Psychology student Key’Rra Moore found community and purpose at UMKC through meaningful experiences
Key’Rra Moore didn’t just come to UMKC for a degree — she grew into herself here. From taking on-campus leadership roles to pursuing meaningful research, Moore’s story is one of growth, belonging and purpose.
A Welcoming Campus That Felt Like Home
Choosing UMKC was intentional for Moore, shaped by family influence and a deep desire to stay in her hometown of Kansas City. Her mother, a UMKC alumna who returned to college as a non-traditional student, often spoke highly of the support she received from her alma mater. That history, combined with the university’s welcoming community, made Moore feel immediately at ease. “I didn’t expect to feel this included, not just welcomed but truly seen,” she said.Moore’s campus involvement reflects that sense of belonging. She leads as president of the Student Justice Alliance, serves as secretary of Sisters Circle and holds leadership roles in Psychology Club, Psi Chi, Emerging Research Scholars and is involved with Undergraduate Research and Creative Scholarship. Her footprint on campus is deep and so is her impact.
Turning Personal Motivation Into Academic Purpose
Moore’s academic path is grounded in personal experiences with mental health challenges in her family. “I saw how those challenges affected people I love,” Moore said. “I wanted to understand why and how we can do better.”That drive led her to psychology, not just as a major but as a calling. She is passionate about mental health advocacy, especially in communities where it is still stigmatized and underserved.Her coursework, leadership and interactions with like-minded peers helped her see psychology as a mission instead of subject. That mission now propels her toward graduate school, where she plans to continue her journey toward becoming a therapist or psychologist.“I would love to continue my education at UMKC,” she said. “It’s such a supportive community and the education is great and affordable. The university does such a good job to propel us, and they really put their students on the right track with all the resources they have.”
Finding Research and Confidence Through Initiative
Moore’s research journey did not begin with an automatic invitation. It started with initiative.After completing an independent project, she wanted more research experience. She reached out directly to faculty in the psychology department seeking opportunities. When she emailed Jacob Marszalek, Ph.D., expressing her interest and willingness to learn, he kept her in mind and eventually connected her to a meaningful research project.“That experience taught me that sometimes you don’t wait for the door to open, you find the door and knock,” Moore said. “By doing so, I got to find a project I’m aligned with and interested in.”Before this, Moore joined Emerging Research Scholars, a program directed by Kimberly Johnson, Ed.D., that prepares students for research through cohort discussions and reflection activities. She also serves as a research ambassador with the Undergraduate Research and Creative Scholarship Office, advocating for research access, tabling at events and building confidence in presenting her work.This exposure strengthened her professional readiness and her belief in what she can contribute to the research community.“The Undergraduate Research Office is fantastic,” Moore said. “They advocate for undergraduate students to have more resources and opportunities for research. They also help students with their research presentations and find ways to let them go to conferences to present their research. It’s really special because there are not many opportunities for undergraduate students in research but there are at UMKC.”
Research With Real-World Impact
Moore’s current research goes beyond theory. She collaborates with Synergy Services, a community partner supporting families affected by domestic violence.Under the mentorship of Sara Brammer (M.A. ‘99, Ph.D. ‘06) and with statistical support from Marszalek, Moore’s role centers on conducting literature reviews to help build a foundation for a program aimed at reducing repeat domestic violence offenses among male perpetrators. While she is not leading the project, she plays an essential role in shaping its direction.“What motivates me most is knowing that this work can help real people,” she said. “Not just in academic journals but in the lives of families and local communities.”
Mentorship That Transformed Her Experience
For Moore, mentorship has been transformative in her academic journey. She points to Toya Like, Ph.D., as a pivotal figure. When Moore reached out asking for guidance, Like responded quickly with genuine encouragement. “She is so impressive and has done so much,” Moore said. “Seeing a Black woman researcher who is also an author really made me feel close to her. At the time, I just emailed her to see if she was willing to mentor me, and she was so enthusiastic and encouraging. She really wants all her students to do well and reminded me that I belong in this space.”She also reflects on the influence of Brammer and Marszalek, and how their impact is going to help her in graduate school. “I had a little bit of imposter syndrome when I first started doing my research,” she said. “But they’ve been so great with offering support while giving me opportunities and guiding me through everything. It’s really going to help me in my academic career.”
Preparation for Life Beyond College
Looking ahead, Moore is applying to UMKC graduate programs in counseling and social work, a natural continuation of her academic and professional journey.She credits her readiness to UMKC’s support systems, including mentorship, cohort experiences, scholarships such as Professional Career Escalators that teach career skills like negotiation and workplace navigation, and a community that meets students where they are.“UMKC prepared me not just academically but personally for life beyond college,” she said. “I learned to advocate for myself, work with a variety of teams and show up confidently in places where I once felt uncertain.”Her journey is more than spotlight of individual achievement. It is a testament to the impact a supportive university with meaningful mentorships and opportunities can have on a student’s life and future.“I came here looking for a place to belong and grew into someone I’m proud to be,” Moore said. “I’m now someone with a voice, a purpose and the confidence to keep growing in every aspect of my life.”
Mar 31, 2026
Radiologist drives statewide policy change and advances women’s health
Each year, the UMKC Alumni Association recognizes the achievements of outstanding alumni with an awards celebration. For her advocacy efforts in expanding access to lifesaving breast imaging and reducing disparities in women’s healthcare, the University of Missouri-Kansas City and the UMKC Alumni Association are honoring Amy K. Patel (BLA ’10/M.D. ’11) as the 2026 Alumna of the Year.
Patel is a board-certified radiologist specializing in breast imaging. She is the medical director of The Breast Care Center at Liberty Hospital, an associate member of The University of Kansas Cancer Center and clinical associate professor at The University of Kansas School of Medicine.
Raised in Chillicothe, Missouri, a small rural town with limited access to women physicians and subspecialized care, Patel saw firsthand how much difference a single dedicated physician could make.
“I realized early that I could make a difference in the lives of patients in the region, those who played an integral role in my upbringing and who I am today,” Patel said. “The sole woman physician in my hometown was a trailblazing inspiration and mentor to me even to this day, and I saw how hard she worked to take care of so many. ‘If I didn’t step up, who would?’ was always my mentality.”
Patel’s interest in women’s health and health policy led her to specialize in breast imaging and cancer care, a field facing a national shortage of subspecialists particularly in rural and underserved areas. When she returned to Missouri after being an attending physician for only a year, Patel was tasked with building a comprehensive breast imaging program that had yet to exist.
With her leadership, Liberty Hospital’s breast cancer services grew exponentially. Clinical volume increased by nearly 40 percent in two years, even leading to the opening of a new breast center that was double the size of the original in June 2021. In 2022, the center earned national accreditation as an American College of Radiology Designated Comprehensive Breast Imaging Center. Patel also spearheaded the establishment of genetics and breast surgery programs at Liberty Hospital and served as chair of the Liberty Hospital Cancer Committee from November 2018 through April 2025.
“I am immensely proud of the impact, but I certainly cannot take all the credit,” Patel said. “It was a team effort for these things to occur, and I am grateful to everyone who has played a role in improving the lives of Missouri women and in the area in which I practice.”
Patel is also a staunch patient advocate for expanding access to standard radiological care at the legislative level, particularly annual mammography screenings beginning at age 40. In Missouri, she helped advance landmark legislation ensuring insurance coverage for both 2D and 3D mammography for women at average risk, expanded coverage for above-average-risk women and supported the passage of diagnostic breast imaging legislation that eliminated co-pays and deductibles.
As a result of her advocacy efforts, she was the 2021 recipient of the Kansas City Medical Society's Patient and Community Advocate Award. She was also named a 2022 Lamar Hunt Legacy Honoree and the 2022 Kansas City Chiefs Fan of the Year due to her community impact to close the gap between breast care disparities and her love for the Kansas City Chiefs.
