Kerkhoff says there’s good intention behind the law, which supports a growing movement for more explicit and systematic phonics instruction in early reading instruction.
Stories by Burk Krohe
Search Filters
Convocation welcomes new students to UMSL campus, draws record crowd
New students heard from several speakers, received a lapel pin and recited the Triton Creed to commemorate their induction into the UMSL community.
Dean Marius Boboc brings leadership, research experience to the College of Education
Boboc aims to strengthen strategic partnerships and support the St. Louis community through programming offered by the College of Education.
Communication master’s student Ken Westermann to present at the International Conference on Communication and Media Studies in Paris
Westermann will speak about the Partnership for a Drug-Free America’s famous “This Is Your Brain on Drugs” public health campaign.
UMSL Center for Character and Citizenship receives Templeton World Charity Foundation grant to develop character education facilitator expertise
The $259,616 grant will go toward creating a certification system for the PRIMED model of character education.
Associate Professor April Regester helps launch national education organization
The Inclusive Postsecondary Education Association will work to expand access and opportunity for students with intellectual disabilities.
Incoming sport management student Mackenzie Brown finds a home at UMSL
In June, Brown had the opportunity to volunteer with future classmates at the Saint Francis Tulsa Tough, a three-day cycling festival.
Executive Director of Athletics Holly Sheilley discusses student-athlete success in latest episode of Inside UMSL podcast
Sheilley discussed the importance of student-athletes being well-rounded community members and the university’s role in preparing them for the future.
May graduate Carli Knopf takes international experience to Disney College Program
During her time at UMSL, Knopf studied international business and Japanese, and spent a year studying abroad at Rikkyo University in Tokyo.
Geospatial summer camp offers high schoolers hands-on experience with emerging technology
A group of 22 students from more than 20 high schools attended the third annual summer camp over four days last week. Each received a $200 stipend for their participation.
Chemistry Professor Michael Nichols discusses Alzheimer’s disease research in latest episode of Inside UMSL podcast
Nichols is investigating proteins linked to inflammation in the brain that occurs as part of the neurodegenerative disease.
College of Education hosts annual Future Teacher Leadership Academy for local high schoolers
During the two-week program, students earned college credit, learned professional skills and explored different career options.
Associate Professor Sandra Langeslag kicks off UMSL Lecture Series at City Foundry
Langeslag discussed her research on the neurocognition of romantic love to open the new series.
Tanner Reichl and Thanh Ly to study abroad with support of Gilman International Scholarship
Reichl will study for a full academic term at Waseda University in Tokyo, while Ly will spend a semester at Korea University in Seoul.
Education alum Alexis Perez Lane serves as public policy fellow on Capitol Hill
Perez Lane intends to take the lessons she learned in Washington, D.C., back to St. Louis to make change at the local level.
UMSL alum Molly Okawa fulfills dream of living, working abroad in Japan
Okawa participated in the prestigious Japan Exchange and Teaching Program and now teaches at Mejiro International School in Tokyo.
Three questions with Amy D’Agrosa, associate teaching professor of Spanish
Last summer, D’Agrosa helped launch a three-week study abroad program in northwest Spain, where UMSL students had the opportunity to experience the Camino de Santiago, a historic pilgrimage path.
Michele Davis, Cornell Lewis and Emily Eden receive UMSL Hero Awards
The award is presented to up to three staff or faculty members each month in recognition of their efforts to transform the lives of UMSL students and the wider community.
Reaching for the cosmos: UMSL astronomy faculty members and students conduct cutting-edge comet research
Professor Erika Gibb and Assistant Teaching Professor Mohi Saki are studying the composition of comets with infrared spectroscopy to learn more about the building blocks of the early solar system.
Renata Sledge wins Outstanding Poster Award at National Kidney Foundation Spring Clinical Meeting
Sledge presented a pilot study that explored the link between active participation in an online health community and patient well-being.
Sam Brown charts new career path in education through UMSL’s Teach in 12 program
Brown has accepted a full-time position teaching social studies at Hazelwood East High School after earning his teaching certification at UMSL.
Summer BSW graduate Joseph Govreau redefines his academic journey at UMSL
After early struggles in the classroom, Govreau found academic success at UMSL and became highly involved on campus with organizations like the Student Social Work Association.
UMSL to honor nearly 1,700 graduates during spring commencement ceremonies
The weekend’s featured speakers will include Clayco Founder Bob Clark, James S. McDonnell Foundation President Jason Purnell, former Delmar DivINe Executive Director Jorge Riopedre and UMSL alumni Dr. Mansur Nurdel and Andrea Jackson-Jennings.
Succeed+ student Jaylin Brown meets with legislators in Washington to advocate for postsecondary education
Brown spent three days in the nation’s capital participating in policy training, touring the National Mall and the White House and speaking with politicians such as Sen. Eric Schmitt.
MSW graduate Irene Travis faces adversity and triumphs on the field and in the classroom
Travis battled back from a torn ACL to become a leader on the softball team while also pursuing two bachelor’s degrees as an undergraduate.
