Since 2002, the UMKC Trustees’ Scholars Program has provided a unique educational experience for select first-time students at UMKC. These high-performing students are awarded a scholarship covering all tuition and fees and substantial assistance for housing and books. Elements were added and implemented this year to all scholars in the program, thanks to our trustees.

GLOBAL EXPERIENCE PROGRAM PILOT A global perspective is increasingly important for students’ career readiness, and top students seek study-abroad opportunities. In response, the trustees created a program for scholars to study abroad in a country and program of their choosing. Financing the experience comes through redirected funding for tuition, fees and housing; scholars’ contributions; and a $5,000 stipend per student provided by Board of Trustees Chair Doranne Hudson and her husband Randy. The Hudsons are funding the first five years of stipends during this pilot period and also plan to host an annual dinner with the entire scholar cohort.

STRUCTURED COMMUNITY SERVICE Trustee Dick Flanigan and his wife, Laura, have made a gift to provide each cohort year for the next five years with $500 to spend and invest in their work with a nonprofit organization. Each scholar cohort year will select an organization in the city for their year-long community service partner.

EXTENDED MENTORING The Trustees’ Scholars had always been paired with a trustee or community leader as a mentor throughout their undergraduate career. Now, the mentorship will extend a year after graduation. This is a critical time whether they transition to graduate school or employment in their field of study.

HOUSING STIPEND INCREASE Housing for first- and second-year scholars is covered by the scholarship. Third- and fourth-year scholars received $1,000 per semester as a housing stipend, and now these scholars receive $2,000 per semester.

ENDOWMENT Trustee Suzanne Shank, also chair of the Trustees’ Scholars Committee, established a Trustees’ Scholarship endowment, funding one current scholar throughout their undergraduate years. “The UMKC Trustees’ Scholars program has a legacy of more than two decades and has had a tremendous impact throughout the years for a select group of deserving students,” Shank said. “With all the new enhancements, we are adding even more benefits to these impressive scholars’ experiences at UMKC.”