Welcome to the School of Graduate Studies Spotlight newsletter. This is the second edition of this newsletter. The first one was launched at the beginning of the 2012 summer session. The School of Graduate Studies plans 3 editions each year: two at the start of each semester, and the other at the beginning of the summer session. In each newsletter you will find important information that pertains to all graduate students such as deadlines, resources available, travel funds available, awards, and how to get around UMKC. Whether you are a new graduate student, a returning graduate student, a Master’s student, Education Specialist student, or a Doctoral student, the School of Graduate Studies hopes all of you can find something of interest to facilitate the progress of earning your degree and becoming ready to pursue your career. The newsletter will also have features on outstanding professors, current students, and alumni.
This is my first year as Dean of the School of Graduate Studies. I have had the opportunity to meet both Graduate Faculty and Graduate students. Of all my education, my days as a graduate student are the ones I remember the most and in which long lasting friendships began. Graduate students tend to bond with one another and often work on projects or assignments together. Many of them will assist one another if research is involved in their programs. I hope that your experience will be as rewarding as mine.
Here are some of the features you will find in this issue:
- An interview with Dr. Dennis Merrill, Professor of History, who was selected as this year’s Outstanding Faculty Member by the Interdisciplinary Doctoral Student Council.
- A story about one of our recent Master’s graduates, Daniel Stroud–why he chose UMKC for graduate work and how that led to his current experiences.
- This issue also highlights Constance Mahone, one of our School of Graduate Studies staff members who is well known to students in the Interdisciplinary PhD program and who stands ready to assist all graduate students with information about graduate regulations.
- Exciting news about the re-instatement of Graduate Student Travel awards.
- Each edition will also highlight Graduate Student awards.
So here we are — another academic year about to begin, bringing new experiences for each of us. Remember that the School of Graduate Studies is here to serve you and you should feel free to contact us when you have issues or questions. We regard you as customers and want to make sure you are satisfied with your UMKC graduate experience. I wish you all a productive and rewarding academic endeavor.
Denis Medeiros, Dean, UMKC School of Graduate Studies and Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs