The University of Missouri-Kansas City recognized staff across all academic units and various programs and departments at the 2025 Staff Awards ceremony.
More than 200 employees were honored for their accomplishments as well as their contributions to the growth and success of UMKC.
“You are the heartbeat of UMKC – the people who keep things running smoothly, support our students and help drive our university forward,” said Chancellor Mauli Agrawal, whose remarks led the ceremony. “Whether you’re helping a student navigate their first semester, keeping our campus beautiful or contributing to our research and community initiatives, your work makes a real difference. And let me tell you, your impact is undeniable. Just look at what we've achieved this past year.”
UMKC received Carnegie Research 1 status, climbed 25 spots in U.S. News & World Report rankings and recognized by Wall Street Journal as one of the best investments in higher education as No. 1 in student experience and social mobility and No. 2 in best value and starting salaries among all Missouri and Kansas public universities. For the second year in a row, UMKC set records in first-time college enrollment and is on track to break records again this fall with applications and admissions rising across all categories.
“These milestones are no accident,” Agrawal said. “They’re the result of your talent, dedication and hard work. So whether or not your name is called today, please know that our university leadership and faculty see you, and so do our students. We all appreciate everything you do to make UMKC a place of excellence, opportunity and impact.”
University Staff Awards
Excellence in Student Success Staff Award
Recognizes a UMKC staff member who has made significant contributions to the academic, social emotional and/or overall wellness of studentsCarrie Schmalz, coordinator for leadership and student organization development, Student Affairs
Excellence in Research and Creative Works Staff Award
Recognizes a UMKC staff member who has made significant contributions to the university’s research creativity and innovation effortsLora Owens, research services business services manager, Research and Innovation
Excellence in Engagement and Outreach Staff Award
Recognizes a UMKC staff member who has made significant contributions to the university’s engagement and outreach effortsCasey Davison, senior coordinator of recreational sports, Student Affairs
Inclusive Opportunity and Excellence Staff Award
Recognizes a UMKC staff member who has made significant contributions to the university by fostering an environment of inclusive opportunity and excellence
Zachary Parker, assistant director of LGBTQIA programs and services, Student Affairs
Excellence in Planning, Operations and Stewardship Staff Award
Recognizes a UMKC staff member who has made significant contributions to solve long-standing problems and found new ways to collaborate across departments, develop revenue and increase enrollmentAndry Joswara, finance and budget consultant, Finance and Administration
Rising Star Award
Recognizes a UMKC staff member who, in their first five years of continuous service, has made significant contributions to their area of the university communityLauren Orozco, admissions counselor, Henry W. Bloch School of Management
Never Choose the Norm Staff Award
Recognizes a UMKC staff member who dares to be innovative and push boundaries to help the university achieve even greater success in its mission of serving students and our communityMike Duah, lead design strategist, Strategic Marketing and Communications
Chancellor’s Staff Award for Extraordinary Contributions
Recognizes a high-performing UMKC staff member who demonstrates an exceptional ability to foster collaboration, communication and cooperation among colleagues and university constituents and relates their work to the mission and values of the universityDavlon Miller, director, UMKC Career Services
Living the Values Awards
Recognizes staff members who best exemplify excellence in demonstrating the university’s key values
Conservatory
Sarah Bigge, manager of admissions and outreach
Curriculum and Assessment
Annie Carr, career development specialist
Finance and Administration
Sara Hampton, manager of business administration
Henry W. Bloch School of Management
Mark Culver, director of program operations
Human Resources
Tom Bachmann, senior HR manager
Information Services
Aaron Fajen, expert network engineer
Institute for Human Development
Leisha Manning, senior office support assistant
Intercollegiate Athletics
Trish Baldwin, manager of business administration
KCUR
Clarate Heckler, manager of live events
Office of Research and Innovation
Chi Johnson, senior business support specialist
Office of Strategic Initiatives
Kara Farren, senior business support specialist
School of Dentistry
Danita Johnson, senior student services coordinator
School of Education, Social Work and Psychological Sciences
J. Michael Pragman, director of Regional Professional Development Center
School of Humanities and Social Sciences
James Utech, finance and budget consultant
School of Law
Breana Boger, law admissions director
School of Medicine
Kimberlee Kalaiwaa, senior office support assistant
School of Nursing and Health Studies
Stephanie Spitz, senior project manager
School of Pharmacy
Casey Ramsey, senior business support specialist
School of Science and Engineering
Tanya Henderson, senior business support specialist
Strategic Marketing and Communications
Sarah Dresslaer, creative services operations manager
Student Affairs
Carrie Schmatz, coordinator for leadership and student organization development
Student Success and Academic Assurance
Carrie Paulette, senior executive assistant
UMKC Innovation Center
Jennifer Starcev, senior communications and project coordinator
University Libraries
Kevin McCarrison, office support assistant
Staff Council Dedication Award
Recognizes a staff member who has made significant contributions to the Staff Council and its initiatives by enhancing communication, volunteering service to the university and community and providing opportunities to develop staff professionally and personally.
Sarah Amos, senior student services coordinator, Student Success and Academic Assurance
Original source can be found here.