University of Missouri, Kansas City

[EduCativ]

UMKC will become a model urban research university characterized by signature graduate and professional programs, a dynamic undergraduate population, a highly diverse faculty, staff, student body, and active engagement with its city and region.
UMKC's mission is to lead in life and health sciences to deepen and expand strength in the visual and performing arts to develop a professional workforce, collaborate in urban issues and education, and create a vibrant learning and campus life experience.
The community members of UMKC are proud to contribute to a student-centered urban university, serving our mission of learning, discovery, research, and service, inspired by our commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and respectful interaction.
The Assess for Success program helps students with an academic performance by providing a cost-effective assessment service targeted to individual needs. The program is designed for individuals who may be experiencing difficulty due to study skills, unique learning styles, test anxiety, other mood variations, learning disabilities, and attention and focus issues.
With a wide range of assessment tools (determined on a case-by-case basis), the goal of Counseling Services is to provide an assessment process that is individualized and contributes to positive classroom outcomes. The objective is to help each maximize their learning potential through academic achievement.
The UMKC Institute for Human Development is an applied research and training center for human services. It exemplifies the University's goals of engaged scholarship and community partnerships. Its functions include interdisciplinary training, used research, community program development, and information dissemination. The Institute conducts and collaborates on various projects to develop, implement, and evaluate new ideas and promising practices that support healthy, inclusive communities.
Academic excellence is the primary mission of the UMKC Honors College. The Honors College seeks to develop independent scholars and challenges them to achieve their potential. Our goal is to build a community of engaged learners who will enhance UMKC's reputation as an academic leader through superior scholarship, ethical integrity, and community engagement.
A research university with strong liberal arts, performing arts and professional programs, and the rich cultural diversity of the Kansas City metropolitan area. Honors students are challenged to think across disciplines, combine academic knowledge with ethical judgment, engage in dialogue and service with the University and urban community, and take leadership roles in their chosen fields of endeavor. By encouraging critical inquiry, innovation, and a global perspective, the Honors College significantly enhances the undergraduate educational experience at UMKC.
The story of UMKC is a story of partnerships and progress, expansion, and education. The University of Kansas City was chartered in 1929, and one year later, Kansas City businessman and philanthropist William Volker donated 40.8 acres to the University. In 1931, Volker acquired and donated the Dickey mansion, which would house the first library, classrooms, cafeteria, and administrative offices. UKC's first classes began in 1933, with 17 instructors and 265 students enrolled. In 1936, 80 students became UKC's first graduating class.
With the founding of the University, UKC and Kansas City leaders wasted no time expanding, constructing three new buildings in three years. The first building constructed specifically for the University, Mannheim Hall, was built in 1935. Newcomb Hall came one year later, designed to be the school's library. Haag Hall was built in 1937.
Students also wasted no time forming their identity. In 1934, the student council named "old gold and royal blue" the official school colors. And, in 1937, Kasey the Kangaroo became UKC's official mascot. The trustees approved intercollegiate athletics and fraternities and sororities in 1954.
Academics expanded, too, as UKC partnered with area schools to add more divisions, programs, and majors. In 1938, Kansas City School of Law merged with UKC to form the Law School, and in 1941, the Kansas City-Western Dental College, founded in 1881, joined UKC. Today, the UMKC School of Dentistry is the only dental school in the state of Missouri.
The University's dedication to the arts was born in 1942, with the Fine Arts Center's construction. The Kansas City Conservatory of Music joined UKC in 1959. In 1979, the James C. Olson Performing Arts Center was completed. Known as the "PAC," it's home to the UMKC Conservatory of Music and Dance and the Kansas City Repertory Theatre, helping UMKC become an integral part of Kansas City's cultural character.
One of the University's most significant moves came on July 25, 1963, when UKC became a part of the University of Missouri System. Progress continued to follow, including the construction of Katz Hall (1965), Miller Nichols Library (1965), Royall Hall (1968), and the Education Building (1969).
The UMKC School of Medicine was founded in 1971, offering a unique and revolutionary six-year combined bachelor/M.D. Program. Located on the Hospital Hill campus, the Medical School has now graduated over 3,000 M.D.s.
Recent advances, such as LEED® certified buildings and the 2009 establishment of the UMKC Foundation, have helped the University continue to serve students and the community and succeed in its mission to become the region's leading urban research university.

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