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President's Highlights - April 2026

Empowering the World

The UM System continues to reach historic heights. Through our proven excellence in teaching, research and meaningful engagement, we are shaping a brighter future and discovering new innovations that benefit society. The stories below showcase how our outstanding students, world-class faculty and dedicated staff support the success and well-being of Missourians and impact communities across the nation and beyond. By working together, each campus is making a difference for all we serve. 


Students

UMKC

UMKC Scholars win prestigious scholarship 

Two UMKC students, Candy Sarres and Ava Aslinia, have been selected for the 2026 Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program. Only 315 students are selected from an exceptionally competitive pool of over 4,500 applicants from across the United States. 


Research

S&T

Illuminating the darkness 

A Missouri S&T researcher has contributed to the largest and most accurate 3D map yet of light emitted by excited hydrogen 9 billion to 11 billion years ago in the early universe. Dr. Shun Saito, an assistant professor of physics, participates in the Hobby-Eberly Telescope Dark Energy Experiment, a large collaboration of researchers in the U.S. and Germany. 


Community

UMSL 

Training for the future 

UMSL has launched a new Geospatial Workforce Development Pilot Program in partnership with NGA and T-REX and is accelerating education, training, certification and research in geospatial science and technology throughout the St. Louis region. 


Accolades

Mizzou 

Mizzou ranks in top 35 most beautiful college campuses 

The University of Missouri has earned national recognition as one of the nation’s most beautiful college campuses in the country. In the U.S. News & World Report’s “35 Beautiful College Campuses” list, Mizzou was noted for its exceptional landmarks and colorful scenery of the Mizzou Botanic Garden. 

Reviewed 2026-04-17