Shaping the Future
We are proud to celebrate another successful spring semester, including the accomplishments of our new UM System graduates! I know they are ready to make an impact in our state and beyond. We also look forward to new opportunities to enhance our important work, and I am especially grateful to Governor Mike Kehoe and the Missouri Legislature for their strong support of our land-grant mission – including continued investment in lifesaving radioisotopes at NextGen MURR. Our four UM universities are determined to make a difference for all we serve. The following stories reflect the many achievements of our incredible students, faculty and staff. Together, our commitment to excellence stretches from outer space to communities in Missouri and throughout the world.
Commencement
Spring Commencement
Congratulations to our MU, S&T, UMKC and UMSL graduates! Collectively, over 9,000 degrees were awarded in numerous ceremonies during May 16-18.
- Mizzou graduates over 5,900 Tigers: Mizzou photo gallery
- UMSL celebrates spring and summer graduates: UMSL photo gallery
- Miners hear message from former Gov. Michael Parson: S&T photo gallery
- UMKC awards over 2,600 degrees: UMKC photo gallery
Students
S&T
S&T Mars Rover Design Team Wins University Rover Challenge
S&T’s Mars Rover Design Team has won the 2025 University Rover Challenge, an international competition held annually at the Mars Desert Research Station in Hanksville, Utah.
- UMSL doctoral student researches cave fish adaptation due to their unique environment
- Seven UMKC students awarded national Gilman Scholarship
- Mizzou’s Josh Donaldson wins prestigious Truman Scholarship
Research
UMSL
UMSL Physicists Search for Secrets of the Cosmos
UMSL physicists Erika Gibb and Mohi Saki have been researching the composition of comets via the NASA Infrared Telescope Facility at the Mauna Kea Observatory in Hawaii and NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope, learning more about the building blocks of the early solar system.
- Missouri S&T professor develops new system for more efficient data transfers
- KCUR featured research of a UMKC professor who trains students in music therapy for premature babies
- Mizzou scientists design starfish-inspired wearable tech for heart monitoring
Community
UMKC
UMKC’s Carnegie R1 Designation Celebrated by Kansas City
Kansas City celebrates its Carnegie R1 university with an event at Union Station, illuminating its iconic skyline Roo blue and gold, and with a leadership roundtable about UMKC research impact.
- Mizzou’s Rural Scholars Program addresses critical shortages in medicine for 30 years
- UMSL criminologists contribute research in support of reducing gun violence in the St. Louis region
- Missouri Route 66 Centennial Commission grants $50,000 to Missouri S&T’s Celebration of Nations
Accolades
MU
Mizzou professor awarded Andrew Carnegie Fellowship
Mizzou’s Dr. Brian Kisida was named to the 2025 class of Andrew Carnegie Fellows to study civics education. The fellowship is one of the highest honors in the social sciences and humanities.
- American Educational Research Association voted UMSL’s Dr. Jerome E. Morris as president-elect
- UMKC, a hub for regional entrepreneurs and innovators, hosts Shark Tank auditions
- Missouri S&T's student design team placed fifth in the nation at the Student Steel Bridge Competition
Reviewed 2025-06-30