Got a news item you’d like to share? Email us at ucmthebeat@gmail.com.

Global Vision Applications Open

Students interested in studying abroad and serving may apply for the Global Vision Scholarship program.  Every student selected for the scholarship will receive free airfare to and from the chosen location, room and board, and fees on site.

Trips occur multiple times a year to locations such as Tanzania, Nepal, Peru, Ecuador, Puerto Rico, New Mexico and Texas.

For more information or to apply, go to ucmo.edu/globalvision.

Royals Host Second Annual MIAA Day at the K

The Kansas City Royals will be hosting MIAA Day at the K on Saturday, April 26 at 6:10 p.m. as the Royals host the Houston Astros at Kauffman Stadium.

For the second year in a row, the Royals will be hosting schools from across the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association.  Tickets include access to UCM’s tailgate with President Roger Best and Mo the Mule and an exclusive light-up Mule pin for those wearing UCM gear (while supplies last). The first 1,500 fans will also receive a KC Royals and UCM co-branded bucket hat, and the first 20,000 fans will receive a Mike Moustakas bobblehead.

Tickets may be purchased at ucmo.edu/royals, and UCM students and employees are reminded to use their $10 discount code for up to six tickets.

Fiore Named Dean of College of Education

The University of Central Missouri has announced Douglas Fiore as dean of the College of Education, according to a release from the Office of Integrated Marketing and Communication. He will assume the role July 1.  Fiore comes to UCM after serving as president of Mercy College in Iowa.

Fiore holds a doctorate in Educational Administration from Indiana State University.  He has maintained positions at virtually all education levels, from K-12 to higher education. In K-12 settings, he taught grades 4 through 12 and served as principal at three elementary schools. In higher education, he held key leadership positions, including dean of the Dwight Schar College of Education at Ashland University in Ohio, interim provost at Ashland, and provost at Park University in Missouri.

Fiore has written eight books on education, including two textbooks widely used in educational leadership programs. He and his wife, Julie, a special education teacher, have five grown children.

Walk & Wag – Walk a Dog Around Campus

The department of health studies and kinesiology is hosting a Walk and Wag event from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, April 29. Students, faculty and staff are encouraged to take a break, step outside, and walk a dog. All dogs will come from Old Drum Animal Shelter.

Founders Day April 29-30

The UCM community will celebrate the university’s founding Tuesday and Wednesday, April 29 and 30 during UCM Founders Day celebrations.

Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., celebrations will take place at the Missouri Innovation Campus in Lee’s Summit.  The celebration will include birthday cupcakes, cookies, and fruit and vegetable trays; music by UCM Radio-The Beat; a caricature artist; games; a 360-degree photo both; and appearances by university president Dr. Roger Best, Mo the Mule and the university’s live mules.

Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. the celebration will be at the UCM Quad in Warrensburg.  It will include a picnic lunch and birthday cake, music by UCM Radio-The Beat and the UCM Bands, caricature artists, games, a 360-degree photo both, and appearances by university president Dr. Roger Best, Mo the Mule and the university’s live mules.

Gathering Hosting Second Annual BBQ Fundraiser

The Gathering Coffee Shop is hosting a barbecue fundraiser Thursday, May 1 from 5-8 p.m. at the shop, located at 108 Broad Street in Warrensburg.

The Gathering Coffee Shop is a nonprofit organization whose stated mission is “to provide a welcoming environment to enjoy high-quality coffee, share delicious food, and build relationships through meaningful conversations.”

Cost is $10 for individuals, $45 for a family and includes food and drinks, games, live music, a silent auction and coffee coupons.  All proceeds go to The Gathering.

Rental Return and Buyback Scheduled

It is time for textbook rental return and buyback at the UCM Store.  Returns and buyback will be May 5-9 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, call 660-543-4370 or email ucmbookstore@ucmo.edu.

Orientation Mule Mall Dates Set

Mule Mall dates are set from 12:30 – 3 p.m. during Orientation dates, June 5-7, June 9-10 and Aug. 1.  UCM offices, programs and student support services may set up tables to share information and promote their offerings. Academic departments will connect with students during a separate designated time.

