The Kirkpatrick Award was presented by UCM President Roger Best with SGA President Hiba Lukadi, who recognized Collins-Smith’s outstanding service attributes that contributed to her recognition.
A University of Central Missouri alumna who is the first woman to serve as president of Harris-Stowe State University and a UCM leader who is making a difference in the lives of active duty military students, veterans, and military dependents were recipients of annual awards presented by the Student Government Association on April 16. The awards ceremony took place at the Read and Relax area on the ground floor of the James C. Kirkpatrick Library. Harris-Stowe’s 21st President, Dr. Latonia Collins Smith, received the James C. Kirkpatrick Excellence in Governance Award and UCM’s Director of Military and Veteran Services, Courtney Swoboda, was presented the Walter Hicklin Excellence in Service Award.
Members of the University of Central Missouri community are mourning the loss of Walter “Walt” Hicklin, a Warrensburg resident who touched the lives of many students and professional colleagues at UCM during a career that included teaching, mentoring, coaching and serving as an award-winning administrator. He passed away on Jan. 19.
Having grown up in a family that placed a high value on earning a college degree, Dr. Mary Long understands the benefits of a higher education, but also knows the pathway toward earning a degree often comes for many students with challenges, both academically and financially. When the former member of the University of Central Missouri Board of Governors was presented the James C. Kirkpatrick Excellence in Governance Award on March 23 she reminded students to never give up in pursuit of their education goals.
In addition to recognizing academic leader Ann McCoy as the 2022 recipient of the annual James C. Kirkpatrick Excellence in Governance Award, the University of Central Missouri Student Government Association announced an SGA resolution, which has made possible a second honor for presentation alongside the Kirkpatrick Award. UCM emeriti member Walt Hicklin on March 22 became the first recipient of this new service award that has been established in his name.