S. News & World Report ranking of the top nursing schools in the country.
“We are most proud of the performance of our students and faculty, which allowed us to achieve this ranking,” Roberts said. “It is a testament to how our future nurses are more fully prepared for professional practice.”
According to Roberts, UMKC nursing students start their nursing courses during their sophomore year, allowing them to have many more hours of clinical experience, better preparing them for the rigors of healthcare. The students’ extensive clinical immersion during their final semester provides them experience in the nursing specialty that they are interested in beginning their career in.
Beyond the undergraduate program, the UMKC graduate nursing programs have consistently achieved top national rankings, as well. Earlier this year, the UMKC Doctor of Nursing Practice program ranked No. 19 in the nation, and No. 33 for online graduate nursing programs; it has ranked in the Top 50 in that category for 13 consecutive years.
UMKC has a number of nationally acclaimed academic programs. Recently, the UMKC School of Medicine ranked No. 35 in the nation in “Most Graduates Practicing in Medically Underserved Areas” and No. 89 in “Most Graduates Practicing in Rural Areas” in the U.S. News and World Report 2025 Best Graduate Schools for Medicine. Also, this year, the UMKC School of Pharmacy Doctor of Pharmacy program ranked No. 31 in the country and the UMKC School of Law ranked in the nation's Top 50 in two sub-specialty categories: legal writing (34) and trial advocacy (41).
Sep 23, 2025
Critical Materials Crossroads advances as finalist for National Science Foundation award of up to $160 million over a decade
The Critical Materials Crossroads team, led by the University of Missouri-Kansas City, officially advanced in September 2025 as one of 15 finalists for the National Science Foundation Regional Innovation Engines award.
Critical materials includes minerals that are essential to modern life, forming the backbone of products such as medical equipment, cars, industrial machinery and consumer electronics. Yet U.S. manufacturing has declined significantly since the early 1990s, leaving the nation heavily dependent on imported supplies—a vulnerability that poses risks to both economic growth and national security. The Critical Materials Crossroads seeks to reverse this trend by onshoring manufacturing jobs and creating a sustainable pathway to produce these vital critical materials domestically, reducing reliance on foreign entities of concern while strengthening both national and economic security.
"Kansas City’s bold thinking and collaborative action are driving innovation,” said Lisa Krigsten, Chair, Civic Council of Greater Kansas City. "The Critical Materials Crossroads is a collaborative, visionary effort that builds on the region's research strengths and demonstrates our commitment to workforce development and national security.”
For the final stage, the NSF will conduct an on-site assessment of the finalist teams to gain further understanding of their regional coalitions, the alignment of their proposed leadership teams and core partners and their visions for research and development. The NSF will announce the NSF Engines awardees in early 2026. If selected, the Critical Materials Crossroads could receive up to $160 million over the next 10 years to drive workforce development, spur regional economic growth, launch new businesses and educate the next generation of leaders in critical materials.
This announcement follows a significant achievement in July 2025, when the Critical Materials Crossroads team officially advanced as one of 29 semifinalists for the National Science Foundation Regional Innovation Engines award.
The groundwork for these achievements began in May 2023, when UMKC received a $1 million, 24-month federal cooperative agreement to lead the development of a critical materials ecosystem in Kansas City. Since that award, the Critical Materials Crossroads has been building momentum to create a vertically integrated hub for critical materials processing, technology development, applied research, and workforce training in the heart of the nation. The overarching goal of the project is to ensure the United States can produce, refine and deploy critical materials domestically while strengthening economic security, national resilience and global competitiveness.
The Critical Materials Crossroads ecosystem has leveraged partnerships with universities, businesses, industry, nonprofits and state, local and federal government institutions in Kansas and Missouri to drive significant economic growth. To accomplish such growth, the regional partnership coalition is working together to develop a domestic critical materials supply chain and fostering advanced domestic manufacturing capabilities while promoting broad access to employment and entrepreneurship.
Key outcomes for the regional innovation ecosystem over the next 10 years include:
Coordinate, facilitate and mentor the creation of 70 small businesses in Missouri and Kansas.
Add $17 billion to the Kansas City Metropolitan Statistical Area and create more than 10,000 jobs.
Secure a sustainable and competitive U.S.-based supply chain for critical materials processing and manufacturing.
Create, maintain and professionally develop a pipeline of targeted degree/certificate holders to meet workforce needs.
Be the catalyst and trusted partner for U.S. critical material processing and manufacturing that drives innovation.
Develop a technology maturation network that rapidly scales new technologies from lab-scale to full-scale by providing centralized business support services and funding for startups and new innovations.