“I am deeply honored to receive some incredible recognitions in the Kansas City area, which were certainly not on my radar,” Patel said. “I just have a passion for the work that I do and ensuring patients have the highest quality access-to-care that they can. A patient living in an urban area should be receiving the same care as one who is rural, and although we know disparities exist, I will continue to work tirelessly to close that gap. For me, it’s simply a life’s calling. For community members to recognize this type of work that I am doing truly means the world because to me. This demonstrates they also care, and the more people who care about these important issues, the more likely we will be able to spur positive change.”
Patel’s other professional achievements include serving as past president of the American Association for Women in Radiology Board, the youngest president in the organization’s 44-year history, and as the inaugural associate editor of digital media for the Journal of the American College of Radiology (ACR). She is the first woman, and youngest radiologist, to receive the ACR Howard Fleishon, MD Advocate of the Year Award. In 2024, she was recognized by The Freedom Wall Commission of Jackson County on the Monument to Freedom, Justice, and Courage Wall for her efforts to close gaps in breast care disparities. That same year, she was named Ingram’s Magazine Kansas City 40 Under 40 and Radiology Business Magazine 40 Under 40.
Patel serves as chair of the ACR Radiology Advocacy Network RADPAC, where she leads more than 40,000 radiologists and radiation oncologists in advocating for equitable access to patient care. She also serves on the steering committee of the American Cancer Society’s National Breast Cancer Roundtable as part of the Cancer Moonshot Initiative and is a former ACR Rutherford Lavanty Fellow in Government Relations.
Patel credits UMKC for laying the groundwork for all her career success.
“Being in the six-year BA/MD program propelled me to mature faster,” Patel said. “We had to quickly learn the art of time management. I think that has significantly helped me juggle everything I do professionally and personally while calmly staying the course. UMKC also prepared me to understand the importance of professionalism, teamwork, compassion and commitment to life-long learning. I owe so much to UMKC and will always be grateful with the pay-it-forward mentality that the School of Medicine engrained in us.”
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Mar 30, 2026
For more than 20 years, IUE has helped educators succeed in Kansas City classrooms
Across Kansas City, schools face persistent challenges recruiting and retaining teachers, especially in the neighborhoods where teacher stability and representation matter most. High turnover disrupts learning and makes it harder for students to build trust with educators, impeding student achievement.
“If we want a thriving economy and healthy communities, effective teachers are critical,” said Jennifer Waddell, Ph.D., director of the University of Missouri-Kansas City Institute for Urban Education (IUE). “No other profession carries the future of our society the way teachers do. Teachers shape not only academic success, but who our children become.”
For 20 years, IUE has addressed these needs by preparing aspiring teachers for urban classrooms across the region. Through scholarships, mentorship and hands-on experience, the program supports students committed to serving high-need communities. Many participants come from the same neighborhoods and school systems they will return to teach in, bringing lived experience and deep understanding. Many are also first-generation college students building pathways to opportunity.
When Martha Delatorre first learned about IUE, she immediately knew this was something special. As a shy student who didn’t like to speak up, she was nervous how she’d handle the classrooms. But the continued attention and care provided by the IUE helped her flourish to the teacher she is now.
UMKC IUE student Martha Delatorre works with elementary school students.
With small seminars of 15 to 20 students where conversations centered on theory to practice and future teachers talked through real classroom situations together, Delatorre gradually found her voice with academic preparation grounded in practice. That learning carried directly into schools, where she spent three days each week in classroom settings rather than just one, giving her time to understand classroom routines, support students and gradually lead lessons until standing at the front of the room felt natural. As a senior, she is ready to lead her own classrooms after she graduates. Even for the first two years after graduation, when many new educators feel uncertain, IUE checks in, offers advice and visits classrooms to provide guidance, ensuring Delatorre continues to prosper in classrooms with confidence.
“It’s so important to know I’m not alone during those first two years,” said Delatorre, a current IUE student. “The first year or two can feel very overwhelming and knowing that you always have someone to depend and lean on when you need support or advice, someone who wants to help you grow, is huge.”
IUE plays a critical role in strengthening the region’s teacher pipeline and long-term retention:
• 100% job placement rate for graduates in urban school districts
• Nearly 90% of graduates remain in the profession for five years or more compared to less than 50% nationally and 34% in Missouri
• More than 50% of graduates identify as teachers of color
• 100% retention rate among graduates of color and those from urban communities for five years or more
Supporters, alumni, students and community partners will gather for Lighting the Way, a celebration of the institute’s impact and future. Co-chaired by alumna Patty Reece (M.A. ’71) and honorary alumnus Jerry Reece, her husband, the event takes place from 6 to 9 p.m. April 11 at the Zhou B Art Center. It will feature a fireside chat with John Sherman, a longtime IUE advocate and supporter, as well as owner of the Kansas City Royals and founder of the Sherman Family Foundation that funds the IUE’s Sherman Scholars program. Alumnus Harrison Neal Sr. (B.A. ’11, M.A. ’14) and current student Clarissa Astorga will share how IUE shaped their journeys.
For school leaders, that impact is tangible.
“Who I put in classrooms matters,” said Jennifer Collier (Ed.S. ’08, Ed.D. ’18), superintendent of Kansas City Public Schools. “Partnering with IUE has helped secure a strong teacher pipeline.”
For students, the program offers more than financial support — it provides access to a profession that might otherwise feel out of reach.
“The importance of scholarships means everything to me as a first-generation college student,” said Delatorre. “Finding IUE changed everything.”
Participants gain mentorship, professional development and real-world experience while completing their degrees. Their success reflects the program’s impact. In recent years, two IUE students received the Milken Teacher Leaders of Tomorrow Award, a national honor recognizing leadership and potential in education.
Many graduates remain in Kansas City classrooms, serving as educators and community role models.
“Our students commit to teaching in Kansas City for four years,” Waddell said. “But most stay longer because they want to give back.”
The program’s continued success is fueled by donors who believe in preparing educators for urban schools. Their support helps address one of the region’s most pressing challenges: ensuring every classroom has a well-prepared teacher who understands the community they serve.
“IUE teachers are change agents,” Waddell said. “They are leaders who are passionate about improving their communities — and they pass that on to their students.”
A recent gift from Harold Frye (B.A. ’66, M.A. ’77, Ed.D. ’77) reflects that commitment. A three-time UMKC graduate and one of IUE’s founding supporters, Frye made a $50,000 gift to support students. The Sherman Family Foundation will match the contribution, creating a $100,000 investment in future educators.
“Equipping teachers for urban schools is essential,” Frye said. “Educators trained in these environments are adaptable, skilled and deeply impactful. When communities invest in them, students benefit profoundly.”
As IUE marks more than two decades of impact, its mission remains clear: prepare educators who inspire students and strengthen Kansas City classrooms. With continued support from students, alumni and donors, the institute will continue lighting the way for the next generation of teachers.
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Mar 27, 2026
New research suggests our daily conversations are shrinking, with people speaking 300 less words each day
With loneliness declared an epidemic in the United States, researchers are taking a closer look at how much we actually talk to one another. In a recent study published in Perspectives on Psychological Science, Valeria Pfeifer, Ph.D., assistant professor at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, and Matthias R. Mehl, Ph.D., professor at the University of Arizona, analyzed conversational trends and found that each year, between 2005 and 2019, we speak about 300 fewer words per day than the year before.
The findings come from an analysis of audio data collected from more than 2,000 participants whose daily lives were sampled through short recordings of their natural environments. Together, the datasets represent 22 studies conducted across 14 years and include participants ranging from ages 10 to 94.A loss of roughly 300 spoken words per day may initially not seem significant, but the decline adds up quickly. The study estimates the drop equals more than 120,000 fewer spoken words each year compared to the year before. Because spoken words usually occur in conversations with other people, the change may represent thousands of everyday interactions that are no longer taking place.
While yes, spoken words have shifted to written formats like texting, verbal conversations have characteristics that written communication does not always capture. Spoken language involves tone of voice, timing, emotional cues and immediate social feedback. Pfeifer suspects those elements play an important role in social relationships and well-being, but more research is needed to fully understand the differences.Pfeifer has a background in linguistics and psychology, receiving her Ph.D. from the University of Arizona and worked as a postdoctoral researcher there for three years. Her research primarily focuses on the psychology of language and language behavior in everyday life. She runs the Language and Cognition lab at UMKC, where she studies how language shapes human emotion, cognition and social connection.
