A world of new music premieres at Mizzou

Aug. 4, 2022

On July 30, eight incredible composers from around the globe, including Rome, New York City and right here in Columbia, premiered their work at the Missouri Theatre. Their compositions were selected from roughly 500 applicants and performed by Alarm Will Sound as the finale of the 13th Mizzou International Composers Festival.

I enjoyed attending the festival with Jeanne and Rex Sinquefield, benefactors whose support made this week of events possible, as well as College of Arts & Science Dean Cooper Drury and School of Music Director Julia Gaines.

Through opportunities like this and others like the Sinquefield-supported Mizzou New Music Initiative and Sinquefield Music Center, our campus remains a hub for forward-thinking composers.

— Mun

Turning undergrads into accomplished researchers

Aug. 1, 2022

Ninety-five talented students from across the nation and the globe convened on campus for MU’s Summer Undergraduate Research Program, a tradition since 2000.  For nine weeks, these students researched alongside world-class faculty mentors. We recently celebrated their many accomplishments and look forward to potential research articles citing several of these undergrads as co-authors.

Students came from 47 institutions and included Randi Noel, a Mizzou sophomore majoring in plant sciences, who worked with Dr. Richard Ferrieri, a chemistry research professor. She spent the summer using advanced equipment (brand new to MU) to study the effect of wildfires on plant regrowth and is listed as the first author on a paper submitted to a prestigious journal.

These select students were chosen from hundreds of applicants and are some of the brightest students in their fields, from journalism to materials science and engineering. We were happy to welcome them to campus and share the lab space, tools and support needed to make their discoveries possible.

— Mun

Recharging for fall

July 1, 2022

Like many in our Mizzou community, I’m taking some time in July to recharge and get ready for a new semester of Tiger excellence.

We’ll put the blog on hold for a few weeks and return in August with more stories of the people who make our education, research and outreach mission possible. 

May we all reflect on the amazing accomplishments of this last academic year.  We also look forward to all the new faces we will welcome to campus this fall. 

M-I-Z! 

—  Mun 

Mizzou hosts gifted high school scholars

June 27, 2022

I enjoyed speaking with nearly 300 of our state’s most talented high school students – and the educators who inspire them – as part of Teacher Appreciation Day at the Missouri Scholars Academy. 

Every summer, our campus welcomes gifted, rising juniors from across Missouri for the Academy. Over three weeks, scholars select a “major” (courses such as Making Beautiful Mathematics and the Nature of Creativity), attend guest lectures, and participate in thought-provoking discussions. 

Founded in 1985 and supported by the Missouri Legislature, the Academy is an important way we serve some of our state’s brightest. It also introduces a new generation to Mizzou. 

It was great meeting some of tomorrow’s Tigers. 

—  Mun

Ag leaders with IMPACT

June 22, 2022

Curator Robin Wenneker and I visited with Missouri Farm Bureau President Garrett Hawkins and members of the IMPACT leadership initiative.

IMPACT is an intensive year-long program for young farming leaders from across Missouri to network and learn about emerging agricultural issues. All participants have direct ties to the ag economy, including livestock and crop production, processing and sales.

CAFNR Dean Chris Daubert and Associate Vice Chancellor for Extension Chad Higgins also provided an update on the value-added agriculture programs they’re leading.

We’re proud to support leaders who make Missouri agriculture a $93.7 billion industry and the state’s top economic driver. This support is an important part of our mission as a land-grant university.

— Mun

Softball standout named a 2022 Academic All-American

June 13, 2022

MU Softball player Kimberly Wert earned one of the highest distinctions in college sports last week when she was named a 2022 Academic All-American®, selected by the College Sports Information Directors of America.

This honor isn’t the first recognition of Kimberly’s excellence on and off the field. Twice, SEC leaders named her Player of the Week. Softball America recognized her as a Third Team All-American. And she holds the all-time Mizzou home run record. She graduated in May with dual degrees in psychology and health sciences and a 3.64 GPA.

Congratulations to Kimberly on this accomplishment.

— Mun

Distinguished faculty member retires after 52 years

June 7, 2022

We recently celebrated Professor Emerita Mary Sebacher’s 52-year career at the University of Missouri’s radiography program.

Though officially retired in 2003 from the School of Health Professions, she remained at Mizzou through the spring of 2022 in an adjunct role. She served in leadership positions throughout her career and was honored with the title of Assistant Clinical Professor Emerita in 2019.

Professor Emerita Sebacher trained generations of radiographers – giving them the skills they need to help patients and achieve their goals. Her impact is felt wherever her students serve.

— Mun

MU, NextGen faculty working to cure diabetes

May 31, 2022

New research by MU School of Medicine professors Haval Shirwan and Esma Yolcu could lead to better treatments for Type 1 diabetes.

Their recent publication in Science Advances is the result of 20 years of research from the conception of the immunomodulatory strategy to testing in various small animal models. In a recent study collaborating with Harvard and Georgia Tech faculty, the researchers found that transplanting insulin-producing pancreas cells can successfully treat Type 1 diabetes in a large animal model. The next step is working with industry partners to translate these advances into treatments that could help patients around the world.

Drs. Shirwan and Yolcu are among the first faculty in the new Roy Blunt NextGen Precision Health building to publish in a high-impact academic journal. They’re also husband and wife.

We’re proud their accomplishments are generating global media buzz, and we look forward to even more NextGen-powered breakthroughs.

— Mun

MU football player gives back at Special Olympics Missouri State Summer Games

May 24, 2022

Last weekend, Mizzou helped host the Special Olympics Missouri State Summer Games.

During the opening ceremony parade of athletes, MU football player Jalani Williams escorted the St. Louis metro area competitors. He bonded with them over a shared passion for competition and will plan additional statewide events during his summer internship with the organization.

More than 1,000 athletes and coaches came to Columbia for a weekend of events ­– many held on campus. We are proud that our Tiger community came together to make these games a success. Mizzou last hosted in 2014.

Thanks to the many other volunteers and families of the athletes who make this event possible.

— Mun

Celebrating Staff Recognition Week (with BBQ)

May 20, 2022

We are grateful to all of our MU and UM System employees and their many contributions to advance our teaching, research and engagement missions.

Throughout this week, we honored our collective commitment through our annual Staff Recognition Week. On Wednesday, several administrators served a free meal to about 1,300 of our employees.

As part of the celebration, we also distributed awards for outstanding service and hosted opportunities for staff to meet and build new connections.

— Mun