“UMKC is proud to take the lead on behalf of the University of Missouri System and its four universities on this exciting effort to create a new industrial base in our region focused on critical materials,” said UMKC Chancellor Mauli Agrawal. “The potential for business formation and job creation is extraordinary, and we’ll be working with partners throughout Missouri, Kansas and the region to make that happen.”
Anthony Caruso, vice chancellor for strategic initiatives and Curators' Distinguished Professor of Physics and Electrical Engineering, is the principal investigator for the grant.
“Being selected as an NSF Engines finalist is an extraordinary honor for the Critical Materials Crossroads and for the Kansas City region,” Caruso said. “The NSF recognition underscores the strength of our partnerships—across universities, industry and community organizations — that have made this achievement possible. Together, we are positioning Kansas City as a national leader in critical materials innovation, workforce development and regional economic growth.”
Ready to invest in real-world research solutions?
Explore ways you can support UMKC.
Sep 18, 2025
Major step forward in the university’s largest capital project
The University of Missouri-Kansas City celebrated a major milestone in its largest construction project to date with a signing and placement of the final beam for the new Healthcare Delivery and Innovation Building.
University leadership, elected officials, students, faculty and staff gathered at the construction site to take part in the ceremonial signing of the final steel beam—a moment that highlighted the strong community and legislative support behind the project. Among those who signed the beam were Missouri Reps. Brenda Shields, Emily Weber, Aaron Crossley, Donna Barnes, Michael Johnson and former Missouri Sen. Dan Hegeman. After signatures were added, a crane hoisted the beam into the air and carefully guided it into place atop the structure. Applause broke out as the beam was secured, marking the official “topping out” of the building and a symbolic step toward the project's completion.
“Just one year and one week ago, a big crowd of campus and community members stood together on this site, breaking ground on an idea – a shared vision – that was becoming a reality,” UMKC Chancellor Mauli Agrawal said. “Now, just 12 months later, you can see that early vision rising from the ground – a structure that’s already reshaping our skyline and signaling progress. This building will be more than just bricks and beams. It will be a hub for innovation, where future physicians, dentists and other healthcare professionals train side by side. It will strengthen research and collaboration, generating discoveries that improve healthcare for Kansas City and beyond. And it will continue UMKC’s legacy of community service, expanding the free and affordable care we already provide.”
UMKC Trustee Dick Flanigan and second-year dental student and former Trustees’ Scholar Mary Gipson also spoke during the event. They shared their excitement and reflected on the impact the building will have on student learning and community care.
School of Dentistry Dean Luepke and second year dental student Mary Gipson
Once completed, the Healthcare Delivery and Innovation Building will house interdisciplinary programs focused on education, research and clinical services. The facility will expand the university’s role as a regional leader in healthcare workforce development and innovation.
Sep 17, 2025
Jannette Berkley-Patton, Timothy Cox and Gerald Wyckoff receive the highest academic rank awarded by the UM System Curators
Three University of Missouri-Kansas City professors from the health sciences have received the University of Missouri System’s most prestigious faculty honor: Curators’ Distinguished Professor.
The recognition was awarded to Jannette Berkley-Patton, Ph.D., professor of biomedical and health informatics in the School of Medicine; Timothy Cox, Ph.D., professor in the Department of Oral and Craniofacial Sciences and endowed professor in dental and musculoskeletal tissue research in the School of Dentistry; and Gerald J. Wyckoff, Ph.D., chair of the Division of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences and director of Research and Graduate Studies in the School of Pharmacy. Wyckoff was named a Curators’ Distinguished Teaching Professor, a designation that highlights exceptional contributions in the classroom.
This distinction is awarded to a select few outstanding scholars and teachers with established reputations. Each honoree becomes a resource for the university and is expected to contribute by giving lectures on other campuses and engaging in teaching and research across divisional lines.
For Cox, who has spent three decades pursuing research, this recognition feels especially rewarding and inspiring.
“The journey has required perseverance, family sacrifices and the unwavering support of staff, trainees and loved ones,” Cox said. “It is both a milestone and a reminder of the trust placed in me to advance the University’s mission and contribute to the broader scientific community.”
Cox’s research focuses on the genetic and maternal dietary factors that influence craniofacial development and conditions such as cleft lip/palate and craniofacial microsomia. His lab also employs genomic sequencing tools with local, national and international collaborators to gain insight into the genetic basis of these conditions.
He credited UMKC for supporting his work.
“UMKC has been pivotal in allowing my work to flourish,” Cox said. “Its stability, resources and collegial environment have enabled me to pursue ambitious projects with sustained focus. More than a workplace, it has provided an academic home – a community where curiosity is fostered, collaboration is valued and mentoring can leave a lasting impact.”
Wyckoff said the honor is especially meaningful because of his commitment to teaching.
