James Mitchell is this year’s Spotlight Alumni Award recipient for his contributions to sustainability
Each year, the UMKC Alumni Association recognizes outstanding alumni achievements with an awards celebration. James Mitchell (B.M./B.A. ’13) is the Class of 2025 Spotlight Award recipient.
Mitchell is a graduate of the Conservatory, where he studied cello performance, and the School of Science and Engineering, where he studied environmental studies. Although these degrees might seem like an unusual combination, he has merged his love for music and the environment in his career.
Mitchell is a leading expert in climate finance, a director at the Center for Climate-Aligned Finance and a principal at RMI (formerly the Rocky Mountain Institute). He led the development of the Poseidon Principles, a global coalition of banks aimed to reduce carbon emissions in the maritime shipping industry. It is the first agreement of its kind in any industry.
In addition to his work in climate finance, Mitchell is a member of “The Infamous Flapjack Affair,” an indie folk quartet. The quartet provided an opportunity for Mitchell to blend his love for cello and the environment. They created a documentary called “Confluence,” which tells the story of the Colorado River through music.
What inspired you to pursue such an interdisciplinary path and how have those diverse experiences shaped your approach to climate action?
When I arrived at UMKC, there was one question I felt I needed to answer to give myself direction in life: what matters to me? Trying to answer this question led me to pursue a dual degree program that combined music and environmental studies. I discovered the issue that I care most about while at UMKC – climate change.
This unusual path has been broadly fulfilling and has given me an appreciation for the many ways you can go about shifting how things work. Some issues need to be exposed with hard-hitting research, others need to be addressed through careful technical deliberation and coalition building and others are best explored through a different approach altogether, like playing cello on the rim of the Grand Canyon and making a documentary about it.
Can you walk us through the challenges you faced in bringing together a global coalition of banks to adopt this climate standard, and how has it influenced broader market behavior since its launch?
The Poseidon Principles are a first-of-a-kind climate finance standard for the maritime shipping industry. Developing them took about 18 months and involved shuttling between London, Singapore, Hong Kong and New York City to create a “coalition of the willing” while also running a technical working group to write the standard itself. There were many challenges to overcome in the process and it was a very intense period in my career. Since the launch of the Poseidon Principles in 2019, they have become the most successful voluntary climate finance standard to date by market share, with banks representing 80% of the market complying with the standard.
There are tens of thousands of ocean-going ships, which together emit 2% to 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions annually. Today, when one of these ships is financed by a bank, its climate change impacts are considered because of the Poseidon Principles. They have also led to many billions of dollars in sustainability-linked financing for the shipping sector.
What do you believe is the core skill or mindset that has enabled you to be so successful across such a wide range of endeavors, and how do you approach each new venture or challenge?
I have had successes, but I’ve also had failures. Through each experience, I’ve learned something that I’ve applied to the next venture. I was tremendously fortunate to find an issue that I cared deeply about early on. This has been a major source of drive for me. Drive is one ingredient in success, but I’ve found that it must be complemented with a mindset that brings self-awareness and nuance: be humble and continue learning, bring the right people with you and create an environment where risks can be taken at the right scale.
Which project or initiative from your career stands out to you as the most rewarding, and why?
I owe a debt of gratitude to Molly (Caroline) Davies, my undergraduate advisor at UMKC, who recommended that I pursue a master’s degree at the University of Oxford School of Geography and the Environment. It was in the preparatory readings for my master’s program there that I discovered the field of climate finance and my interest in it.
Is there a particular moment that helped solidify your commitment to combining finance and sustainability?
There are a couple of moments that stand out as most rewarding. One is when my first publication as a researcher at the University of Oxford was picked up by the Guardian. The other is playing cello on the rim of the Grand Canyon while filming Confluence. Both were important moments when worlds came together for me: climate change and finance, music and climate change.
What advice would you give to today’s students who are starting out in a rapidly changing world?
Start figuring out what you’re interested in and what matters to you. Use this to guide your studies at UMKC. Whatever you study, learn how to communicate clearly and learn effectively because these are the most important skills in the workforce. Finally, be pragmatic. Don’t stress too much about figuring everything out now or landing your dream job right away. Just find a direction that works for you. Careers are long, the world changes and you can make changes as well.
What’s one piece of wisdom you’ve learned along the way that you wish someone had told you at the beginning of your career?
“Go with friends.” A friend once shared this advice with me, which she received from her mentor as she was embarking on a challenging career in global health. It’s a skill one must learn in mission-oriented careers spent trying to change systems of any kind.
Mar 25, 2025
UMKC Alumni Association honors the Mahaffey Family with the 2025 Legacy Award
Each year, the UMKC Alumni Association recognizes outstanding alumni achievements with an awards celebration. UMKC is honoring the Mahaffey family with the 2025 Legacy Award.
Three generations of the Mahaffey family began their dental careers at the UMKC School of Dentistry. Charles Mahaffey (DDS ’72) opened the family dental practice in 1975. Charles’s son, Darren Mahaffey (DDS ’05), and Darren’s wife, Sarah Mahaffey (DDS ’05), joined the practice in 2005 followed by Samantha (DDS ’22), who is the granddaughter of Charles and niece to Darren and Sarah. All of them share a dedication to the community of Springfield, MO as well as the overall oral health of Missouri.
How does the School of Dentistry continue to play a role in your family’s legacy?
We were all blessed to have begun our careers at UMKC. It is a gift, obligation and privilege to give back to the institution that gave us so many opportunities in life. UMKC served generations of our family, so we are privileged to give back by serving generations of patients in our community. UMKC gave us more than a diploma. It provided a deep and meaningful life experience that changed our paths forever.
Staying connected to the institution that shaped us into the professionals we are today is vital to continue the legacy that we are honored to be building. UMKC offers a strong alumni base full of like-minded colleagues that serve as mentors and friends. We have all been blessed with many friendships with classmates and faculty that have lasted years beyond our time at UMKC.
What motivates you to dedicate so much time to advocacy and mentoring in the field of dentistry?
We all view participation in both local and state-level dental organizations as an important way to give back to a profession that means so much to us. Our motivation to dedicate so much time to mentorship and advocacy comes from our commitment to our patients and bettering the future of dentistry for them. There is a lasting impact of investing in the future of our profession. What will the standard of care look like for our 4-year-old patients when they are 70? We have the privilege of serving a multi-generational practice, which gives us the unique motivation to invest in the future of what dental care will look like.
