Spencer, who holds a BSN from UMSL, is now pursuing a DNP and aims to navigate the connections between nursing and politics to create change.
Stories by Jami Hirsch
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See the ball, hit the ball: Optometrist Ed Bennett treats Cardinals outfielder Tommy Pham
Bennett monitors Pham’s vision and fits his contact lenses to help keep the athlete’s game strong.
Optometry offers Alex Gada a second chance at a career she loves
The third-year student’s love of learning and passion for helping people made returning to school later in life worth all the effort.
6 outstanding UMSL alumni in the spotlight at Founders Dinner
This year’s honorees include Rita Swiener, Joe Stieven, Brian Owens, Sandra Marks, Gary Jacob and Antionette Carroll.
Faculty, staff members recognized for exceptional teaching, research and service to UMSL
Chancellor Tom George presented the 2017 Chancellor’s Awards for Excellence during the State of the University Address.
Nursing alumna Lisa Meadows aims for change, one child at a time
The Nurse of the Year Award winner recently took on a new role as director of St. Louis Children’s Hospital’s Healthy Kids Express program.
Disaster preparedness conference brings nurses and students from across the country to UMSL
Real-life case studies, simulations and the importance of self and family care were at the forefront of the population-focused workshop.
Dual rankings name UMSL nursing’s online RN to BSN program among best in country
UMSL is one of only two schools in the state of Missouri to make both lists.
Love of vision, love of country: 4 UMSL optometry students earn full-ride Army scholarships
Jessica Arnoldy, Marie Lulette Fermil, Jacquelyn Tyra and Kailey Utley will be fulfilling double duty as both optometrists and commissioned officers in the Army.
Gateway Writing Project’s OneCity Stories program amplifies voices of local youth, introduces world of multimedia composing
The brand-new summer institute was one of only 10 programs in the nation to receive a 2017 LRNG Innovators Challenge Grant.
UMSL optometry students win Project Foresight Scholarship, share passion for change on national stage
Kate Hamm and Rachel Simpson aim to propel the profession of optometry forward with big ideas – including a business model that tackles the wage gap.
UMSL’s Crooked Room Conference provides platform for scholarship, art, activism, healing
The one-day event created an energetic and innovative space for investigating and enhancing the educational experiences of young black women and girls.
2 UMSL alumni named Teacher of the Year
In Kansas City and St. Charles County, respectively, Derrik Wiggins and Katelyn Freiert are making a real difference in the lives of young Missouri students.
Nick Husbye’s literacy clinic gets students teaching sooner
The innovative partnership with Lucas Crossing Elementary Complex has UMSL’s undergraduate preservice teachers and young children learning from each other.
Elderly needing care, students gaining experience: College of Nursing and Delmar Gardens team up
The two institutions have united to nurture both students’ clinical skills and the aging population of patients who need them.
Ann Taylor reflects on time as interim dean of UMSL College of Education
Excellent teacher prep, a vast array of innovative educational programs, unified collaboration: Taylor says the future of the College of Education is bright.
Nursing alumna’s life-saving efforts result in DAISY Award, everlasting gratitude, friendship
Kara Schneider and Kenny Rosenkoetter will likely be friends for life – ever since the day she helped save his.
Education students share final projects, SAIL into bright futures thanks to innovative teacher prep
More than 90 graduating teacher candidates shared practicum efforts that had them engaged in everything from culture to curriculum in area schools.
Investigating drunk personality: Research from MIMH’s Rachel Winograd garners international attention
Do other people notice the personality changes drinkers self-report? Sometimes, yes – especially when it comes to extraversion.
College of Nursing celebrates 35 years, honors 4 remarkable alumni
The 35th Anniversary Brunch and Alumni Awards capped off a year’s worth of celebration, reflection and collaboration.
College of Nursing alumna travels to Uganda to aid fellow grad’s health-care and community-building efforts
Kelli Rowland traveled nearly 8,000 miles to reconnect with former classmate Samuel Mugaya and experience the medical missionary trip of a lifetime.
UMSL school psychology program’s 100th graduate blazes a trail of advocacy and action
From launching Brunch with a Senator to a recent scholarship win, Katya Sussman’s past three years of achievement will have a lasting impact.
UMSL College of Optometry premieres new video focused on student voices, family feel
Supportive student services, national leadership opportunities and extensive externship experiences are just some of the program features highlighted in the video.
UCDC hosts Metro Theater Company for a production full of wonder, learning and laughter
The youngest learners on UMSL’s campus, along with their parents and teachers, were invited to join in some out-of-the-box fun.
