University of Central Missouri

06/23/2026

With heavy hearts, we are letting you know that Zaid Mahir, Ph.D., assistant professor of English, passed away on Thursday, June 18.

Zaid joined UCM in August 2013 as an instructor and was promoted to assistant instructor in 2021 and to assistant professor in 2022. Known to both care for and challenge his students, he taught composition classes as well as advanced literature courses. He was a specialist in postcolonial theory and comparative literature, and his work ranged from classics of Arabic literature to contemporary American fiction, making him an invaluable member of the Department of English. Zaid recently published his first book on the roots of the oral tradition in the Arabian Nights, “The Storyteller: Impact of Oral Tradition on the Thousand and One Nights.” Colleagues said Zaid was not only a valued and respected member of the department but also a kind and generous person who was a pleasure to know and work with.

He earned a master’s in English Language and Literature from the University of Baghdad-Iraq and a doctorate in English Language and Literature from the University of Missouri–Columbia.

The Arab Cultural Center–St. Louis, where Zaid served as vice president, will host a memorial gathering in his honor from noon to 6 p.m. Sunday, June 28, at the Turkish Cultural Center, 664 Lemay Ferry Road in St. Louis.

We recognize that the loss of a colleague, close friend or family member can be traumatic. If you would like assistance, the university offers counseling resources for faculty and staff through the employee assistance program. SupportLinc can be reached at 888-881-5462 (answered 24/7), at supportline.com or via the eConnect® mobile app with group code: ucm. You can find information under the Employee Assistance Program tab on the Human Resources internal resources webpage. Students seeking support are encouraged to contact UCM’s Counseling Center, located in Humphreys H190. The Crisis Support Line is available 24 hours a day at 660-543-8008.

We are keeping Zaid Mahir’s family, friends, co-workers and students in our thoughts and extend our deepest condolences for their loss.

06/22/2026

UCM and Metropolitan Community College-Kansas City are redefining what's possible for Kansas City area students — because "transfer" shouldn't mean starting from scratch.

The new UCM Direct Connect agreement with MCC builds a concurrent enrollment pathway that lets students earn their MCC associate degree while already plugged into UCM advising, support services and campus life. Complete the associate degree, enter UCM at junior status. A $2,000 renewable scholarship helps make the math work.

Ten years. All MCC campuses. Starts fall 2026. Two institutions deciding that the space between community college and a four-year degree doesn't have to feel like a gap at all.

Read more about the Direct Connect agreement at https://bit.ly/4uLMBNz.

06/18/2026

Ever wondered what it takes to bring the daily news to life? Join UCM alumnus Ron Johnson (’16) for an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at his day as a Multimedia Journalist/Reporter for WOWT in Omaha, Nebraska!

Filmed during the spring semester—complete with some of that classic, unpredictable spring snow—this feature shows how our alumni are out there redefining what's possible every single day.

06/17/2026

Our Stomping Ground wouldn't be the same without them!

06/15/2026

UCM President Roger Best will be featured in several local radio interviews this week, offering updates and conversation about the latest news from the University of Central Missouri.

On Tuesday, Dr. Best is scheduled to appear at approximately 8:45 a.m. with Woody Woods for the Johnson County Today segment on 1450 AM KOKO.

On Wednesday, Dr. Best is scheduled to participate in two additional radio interviews, with appearances planned on Sedalia’s KDRO AM 1490 / FM 101.3 and KPOW Power 97.7 beginning around 8:30 a.m.

Tune in to hear more from UCM’s president about what’s happening at the university.

06/12/2026

Congratulations to UCM's 2026 "Education for Service" award recipients: Adam Runyan (right), Keri Busker (left) and Emma Rice (middle)! 👏

UCM's long-standing motto is a commitment to community, learning and servant leadership. Thank you to these three incredible individuals for going above and beyond to make an impact on and off campus!

Check out the full story here: https://bit.ly/4vJ1GjJ

06/10/2026

Hello, summer. ☀️ 🌷

06/08/2026

UCM closed out the academic year strong! May was packed with major achievements, from The Muleskinner bringing home 24 state awards to impactful faculty research and community partnerships.

Click the link below to catch up on all the campus news from last month here in our Stomping Ground.

As the 2025-26 academic year came to a close at the University of Central Missouri (UCM), students and employees were showcasing their expertise. Student technical writers completed an extensive handbook revision for the League of Women Voters, while faculty and staff members presented at conference...

06/05/2026

Loving all the energy at our new student orientation! ❤️ We caught up with some of our incoming freshmen to see what they're most excited for as they step onto their future Stomping Ground.
UCM Office of Undergraduate Admissions