We have been given the gift of changing people's lives, by getting them back to school, work and social events, or simply getting them out of pain and back to smiling. It is our duty to pay it back and do our part to better the future of dentistry.
What advice would you give to today’s students who are starting out in a rapidly changing world?
Students that are just entering the profession should always remember to be authentic and genuine in their care for people. If your motivation is to better your patient’s health every day, you will always continue to find joy in your daily practice. Darren and Sarah remember Charles’s advice of, “Focus on taking care of people and they will take care of you.”
Your patients are your “why” – why you went through rigorous schooling, why you continue to better yourself at every chance and why you show up every day. True joy in life does not come in the form of financial packages. It comes from the investment in people and in your community.
Looking back on your careers, what is a moment that stand out to you as defining your journeys in the profession?
All four of us have found joy in serving others who may not have readily available access to care. Serving the needs of others will always fill our cups and stand out along the timeline of our careers. Darren and Sarah served in Venezuela during their dental school years through the UMKC School of Dentistry. There, they saw the impact that care can make on underserved communities. Samantha was blessed to serve in Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama and Ghana through Global Brigades.
In 2011, Darren and Sarah also founded the Missouri Mission of Mercy (MOMOM), a large-scale dental clinic that provides free oral health care to patients of all ages who cannot otherwise afford or access care. Part of a nationwide effort, Missouri Mission of Mercy has provided more than $7.98 million in free care to 12,311 patients since its inception. An especially fulfilling element was how many of our dental colleagues, as well as supply companies and other facets of the dental community, came together for the greater good of others. The camaraderie we experienced was fulfilling for our profession and community in ways we didn’t anticipate.
Mar 24, 2025
An exciting milestone for UMKC’s rural-focused medical program as students discover their residency placements
Surrounded by her family, Jess Halla (M.D. ’24) held the white envelope in her hands, her future sealed inside. Gathered inside the Mosiac Life Care Medical Center of St. Joseph, the first cohort of the UMKC School of Medicine St. Joseph Campus, along with their family and friends began the countdown – five, four, three, two, one – to precisely 11 a.m., when graduating medical students across the country simultaneously opened their Match Day letters.
When the moment finally arrived, Halla tore open her envelope, her eyes scanning the words inside. A smile broke across her face, and she erupted into joyous jumps, turning to her family with tears of excitement. She had matched with her first choice, a family medicine program at the University of Kansas - Wichita.
A Program Built for Rural Care
For the members of this inaugural class at the UMKC St. Joseph Campus, the moment is especially significant – it marks the first Match Day for this location. As the first cohort of graduates for the campus, which opened in 2021, these 15 chartered new paths, embracing hands-on healthcare learning in smaller communities.
The UMKC School of Medicine St. Joseph Campus was designed with a clear purpose: to train the next generation of rural physicians. The program offers students a unique opportunity to learn in smaller hospitals and clinics, gaining hands-on experience in settings where they are needed most.
Jess Halla: Following Her Passion for Rural Medicine
“I really found my passion while being here at the St. Joseph campus,” Halla said. “Through UMKC, they do a docent program, so you get paired with a physician for your four years of medical school. I was paired with a family med physician who really opened my eyes to not only family medicine and how it could play a role in a smaller community, but rural medicine too, and the barriers that they face, and how we can face those things as physicians.”
Hoping to eventually serve a rural community like her mentor, Halla was looking for a residency program that would expose her to a variety of medical practices so she would be prepared for the various needs of a rural doctor. And her match will provide her just that.
“I am feeling so excited, so overwhelmed, so thankful and blessed,” Halla said. “I know this is exactly where I'm meant to be, and I'm looking forward to this journey.”
Ashley Ayers: Serving Underserved Communities
For some, like Halla, their passion for rural medicine emerged through their experiences and connections over the past four years. Others, like Ashley Ayers (M.D. ’24), knew from the start that St. Joseph’s small setting was the perfect fit.
“I come from a small town of 250, so I was not so keen on living in Kansas City,” Ayers said. “So St. Joseph was the perfect alternative to Kansas City, but still getting a good education from the UMKC curriculum.”
Ayers also believed St. Joseph was the right choice for her because of the focus on rural medicine.
Growing up within a family of part-time missionaries to Haiti, Ayers discovered her passion for healthcare when joining the missions starting at 16 years old. In medical school, she continued pursuing service-based medicine, completing elective rotations with Native American communities in White Cloud, Kansas, and in rural Ghana.
“I did an elective rotation in Ghana, and that really helped kind of cultivate that passion and give me a better picture for what it looks like to serve underserved communities internationally,” Ayers said. “It was a rural town, so that was kind of cool to get both the local and international perspective of rural health and what that looks like.”
Ayers matched with a family medicine residency with her top choice, CoxHealth in Springfield, Missouri. There, she will be able to foster her passion for providing care to underserved and marginalized populations with rotations in a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC).
“Programs that offered experience in those kinds of clinics really drew me in because those are the exact populations that I'm hoping to help,” Ayers said. ”That’s kind of where my heart was.”
St. Joseph’s Success
Between the Kansas City and St. Joseph Campuses, 135 medical school students and recent graduates matched at a nearly 100% match rate, higher than the national average. More than 50% matched into primary care, and a third matched in Missouri or Kansas City metro area.
St. Joseph students had a wide range of specialties, including five matching into family medicine, and others matching internal medicine, psychiatry, radiation oncology, otolaryngology, OBGYN, orthopedic surgery and interventional radiology.
“If we scripted what we hoped and prayed would be the success of this program, we could not have scripted it better,” St. Joseph Campus Assistant Dean of Student Affairs Kristen Kleffner, Ph.D., said. “The whole mission of this program was to provide healthcare for those in rural communities, particularly in northwest Missouri, where there are some counties that have but one physician.”
Will Obert: Preparing for Rural Orthopedic Surgery
For some students, like Halla and Ayers, their match means staying close to home, training in rural communities similar to the ones they hope to serve. For others, their match is an opportunity to train in a larger setting before eventually returning to a small-town practice.
Will Obert (M.D. ’24), a Palmyra, Missouri, native, hopes to eventually return to a rural setting after completing his residency. However, because of his desire to specialize in orthopedic surgery, he prioritized programs that offer the most comprehensive training.
