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"This can still happen anywhere.
Not everything is lost.
You have to imagine a place where everyone is welcome."
—Naomi Shihab Nye

(about the poet; quote from "Gate A-4" published in Honeybee (2008))

Imagine a place where collaboration builds new worlds. At a time when pressures on higher education rise and uncertainty shapes our work, it matters that we make room—for each other, for creativity, for persistence.

In times that ask much of us, solidarity can be an act of imagination, innovation, even resistance. The bonds faculty form are not just a balm; they are a blueprint for how to invent what comes next. This issue of FAN gathers ways faculty strengthen those bonds across UMKC.

Hidden for decades, A Mural in the Language of Today’s Art returns to view. Created in 1952 by Domenico Rotella during his Fulbright year at the University of Kansas City, the mural captures a pivotal moment when modern art met modern science—bold, abstract, and experimental. 

Join us for the unveiling on Tuesday, April 30 at 1:00 PM
1:00 PM | Faculty Commons | Brief remarks at 1:15 PM by Provost Jenny Lundgren
2:00 PM | Gallery talks with Scout Marshall (conservator) and Chris Wolff (historian)

Bring your whole crew to the UMKC Faculty Picnic for fresh air, tasty food, and lawn games.

Sunday 4 May from 11:00 am - 1:00 pm at Sunnyside Park, 8329 Summit, Kansas City, MO 64114.

Organized by Dr. Gwen Nally and Dr. Debra Leiter, CAFE Faculty Fellows.

Join publishing consultant and author Laura Portwood-Stacer for two practical, encouraging workshops to help you find clarity and control in your academic publishing process.

On May 19, 2025, Laura presents two hands-on workshops designed to demystify the path to publication.

May 21–23, 2025 | 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM | Faculty Commons and CAFE | Apply soon

The Faculty Writing Initiative Summer Retreat offers three full days to write in community and make progress. Keep your writing momentum going or jumpstart a stalled project with focused time, structure, and support. Join fellow writers for three days of focused time, structure, and support—without feedback sessions, deadlines, or distractions. Coffee, snacks, and lunch provided. 

Facilitated annually by Dr. Jane Greer and Dr. Antonio Byrd with the English Department.

Over the past four years, UMKC’s Dance Science and Kinesiology program has partnered with the New York Institute of Dance & Education to complete a groundbreaking study of the McLeod Technique Reinforced Motor Function. The study showed remarkable gains in both physical and emotional development among dance students, highlighting the power of a Black-created technique to enhance student success in the natural and physical sciences.

Congratulations to Professor Karen Brown and the UMKC course creation team, Dr. Alison Graettinger. Dr. Alison DeSimone Dr. Jennifer Waddell, for this pioneering work in integrating movement, science, and emotional health!

At their April 2025 meeting, the UM System Board of Curators emphasized their commitment to protecting NIH research funding in the face of potential federal budget cuts.The Curators outlined plans to step up advocacy, including direct lobbying of Congress. Leaders reiterated that preserving research funding is essential for advancing science and medicine, and also for maintaining UM System’s role as an engine of economic and social impact in Missouri and beyond.

Michael Frisch, Ph.D., provided his insights to the ‘How To Increase the Home Value of Your Old Home’ and ‘Should You Buy a Fixer-Upper or Move-In Ready Home?’ stories. Read more.

Fun Fact: This Old House didn’t just invent the home renovation TV show — it pretty much invented reality television. When This Old House first aired on PBS in 1979, it was unlike anything else—real people, real homes, and real problems tackled with creativity, patience, and collaboration. Long before "DIY" was a buzzword, the show made craftsmanship accessible and inspiring, with the goal: to make viewers less afraid of old houses.

Following the tragic loss of graduate student Yuxi Wu, Kansas City has installed a long-needed traffic signal. Learn more.

“This shows what can be done when neighbors and civic leaders work together toward a shared vision of a safe community for all. I want to thank City Council members and city officials for responding to our request for improvements and Rockhurst for partnering with us in advocating for this critical change. I appreciate everyone’s thoughtfulness and determination on this safety measure for our community.” - Chancellor Mauli Agrawal

At UMKC, we believe scholarly growth doesn’t just happen—it’s pursued, discovered, and shared. CAFE is built for faculty, by faculty, and it's time to start planning for the year ahead.

Ready to shape the future of faculty life at UMKC?

The CAFE Faculty Fellows Program is seeking new Fellows for the 2025–2026 academic year!

Fellows lead innovative, faculty-focused initiatives aligned with one of CAFE’s four pillars: Teaching & Learning, Research & Creativity, Faculty Life & Leadership, and Service & Engagement.

 ~8 hours/week | Academic Year Commitment | $9,000 - $10,000 stipend

As a CAFE Faculty Fellow, you will:

Applications are now open!
For best consideration, apply by May 25, 2025.
You'll submit a short CV and a one-page statement of interest.

CAFE is In Search Of faculty who are ready to share their expertise by leading workshops and faculty learning communities.

Whether you're hoping to spark new ideas, build new collaborations, or create momentum in your academic life, there’s a place for you here. These opportunities are not as time intensive as serving as a Faculty Fellow, yet offer faculty to contribute to the professional learning of their colleagues across the university.

A message from the Digital Accessibility Task Force

New digital accessibility requirements are coming which will affect course content, websites, emails, PDFs and more. Efforts are underway to meet the April 2026 deadline, both at UMKC and the University of Missouri System.

Trainings and resources are available: 

Over the coming weeks and months, training and outreach efforts will continue to reinforce this project and our responsibilities. For questions or concerns, submit a request to the UMKC Digital Accessibility Task Force.

Wherever you are in your semester—grading, writing, catching your breath—we hope this issue helped you feel a little more grounded, a little more connected.

Thanks for the work you do, and for the way you do it.

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