Assistant Professor Valeria Pfeifer, Ph.D.
In discussing her recently published research, Pfeifer explained how her research explores the role language plays in daily social life and what the findings may mean for how people connect with one another.
What does speaking less mean for loneliness and health?
Speaking less means spending less time connecting with others. Research has consistently linked loneliness with negative outcomes for both mental and physical health. At the same time, everyday conversation is associated with greater well-being. If people are having fewer conversations, they may be losing both the immediate emotional benefits of social interaction and the long-term benefits of maintaining strong relationships.
If speaking 300 more words per day could help, what might that look like?
It does not require a long conversation. Small interactions can make a big difference. It could be chatting briefly with the barista making your coffee, stopping by a colleague’s desk to ask about their weekend or calling a family member to check in. These small moments of conversation help maintain social bonds and may help slow or reverse the loss of everyday spoken interaction.
Is technology responsible for the decline?
Our study cannot directly determine why spoken words are declining. However, the timeframe we examined, from 2005 to 2019, coincides with the rise of texting, email and social media. It is possible that some spoken conversations have shifted to digital communication. Whether typed conversations provide the same social benefits as spoken conversations is still an open question and one that future research needs to address.
Are younger people driving the decline?
Younger people did show somewhat steeper declines in spoken words. When we divided the sample into participants younger than 25 and those older than 25, we found that younger participants lost more spoken words per year. However, both age groups showed a clear decline in daily conversation. That suggests that age, or technology use alone, does not fully explain the trend.
Are there broader social implications of your findings?
Small changes in daily behavior accumulate over time. A gradual decline in spoken conversation might not be obvious from day to day, but over many years it could change how people connect with one another. Humans have relied on spoken language for more than 200,000 years, and we do not yet know whether a shift toward more digital communication comes with social costs. Our findings highlight the need to better understand how both spoken and written communication affect loneliness, health and well-being.
Mar 26, 2026
Viral Eras Tour dancer Kameron Saunders and breast health advocate Amy Patel, both UMKC alumni, will honor graduates
Mar 26, 2026
Calvin Flemons blends faith, pharmacy and Black excellence to inspire future healthcare leaders
Through his podcast, “PharmaSoul,” UMKC School of Pharmacy student Calvin Flemons blends faith, healthcare and cultural identity to create conversations about perseverance, purpose and representation.
Flemons, who is set to graduate this spring with his Pharm.D./MBA through UMKC’s dual‑degree program with the Henry W. Bloch School of Management, launched the podcast in August 2024 after one of the most personally and academically challenging years of his life, the podcast reflects Flemons’ belief that visibility and voice can shape both individual lives and the future of the profession.
“I decided I've overcome a lot, and in August I just started getting myself back together,” Flemons said. “I wanted to start something that would not only inspire me and help me, but also help others.”
His podcast centers around three pillars — faith, pharmacy and Black excellence — areas Flemons says encompass the most important parts of who he is.
“Every piece of content that I post is for others, but it's also for me,” Flemons said. “It can be something that I'm currently battling, something that I'm going through, a good piece of advice that I need to hear myself. I kind of look at it like — if I need to hear it, then I'm sure someone else probably needs to hear it too.”
To highlight his experience in pharmacy, Flemons produces episodes focused on the profession, recaps of recent rotations he’s completed and educational content about medications and patient care.
“As a pharmacy student, that's a big part of my life,” Flemons said. “So I really want to push pharmacy to bring more light to the profession, but also to educate others about what we do about their medications, the importance of pharmacists in general and how we contribute to every aspect of healthcare.”
When Flemons brings guests on his podcast, he often uses these episodes to highlight his Black excellence pillar. He has interviewed a variety of Black professionals who excel in their fields, including lawyers, politicians, teachers, entrepreneurs and pharmacists.
“This piece is really important for me, because everyone wants to be seen. Everyone wants to be heard,” Flemons said. “And if I can find some way to show the good work people are doing, whether it's in their career or community, I really want to showcase that and highlight that.”
Flemons is passionate about creating representation, especially for younger individuals who are deciding on careers and might find inspiration in seeing someone who looks like them in a career they had never considered.
“Representation is important simply because a lot of people don't know what's possible if they've never seen it or they never heard about it,” Flemons said.
The same concept applied to Flemons when he participated in the BESt Pharmacy Summer Institute while in high school. The BESt Pharmacy Summer Institute is a four-week program for St. Louis high school students, collaborating with Barnes-Jewish Hospital, Express Scripts, and University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy in St. Louis to prepare multicultural students for a future in healthcare. Flemons recalled the experience as eye-opening in terms of representation, but also in the way it exposed him to so many pharmacy career possibilities.
“I was interested in pharmacy, but besides Walgreens and CVS, that's really all I knew,” Flemons said.
Pursuing a career in pharmacy is what led Flemons, a St. Louis native, across the state to UMKC — a decision that has shaped him positively.
“I’m so grateful I came to UMKC,” Flemons said. “Whether it's the professors, different staff members, leadership positions, school…I think all of it has come together to pour into me and shape who I am today.”
One of the faculty members who has impacted Flemons is Steven Stoner, Pharm.D., associate dean for student affairs and clinical professor.
“Dr. Stoner not only poured into me, but he's poured into every single student there,” Flemons said. “And he really makes sure that we're all seen, we're all heard and that we're also supported.”
Stoner has also enjoyed mentoring Flemons and sees his podcast as a reflection of his strengths.
“I really got to see that he possessed an incredibly creative side and that he was often thinking outside of the box, or at least two steps ahead,” Stoner said. “The podcast he has developed is just one example of his creative side, and it also exemplifies how strong of a leadership voice he has.”
Flemons, who is also completing his MBA concurrently with his pharmacy degree, hopes to use his leadership capabilities toward future career opportunities. His long-term goals include becoming a clinical pharmacy professor or obtaining a leadership role at a hospital or within a pharmaceutical company.
“My goal is to be a mentor, kind of like our current professors are now,” Flemons said. “Pouring into students, leading them, improving on those clinical skills and then really just leading the next generation of pharmacists.”
Mar 26, 2026
UMKC School of Law alumnus Mark Edelman will fund 10 annual $10,000 theatre scholarships over the next decade
Mark Edelman’s (J.D. ’75) strong bond with UMKC is rooted in his family’s history at the university. His parents met as UMKC students after his mother fled Nazi Germany. He later followed in their footsteps, earning his law degree, and now continues the Edelman legacy with a $1 million commitment to fund 10 annual $10,000 scholarships for theatre students over the next decade.
Edelman founded Theater League Inc., a nonprofit that has brought Broadway productions to Kansas City for more than 40 years. His path to becoming a champion for the arts began with a law degree from UMKC. He initially planned to pursue entertainment law and spent time in New York volunteering with an office at the Bar Association of the City of New York that provided services for artists.
After graduation, he studied for the New York bar exam but soon found himself on a different path when he accepted a position running the Bucks County Playhouse in suburban Philadelphia.
That unexpected opportunity launched a lifelong career in theater and arts leadership.
In addition to founding Theater League Inc. and supporting productions across the country, he helped establish the Mark Edelman Theater Fund at the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Kansas City, which supports professional theater companies in Kansas City and beyond.
“A steady stream of talented, well-educated actors is the lifeblood of our theater community,” Edelman said.
The $1 million commitment on behalf of the Mark Edelman Theater Fund marks continued investment in the UMKC Conservatory and the region’s arts community, strengthening its ability to recruit top graduate talent and sustain Kansas City’s vibrant cultural landscape.
“Mark Edelman’s remarkable gift demonstrates the lasting connection our alumni have to UMKC and the impact they continue to make in our community,” said UMKC Chancellor Mauli Agrawal.
By supporting advanced training in performance, design and arts leadership, Edelman’s gift prepares the next generation of artists and arts administrators to contribute to the city’s creative economy.
