The University of Missouri-Kansas City Trustees’ Scholars Program is one of the university’s highest honors for first-time college students. A collaboration between UMKC and the UMKC Board of Trustees, the program provides scholars with a fully funded education along with access to mentorship, professional connections and unique leadership and experiential opportunities.
Trustees’ Scholars are interviewed and selected for their academic achievement, leadership potential and commitment to making an impact in their communities. Throughout their time at UMKC, scholars are paired with Trustee mentors who provide guidance and connections as they pursue their academic and professional goals.
“The Trustees’ Scholar Program is the signature program of the board,” said Cameron Garrison, board chair of the UMKC Trustees. “Nurturing the next generation of leaders for Kansas City and beyond is a key objective of the program, and one I wholeheartedly believe in. These scholars are living examples of why we do what we do as board members. They remind us of the importance of our work and make us proud of our impact and contributions to the university.”
The 2026 class includes students from multiple different states, with a wide range of academic interests ranging from biology to art history.
Alizah Alvarez Chedzoy
Alvarez Chedzoy is from Topeka, Kansas, and is studying biology as a pre-med student. She is especially excited about the research opportunities available at UMKC. Alvarez Chedzoy moved to Topeka as a sophomore and has already earned a research certificate. She is honored to receive the Trustees’ scholarship and looks forward to making the most of her next four years at UMKC.
Lydia Fantahun
Fantahun is from Maryland Heights, Missouri, and is studying biology. She hopes to become a cardiologist or ophthalmologist and continue touching lives through medicine by attending the UMKC School of Medicine.
Savannah Jackson
Jackson is from Edwardsville, Illinois, and is studying economics with plans to attend law school. Jackson is particularly proud of her time as a drum major in high school, an experience that required dedication and passion while also giving her the opportunity to mentor younger drum majors. Watching those students grow has been especially meaningful to her, and she hopes to receive that same kind of support as a Trustees’ Scholar.
Gracelyne Logan
Logan is from Purdy, Missouri, and is studying political science as a pre-law student. She hopes to become a civil rights attorney and has long been passionate about speaking up for her fellow students. Logan said her parents have jokingly called her a “public defender” because of her willingness to advocate for others. She is proud to have made the transition from a small town to a big city while finding a community and a home at UMKC.
Sophia Menden
Menden is from Brandon, South Dakota, and is studying accounting. She hopes to work for a large accounting firm and eventually become the chief financial officer of an NFL team. While in high school, Menden and a friend started a DECA club in their small town, and she is excited to continue exploring new organizations and opportunities at UMKC.
Jaclyn Morton
Morton is from Wildwood, Missouri, and is studying art history. She hopes to become a cultural anthropologist and eventually work as a curator, using artwork and storytelling to help people connect with history and culture. Morton looks forward to beginning her college journey and building the relationships and experiences that will shape her future.
Annie Rhoney
Rhoney is from Belton, Missouri, and is studying biology as a pre-dentistry student. She hopes to attend the UMKC School of Dentistry and eventually specialize in orthodontics. Rhoney has visited UMKC many times through school field trips and chemistry classes and is excited to now call the university home. In high school, she created an after-school tutoring program and hopes the program continues to inspire other students. She is hoping to use the opportunities at UMKC to build a meaningful career and give back to her community.