Okawa participated in the prestigious Japan Exchange and Teaching Program and now teaches at Mejiro International School in Tokyo.
Stories by Burk Krohe
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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.
Social work student marshal Zeth Crews grows professionally at Places for People
Crews gained valuable experience in the organization’s outreach department, where he worked with clients in the medical and legal systems.
UMSL receives $5.1 million grant to promote evidence-based literacy strategies in Missouri schools and area career centers
UMSL’s full-time literacy team will continue its work to provide professional development and digital literacy tools to educators.
Language student Theresa Kallal finds meaning living life abroad in France and Spain
Kallal hiked the Camino de Santiago, a historic pilgrimage path, in Spain this summer and studied in Angers, France, during the fall semester.
Children’s Advocacy Services of Greater St. Louis delivers holiday cheer with Lakota toy drive
CASGSL staff members, students and community members have pitched in to organize and pack gift boxes for children on the Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation in Eagle Butte, South Dakota.
Alum Justin Bennett leads Social Work Interstate Licensing Compact effort
Bennett sits on the Missouri State Committee for Social Workers and serves as the compact commissioner for Missouri, the first state to sign on to the compact.
Social work graduate Brianna Jones works to serve UMSL and the St. Louis community
Jones is president of the Student Social Work Association, and her work on campus earned her the 2024 UMSL Student Leadership Award for Outstanding Service to the Community.
Hidden history: Theresa Coble leads a federal initiative recognizing women’s stories across national parks, lands and programs
Coble is leading a committee of multidisciplinary professionals from across the country, whose recommendations will inform the Department of the Interior’s actions over the next 10 years.
College of Education highlights initiatives to ease teacher shortages at Professional Learning and Innovation Partnership Breakfast
The event was an opportunity to celebrate the college’s partner educators and inform them about programs such as Teach in Residency, Teach in 12 and the Finish Line Teaching Apprenticeship.
Counseling master’s program wins 2024 Robert Frank Outstanding Counselor Education Program Award
Assistant Professor So Rin Kim says the program’s rigorous standards, commitment to its values and community engagement have helped set it apart.
UMSL’s couple, marriage and family counseling program ranked No. 1 in state by CounselingPsychology.org
The website developed the rankings through a multifaceted assessment process that considered key criteria including quality, impact and effectiveness of programs.
Fall Music Festival showcases ‘energy and vitality’ of UMSL Department of Music
The weeklong celebration of the arts and music featured performances by The Arianna String Quartet, the UMSL Symphony Orchestra, University Singers and Voices of Jubilation.
Students pitch business ideas during Entrepreneurship and Innovation Center’s 2024 Student Concept Competition
Jesse Frey, a senior business administration major, took home the top prize for Headlok, a heavy-duty hat retention clip for motorcycle riders.
Grace Desjardins finds common ground to make change as 2024-25 Newman Civic Fellow
A senior studying political science, Desjardins is using her time in the fellowship to organize a Walk a Mile in Her Shoes event to raise awareness about domestic and sexual violence against women.
UMSL language students give back at World Languages Day celebration after participating as high schoolers
Jackson Clutts and Audrey Stuvland volunteered at the event, which drew more than 500 students from high schools across the St. Louis region.
Helena Marvin, Lori Curtis and Daniel Gerth 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.