“Interacting with students is what sets my career apart from other professional avenues I could have pursued, and it makes me incredibly proud to be recognized in part for my commitment to teaching as a Curators’ Distinguished Teaching Professor,” Wyckoff said.
Wyckoff hopes to use this appointment to help increase the visibility of the UM System, UMKC and the School of Pharmacy.
“Advocating for the kind of educational opportunities that we can offer that can transform the lives of our students as well as the patients and constituents that they will serve is a passion for me,” he said.
Berkley-Patton, director of the UMKC Health Equity Institute, is known for her extensive research in health inequities, education, prevention and screening in underserved communities.
UMKC School of Medicine Dean Alexander Norbash wrote in his nomination letter: “Taken together, Dr. Berkley-Patton’s accomplishments have had a lasting impact on the scientific community, but most importantly on the lives that have been changed because of her expansive work. She has created a model of community-engaged research that is being adapted for other community-based studies around the world, and continues expand the research opportunities for our students, faculty, researchers at other institutions and for the Kansas City community and beyond.”
Sep 16, 2025
Vari Patel thrived on campus with accelerated degrees, mentorship and leadership opportunities
Vari Patel (BBA '25), made the most of her time at UMKC balancing academic excellence, leadership and a deep connection to her Kansas City roots. Behind her remarkable achievements stands a network of donors whose vision and generosity helped make it all possible.
UMKC Trustees and philanthropic partners created the Trustees’ Scholars Program through a shared commitment to education and leadership to attract the best and the brightest students and to help guide future leaders. Their support reaches beyond tuition, offering students mentorship, professional development and a lifelong network of changemakers. Trustees and community leaders are paired with scholars from day one, offering guidance throughout their UMKC journey and for a full year beyond graduation.
“Watching Vari grow into such a confident, capable leader has been one of the true joys of our Trustees’ Scholars Program,” said Leigh Anne Taylor Knight, chair of Trustees’ Scholars Committee. “Her drive, her heart for service and her commitment to excellence are exactly why we invest in students like her. Vari didn’t just take advantage of the opportunities at UMKC—she elevated them, and in doing so, she’s inspired all of us.”
Vari, second from right, and the other Class of 2026 Trustees' Scholars at a welcome reception in 2022.
Patel recently completed her undergraduate education, earning her Bachelor of Business Administration with an emphasis in finance and Bachelor of Arts in political science. Patel’s UMKC journey has prepared her for a career that blends corporate law and public service, and she did it all in just three years.
Patel completed two undergraduate degrees in such a short time thanks to the dual-credit courses she took in high school through UMKC, allowing her to complete most general education requirements and start directly with major-specific coursework when she arrived on campus.
A Lee's Summit native and graduate of Blue Springs South High School, Patel first became interested in UMKC during a college planning course offered by CommunityAmerica Credit Union. That connection led her to the prestigious merit-based Trustees’ Scholarship program the deciding factor in choosing UMKC.
"I chose UMKC because I was awarded the Trustees’ Scholarship, and I think that was the biggest factor," she said. "In addition to paying for tuition, the scholarship offers a lot of valuable opportunities, like networking, professional enrichment sessions and building connections. That’s especially important to me because I know I want to be a lawyer and a politician when I’m older."
As a Trustees’ Scholar, Patel was paired with mentor Suzanne Shank, a former lawyer and executive who has played a pivotal role in guiding her career path.
"Suzanne has been an amazing role model and mentor since day one," Patel said. "She connected me with Langdon & Emison, where I interned as a legal assistant. That opportunity came directly through my involvement with the trustees."
Mentorship and support were central to Patel's experience at UMKC. She credits staff and faculty at the UMKC Henry W. Bloch School of Management to help her manage her rigorous academic and extracurricular schedule.
In addition to her academics, Patel served as president and founder of UMKC FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) and president of the Bloch School Student Association. She was also a dancer on the Kansas City Chakras team, a Launchpad Scholar and a former member of the First Year Council for student government.
"You can make what you want out of your college experience," she said. "I knew I wanted to accomplish a lot in undergrad but also have fun and experience what college is like. UMKC offers so many opportunities, both inside and outside the classroom."
Patel’s professional ambitions are clear: she wants to become a corporate lawyer focusing on mergers and acquisitions, with hopes of transitioning into politics.
"My dream job would be a senator for the state of Missouri," she said. "I’d also love to be an ambassador, working in international relations and helping bring political and economic stability to developing countries."
With an impressive resume, clear vision and strong support system, Patel exemplifies the drive and dedication UMKC students bring to their education and their communities. She currently works as a legal writer, with plans to attend law school and work in Washington, D.C.
Sep 04, 2025