“I think more so ending up in a rural area when I’m working is more important than where I’m training,” Obert said. “The more rural area that you do training in, you don't see as many complex things sometimes, so I’ll train wherever I think I can get the best training, then end up in a rural area after.”
Obert developed his interest in orthopedic surgery in college after receiving surgery on his knee from a football injury. He later solidified that interest after spending time with Timothy Monohan, M.D., an orthopedic surgeon at a rural hospital during a clerkship in his third year.
“Just how he treated his patients and worked with the staff in the OR in the clinic, that taught me that there's nothing else that I'd rather do with my life than be an orthopedic surgeon,” Obert said.
Obert matched with his first choice, an orthopedic surgery residency program in Danville, Pennsylvania, at Geisinger Health System, the same place his mentor, Monohan, completed his residency.
Looking to the Future
While the St. Joseph Campus medical students prepare to go their separate ways as they begin their residencies next year, many reflected on their time on this new campus and how it prepared them for their future goals.
“I wouldn't have changed it for anything,” Obert said. “The camaraderie that we built with a small group was second to none. It really let me get close with the docs. I have dinner once or twice a year with my docent because we are so close. All in all, I wouldn't have wanted to go anywhere else than St. Joe.”
Halla agreed that attending the St. Joseph Campus gave her a better learning experience than other settings.
“It honestly kind of fell into place, but it turned out to be the best experience I could have ever asked for in medical school, especially having those more small class sizes,” Halla said. “I was one-on-one with attending doctors, so I feel like my patient care experience has been astronomical compared to some of my other friends in different medical schools. We get to see every single patient we want. We can be as hands on as we want, and that really helped me feel more comfortable and confident in my patient care skills.”
Equipped with the personalized attention, immersive patient care experience offered at the UMKC School of Medicine St. Joseph Campus, the inaugural class of graduates is now prepared to embark onto the next phase of their medical journeys through their residencies.
“The decision what you do in this next phase of your journey is what will define you for the rest of your life,” Dean Emeritus Mary Anne Jackson (B.A. ‘77/M.D. ‘78) told the physicians matching at the St. Joseph Campus celebration. “As you scatter across the country, I know you will continue to make us proud by demonstrating the knowledge, kindness, empathy, compassion and professionalism that you've learned here.”
UMKC Match Day 2025 Results
Mar 21, 2025
2025 Staff Awards celebrate achievements and service milestones
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 students Carrie 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 efforts Lora 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 efforts Casey 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 enrollment Andry 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 community Lauren 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 community Mike 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 university Davlon 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
Administrative Leadership Development Program Graduates
Recognizes staff members who have successfully completed the Dr. Elson S. Floyd Administrative Leadership Development Program, a UM System course where emerging and current leaders expand and refine their leadership skills
Ken BledsoeRebecca Diemer Shelly DoucetStacy DownsSara HamptonLeigh Kerwin Joanna Pohl Janey Stephens
Supervisor Development Series Graduates
Recognizes staff members who have successfully completed the UM Supervisor Development Series, a foundational management and leadership course with university-focused content
Pamala Asher Sadie Billings Katelyn Chapin Gabriel Cohen Shay Duncan Clarate Heckler Chi Johnson Jamie Locke Timothy Maybell Rosa Nataraj Lauren Nelson Emily Newton Amanda Sanders Chayanne Sandoval-Williams Luke Scheil Kristina Shultz Paul Trana
Series on Leadership Essentials Graduates
Recognizes staff members who have successfully completed the Series on Leadership Essentials Program, a UM System course where employees can develop their skills in the areas of communication, engagement, giving and receiving feedback and navigating change
Katelyn Chapin Casey Davison Corynne Nixon
UMKC Graduates
Recognizes staff members who have graduated with a UMKC degree in Spring 2024, Summer 2024 or Fall 2024
Albara Al Saed Leslie Hisman Liz Hoffman-Shrout Dakota Juhan Petra Kralickova Alyssa Lally Adam Larson Tyler Murphy Kathryn Nicolaus Brianna Portmann Janelle Sjue
Service Milestones
Recognizes staff members who have given five or more years of service to UMKC and are celebrating a milestone in fiscal year 2025
5 Years
Michael Abel Nate Addington Roy AllenSarah BeachJordan CallisonElizabeth CaseJames CurrieDestiny Delgado PetersonAlyssa DickShay DuncanRobert DurhamJennifer FergersonJill FolsomAllen George Eric GormlyErin HassettCynthia Hedrick Jon HoltRachel HughesRebecca IrelandKimberley IvanyNathan JacobsCathy KeaslerMaryann Khan Jeina KummerMeghan LamarchePatrick Lenoir Adam Loftin Michele Logue Mackenzie Martin Rafael Martinez Rodriguez Michael McCleanChristen MelvinGraceann MilanoTamara Moore-CallahanKathryn NicolausPaul NyakaturaJesse OsmanSarah PatoraKyle PateEloberto Perdomo EspinosaRyan PierceRyan PoreMorgan RamseyChistiana RangelStephen ReeseCarissa RufClaire RuhlmanGabi Sa TelesWilliam SandersMark SheldonCharity SimmonsJessica SmithRobert SwanJoseph TesoroLinda ThornburghMolly TugushiMatthew WalkerSharon WardJosh WareSherrie WatkinsLeland WhiteMargaret WightDanielle WilsonRachel WitmerTheresa Wright Kristen Zucht
10 Years
Katheryn Acklin Cynthia BeardChristina BergShaun Bernardon Jennifer BurrusJamison CochranConnor FenderPola FirestoneDavid FulkNatalie GilkisonMolly GiulianoLatonia GordonApril GrahamVenita GreenbaumRebecca HigginsJim JarrettEmily KoestererLauren NewcomerJessica PearsonChristopher ShortLaura SkluzacekJames UtechTenishia WebbWade WilliamsonJericho WoodSam Zeff
15 Years
Cheryl AdamPetra BrickerAngela CottrellAlicen LundbergJanelle MalikMary McConnellBrianna PortmannBarbette RoachCrystal SimonisCarol StillJacob VollertsenAshley WannCaleb Zenitsky
20 Years
Arnold AbelsMaria AltmanRandy BanisterKatie BastMichael BrownSharon ColbertJeff CooperJennifer CoulthardOnekia De Leon FranklinMatthew EpleeNathan FishbackMichael FredericksenSara HamptonDavid HannaKaren HutchinsonLing LiJoseph RucinskiMichael ShannonKristina ShultzMercedes TilmanJonathan Young
25 Years
Curt CrespinoMark CulverKaren EnglishMatthew GardnerD’Ramises GatapiaAlexander HolsingerKristi HolsingerWalter JacksonJames LangTroy LilleboScott MiddletonMichelle ReynoldsRichard ThomasDarnell WilliamsSteven Wilson
30 Years
Donald LittletonJustin MalynCoretta MuhammadRonald RamphalJames SchonemannDonald Simmons
35 Years
Jennifer EigstiSharon GriffithGregory Holloway
40 Years
Mary BunyardDaphne Hunter
45 Years
Kevin McCarrison
Mar 19, 2025
Troy Bruun will play key role in campus fiscal responsibility and operations
Troy Bruun will join the University of Missouri-Kansas City as vice chancellor for finance and administration on March 31. With more than 30 years of leadership experience in higher education and government finance, Bruun brings a proven track record of strategic financial management, operational excellence and transformational budgeting to UMKC.
