University of Missouri-Kansas City Chancellor Mauli Agrawal delivered his annual State of the University address, celebrating significant achievements and urging Kansas City’s only Carnegie Research 1 university to reach even higher in the coming year.
Agrawal acknowledged that the road ahead will bring uncertainties but he counseled the campus to stay focused on transformative plans to expand its excellence and community impact in research, rural healthcare and student success and retention.
“We are living in extraordinary times -- times of both tremendous achievement but also tremendous challenge,” Agrawal said. “We must continue to make bold choices and be prepared to find innovative ways to achieve our vision. In a world that brings change every day, we must stay focused on our vision to be Kansas City’s world-class university. But I know you are up to it – it’s in our DNA.”
1. Fueling Research Progress Following Prestigious Carnegie R1 Designation
UMKC announced new research investments to build on its major Carnegie Research 1 status, also known as R1, an honor achieved by only 6% of four-year universities in the nation. This transformative milestone positions UMKC alongside the nation’s most elite research universities.
“R1 signals our constant commitment to innovation, discovery and impact,” Agrawal said. “Across all disciplines, our faculty and research partners are pushing the boundaries of knowledge. They are shaping the future of technology, healthcare and the humanities while solving complex challenges that affect lives in Kansas City and – I’m not exaggerating here – around the world.”
A rebranded division of Research and Innovation will find new ways to recognize faculty excellence in innovation and grantsmanship as well as investments in the research enterprise. As funds are available, UMKC plans to:
• Launch C-IGNITE: a Collaboratory for Integrating Growth, Innovation and Research Excellence. C-IGNITE will connect faculty with industry and community partners and provide dedicated support for large grant proposals and strategic funding.
• Start a new BUILD fund: An initial $1 million investment will advance research capabilities through facility upgrades, acquisition of advanced equipment for core facilities and innovation labs.
• Add three new positions in research administration to improve grants services and support.
“Achieving R1 does not mean it’s time to rest on our laurels,” Agrawal said. “This accomplishment is more than an external validation of our current excellence – it is a call to action.”
2. Expanding School of Dentistry to St. Joseph to Fill Critical Rural Healthcare Needs
Missouri, particularly its northwest region, faces a severe shortage of dentists, with some counties having less than one provider for every 2,100 residents.
UMKC has proposed an expanded dental program in St. Joseph to address the shortage. UMKC is seeking $12 million in funding from state, federal and philanthropic sources to launch the program in space on Missouri Western State University’s campus, aiming for a start date in fiscal year 2027, pending necessary approvals.
“UMKC has a longstanding and successful infrastructure in place for educating and training providers to address rural healthcare gaps,” Agrawal said.
The new campus would add 10 dental students per year, 40 total when fully operational, increasing UMKC dental graduate output by 10%. The dental hygiene program would add five students per year, increasing UMKC dental hygiene graduates by 15%.
Dental students would spend their first two years in Kansas City and complete clinical training in St. Joseph. Dental hygiene students would also split their studies between Kansas City and St. Joseph.
3. Elevating Academic and Support Services for Current Students
UMKC is dramatically expanding its academic success and support services for students. Over the summer, the Victor Wilson Learning Collaborative will open on the fourth floor of Miller Nichols Library. This project creates new spaces for key academic support programs, including Bloch Scholars, First Gen Roo, KC Scholars and the Writing Studio.
In May 2025, renovations being to Atterbury Student Success Center, which houses a variety of services aimed at prospective and current students.
The renovated space will be home to Admissions, Advising, the Center for Transfer Students and Adult Learners, Roo Advising, Career Services, Professional Career Escalators, University College and International Student Affairs. It will also include an inviting Welcome Center with a two-story atrium to host prospective students and their families.
UMKC’s robust Career Services programming will expand to add a Professional Wardrobe Studio, giving students a place to browse and try on professional clothing options as well as take headshots for interviews.
UMKC Central, a one-stop shop for students, and the Financial Wellness Center, are both moving from their current location at the Administrative Center to the newly renovated space as well.
4. Grand Opening of Roo Plaza Community Gathering Space in April
Roo Plaza, an enclosed pedestrian plaza on 51st Street between Cherry Street and Rockhill Road, is opening in April in the heart of the UMKC Volker Campus. After spring break, the campus will host a street-party celebration for the grand opening.
The space, now closed to cars, will be transformed with art, furnishings, planters and string lights.
Agrawal said the new space will benefit everyone in the campus and community as a place to meet and hang out between classes and events.
“We have so much in the works right now,” Agrawal said. “Each project ties to specific needs for our students, faculty and the broader Kansas City community.”
5. Celebrating UMKC Excellence in the Community
Agrawal said the dedication and heart of UMKC faculty and staff members bring the university’s mission and vision to life. At UMKC, Roo Spirit is embodied by the extraordinary people behind the scenes, faculty, staff and students who go above and beyond every day to make an impact.
“Their contributions extend far beyond our campus,” Agrawal said. “From lending their time and talents to support vulnerable families to rallying coworkers to serve the greater Kansas City community, UMKC staff reflect what it means to be part of something bigger than themselves. Their spirit of giving reminds us that our university’s strength lies not just in what we achieve, but in how we come together to uplift others.”
Agrawal said that the coming year may bring uncertainty and challenges, which makes connections to the community and finding philanthropic support more important than ever. He applauded the success of UMKC Giving Day, a 24-hour campaign that raised a record-breaking amount this year: more than $1.2 million.
“As we look ahead, let’s take pride in all we have accomplished and keep our sights on building a future where UMKC leads in research, innovation and community impact,” Agrawal said. “Together, we can – and will – shape what’s next.”