Constant mentor Darryl Downing looks toward a future filled with leadership
The graduating senior has discovered new avenues for his passion and purpose since a life-altering event became the catalyst for great change.
Kandace Alfred earns 2017 Memorable Conversations Scholarship
The third-year College of Optometry student used jello as a means for delivering a memorable and patient-friendly explanation of floaters, a common vision issue.
International Photo Contest highlights student travel across continents, brings adventures back to campus
The top three photographs capture scenes from India, Peru and Italy – and resulted in scholarship funds for the photographers.
Kristen Flood and the UMSL Writers Group aim to collect 300 books for local preschoolers
Flood’s own journey toward a love of reading, coupled with a College of Education field experience, fueled the idea for the initiative.
Teaching with compassion earns Liz Mantych a 2017 Excellence in Nursing nomination
A career, a passion, an approach to life: Being a nurse educator has been a true blessing for UMSL’s RN to BSN program director.
4 UMSL business alumni receive CFO of the Year awards
The honorees all earned their BSBAs from UMSL and are all being honored for their exemplary performance and leadership prowess.
UMSL students spearhead family-focused STEM Night, draw 700 to local elementary school
The seven College of Education students capped off their student teaching at Zitzman Elementary with a night of science-fueled fun for the entire community.
2017 Trailblazers celebration focuses on leaders in labor and business
Six remarkable women were honored at this year’s event coinciding with National Women’s History Month.
Department chair talks stories, evidence and Women’s History Month
For Laura Westhoff, people are at the heart of the study of history – the stories they tell and the meaning they make.
UMSL ITE continues to see growth, launch new initiatives
The science and technology incubator hosts companies in the fields of chemistry, nanotechnology, life sciences and information technology.
Urban Education Speaker Series welcomes former female leader of the Black Panther Party
Elaine Brown offered a sweeping analysis of current issues by way of a historical journey through black America.
Recent UMSL optometry research investigates blocking blue light, promotes saving vision
Carl Bassi and Blair Gerratt conducted a study on lenses with the potential to protect wearers from the hazards of too much screen time.
April Regester receives Special Ambassador Award from St. Louis Special School District
The College of Education professor has been fostering partnerships with SSD since she came to UMSL seven years ago.
UMSL’s teacher prep programs earn top ratings from Missouri Department of Education
Thirteen achieved the coveted Tier I status on the 2016 Annual Performance Report for Educator Preparation Programs in the state of Missouri.
UMSL optometrist teams up with Delta Gamma Center to serve children, parents
Every Thursday, Katie Boland provides low vision evaluations with a touch of creativity and fun for St. Louis-area children and their parents.
UMSL optometry students take eye-care expertise to Haiti, Honduras and beyond
For Jasmine Hayes and Kanesha McBee, delivering vision services abroad to those who need them most has been a life-changing experience.
2 different paths, 1 destination: Mother-daughter teaching duo brings passion for education, nursing to UMSL
Jodiey Cochran never intended to follow in her mother’s teaching footsteps – until her own UMSL nursing journey gave her the chance.
UMSL’s Heritage Leadership program draws crowd from across the country and around the globe
A love for culture, education and nature has united a cohort in the College of Education that includes several members of the National Park Service.
Optometry students, faculty, alumni travel to Jefferson City to lobby and connect
The Missouri Optometric Association Conference offered students an opportunity to see how doctors and legislators can work together on behalf of patients.
UMSL Marketing and Communications launches ‘Choose Your Word’ campaign
The new effort aims to get to the heart of the university experience – by defining the people who make it great.
UMSL alumna appointed to Missouri State Board of Nursing
Siteman Kids Nurse Practitioner Taryn Sandheinrich will bring a love for children, families and fellow nurses to her new role.
The science behind love: UMSL’s Sandra Langeslag investigates
Can human beings regulate how much they love someone? This psychology professor’s recent study says yes.
UMSL Staff Association keeps four-legged friends in mind over the holiday season
St. Louis–based Stray Rescue was the recipient of well over 100 much-needed, animal-friendly items thanks to campus-wide giving.
‘Wait to worry’: Gloria Smith casts fears aside to study psychology and self
One of UMSL’s self-proclaimed “oldest students on campus” plans to keep learning for the joy of the journey.
Difference makers: 16 UMSL student stories for 2016
Here’s a look back at some of the students who have chosen to get involved, lend a hand and overcome great obstacles over the past year.
Interdisciplinary studies grad looks toward med school, volunteers with local immigrants
Ageena Hass says the greatest joy of returning to school as an older adult is simple – it’s the privilege of getting to sit still and learn.