Bruun most recently served as associate vice president for finance, administration and operations at Wichita State University, where he led the university’s financial strategy, budget management and capital development. He also played a crucial role in the financing of Wichita State’s Innovation Campus, which transformed a 120-acre site into a thriving research hub with more than 50 industry partners. Due in part to that project, that campus experienced a 262% increase in research expenditures from 2019 to 2024.
“Troy’s extensive experience in financial leadership, strategic planning, and operational management will be invaluable as UMKC continues to strengthen its fiscal stewardship and institutional growth,” said UMKC Chancellor Mauli Agrawal, Ph.D. “His ability to lead large-scale financial operations and drive innovative budgeting solutions will help position UMKC for long-term success.”
In addition to his role at Wichita State, Bruun held leadership roles with the city of Wichita, Sedgwick County and the city of Ankeny, where he drove cost-saving initiatives, improved financial processes and led multimillion-dollar capital projects.
As vice chancellor for finance and administration at UMKC, Bruun will oversee key financial and administrative functions including budgeting, financial planning, procurement, facilities operations, campus safety and more. His leadership will be critical in ensuring that UMKC continues to operate with fiscal responsibility while advancing its academic mission and strategic initiatives.
“I am honored to join UMKC and contribute to its ongoing success," Bruun said "I look forward to collaborating with the university's leadership, faculty and staff to enhance financial strategies, operational efficiencies and the quality and timing of management information needed by all decision makers in support of UMKC's growth and excellence.”
Bruun holds a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in finance from Wichita State University and a Bachelor of Business Administration in accounting from Iowa State University. He is a certified public accountant and a chartered global management accountant, and he remains an active member of professional finance and higher education associations.
Mar 14, 2025
More than $2.5 million has been distributed to support 2,700 women in graduate programs at UMKC
The University of Missouri-Kansas City Women’s Council celebrated 54 years of supporting women in different fields with its annual Graduate Assistance Fund reception.
This year, 67 women received more than $98,000 from the Women’s Council Graduate Assistance Fund.
Established in 1967, the Women’s Council includes four committees that help execute the mission to support women who will change the world while they pursue their goals as graduate students at UMKC. Sue Agrawal, M.S., the programs committee chair of the UMKC Women’s Council, welcomed everyone and briefly shared the history of the Women’s Council and the Graduate Assistance Fund, also known as GAF. “One of the ways we unite the campus and community members to encourage and support our women graduate students is by providing financial awards to allow these promising women to complete their studies,” Agrawal said. “As we celebrate the 2025 GAF recipients, I want to thank our donors who are here tonight. Your generosity helps these women complete their graduate degrees without financial pressures or shortfalls.”
Sarah Hughes, J.D., the GAF selections chair and incoming Women’s Council board president, shared how impactful the Women’s Council’s Graduate Assistance Fund has been. “The selections committee spends countless hours each year reviewing applicants,” Hughes said. “In addition to the award recipients, we have funded more than $20,000 in immediate aid to students this academic year as well. This means we’ve distributed more than $120,000 in total to our graduate students this year.”
Students who received GAF funding have participated in extensive research projects, traveled the world for historical studies and presented their work at professional conferences. Students representing different UMKC academic units were highlighted at the reception. Elham Basunduwah, a Ph.D. student in computer science, was one of the highlighted recipients. Her research is centered on developing an artificial-intelligence-based approach to predict crowd movement in dynamic environments. “The GAF funding I received is a huge support in advancing my research and academic career,” Basunduwah said. “It will allow me to attend international conferences, including the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers/Computer Vision Foundation Winter Conference on Applications of Computer Vision, and Conference on Image and Vision Computing New Zealand. These opportunities are essential for me to present my work, gain valuable feedback and network with experts in my field.”
Basunduwah’s research is crucial for public safety and event management as it helps prevent overcrowding and improves emergency response strategies.“I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Women’s Council and the generous donors for making this possible,” Basunduwah said. “Your support empowers students like me to pursue meaningful research and contribute to our fields in impactful ways.”Emily Meyer (B.S. ‘07, M.A. ’24) is currently the STEM education program manager at Union Station and president of the science fair directors’ institute. Meyer received two degrees at UMKC and was a GAF recipient in 2014. “I’m so grateful to celebrate with all the recipients from this year today,” Meyer said. “The funds you receive may seem like a small little thing to help push you to the end of your academic career here, but it’s going to make a lasting impact. I know I’m still riding those waves almost 10 years later.”
This year, a new award, The Jan Armstrong Award in STEM studies, was announced at the reception. Armstrong is trained in microbiology, where she noticed a small number of women in her classes. She hopes this award encourages and offers opportunities to young women in the STEM fields. A named award is a $10,000 investment in the Graduate Assistance Fund endowment. Named awards are timeless gifts given in perpetuity because the fund’s principle will always remain intact.
Mar 13, 2025
Nonso Isoh’s involvement on campus has molded him into a leader
At UMKC, students write their own stories, form their own definitions of success and chart innovative career paths. With Kansas City as their classroom, they turn dreams into reality every day.
Nonso Chris IsohAnticipated graduation: 2025UMKC degree program: Master of Science in Mechanical EngineeringHometown: Asaba, Nigeria
Nonso Isoh’s involvement on campus, from being a resident assistant at UMKC Residential Life to a tutor at Academic Support and Mentoring, has molded him into a leader ready to positively implement change in his future career.