“We are deeply grateful to Mark Edelman for this extraordinary investment in our theatre students and in Kansas City’s cultural future,” said UMKC Conservatory Dean Courtney Crappell. “His generosity brings stability to our graduate programs and lays a strong foundation for the next generation of artists and arts leaders.”
Edelman’s support comes as the UMKC Conservatory advances on a major expansion of the Olson Performing Arts Center – a 35,000-square-foot addition featuring new performance, rehearsal and classroom spaces, including a large ensemble rehearsal hall, two dance studios and an accessible black box theatre. The expansion will create a cohesive performing arts hub alongside White Recital Hall, Spencer Theatre and the McIlrath Lobby, while renovations to existing facilities will add flexible learning environments and a centralized student resource center.
“Mark Edelman’s generosity celebrates the arts and the extraordinary talent within our UMKC Conservatory,” said Amanda Davis (MPA '07), UMKC Foundation president and chief advancement officer. “Gifts like this inspire the entire UMKC community, showing what is possible when we support students pursuing their passions. This gift not only benefits our students and UMKC programming but also the cultural vitality of Kansas City.”
Scholarships from the Mark Edelman Theater Fund will begin supporting UMKC Conservatory students this fall. Eligible students include those pursuing one of three academic paths: a Master of Fine Arts in technology and design, a Master of Fine Arts in acting and a graduate certificate in performing arts management.
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Mar 25, 2026
Faculty researcher Brent Never is teaming up with students and a local developer to address the region's housing shortage
As costs climb and supply shrinks, thousands of Kansas Citians are struggling to find affordable places to live. At the University of Missouri-Kansas City, Brent Never and students are partnering with local developer VanTrust Real Estate to map redevelopment opportunities and craft investment strategies to expand affordable housing across the metro.
The U.S. housing market is a paradox. Even in a buyer's market with 44% more sellers than buyers, supply is low, demand is high and affordability is slipping. Goldman Sachs reports the country is short an estimated 3 million to 4 million homes, and the average mortgage payment now eats up more than a third of a typical buyer’s income.
“We need to think about an everything solution,” Never said. “Build big scale out in the suburbs. Build infill here in Kansas City. Build multifamily, build single family. Everything and above.”
“Affordable housing is something we all feel when we have to pay our rent or our mortgage,” said Brent Never, associate professor of public affairs at the Henry W. Bloch School of Management and director of the Midwest Center for Nonprofit Leadership. “But there's an official definition from the federal government. It's 30% of your income.”
For Kansas City, these national trends translate into very real challenges, where the region faces an estimated deficit of 64,000 affordable units and holds the highest rate of unsheltered homelessness per capita in the country. Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas responded with new initiatives including the Housing Gateway Program and expanded funding for emergency shelter and eviction prevention, but the scale of the challenge demands coordinated, research‑driven solutions.
Under Never’s direction, students analyzed redevelopment potential across the metro for VanTrust Real Estate, evaluating factors such as transit access, walkability, job proximity, neighborhood amenities and existing infrastructure.
“Everybody needs a home,” said Celeste Carlson (MBA ’25), who joined the project as a graduate student. “Everybody needs a place to live that is safe, well-maintained and has running water and heat.”
Carlson found more than 100,000 households are severely cost-burdened, spending over half their income on housing. While affordable housing is often framed as a wage issue, Never and Carlson argue that the true barriers are complex and deeply interconnected.
“Collaboration is going to absolutely be necessary,” Carlson said. “All entities that can should be working on addressing this issue.”
“We have zoning issues where we can't put in new housing,” Never said. “We have issues where we have a mismatch of where people work and where they live. If you think about the Panasonic plant in DeSoto, we really have to think about greenfield development out in the suburbs, and then we also have to think about developing here in town.”
Carlson added that demographic and market shifts are compounding those structural challenges.
“It is now typical for a family starting out to buy a home and grow into it, instead of buying a home and building on or adding on to fit as you grow,” Carlson said. “Retirees are staying in their homes longer. Housing stock is not becoming available, which drives up the price of homes that do become available.”
Never and his team of graduate students including Celeste Carlson, Wajeeha Gilani (B.A. ’23, MBA ’25) and Samar Rao (M.S. ’25) recommended top contenders for investment in affordable housing. With these recommendations, VanTrust Real Estate created a nonprofit to put that investment in the Kansas City metro.
“We need to think about an everything solution,” Never said. “Build big scale out in the suburbs. Build infill here in Kansas City. Build multifamily, build single family. Everything and above.”
To get to this solution, Never and Carlson believe the answer lies in collaboration and new development.
“There's a lot of great examples of places where this housing would be a wonderful aspect of creating community but also creating economic development for these cities,” Never said. “We need to clear the decks from a zoning standpoint in order to have communities really move on this vision of housing for everybody.”
Carlson adds Kansas City’s vacant lots, former schools, underused hotels and abandoned churches could emerge as promising sites for adaptive reuse with the right partnerships and policy support.
“Collaboration is going to absolutely be necessary,” Carlson said. “All entities that can should be working on addressing this issue.”
As the project moves from analysis to action, Never says the work reflects UMKC’s mission as Kansas City’s only Carnegie Research 1 university.
“One of the best things about UMKC is bringing students into the research process and then moving those research findings out into the community,” Never said. “Research to practice is what an urban public university does. Our region looks to us to have answers that are not only important but current.”
For Carlson, the experience has been both academically valuable and personally meaningful.
“Research like this helps me know who the players are in the city,” Carlson said. “When somebody has affordable housing, there is something that happens in their bodies that allows them to be better at being themselves. They have healthier lifestyles. They are not so stressed out. They can enjoy their kids, they can be better employees and better citizens.”
Together, the team hopes their work will help Kansas City move toward a future where safe, stable and affordable housing is within reach for every resident.
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Mar 24, 2026
Students at UMKC School of Medicine celebrate Match Day with partners, parents and growing families by their side
When Hunter Campbell opened his Match Day envelope Friday, he wasn’t just thinking about residency programs.
He was thinking about his newborn daughter and where she would grow up for the next few years.
Campbell and his wife welcomed their first child, Leila, on Feb. 19, just weeks before Match Day at the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine, making the stakes of the national residency placement process feel especially real.
“It’s pretty darn nerve wracking, especially because I’m going to possibly uproot my entirely new family,” he said. “It’s a good nervous though, because it’s so exciting.”
Match Day is often emotional for graduating medical students, but for several members of the Class of 2026, family has played a particularly powerful role in shaping their journeys to medicine and their hopes for where they will train next.
Cheers erupted across the auditorium as students opened their envelopes, embracing family members and classmates as they learned where they would spend the next chapter of their training.
Hunter Campbell: Starting a Family While Starting a Career
For Campbell, family is something he is building right now, alongside his medical career.
He and his wife were high school sweethearts who went to the University of Missouri-St. Louis together for undergraduate school and then came to Kansas City when Campbell started medical school at UMKC.
Now, with a new baby, Campbell considers Kansas City his home more than ever.
“We are pretty established here,” he said. “We've already got day cares picked out here, and so I really want to match at UMKC.”
Opening the envelope with shaking hands alongside his wife and daughter, Campbell was excited to find out he did indeed match at UMKC.
“I’m doing unbelievably well,” Campbell said. “We were manifesting. This is the exact specialty and the No. 1 place I wanted.”
Campbell will train in a combined internal medicine and pediatrics program — another goal come true, as the specialty is not widely offered.
“It's a pretty niche specialty,” Campell said. “Most people will either pick pediatrics, internal medicine or family medicine, where you also see adults and children. Internal medicine pediatrics offers you a bunch of inpatient and intensive care time.”
Mohamed Refaat and Tahsin Schwartz: Matching as a Couple
For couples in the Match, priorities often look different. B.A./M.D. students Mohamed Refaat and Tahsin Schwartz weren’t just hoping for a good match — they were hoping for the same one.
Refaat and Schwartz met during the first few weeks of medical school at UMKC, and have been together ever since. They married in June 2024 and are looking forward to celebrating with family and friends at a reception this May.