UMSL community gathers on campus to take part in fun and games during annual Mirthweek celebration
The centerpiece of the annual tradition was a carnival on the RWC East Lawn with games, rides, face painting and more.
Greater St. Louis Jazz Festival welcomes students to campus
Young musicians from about 40 high schools and middle schools in Missouri and Illinois took part in the two-day event last week.
UMSL English Writing Program shows students the impact writing makes
Associate Professor Lauren Obermark and Assistant Teaching Professor Lauren Terbrock-Elmestad worked to revamp the curriculum of the university’s first-year writing course, including the addition of a community advocacy project.
UMSL Center for Character and Citizenship hosts Sen. Brian Williams and DESE Commissioner Karla Eslinger at Ed Collabitat
During the event, Williams and Eslinger had the opportunity to connect with more than a dozen superintendents from local school districts and hear from from students working on a civic engagement project.
May sociology graduate Triniti West explores passions for community and public policy
West has served in leadership positions with student organizations, worked at the University Tutoring Center and participated in a panel discussion with local legislators.
MFA alum Serenity Dougherty’s PhD research examines stand-up comedy and audiences
Dougherty is using the relationship between stand-up comedians and the audience as a lens for better understanding the writing process, particularly feedback and revisions.
Leslie Davis co-edits book on trauma-informed gatekeeping in counselor education while finishing PhD
The book and Davis’ dissertation examine how counseling educators can effectively approach situations when students are not prepared to work in the field.
UMSL designated ‘Voter Friendly Campus’ for fifth time
The Fair Elections Center’s Campus Vote Project and NASPA recognized 272 campuses in 39 states and the District of Columbia on the 2025-26 list.
Tritons treated to thrilling overtime win during UMSL Night at the St. Louis Blues
Around 250 UMSL fans enjoyed watching the home team’s 4-3 victory over the Vancouver Canucks.
Afriky Lolo brings West African dance and drumming to UMSL campus
Diádié Bathily taught African dance at UMSL as a visiting scholar before founding the company.
UMSL counseling alumni release second children’s book in the ‘Kids Can Club’ series
Jen Monika McCurdy and Christine Corrigan Mendez published “Leo Gets His Nighttime ZZZs” on Feb. 12.
Studying Abroad Panel Discussion explores challenges and rewards of living abroad
Teaching Professor Denise Mussman led the freeform discussion, which also touched on techniques to adjust to a new culture and language.
UMSL students and alumni look to build professional experience at Spring Career Fair
More than 430 students and alumni attended the event and had the opportunity to visit with 85 employers across a wide variety of career fields.
Professor Jerome E. Morris voted American Educational Research Association president-elect
Morris, the E. Desmond Lee Endowed Professor of Urban Education, will make history as the first professor in the University of Missouri System to hold the position of president.
Assistant Professor Andresa De Souza publishes new research on use of applied behavior analysis in Brazil
De Souza and her two co-authors conducted a systematic literature review of 59 research articles to assess the scope and quality of ABA research in the country.
UMSL campus ready to shine during Homecoming 2025
The theme of this year’s celebration is “Tritons in the Sky,” and the schedule includes a mix of classic activities and new events such as a campus wellness fair.
UMSL names Marius Boboc new dean of the College of Education
Boboc, who has been a faculty member and administrator at Cleveland State University, will assume his new position on July 1.
UMSL students and alumni travel to New Orleans to work Super Bowl LIX
Nineteen students and three alumni worked throughout the Caesars Superdome giving directions to fans, managing crowds and validating credentials.
Ask an Expert: Brian Adler discusses walkability and pedestrian infrastructure in Downtown St. Louis and beyond
Adler says actions such as building protected bike lanes, narrowing roads and maintaining crosswalks regularly can improve experiences for cyclists and pedestrians.
Ask an Expert: Brian Adler discusses revitalization in Downtown St. Louis
Adler says there are positive trends Downtown, such as population growth and increased sales tax revenues, that can be leveraged by the city to advance the neighborhood.
Anita Manion, Richard Treadway and Jhanae Latham receive UMSL Hero Awards
The award is presented to up to three staff or faculty members each month in recognition of their efforts to transform the lives of UMSL students and the wider community.
BFA, Succeed Program graduate Amanda Royer pictures future as artist
Royer created an impressive portfolio of highly detailed Prismacolor pencil drawings titled, “My Colorful Stones Collection,” in the studio art program.
Counseling master’s student Andrea King wins prestigious national fellowship
The National Board for Certified Counselors awarded King $12,000, and the organization will also provide access to mentors and professional development opportunities.
Education Assistant Professor Magen Rooney-Kron wins Early Career Research Award from TASH
The organization focuses on promoting opportunity and inclusion for people with extensive support needs through research, practice and advocacy.
Year in review: UMSL sees transformative change during 2024
Look back at some of UMSL Daily’s top stories from the past year.