Why did you choose UMKC?
My elder brother earned his Master of Business Administration at UMKC and encouraged me to pursue my master’s degree here as well. At the same time, I’ve always wanted to study abroad and experience college life in America, just like I used to see in the movies!
Why did you choose your field of study?
I completed my undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering, so pursuing it for my master’s was a natural choice. I’ve loved mathematics and physics since elementary school and knew I wanted a career that combined both. Mechanical engineering brings both subjects together beautifully.
What are the benefits of the program?
The Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering program at UMKC lays down an incredible foundation for a future career. If you stay focused and put in the effort, you’ll be well-prepared for the challenges of the engineering world. It also sharpens your critical thinking skills. After a while, you start seeing everything from an engineer’s perspective, always searching for solutions.
Additionally, UMKC offers great opportunities to network through career fairs, workshops and conferences, where you can meet engineers eager to mentor and guide students.
How has your college program inspired you?
It has taught me never to settle for mediocrity and to always to be willing to learn. It has also made me more confident as a person and an engineer. Tackling various projects has boosted my belief that I can achieve anything I set my mind to if I do the necessary work.
Additionally, seeing students just beginning their engineering journey has made me more empathetic—I love sharing my knowledge and helping others in any way I can.
Do you have any scholarships?
I received the Dean’s International Students Award (DISA), which provides $4,000 per semester.
That support is a huge relief. To donors: Your contributions truly make a difference. You may not know the students you’re helping personally, but trust me, your generosity has a significant impact on our lives.
How are you involved at UMKC?
I work as a resident assistant at UMKC Residential Life. I think this is my favorite job on campus, not just because of the covered housing costs and meal plans, but also because of the experience. I’ve enjoyed meeting new residents who end up becoming friends, organizing both social and educational events every month with organizations on campus and engaging in training programs.
I also work as a tutor in Academic Support and Mentoring and assist students with engineering and science courses like calculus, statistics and physics. It’s fulfilling to help students understand difficult concepts.
Additionally, I work as a student manager at the Student Union, where I help organize events and maintain the space. I’m also a member of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), which has been valuable for networking in the engineering field.
And for fun? I play soccer in UMKC’s intramural league with a team of friends!
How has UMKC prepared you for your future career?
UMKC has helped me become more confident in my abilities as a person and an engineer. I’ve learned that being book-smart is just one part of the equation— character and commitment are just as important.
My experiences in leadership roles have also taught me the value of service and patience. Nothing good comes easily and you must put in the work to achieve your goals.
Have you conducted any research?
My independent study is on tensile testing of aluminum. This project involves modeling the material behavior of aluminum using finite element analysis tools to understand stress-strain relationships, material properties and failure mechanisms.
What do you love about UMKC?
UMKC has given me so much. It has shaped me into a better person and a more confident engineer. I’ve made lifelong friends, gained valuable experiences and had countless opportunities to grow.
What is one word that best describes you?
Impact. I believe serving is a privilege, and I always strive to leave a lasting impact wherever I go. Whether in my studies, work or personal relationships. This comes from me putting my all into whatever I do.
What’s your favorite spot to eat in Kansas City?
I am Nigerian so I would have to go with a Nigerian cuisine spot and say Fannie’s, but I also love Joe’s BBQ and Cinzetti’s.
What is some of the most fun you’ve had at UMKC?
I’ve had some of the best memories at UMKC. I was involved in the last UMKC commercial, which was filmed at Union Station. We got to ride the KC streetcar, and it was a new experience acting in a commercial shoot.
I’ve also loved sharing my culture on campus. I got to take part in Culture Fest last year, where I did a fashion walk in Nigerian attire. I got to also perform a traditional Nigerian performance that represented my culture last year during the annual fake African wedding held by the African Students’ Association. I felt so proud to represent my country!
Mar 11, 2025
UMKC offers degree pathways to nine of the 10 best jobs in 2025
Selecting the right degree is essential for landing a top career, and the University of Missouri-Kansas City offers programs that align with many of the best jobs of 2025. With programs spanning healthcare, technology, business and data science, UMKC’s wide range of academic offerings help students turn their ambitions into successful careers.
Each year, U.S. News & World Report ranks the top jobs based on salary potential, opportunities for growth, work-life balance and job security. UMKC provides degree pathways for nine of the top 10 careers on this prestigious list, equipping students with the skills, knowledge and hands-on experience needed to thrive in high-demand fields.
Nurse PractitionerMedian Salary: $126,260Projected Jobs: 135,500Unemployment Rate: 0.6%Education Needed: Master’sUMKC Degree: Post-MSN Nurse Practitioner Certificate, School of Nursing and Health Studies
The School of Nursing and Health Studies offers numerous undergraduate and graduate programs, including post-MSN Nurse Practitioner Certificates. The School of Nursing and Health Studies consistently receives national recognition, including the DNP program ranked in the top 5% across the country, the BSN ranked in the top 15%, and the online graduate program ranked No. 33 in the nation.
Information Technology ManagerMedian Salary: $169,510Projected Jobs: 106,900Unemployment Rate: 1.4%Education Needed: Bachelor’sUMKC Degree: Bachelor of Information Technology, School of Science and Engineering
IT managers help companies meet their technology needs, overseeing the installation and maintenance of computer information systems. These skills can be gained with a bachelor’s degree in Information Technology from the School of Science and Engineering. Additionally, students can further develop their management skills by pursuing an MBA from the Henry W. Bloch School of Management.
Physician AssistantMedian Salary: $130,020Projected Jobs: 43,700Unemployment Rate: 1.6%Education Needed: Master’sUMKC Degree: Master of Medical Science Physician Assistant, School of Medicine
Physician assistants apply their medical expertise to examine, diagnose and treat patients, collaborating with other health care professionals to deliver comprehensive patient care. The Physician Assistant program at UMKC prepares students to practice medicine in as little as 29 months. Offered through the UMKC School of Medicine, the program fosters interdisciplinary learning, allowing future physicians and physician assistants to train together.
Financial ManagerMedian Salary: $156,100Projected Jobs: 138,300Unemployment Rate: 1.4%Education Needed: Bachelor'sUMKC Degree: Bachelor of Business Administration – Finance, Henry W. Bloch School of Management
Financial managers play a key role in guiding organizations' financial health, overseeing budgeting, investment strategies and long-term financial planning. At UMKC, students can develop these critical skills through the Bachelor of Business Administration with a Finance Emphasis. Students seeking graduate opportunities may also pursue the BBA-MSF Business Administration-Finance accelerated program to earn both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in less time. Graduates are well-equipped for careers in corporate finance, investment banking and financial consulting.
Software DeveloperMedian Salary: $132,270Projected Jobs: 303,700Unemployment Rate: 2.4%Education Needed: Bachelor'sUMKC Degree: Bachelor of Computer Science, School of Science and Engineering
Software developers design, test and optimize applications and systems that drive today’s technology-driven world. UMKC’s Bachelor of Science in Computer Science program, offered through the School of Science and Engineering, prepares students with expertise in programming, software engineering and problem-solving. Students interested in accelerating their education can opt for the BS-MS in Computer Science, an integrated program that allows them to complete both undergraduate and graduate degrees in a streamlined pathway.
Information Security AnalystMedian Salary: $120,360Projected Jobs: 59,100Unemployment Rate: 0.5%Education Needed: Bachelor'sUMKC Degree: Bachelor of Information Technology – Cybersecurity Emphasis or Bachelor of Science in Computer Science – Cybersecurity Emphasis, School of Science and Engineering
As cybersecurity threats continue to rise, UMKC’s Bachelor of Information Technology – Cybersecurity Emphasis and Bachelor of Science in Computer Science – Cybersecurity Emphasis degree offerings provide the skills needed to excel as an Information Security Analyst. These programs equip students with expertise in network security, encryption and risk assessment, preparing them to protect organizations from cyber threats.
Medical and Health Services ManagerMedian Salary: $110,680Projected Jobs: 160,600Unemployment Rate: 1.5%Education Needed: Bachelor'sUMKC Degree: Bachelor of Business Administration: Health Administration Emphasis, Henry W. Bloch School of Management
UMKC’s Bachelor of Business Administration – Health Administration Emphasis and Graduate Certificate in Health Leadership equip students with the skills needed to excel as medical and health services managers. With coursework in healthcare management, policy and leadership, students develop the analytical, problem-solving and technical expertise essential for overseeing healthcare facilities.
Data ScientistMedian Salary: $108,020Projected Jobs: 73,100Unemployment Rate: N/AEducation Needed: Bachelor'sUMKC Degree: BS-MS in Data Science, School of Science and Engineering | MBA in Business Analytics, Henry W. Bloch School of Management
Data scientists analyze complex data using statistics, programming and machine learning to uncover insights. At UMKC, students can prepare for this in-demand career through the Master of Science in Data Science and Analytics or fast-track their education with the BS-MS in Data Science, earning both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in just five years. Students could also pursue a Master of Business Administration in Business Analytics at the Henry W. Bloch School of Management. Graduates are prepared for roles in data analytics, artificial intelligence and business intelligence.
ActuaryMedian Salary: $120,000Projected Jobs: 6,600Unemployment Rate: N/AEducation Needed: Bachelor'sUMKC Degree: Bachelor of Arts or Science in Mathematics and Statistics + Actuarial Science Minor, School of Science and Engineering.
Actuaries use mathematics, statistics and financial theory to assess and manage risk, making them essential in industries like insurance, finance and beyond. At UMKC, students can build a strong foundation for this career through the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Statistics or accelerate their education with the dual-degree program in Mathematics and Statistics (BS) and Statistics (MS). Additionally, the Actuarial Science minor provides specialized coursework to help students prepare for actuarial exams and develop the analytical skills needed for success in this high-demand field.
Mar 11, 2025
Satellite campus would help address rural health-provider shortage
Missouri has a shortage of dentists, especially in the northwest region of the state where most counties have less than one provider for every 2,100 residents. The University of Missouri-Kansas City has a plan to change that.
At his annual State of the University address today, Chancellor Mauli Agrawal announced an expansion plan for the UMKC School of Dentistry to create a satellite program at Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph, Missouri, using a model similar to other satellite healthcare programs run by UMKC. The UMKC School of Medicine created a rural physician program in partnership with Mosaic Life Care, also in St. Joseph, to address physician shortages, and the UMKC School of Pharmacy has campuses at University of Missouri in Columbia and Missouri State University in Springfield to address pharmacist shortages in Missouri.
“UMKC has a longstanding and successful infrastructure in place for educating and training providers to address rural healthcare gaps,” Agrawal said.
The proposed UMKC School of Dentistry satellite program expansion would positively impact the dentist and dental hygiene practitioner shortages in rural Missouri communities, while also delivering high-quality oral healthcare to underserved rural communities through its training clinic.
Currently, the UMKC School of Dentistry is Missouri’s only public dental school and provides 63% of the state’s dentists.
The Doctor of Dental Surgery, or DDS, is a four-year graduate program that currently admits about 109 students each year in Kansas City. The new satellite program in St. Joseph, if approved, would admit 10 students for a total of 40 students when the program is at capacity.
This rural health-focused expansion will increase the number of dentists graduating from UMKC’s program by about 10% annually. The first two years of instruction would be at the Kansas City campus and clinical training in the third and fourth years would be at the St. Joseph satellite, all following the curriculum of the existing Kansas City program.
The Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene is a four-year program with students applying after completing about two years of undergraduate coursework. Each year, the St. Joseph satellite program would admit five students, for a total of 10 students when the program is at capacity. This rural health-focused expansion would increase the number of dental hygienists graduating from UMKC by 15% annually. Once in the program, students would complete two years of major-specific dental hygiene coursework: one year in Kansas City and one year in St. Joseph.
UMKC will be partnering with state, federal and philanthropic leaders to raise an estimated $12 million in one-time renovation and equipment startup costs to start the program on the Missouri Western campus in St. Joseph. A start date for the program will be set when necessary approvals and funding are acquired, but UMKC anticipates a proposed start date in fiscal year 2027.
The proposed programs were introduced to the University of Missouri Board of Curators in February and will be further discussed at the next meeting in April.
Mar 10, 2025
Chancellor announces School of Dentistry expansion plans
University of Missouri-Kansas City Chancellor Mauli Agrawal delivered his annual State of the University address, celebrating significant achievements and urging Kansas City’s only Carnegie Research 1 university to reach even higher in the coming year.