Refaat and Schwartz entered the Couples Match, a process designed to place partners at the same institution. Because they are applying to different specialties — anesthesiology and internal medicine — that can mean compromising on top program choices.
“We interviewed all throughout the country,” Schwartz said. “I think it was across 10 states. Pretty much everywhere in the Midwest and two places on the East Coast. But we honestly just want to be together, so any place that will take us both we'll be happy with.”
Although Couples Match prioritizes placing the couple together, it is not guaranteed, which means Refaat and Schwartz faced the possibility of spending their first few years as newlyweds apart from one another.
“Some of the states we apply to are, like, 20 hours apart,” Refaat said. “It's kind of little bit of faith and trust God.”
So, when Refaat and Schwartz opened their envelopes on Match Day to learn that they were both placed with the University of Kansas, Refaat picked Schwartz up and spun her, overcome with happiness.
“We’re together, so we could not ask for anything more,” Refaat said. “We’re very happy.”
Their story isn’t the first like it in their family. Schwartz’s parents also met in medical school while attending the University of Kansas in Kansas City, Kan. — a connection the couple came to appreciate during their own time in medical school.
During medical school, Refaat conducted research at KU and invited Schwartz to study with him in the KU library, the very same place Schwartz’s parents had studied as medical students. The parallels didn’t stop there.
“A lot of the same restaurants that they went to when they were dating, we went to,” Schwartz said. “Our stories align a lot, which has been really cute.”
Gaby Thornton: Following in Her Parents’ Footsteps
Schwartz isn’t the only one with parents who met in medical school. B.A./M.D. student Gaby Thornton’s parents met at UMKC while studying medicine.
“They were in the same year and docent team, years three through six, with Dr. Salzman, who is still a docent actually,” Thornton said. “They both graduated in ‘94 and they didn't start dating until about a year after, but they were good friends all throughout the program.”
Now, 32 years later, Thornton’s parents Shilpa Thornton (B.A. '92/M.D. ’94), an ophthalmologist, and Chris Thornton (B.A. '92/M.D. ’94), a radiologist, returned to their alma mater to support their daughter on her Match Day.
Alongside her parents, brothers and grandpa — who is also an ophthalmologist — Thornton opened her envelope to learn that she matched at UMKC for OB-GYN, a specialty she is passionate about.
“Before coming to UMKC, I loved women's studies. That was definitely something I think I would have pursued had I not gone into medicine,” Thornton said. “But it was my OB-GYN clerkship, where I realized, ‘Wow, this is the place for me.’ They're not just physicians, but they're also advocates for their patients. They're consolers, they're cheerleaders, they're educators. It's just a really special kind of relationship they have with patients, and that drew me even more so to the field.”
Despite selecting a different specialty than her parents, Thornton does acknowledge the influence her parents had on her choosing medicine as her career and UMKC as her medical school.
“They influenced me in a very natural, not pressured way,” Thornton said. “Growing up, I was constantly surrounded and exposed to medicine because of them. And then as I got older, and I realized I love science and I loved helping people, it just became like a very natural career path for me that I wanted to go into. And I knew UMKC had always been their special place.”
Samir Mehta: A Friendship That Started Before Day One
Thornton’s family isn’t the only one with deep ties to the UMKC School of Medicine. Samir Mehta’s father, Sacheen Mehta (B.A. '93/M.D. ’94), was a classmate of Thornton’s parents — a connection that would unexpectedly shape Mehta’s own experience at UMKC.
“When it came to the interview day for UMKC and we got to the Student Union, my dad kind of just took a quick scan around the room. And literally within two seconds, spotted Gaby's mom, who was there with her,” Mehta said. “So that's when I first met Gaby. We spent the whole day together, and our parents were catching up while we were doing the interview and everything like that.”
And the friendship grew from there. Coming from Dallas, Mehta didn’t know anyone else at UMKC besides Thornton.
“We kind of became good friends from day one,” Mehta said. “And from that point on, we've been in the same friend group and everything and have been friends for six years now. We actually ended up in the same docent unit as well, so she's been my peer in my docent for four years as well.”
Mehta and Thornton are even traveling to Europe together with their friend group after Match Day to celebrate graduation and spend time together before they head their separate ways for residencies.
Mehta will be heading to St. Louis, where he will be training in internal medicine at Washington University.
“I feel good,” Mehta said. “I think I will have a good experience there.”
One Class, One Community
As the envelopes were opened and celebrations unfolded across the room, the Class of 2026 marked a major milestone in their medical training.
“Your future is inside the envelope that you will hold,” said Dean Alexander Norbash (B.A. ‘85/M.D. ’86). “Cherish the moment and cherish all that you leave behind that has made you all that you are and all that you will be. You have a long and spectacular adventure ahead of you. One giant step forward takes place here we will be watching you always, from afar, with pride and with joy.”
According to Norbash, UMKC’s Kansas City and St. Joseph campuses combined for a 97.4% match rate, higher than the national average. Over 57% of the class matched with a primary care specialties, while other students will be training in specialties ranging from anesthesiology to ophthalmology, dermatology to neurology and more.
While 31.3% matched within the state of Missouri, others are headed across the country. Notable residency program matches included UCLA, Northwestern, Mayo Clinic, Kaiser Permanente and Duke.
While their residency programs will take them to different cities from coast to coast, the connections built during their time at UMKC will remain.
“Being together for the past six years, we kind of watch each other grow up, and it's very special,” Thornton said. “I've loved that about UMKC. You get to see your peers go off and become doctors, and I would say that it's definitely close-knit community.”
Mar 20, 2026
Through UMKC community clinics, Kassandra Estrada is giving back and gaining real-world experience
For UMKC pharmacy student Kassandra Estrada, learning happens where care is delivered.
A Kansas City native, Estrada serves her hometown in clinics, hospitals and neighborhoods across the metro. UMKC’s close connection to the community has provided the opportunity to gain hands-on experience without leaving home, and that connection now shapes her education as she completes clinical rotations throughout the metro.
Learning in Action at Saint Luke’s
Estrada recently completed an ambulatory care rotation at Saint Luke’s Hospital, where she applied what she learned in the classroom to work directly with patients as part of an interdisciplinary care team.
Estrada reviewed medication lists and spoke with patients about access to their medications and adherence to their treatment plan. Additionally, she collaborated with medical students and physicians to help care for patients as a comprehensive care team.“This is super valuable as a pharmacy student,” Estrada said. “You get to learn how to work collaboratively and provide the best care for patients.”
Side-by-Side Training
At UMKC, pharmacy students learn alongside other healthcare profession students early in their training.According to Maureen Knell, clinical professor of pharmacy practice at UMKC, this model prepares students for real-world practice.“Students learn they are part of the team,” Knell said. “They work together in real-world situations with patients.”
For Estrada, working alongside medical students, physicians, nurses and social workers has expanded her understanding of how different disciplines contribute to patient-centered care.“The physicians at Saint Luke’s are great,” she said. “They're very aware and inclusive of us during the conversations, so we never feel like we're left out. We're always contributing to the conversation somewhere or another.”
A City That Expands Opportunity
Kansas City’s location offers UMKC pharmacy students access to a wide range of clinical experiences including rotations in both Missouri and Kansas.“Being in Kansas City gives you more options,” Estrada said. “You get to explore different settings and see what pharmacy careers can look like.”
Those experiences have included retail pharmacy, inpatient hospital care and ambulatory clinics, exposing her to the full scope of the profession.
Giving Back Where It Matters Most
After graduation, Estrada plans to remain in Kansas City and pursue a career in community pharmacy.“I want to give back to my community,” she said. “My community is here.”
Mar 16, 2026
Daniel Wildcat has spent decades advancing tribal education and building national partnerships in environmental science and policy
Each year, the UMKC Alumni Association recognizes outstanding alumni achievements with an awards celebration. Daniel Wildcat (Ph.D. ’06) is the Class of 2026 Spotlight Award recipient.
