Miranda Ming, who earned her BSEd, MEd, EDSP 2011 and PhD from UMSL, is the executive director of Momentum Academy. (Photo courtesy of Miranda Ming)
HOMETOWN: St. Louis
CURRENT LOCATION: St. Louis
OCCUPATION: Executive director of Momentum Academy
Miranda Ming has dedicated her career in education to inspiring young people and removing barriers to their success. She was uncertain of her career path when she transferred to the University of Missouri– St. Louis for her second year of college, but she found an environment that made her feel seen. She related to other students who, like her, had competing priorities. She went on to earn four degrees from UMSL, participating in campus activities such as gospel choir and the Student Life Association as a student, and continues to stay involved on campus as an Alumni Association Board member and a donor.
As an educator, Ming has touched thousands of lives and helped students unlock their potential. She served in administrative leadership at Jennings High School and EAGLE College Prep before becoming executive director of Momentum Academy in St. Louis. During her years at Jennings, she worked to create the CLIMB program at UMSL, which brings the university together with local high schools to reduce the opportunity gap facing underfunded districts. She also co-authored “The Path Less Traveled: Creating Authentic STEM Career Pathways by Removing Barriers for Underestimated Youth.” The book explores how schools, universities and corporations can create the conditions for more youth to realize their potential and poses that, once exposed to STEM or any career field, students from any background can achieve success that may have once seemed impossible. –Melissa Landry
What has been the most surprising thing to come from the Climb program?
Over 80% of program interns pursue careers in STEM, many at UMSL, and graduate from college within four years.
You’ve spoken to the importance of educators having a community. What advice would you give to new educators looking to build a support system?
Look for those who are driven to the purpose of the work and those who can help coach and develop you to truly be great. Find teachers and leaders who are not satisfied with the current status quo in education. Finally, find people who have receipts – student data to prove they can provide results in literacy, math or their selected content area.
What lessons from UMSL have helped you along the way?
No one ever does anything alone.
What is some of the best advice you have received?
Listen more than you speak.
Why is it important to you to support UMSL?
UMSL is a gateway, by location and infrastructure, to other opportunities, whether it be through career opportunities, certifications, grants for entrepreneurship or a degree. You can choose your path.
This story was originally published in the fall 2024 issue of UMSL Magazine. If you have a story idea for UMSL Magazine, email magazine@umsl.edu.