Agrawal acknowledged that the road ahead will bring uncertainties but he counseled the campus to stay focused on transformative plans to expand its excellence and community impact in research, rural healthcare and student success and retention. “We are living in extraordinary times -- times of both tremendous achievement but also tremendous challenge,” Agrawal said. “We must continue to make bold choices and be prepared to find innovative ways to achieve our vision. In a world that brings change every day, we must stay focused on our vision to be Kansas City’s world-class university. But I know you are up to it – it’s in our DNA.”
1. Fueling Research Progress Following Prestigious Carnegie R1 Designation
UMKC announced new research investments to build on its major Carnegie Research 1 status, also known as R1, an honor achieved by only 6% of four-year universities in the nation. This transformative milestone positions UMKC alongside the nation’s most elite research universities.
“R1 signals our constant commitment to innovation, discovery and impact,” Agrawal said. “Across all disciplines, our faculty and research partners are pushing the boundaries of knowledge. They are shaping the future of technology, healthcare and the humanities while solving complex challenges that affect lives in Kansas City and – I’m not exaggerating here – around the world.”A rebranded division of Research and Innovation will find new ways to recognize faculty excellence in innovation and grantsmanship as well as investments in the research enterprise. As funds are available, UMKC plans to: • Launch C-IGNITE: a Collaboratory for Integrating Growth, Innovation and Research Excellence. C-IGNITE will connect faculty with industry and community partners and provide dedicated support for large grant proposals and strategic funding. • Start a new BUILD fund: An initial $1 million investment will advance research capabilities through facility upgrades, acquisition of advanced equipment for core facilities and innovation labs. • Add three new positions in research administration to improve grants services and support.“Achieving R1 does not mean it’s time to rest on our laurels,” Agrawal said. “This accomplishment is more than an external validation of our current excellence – it is a call to action.”
2. Expanding School of Dentistry to St. Joseph to Fill Critical Rural Healthcare Needs
Missouri, particularly its northwest region, faces a severe shortage of dentists, with some counties having less than one provider for every 2,100 residents. UMKC has proposed an expanded dental program in St. Joseph to address the shortage. UMKC is seeking $12 million in funding from state, federal and philanthropic sources to launch the program in space on Missouri Western State University’s campus, aiming for a start date in fiscal year 2027, pending necessary approvals.“UMKC has a longstanding and successful infrastructure in place for educating and training providers to address rural healthcare gaps,” Agrawal said.The new campus would add 10 dental students per year, 40 total when fully operational, increasing UMKC dental graduate output by 10%. The dental hygiene program would add five students per year, increasing UMKC dental hygiene graduates by 15%.Dental students would spend their first two years in Kansas City and complete clinical training in St. Joseph. Dental hygiene students would also split their studies between Kansas City and St. Joseph.
3. Elevating Academic and Support Services for Current Students
UMKC is dramatically expanding its academic success and support services for students. Over the summer, the Victor Wilson Learning Collaborative will open on the fourth floor of Miller Nichols Library. This project creates new spaces for key academic support programs, including Bloch Scholars, First Gen Roo, KC Scholars, Supplemental Instruction and Tutoring, Peer Academic Leadership programs and the Writing Studio.
In May 2025, renovations will begin at Atterbury Student Success Center, which houses a variety of services aimed at prospective and current students.The renovated space will be home to Admissions, Advising, the Center for Transfer Students and Adult Learners, Roo Advising, Career Services, Professional Career Escalators, University College and International Student Affairs. It will also include an inviting Welcome Center with a two-story atrium to host prospective students and their families. UMKC’s robust Career Services programming will expand to add a Professional Wardrobe Studio, giving students a place to browse and try on professional clothing options as well as take headshots for interviews.UMKC Central, a one-stop shop for students, and the Financial Wellness Center, are both moving from their current location at the Administrative Center to the newly renovated space as well.
4. Grand Opening of Roo Plaza Community Gathering Space in April
Roo Plaza, an enclosed pedestrian plaza on 51st Street between Cherry Street and Rockhill Road, is opening in April in the heart of the UMKC Volker Campus. After spring break, the campus will host a street-party celebration for the grand opening.The space, now closed to cars, will be transformed with art, furnishings, planters and string lights.Agrawal said the new space will benefit everyone in the campus and community as a place to meet and hang out between classes and events. “We have so much in the works right now,” Agrawal said. “Each project ties to specific needs for our students, faculty and the broader Kansas City community.”
5. Celebrating UMKC Excellence in the Community
Agrawal said the dedication and heart of UMKC faculty and staff members bring the university’s mission and vision to life. At UMKC, Roo Spirit is embodied by the extraordinary people behind the scenes, faculty, staff and students who go above and beyond every day to make an impact.“Their contributions extend far beyond our campus,” Agrawal said. “From lending their time and talents to support vulnerable families to rallying coworkers to serve the greater Kansas City community, UMKC staff reflect what it means to be part of something bigger than themselves. Their spirit of giving reminds us that our university’s strength lies not just in what we achieve, but in how we come together to uplift others.”Agrawal said that the coming year may bring uncertainty and challenges, which makes connections to the community and finding philanthropic support more important than ever. He applauded the success of UMKC Giving Day, a 24-hour campaign that raised a record-breaking amount this year: more than $1.2 million.“As we look ahead, let’s take pride in all we have accomplished and keep our sights on building a future where UMKC leads in research, innovation and community impact,” Agrawal said. “Together, we can – and will – shape what’s next.”
Mar 10, 2025
Brandon Allen found opportunity and community in the creative writing program
Brandon Allen is a living example that your dream career can start at any time. Going back to get his bachelor's degree at age 40, Allen decided to further invest in his future with the myriad opportunities available at UMKC and in the Kansas City community.
Brandon Allen Anticipated graduation year: May 2026 UMKC degree program: MFA Hometown: Springfield, Missouri
While a younger Brandon Allen chose a different career path than writing, it was not too far off from what he loved to do.
“I've always written since I was eight years old,” Allen said. “I took a detour for several years as a graphic designer to be an animator. I even moved to Los Angeles for six months to try to do the movie thing. Found out it’s not for me, but I realized everything that I did revolved around story, and so I thought it's a lot easier and quicker to write a story than to make it a short film. I then decided I’d rather put my effort into writing.”
Hopping from job to job throughout Missouri and Oklahoma, even getting married along the way, Allen found the path to his dream career at UMKC and within the Kansas City community.
