UMKC

Today, the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) selected the University of Missouri-Kansas City-led NSF Critical Materials Crossroads Engine in the Kansas City region to receive up to $160 million in funding, potentially the largest award in Missouri higher education history and one of the nation’s most significant investments in rebuilding America’s domestic critical materials ecosystem.

Miguel Mostafá, Ph.D, joined the School of Science and Engineering as dean in June. He previously was the dean of the College of Science and Technology at Temple University. As he begins his first year at UMKC, Mostafá shares what drew him to the university and his vision for the School of Science and Engineering. 1. What attracted you to the UMKC School of Science and Engineering? What attracted me most was how closely UMKC's mission aligned with my leadership philosophy.

When Deidre Anderson-Barbee (MPA '00) moved to Kansas City, she was a single mother looking for a graduate program with the tools to make a greater impact. Nearly three decades later, that journey has earned her recognition from the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs and Administration, also known as NASPAA, as one of two recipients of its global Alumni Spotlight Award.

As part of our growing partnership with the city's oldest and largest nonprofit performing arts organization, UMKC students, faculty, staff, alum...

When Sherri Wattenbarger (B.A. ’91, J.D. ’93) was 6 years old, her father taught her the value of asking for help when you need it. Now, she’s in a position to be the one who answers when someone asks for help. Wattenbarger and husband Brian Beins have created an estate gift of $575,000 to benefit first-generation law students.

For Lightner, experiencing and understanding different cultures is important to him, not only as a person, but as a researcher as well. Getting out of his own social context broadens what he can learn. Over the next year, he’ll be in Brazil for three months, then Puerto Rico, back to the United States and then off to South Africa for another research project. “I think the United States has a lot to learn from other countries,” Lightner said.

The UMKC Family Soccer Fest brought many community members, alumni, students and soccer fans to campus for an evening celebrating Kansas City’s rich soccer culture. With strong attendance and activities for all ages, the event created a festive atmosphere that showcased UMKC’s role in the Soccer Capital of America. Guests enjoyed a variety of interactive activities throughout the evening. Including inflatables, lawn games, face painting and soccer-themed challenges.

Sarah George, a B.A./M.D. student minoring in chemistry, is one of seven recipients of the 2026 Remington R. Williams Award and the only student selected from UMKC this year. The award honors exceptional student leaders who demonstrate outstanding character, collaboration and meaningful contributions both inside and outside the classroom.

At UMKC, students like Sharae Shaheed (B.A. ’25) are redefining what success looks like and proving it’s never too late to expand your world. Shaheed is a first-generation college student, mother and recent Spanish graduate who discovered study abroad isn’t just for traditional students; it’s for anyone ready to say yes to opportunity. Why did you choose to study Spanish? Spanish has been something I’ve been drawn to since I was a teenager.

For some, taking a trip is the hallmark of summer. But this year, a group of UMKC students turned that tradition into something that was, for some, entirely new — getting a stamp on their passport. The group just returned from the first-ever UMKC Study Abroad and Global Engagement–led trip to Québec City, Canada.