For nearly four decades, Daniel Wildcat, Ph.D., has dedicated his career to advancing Indigenous education, environmental research and cross-cultural collaboration. A professor at Haskell Indian Nations University in Lawrence, Kansas, Wildcat is an internationally respected scholar whose work explores the intersection of Indigenous knowledge, climate science, public policy and education.
Wildcat, a Yuchi member of the Muscogee Nation of Oklahoma, said his teaching and research journey was shaped by recognizing the deep connection between Indigenous identity and the natural environment.
“Once I started teaching at Haskell, I began to really recognize that for American Indians and Alaska Natives, their tribal cultures and identities were inseparable from the natural environments they called home,” Wildcat said. “Indigenous tribal knowledges and wisdom offered real insight into the challenges humankind faces today, especially in ecology, environmental science and global climate change.”
Wildcat founded the Haskell Environmental Research Studies Center in partnership with Kansas State University’s Center for Hazardous Substance Research, creating research opportunities for tribal colleges and advancing environmental science initiatives that directly benefit Indigenous communities.
His leadership extends to national and international climate initiatives. Wildcat helped form the American Indian and Alaska Native Climate Change Working Group, a tribal college-centered network addressing climate change challenges. He also played a key role in organizing the Planning for Seven Generations climate conference and serves as a leader in the National Science Foundation-funded Rising Voices, Changing Coasts Research Hub, one of the largest NSF awards ever received by a tribal college.
“Leading the Rising Voices, Changing Coasts Hub fulfills my desire to see Indigenous knowledge and methodologies recognized as science,” Wildcat said. “It opens humanity’s understanding of the world in ways Indigenous worldviews compel us to consider.”
Wildcat is also a prolific author and thought leader. His books, including “Red Alert! Saving the Planet with Indigenous Knowledge” and “On Indigenuity: Learning the Lessons of Mother Earth,” demonstrate the need for Indigenous perspectives in addressing global environmental challenges and advancing sustainable solutions.
Throughout his career, Wildcat has built strong partnerships across tribal, academic and federal institutions. He credits relationship-building and trust as central to his work.
“Success builds at the speed of trust,” Wildcat said. “Creating spaces where people can share knowledge and collaborate is essential to addressing complex challenges like climate change.”
Wildcat’s commitment to mentoring students and supporting Indigenous youth remains a defining part of his legacy.
“Youth are hungry for meaningful relationships and determined to make the world a better place,” Wildcat said. “Sometimes the best thing we can do is give them the tools, knowledge and wisdom to be creative, then stand back and support them as they lead.”
Wildcat earned his doctoral degree from the Henry W. Bloch School of Management, where he said the interdisciplinary learning environment strengthened his leadership approach and commitment to public service.
“The Bloch School helped deepen my awareness of my strengths and weaknesses as a leader and reinforced the critical importance of public service and policy-making,” Wildcat said.
Reflecting on his career and impact, Wildcat hopes his legacy centers on service, collaboration and care for future generations.
“Maybe they will say he was a good relative, a mature human being and he tried to lead with love in everything he did,” Wildcat said.
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Mar 12, 2026
Maria Meyers has made a lasting impression on entrepreneurs in Kansas City and beyond
Maria Meyers, UMKC Vice Chancellor of Commercialization and Entrepreneurship and leader of the UMKC Innovation Center has announced her retirement.
An accomplished astrophysicist, Meyers found an unexpected passion helping support entrepreneurs, which defined her career. She is one of the early founders of the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Kansas City. In the collaborative spirit of the region, she joined in pulling together the disparate pieces of support that entrepreneurs needed to start and grow businesses, creating a base for economic growth through company creation.Her work, thought pieces and speaking influenced the trajectory of the development of ecosystems across the country, setting a pattern for other communities in the United States and globally to build better environments for entrepreneurship.UMKC will launch a search for a successor to continue Meyers’ work in entrepreneurship and commercialization, with the goal of filling that position by late summer. Meyers will stay in her role during the search.Meyers’ celebrated career will leave a lasting mark on the UMKC community and the world of entrepreneurship. Under her leadership the UMKC Innovation Center has changed the lives of many individuals, helped grow many businesses and positively impacted economic development across the region. She has been one of the region’s key visionaries in taking innovative business and research ideas and turning them into valuable enterprises that change our communities for the better.“UMKC is fortunate to have benefitted from Maria’s talent and dedication for many years,” Chancellor Mauli Agrawal said. “Our university and Kansas City communities are stronger, more vibrant and more successful because of Maria’s contributions.” One of her earliest successes, KCSourcelink, created a resource network that helps entrepreneurs find the right resources at the right time, serving entrepreneurs in the Kansas City region. That success led to Sourcelink affiliates across the country, creating a road map for other communities to build supportive environments for entrepreneurs.
"Long before phrases like, 'entrepreneurial ecosystem' were common, Maria understood the power of connecting community resources and, through her leadership at KCSourceLink, helped make those supports more visible, accessible and effective for entrepreneurs," said Wendy Guillies, former president and CEO of the Kauffman Foundation. "I’ve seen firsthand how her steady, quiet leadership has amplified the work of countless organizations and earned the trust and respect of entrepreneurs, civic leaders, CEOs and colleagues alike."
Meyers’ impressive career has included accomplishments in science, community service and economic development including serving as vice chancellor of commercialization and entrepreneurship at UMKC, serving more than 6,000 clients per year as director of the UMKC Innovation Center, creating KCSourceLink and expanding it to be a national model of small business development, serving as chief operating officer at Nature Technology Corporation and helping open and manage Science City at Union Station as its vice president and chief operating officer. Meyers, along Guillies, also led efforts to establish capital funds in the region.
"I am very thankful for the leadership Maria provided at a time of need in our community," said Terry Dunn, (MBA ’73), president and CEO of JE Dunn. "The entrepreneurial community is flourishing as a result of her vision and commitment. She has built a tremendous legacy for both UMKC and herself."
Her longstanding community service contributions and awards include being named a Kansas City Business Journal Woman of Influence, serving on the Edward Lowe Foundation Entrepreneurial Support Organization Advisory Board, serving as a board member for Wonderscope, serving as a member of the U.S. Small Business Association’s National Small Business Development Center Advisory Board and serving as chair of the board of Beyond the Book. Despite these successes, what most strikes those close to her is her humility.
"One moment that perfectly captures Maria’s character was when she and SourceLink received the Global Entrepreneurship Network’s Ecosystem Champion Award last summer," said Guilles. "She was genuinely shocked because she never seeks the spotlight, even though she so deeply deserves the recognition. I’m proud to call Maria both a colleague of nearly two decades and a friend, and I hope she takes time to savor this moment and feel proud of the extraordinary legacy she leaves behind.”
Mar 11, 2026
A powerful day of generosity brings record participation, unprecedented momentum and transformative impact
The University of Missouri-Kansas City is celebrating a record-breaking Giving Day. Over 700 UMKC supporters across 32 states, as well as France and Latvia, gave nearly $4.8 million in just 24 hours. The historic total quadrupled the previous record, more than doubled this year’s goal and marked the most successful Giving Day in UMKC history.
“This year’s Giving Day was truly extraordinary,” said UMKC Chancellor Mauli Agrawal. “Together, our Roo community surpassed every previous benchmark and set a new historic record. Alumni, faculty, staff, students and friends came together in a powerful show of generosity that reflects our shared commitment to student success and opportunity. I am deeply grateful for the support and belief in our mission to open doors and power what is possible for current and future Roos.” This time of year has become a defining moment for UMKC. It’s a day when alumni, students, faculty, staff, parents, friends and community members come together to power the university forward. That collective spirit once again translated into unprecedented participation and momentum.