“It's been a good place to learn a lot more about the history of literature and to workshop and improve my craft, which were two of my biggest goals for a master's-level program,” Allen said. “I'd say a huge second benefit is the literary community here. It's easy to meet people who are serious about writing in the program. We have monthly hangouts where we just talk about books that we're reading, movies that we're watching, stuff like that. That's been so helpful, since we’re all actually writing. I think you need that professional and social support, at least that's kind of the way that I pitch it. You'll be around other people, even though a lot of what you do as a writer is in isolation.”
Allen has already found success in his field despite only being in the second year of his program.
“I have several short stories out to national literary journals right now,” he said. “I've been getting some tiered rejection, which is a good thing. They’ll say, ‘We can't use this, but we'd like to see more of your work.’ I'm working on a novel right now, too, and I've drafted another.”
And what gives students in the creative writing program at UMKC that edge? Allen says it’s the people.
“The faculty are all published authors, so I feel like their feedback on my work goes a long way,” he said. “If they are impressed with it, that means it's a little bit closer to being ready to send out. I've been part of writers’ groups for years, but not many people have been seriously published. Having that level of experience here is huge.”
In addition to teaching free-to-the-community writing courses at the Kansas City Public Library as a part of Writers for Readers, Allen had another opportunity to partake in a paid internship creating content for Clio, a website and app created by history professor David Trowbridge that sends vetted historical information to your phone, just by walking around.
“I've always been a history buff and enjoyed that,” he said.
Allen got to create entries for walking trails about Walt Disney’s time in Kansas City, the history of locally brewed beer and audio guides for the art in the new airport terminal.
“I think history gives you a better blueprint for the future,” Allen said. “There's been hundreds and hundreds of years that have happened here in KC, and I want to do right by it, understand it.”
In these tumultuous times, Allen gets a lot of hope from his work, the work of his colleagues and the work of his students.
“I think at the end of the day, it's mostly about empathy,” he said. “I don't mean sympathy. You don't have to understand or justify what people are doing. Stories, even stories that are tragic, allow you to live another person's experience and then you understand why they're doing what they're doing. You may not agree with it, but it just helps you connect in that way. I think we could use a lot more of that these days.”
Mar 07, 2025
$1.9 Million Grant Funds Research to Study the Effects of Sound in the Operating Room
In University Health operating rooms, sound is under the microscope, thanks to two UMKC professors and their research team. This project, backed by a $1.9 million, five-year research grant from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, seeks to improve patient outcomes from surgery, all by changing the sound environment in the operating room.
Identifying the Problem
The grant is the result of a collaboration between School of Medicine Associate Dean of Women’s Health and professor Gary Sutkin, M.D., and Conservatory professor Paul Rudy, DMA.
The main goal?
“Make it easier for people to work in the operating room,” Sutkin said.
The main challenge? Noise.
“You really have to be very careful about how you communicate in the operating room,” Sutkin said. “One of the causes of miscommunication is just that the operating room is super loud. I mean it literally. There are loud machines that are at the noise level of dishwashers, garbage disposals or power mowers. We have to talk over those machines and there may be three or four conversations going on at the same time.”
All this noise contributes to the sound environment, which is where Rudy’s expertise lies. He’s been studying sound for more than 20 years.
“We live in a really noisy world, and I want everyone to be aware of the sound environment and how they contribute to it,” Rudy said. “Sound is a cognitive drain because our brains are always processing it, even while we’re asleep.”
Rudy likes to compare a surgical team to an orchestra performance. Both settings require discipline and focus, but within different areas. It’s second nature for musicians to operate in ways that don’t add any extra noise to their environments. That level of awareness is what makes Rudy instrumental to this research project.
“Until Gary brought me into this project, I’d never imagined using my sound research and composer skills in this kind of way,” Rudy said. “It’s a unique experience for me, and it’s really pushed me to think differently and get curious about things that I may not have before.”
One of the first steps to improving communication in the operating room is changing that sound environment. Noisy machines may stand between a surgeon and the nurse or anesthesiologist, making it harder to hear each other. Line of sight, or lack thereof, can also hinder communication.
“We can’t see each other between all the machines,” Sutkin said. “If you do have a line of sight, you can look at each other and acknowledge each other even though you’re wearing a mask. You can’t lip read, but you can still tell by body language if someone’s listening.”
Sutkin, Rudy and their team have identified these challenges by observing and measuring dozens of surgeries and documenting each time there is a communication breakdown.
“We need to collect all those miscommunication events so we can better understand why they happen,” Sutkin said. “Miscommunication is very much like speeding when you drive. It happens all the time, and patients do just fine. We speed all the time, and we don’t get into accidents. And yet, we know from large-scale studies that speeding is the number one cause of driving accidents. Similarly, miscommunication is fine for the patient until it isn't, until there’s a crash.”
By recording all these observations, they can better understand what happens when there’s a ‘crash’ or when a patient has a poor outcome because of a miscommunication.
“Many of the sounds in the operating room are necessary, such as machines beeping and conversations between the surgical team,” Rudy said. “So, I observe these surgeries through the lens of minimizing unnecessary sounds. Something such as crumpling up a piece of plastic and throwing it in the trash at the wrong time can interrupt an important conversation and prevent anything else from being heard.”
Creating Solutions
With five years of funding secured, this team has the breadth to experiment with dozens of different ideas on how to “solve” these miscommunications.
“We have about 30 possible solutions,” one student said.
Some of these solutions are as simple as turning off extraneous machines or creating new check-in protocols amongst a surgical team. In the long-term, Rudy envisions new standards for the manufacture of hospital equipment that both eliminate noise and create a more harmonious atmosphere through an improved sound environment.
While the work is centered around trying these solutions at University Health right now, there are plans to implement the most promising ones in Children’s Mercy’s operating rooms to compare the results.
“If it works at two hospitals, then we’ve got the basis for successful intervention styles.” Sutkin said.
Scaling a project like this for operating rooms across the country requires flexibility. Not all operating rooms are the same size, run the same equipment or have personnel with the same needs and preferences.
“We could show them what worked for us sure, but they must consider things that will work specifically for their institution,” Sutkin said. “Take what works and leave what doesn’t.”
This research has the potential to revolutionize the way operating rooms are run, and is yet another display of the strong collaboration between the UMKC School of Medicine and University Health.
“This is all about patient safety at University Health, and we couldn’t do it without all the incredible people there,” Sutkin said. “I’m hoping that we will reward their enthusiasm and investment with improving patient safety.”
Mar 06, 2025