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UMKC Staff Honored at Annual Ceremony

ST. LOUIS RECORD

Monday, March 31, 2025

UMKC Staff Honored at Annual Ceremony

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Trophy | In collaboration with Katelyn Perry

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.

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