“Giving Day represents the very best of our university community,” said Amanda Davis, UMKC chief advancement officer and president of the UMKC Foundation. “The extraordinary participation and record-setting generosity we saw this year demonstrate that we can power what’s possible when we come together around a shared vision.” Donors directed their generosity toward the areas that matter most to them. From university wide causes to our Alumni Association to our School of Humanities and Social Sciences, these investments create opportunities for students while strengthening UMKC’s long-term impact in Kansas City and beyond. A number of supporters allowed UMKC to publicly share details about their commitment. Mark Edelman, through the Mark Edelman Theater Fund at the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Kansas City, committed $1 million to support the UMKC Conservatory’s Division of Theatre and live theater in Kansas City by establishing the Edelman Theater Scholarship Fund to provide 10 $10,000 scholarships every year for the next decade. Another generous donor, Robin Onikul (DDS ’89, GRCT ’92), made two gifts totaling $775,000, to support the Oboe Studio at the Conservatory. In addition to donors, advocates were a crucial part of this year’s Giving Day success. There were 79 unique advocates this year spanning all across the UMKC community.
This year’s top advocates by dollars raised, in order, are Gayle Levy, Jesse Osman and Payton Covert. Top advocates by donors brought in, also in order, are Gayle Levy, Payton Covert and Rocky Simmons. Students also played a direct role in shaping Giving Day through Roos Choose, an initiative that empowers them to vote on a funding priority most meaningful to their campus experience. This year, students selected First Gen Roo as their top choice with 159 votes. Giving Day 2026 is a powerful demonstration of what happens when the Roo community unites behind student success to propel the future of UMKC.
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Mar 10, 2026
Austin Cutler values his family legacy while finding his own distinct place in it
When second-year law student Austin Cutler talks about his journey to UMKC School of Law, the word that comes up most often is legacy.
Born and raised in Kansas City, Cutler is a third-generation student at the UMKC School of Law. His grandfather, James Tippin (J.D. ’73), and both of his parents, Dana Tippin Cutler (J.D. ’89) and Keith Cutler (J.D. ’89), are UMKC Law alumni. Dana and Keith Cutler preside over the television show “Cutlers Court,” and previously led the show “Couples Court with the Cutlers.” While he doesn’t aspire to join his parents on television, Austin Cutler is proud of the legacy he carries on.
“I don’t think about it often, but it does mean a lot to be a third-generation law student,” Cutler said. “I carry it with pride. I see their names on plaques on the wall and people who know my parents will stop and tell me they’re great people. I try to have the same standard of excellence.”
In addition to being a legacy student at UMKC, Cutler followed in his father’s footsteps by attending Morehouse College in Atlanta. His experiences at Morehouse influenced the way he approaches community and balance in his life.
“The culture at Morehouse means that almost everyone is involved on campus somehow,” Cutler said. “Whether it was a student organization, mentorship, community service – everyone I know there was always doing something. So when I started law school, I started looking for ways to get involved. It didn’t feel like I was doing anything extra, it was the standard that Morehouse had set for me.”
Cutler is president of the UMKC School of Law chapter of the Black Law Student Association, a 2L Class representative of the Student Bar Association, student emissary and a member of a committee updating the law school curriculum. These and other social activities on campus are an important part of his life, even as he balances them with the academic demands of law school.
“I try to play basketball every Friday with some other law students, I exercise regularly, I spend time with my fiancée, I like to study with others when I can,” Cutler said. “I’m a really social person and feel like a better version of myself when I’m around people regularly. I’ve learned to build that time into my schedule and make sure that I have a life outside of school and studying. It’s possible to do it, it just has to be a priority.”
His early involvement within the UMKC law community helped him quickly develop a network of friends and colleagues. As a non-traditional law student, and having lived in Atlanta for eight years, Cutler wasn’t sure what to expect when he moved back to Kansas City and began law school. Although he originally chose UMKC due to his family legacy and familiarity with the city, he found a supportive community that affirmed his place in it.
“My journey has not been linear, and as I’ve met more and more people who are connected to UMKC, many of theirs weren’t either,” Cutler said. “It’s really validated that it’s okay to change careers and keep finding new ways to challenge myself. Professors and students come from all sorts of backgrounds. People have lived a lot of lives before starting their legal careers.”
A legal career was always an appealing option for Cutler, but he explored other paths first. After earning a biology degree from Morehouse, Cutler taught high school biology for several years. Biology and law may not seem related on the surface, but that experience put Cutler on the path to law school and patent law in particular.
“My godfather knew I majored in biology and recommended that I look into patent law, because it requires a science or technical background,” Cutler said. “The patent bar exam is different from the general bar exam, and you can’t even sit for it unless you have a background in a technical subject. Like almost every law, patent law has two sides: prosecution and litigation. Patent prosecution is the process of proving a patent claim is valid and that a person should have the rights to their idea. Patent litigation is defending those rights if someone infringes on it. I like that I can pursue either side and be practicing law in a different way.”
When asked about the challenges of law school, Cutler is honest about the academic challenges. But he also encourages people to believe that they can do it, because he knows it’s possible. He is active on TikTok and uses his online presence to show that law school is attainable.
“I want to be a positive representation of what being in law school is like, especially for Black people because there aren’t a lot of us,” Cutler said. “Black people only make up about 5 percent of the legal profession. I wanted to show others, especially those that look like me, that getting into law school and being a law student is completely attainable. You can do this, and you can have a life and enjoy it while you’re here.”
Mar 10, 2026
Kansas City celebrates the Turgeon Era
Kansas City’s Union Station roared with Roo Blue spirit as hundreds of people came out to welcome incoming UMKC men’s basketball coach, Mark Turgeon.
People from across Kansas City joined a strong contingent of campus leaders, faculty, staff, students and alumni from the University of Missouri-Kansas City to welcome the arrival of one of college basketball’s winningest coaches as head coach of the Kansas City Roos. The UMKC Dance Team, mascot KC Roo and the Roo Mob pep band brought a lively spirit to the day’s events.
"We're trying to be the best basketball team that Kansas City has ever seen," Turgeon said. "That's our goal. Expect us to win, to have great players, to be well-coached."
Family of Coach Turgeon also turned out in force to bring a personal welcome, filling a few rows close to the stage. "It's great to be back in the Midwest and among family," Turgeon said. "I'm back here because of my family, but also because I believe in this city. Kansas City is a championship town. The town means a lot to me, but even more than the town, I believe in the people. I know what people in the Midwest are about, and I need everyone to come support our team."Kansas City and UMKC leaders were among those who turned out to show their support and celebrate this moment for Kansas City’s only Division I university. Kathy Nelson, president and CEO of the Greater Kansas City Sports Commission; UMKC alum Mario Vasquez (MSERE ’14), Kansas City City Manager; UMKC alum Terry Dunn (MBA ’73), president and CEO of JE Dunn and Brandon Martin, UMKC Athletics Director were there as UMKC Chancellor Mauli Agrawal laid out his vision for the Turgeon Era. “We want to go to the Big Dance,” Agrawal said. “That’s the expectation. That’s the standard, and Coach Turgeon is the right person to help us get there.”Anticipation for Coach Turgeon’s impact is well-earned. A Kansas Sports Hall of Fame Coach, Turgeon is among the top 30 active Division I coaches. With a career record of 476-275 across 24 years of coaching, Turgeon has led teams to 10 NCAA Tournament appearances and built a reputation for turning programs into consistent contenders. He has coached at some of the biggest programs in college basketball, bringing experience, credibility and a deep recruiting network to Kansas City.“Coach Turgeon understands what it takes to compete at that level of excellence,” Agrawal said. The expectation of building a prominent basketball program is in line with the expectations of a world-class university. From achieving Carnegie Research 1, increasing graduation and retention rates, building the university’s largest capital project in its history in the Healthcare Delivery and Innovation Building and expanding programs across the state and winning Summit League championships in men’s soccer and men’s golf, UMKC has achieved each bold goal it has set. Now, Agrawal said, it’s time to extend that winning streak to the basketball program.“Our faculty and staff have been building excellence across this institution; now it's time to do that in basketball,” Agrawal said. To symbolize the start of a historic moment for UMKC, Chancellor Agrawal presented Turgeon with a gift representing the shared history of UMKC and Kansas City, a framed print of the UMKC kangaroo drawn by Kansas Citian Walt Disney, signifying the pride, innovation and competitive spirit that has defined UMKC and Kansas City.
UMKC Director of Athletics Martin was central to this game-changing hire. Martin said Coach Turgeon’s accomplishments are energizing to Roo fans and UMKC athletes alike.
