Society of American Military Engineers’ Bliss Medal recognizes excellence in educating, mentoring and motivating students
In the middle of Teacher Appreciation Week, the Society of American Military Engineers (SAME) recognized University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) School of Computing and Engineering (SCE) Dean Kevin Truman for excellence in educating, mentoring and motivating students. Truman accepted SAME’s 2009 Bliss Medal on May 5 at SAME’s 2010 Joint Engineer Education and Training Conference and Expo.
Throughout his 30 years as an educator, Truman has provided excellence in educating, mentoring and motivating students. He has received several teaching awards, including the Missouri Society of Professional Engineer’s Outstanding Engineer in Education Award, the Burlington Northern Foundation Award for Distinguished Teaching and the Missouri Governor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching.
After serving as chairman of Washington University’s Department of Civil Engineering (which later became the Department of Mechanical, Aerospace and Structural Engineering) for 10 years and receiving an endowed professorship, Truman joined SCE in 2008. As dean of SCE, he is working to establish a reputation for academic excellence, strengthen alumni and community relations and grow research and entrepreneurial operations.
Working with the SAME Greater Kansas City Post, Truman helped found UMKC’s first SAME student chapter. UMKC’s partnership with SAME has grown quickly over the past two years, linking students with architecture, engineering and construction professionals; advancing students’ scientific and engineering education; assisting in students’ professional development; and jointly achieving the SAME’s goals and objectives.
At the same time, students, faculty and staff know Truman as a leader who is conversational, considerate, fair, structured and calm under pressure. People also recognize him for his cake-baking skills, as he often shares lava cake and chocolate flan with his department.
Truman holds a master’s degree in civil engineering from Washington University and a doctorate in civil engineering from the University of Missouri-Rolla (now Missouri University of Science and Technology).
About the UMKC School of Computing and Engineering
The UMKC School of Computing and Engineering (SCE) offers Kansas City’s only ABET-accredited undergraduate degree programs in computer science, information technology and civil, electrical computer and mechanical engineering. Its programs prepare students for today’s competitive job market by providing a curriculum that includes the latest technology and business trends, as well as a comprehensive education in each field’s theory and fundamental practice. In addition, SCE offers master’s degree programs in computer science and civil, computer electrical and mechanical engineering and participates in UMKC’s interdisciplinary Ph.D. program.
About UMKC
The University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC), one of four University of Missouri campuses, is a public university serving more than 14,000 undergraduate, graduate and professional students. UMKC engages with the community and economy based on a four-part mission: life and health sciences; visual and performing arts; urban issues and education; and a vibrant learning and campus life experience.