To reserve a space, click here.

UBC Sponsoring Summer Pass     

The Union Bowling Center is sponsoring a Summer Bowling Pass.  The pass, which costs $50, will include one lane every day for one hour.  The pass is valid May 12-Aug. 18. Passes may be purchased and picked up at the Union Bowling Center at 511 S. Holden St.

JUST SO YOU KNOW…

Connect to UCMO.edu, ucmo.edu/textcaster

Any modifications to university operations will be announced through official UCM channels, including the UCM website, email, social media feeds and the TextCaster text messaging service. If you haven’t signed up for Textcaster, please visit ucmo.edu/textcaster. Notifications will be made to local and Kansas City area media, but the best source of information is always UCM’s official channels.

Students for Political Action

Students for Political Action or SPA is a bipartisan organization whose goal is to develop an interest in politics among students at UCM. If you want to learn more, you can contact Annie at aja64940@ucmo.edu

Aerial Arts Class

The Student Rec and Wellness Center has added an Aerial Arts class for the Spring semester. The class will be held Tuesdays and Thursdays at 5 p.m. in room 165. The class is designed for all levels, so no experience is needed. Check in at the Rec Center desk for more info! 

Student Government Association

For those who want to use your voice to make changes around you, but are not sure where to start, UCM student government may be just what you need. In order to file for candidacy, you must be a full time student at UCM and must have a GPA above 2.5. If you would like more info, you can contact the Student Government Association at sga@ucmo.edu or by calling 660-543-4094.

Title X (Title 10) Student Advisory Committee

Are you interested in improving sexual and reproductive health education at UCM? If so, you can join the Title X Student Advisory Committee! They’re seeking students from diverse backgrounds and majors to provide feedback on Title X materials designed to support our campus community. This is a great opportunity to gain leadership experience, contribute to health initiatives, and earn a UCM Experience Transcript notation. The time commitment is minimal—about 6 hours per semester—focused on reviewing materials via email. Sign up for e-mail notifications here! 

UCM Scholarship Finder

It’s scholarship season! Log in to UCM Scholarship Finder to complete your general application and explore available scholarships. Click here for the UCM Scholarship Finder!  

Campus Cupboard

The Campus Cupboard is a volunteer-based charity dedicated to alleviating hunger and financial burdens in the UCM community. They have food and personal care items and it’s all free for you. Campus Cupboard is located in the lower level of the Student Rec and they are open Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday 3:00-5:30 pm. You can also volunteer there, if you would like to help out. Click here to get more info! 

Student Recreation and Wellness Center

Who’s trying to get healthy or stay healthy in 2025? If that’s you, don’t sleep on the Rec!! The Student Rec and Wellness Center is here for all your physical fitness needs. They have group classes and personal training or tons of cardio equipment and weights that you can use on your own. You can visit ucmo.edu/rec or check in at the front desk for more info!

Central Speaks

Have you heard of Central Speaks? Central Speaks is a UCM podcast that puts the spotlight on the dedicated individuals who propel the University forward. Each episode highlights stories of those who embody UCM’s spirit of innovation and service, showcasing the transformative work that redefines what’s possible on our campus and beyond. Central Speaks is all about hearing directly from UCM’s changemakers as they share how they push boundaries and inspire colleagues and students—redefining what’s possible, every day.

Subscribe to Central Speaks on your favorite podcast app, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts.

You can check it out at www.ucmo.edu/news/central-speaks/

UCM Crisis Support Line

The UCM Counseling Center (part of Campus Community Health) has a 24-hour Crisis and Counseling Support Line (660-543-8008) for students. Crisis line support is available for students who are in a crisis and want to talk with a trained professional any time of day or night (24/7/365). Students may also want to call if they are not in a crisis but want to talk to a professional after hours, on weekends, or during breaks. The UCM Crisis Support Line is an addition to the Counseling Center and Campus Community Health’s existing services.

The Crisis Support Line phone number does not replace the Counseling Center’s phone number, which is answered during business hours (660-543-4060). For more information, visit counselingcenter@ucmo.edu

Listen to the current episode of Central News below!