"We wanted someone with a championship pedigree and had competed at the highest level and won games at the highest level," Martin said. "A champion and ambassador to our program who will generate excitement for our alumni, our families, donors and stakeholders throughout the city. A coach will bring national prestige to UMKC. We knew that he was answer and best fit for the job."The importance of Coach Turgeon’s hiring extends beyond UMKC. Turgeon has a long history in the Kansas City region. A native of Topeka, Kansas, Turgeon played for the University of Kansas, taking the team to four NCAA Tournaments and making a Final Four run in 1986. His success as a coach includes a historic turnaround for the Wichita State Shockers, taking them to their first NCAA tournament in 20 years. His deep Kansas City roots and coaching excellence further elevates the city’s status as a basketball epicenter. “I have spent a big part of my career working to bring high-caliber sports teams and sporting events to Kansas City,” Nelson said. “We have experienced great success, but this moment for UMKC, hiring Coach Mark Turgeon, is certainly on my list as one of the highlights.”City Manager Vasquez presented Turgeon with a framed print of the iconic Norman Rockwell painting Kansas City Spirit, which Rockwell created after a devastating flood in 1951 to symbolize the community’s reliance, optimism and unity. The gift felt especially fitting for a coach who is, “to Kansas City always true.”“Coach Turgeon’s return to Kansas City is more than a coaching decision; it’s a homecoming,” Vasquez said. “Strong cities need strong universities, and strong universities benefit from strong city partnerships. We’re proud to support UMKC as it continues to elevate its athletic programs and its national profile.”Vasquez says he’s excited to be working with UMKC on a plan to return men’s basketball to play at Municipal Auditorium.Roo fans and alumni were excited to welcome Coach Turgeon home. Dunn said Coach Turgeon is the right person to lead the fight for the gold and blue, and encouraged all Roo fans to stand up and show their pride for their Kangaroos."What I'm seeing is a number of people stepping forward donating time, talent, treasure," Dunn said. "There are a number of business leaders in this community that brand their institutions and businesses with UMKC. We want this community to really understand this is our university, it's our time."
Following the event, fans, alumni and community leaders attended a reception welcoming UMKC’s newest Roo and a future for UMKC men’s basketball that — as the school’s fight song goes — is onward, forward, upward rising.
Mar 09, 2026
Adams visited the School of Medicine for the milestone event, sharing insights on the nation’s mental health challenges and the future of equitable...
The UMKC School of Medicine marked a milestone and a full-circle moment last week when it welcomed former U.S. Surgeon General Jerome Adams, M.D., for the 20th annual Dr. Reaner and Mr. Henry Shannon Endowed Lectureship in Minority Health.
Adams, who served at U.S. surgeon general from 2017 to 2021 and is now on the faculty at Purdue University, spoke about mental health in America. The lectureship’s inaugural speaker in 2006 was Joycelyn Elders, M.D., the first African American surgeon general of the United States.
“This is truly a full circle moment,” said Tyler Smith, M.D., the School of Medicine’s associate dean of inclusive excellence. “The lectureship continues a tradition of hosting dynamic speakers who are leaders in medicine, including UMKC School of Medicine graduates and faculty members, as well as leaders in government health agencies and professional medical organizations.”
The lectureship — started in 2006 by Reaner Shannon the first associate dean of what was then the Office of Minority Affairs, and her husband, Henry Shannon, — “was created to promote continued learning and education, as well as to bring awareness about medical issues and health disparities impacting people and communities of color,” Smith said.
Adams exemplifies that tradition. As former U.S. surgeon general, Adams championed mental health, health equity, opioid overdose prevention, maternal health and access for underserved communities. During his time serving the role, he also led the nation through the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, something he reflected upon in his 2023 published book, “Crisis and Chaos.”
Currently, Adams serves as a professor, presidential fellow and executive director of health equity initiatives at Purdue, allowing him to stay connected with the issues that matter most to him – mental health and health equity.
“How are we doing in terms of mental health in America? The truth is, not well,” Adams said during his lecture. “Think about your day. One in five people who you're encountering has clinically diagnosed depression. And it's not just our adults. Our youth mental health is in crisis. One in three high schoolers report their health was not good for most or all of the past 30 days.”
In his lecture titled “The Current State of Mental Health in America,” Adams explored the issues contributing to the rise of mental health issues throughout the nation and argued that mental health must be treated like physical health.
“No one would say, ‘why don't you just fix your broken ankle?’ But gosh, when we say their heart is broken or their mind is broken, people think completely differently,” Adams said. “I often say you wouldn't go to a provider who refused to treat high blood pressure or diabetes, but we're perfectly fine with our doctors refusing to treat mental health. We have to change that mindset. We have to really own this and say that mental health is part of primary care.”
Adams not only urged doctors and individuals to fight the mental health stigma, but to also recognize other barriers in place preventing treatment.
He pointed out the disparities existing in our country among racial and ethnic minorities, LGBTQ+ communities and incarcerated populations — groups that often experience more persistent or severe symptoms yet have less access to care.
“What's driving these disparities? Structural barriers, limited access to affordable and culturally competent care and provider shortages,” Adams said. “There are geographic and transportation barriers, discrimination and minority stress, criminal justice system factors and broader social determinants. Poverty, economic stability and community violence drives mental health disparities. And insurance often doesn't pay for mental health.”
One data point Adams kept a close eye on while surgeon general was the rise in suicide, which led to him putting out a suicide call to action during his term. Adams continues to track this data and shared some alarming statistics affecting children of color.
“For Black children aged five to 12, rates are two times that of white children,” Adams said. “That tells you a lot about our society right now and the stresses that our young people are facing, and particularly young people of color.”
One of the societal issues impacting mental health, Adams said, is social media use, which he pointed out has been shown in studies to be as addictive as heroin.
“It's linked to higher risk of anxiety, depression and suicidal behavior amongst adolescents,” Adams said. “And surveys show 86% of the public feels social media platforms contribute to addiction and mental health harm.”
Adams talked about the risks and rise of gambling addictions, an issue he said we are not talking enough about as online platforms are making it more accessible than ever.
“The shocking statistic is gambling is the addiction that is most likely to lead to suicide,” Adams said. “Two to 4 million Americans may experience gambling disorder in their lifetime with links to additional mental health harms.”
Another societal issue Adams highlighted was substance misuse. Access to addictive substances has become much more prevalent for young people, he said. E-cigarettes, Zyn and other nicotine delivery options have drastically risen in popularity in recent years, reversing hard-won gains in reducing tobacco use in previous decades.
When it comes to substance misuse, Adams has a deeply personal connection to this issue.
“While I was in the White House, my brother was in a prison cell about 50 miles away,” Adams said. “My brother has substance use disorder, and I share his story with his permission, because stigma kills, and stigma is when we separate ourselves into us and them. That happens to them, that doesn't happen to us. Well, substance use disorder impacts everybody.”
So as surgeon general Adams focused on the opioid epidemic, because he not only saw how it was affecting the nation, but because he was also experiencing its impact firsthand.
Adams said the two things he was most proud of in his time in public health was working on the bipartisan efforts to increase syringe service program legislation and his surgeon general’s advisory on Naloxone.
“When I put up my Naloxone advisory, we saw Naloxone dispensing increased nationwide by about 400%,” Adams said. “I'm a trauma anesthesiologist, and when I was working full time, I probably saved 10 to 15 lives a year. But by using my voice and increasing naloxone dispensing nationwide by 400%, that's tens of thousands of lives potentially saved. And I don't say that to brag. I say that so that everyone here understands the power of policy making, the power of systemic change, the power of getting upstream.”
Delivering that inspiration was exactly the goal of the lecture. For Smith, Adams’ visit reflected the purpose of the Shannon Lectureship itself — to expose future physicians to the broader social forces shaping health care.
“It's a big deal, especially for our medical students, residents, fellows and other trainees, to be able to see someone who was sitting in a seat like theirs is now doing these things on the national and global level,” Smith said.
Mar 04, 2026