Rayna Brown, ’14, ’15, earned her bachelor’s in Occupational Safety and Health and her master’s in Industrial Hygiene at UCM. She was a member of the Association of Student Industrial Hygienists as well as the American Society of Safety Engineers. She now serves as director of environment health safety and sustainability at Catalent Pharma Solutions in Kansas City. 

“The practical nature of the degree programs [at UCM], including the ABET [Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology] designation associated with my degrees, has played a significant role in communicating to my employer the depth of education and technical expertise I received during my degree programs at UCM,” Brown says. “Thank you to UCM and my professors for encouraging me long after graduation to succeed!”

Ebony Davis, ’18, is a social worker for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center in Kansas City. She developed a passion for advocacy as a Social Work student at UCM and went on to earn her master’s in Clinical/Medical Social Work at Loyola University in Chicago. She has worked in the field in a variety of positions and sectors, including as a mental health professional at Truman Medical Center, a group therapist at Compass Health and a crisis social worker at John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital, to name a few. While working full time, she makes time to mentor current students at her alma mater.  

“UCM prepared me for my success by granting me the opportunity to practice within scopes and jobs many would consider undesirable,” Davis says. “However, I saw a need, took the seed that was planted, nurtured it, and I’m still continuing to grow it.”

Matt Faupel, ’13, ’15, is senior property manager at Cushman & Wakefield in the St. Louis area. He earned a bachelor’s in Graphic Arts Technology Management and a master’s in College Student Personnel Administration from UCM. He is active with the Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) of Metropolitan St. Louis and benefits as a lifelong learner from local and international courses and conferences.

“My experience at UCM has directly contributed to my success and helped make me the leader I am today,” Faupel says. “Learning from industry experts in the classroom, then getting to apply that knowledge through events, activities and campus organizations provided me countless learning opportunities. The faculty, staff and community create an atmosphere that is supportive and encourages growth.”

Morgan Hobbs, ’10, is a visual artist and assistant director at Gross McCleaf Gallery in Philadelphia. She is also the owner of Structure and Form Artist Services, established in April 2024. After earning her bachelor’s in Studio Art from UCM, she earned her master’s from the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. 

“The University of Central Missouri provided me with a multifaceted liberal arts education that thoroughly prepared me for a career in the visual arts,” Hobbs says. “In addition to becoming a more knowledgeable and compassionate citizen, I learned critical thinking, writing and communication skills in my art and anthropology courses. My career encompasses academic, business and studio pursuits, and I’m equipped to navigate these disparate spheres thanks to these foundational experiences. The best part of my experience, however, was the personal, professional and mentoring relationships developed during my time at UCM.”

Matt Killen, ’11, is senior director of growth and retention at Audacy Inc., one of the nation’s largest owners of premium radio stations and podcasts. He was a general studies student at UCM, earned his master’s in International Business at Northeastern University in Boston and began his career working for advertising agency VML in the New York City area.

“UCM has provided invaluable training and perspective that have helped me throughout my career,” Killen says. “From [Communication Studies] Professor Wendy Geiger’s lessons on cognitive dissonance and the importance of listening to other perspectives to gaining experience in presentation and public speaking, to building a foundation in analytical thinking, my years in Warrensburg truly have shaped who I am today.”

Alex Kolster, ’13, is director of choirs and secondary fine arts curriculum coordinator at Raytown High School. He describes his experience in UCM’s Music Education program as “formative and robust.” After earning his bachelor’s with a vocal emphasis, he went on to obtain a master’s from the University of Missouri-Kansas City. He has been recognized by the Missouri Choral Directors Association and has served in leadership positions there and for the Missouri Music Educators Association.

“My professors within the Department of Music left an indelible impression on me that continues to shape my music education philosophy and worldview to this day,” Kolster says. “I see myself as an ambassador for UCM, always speaking highly and positively about this institution when talking with my students and colleagues.”

Aly Kowal, ’07, is vice president of employee engagement and development at TierPoint in St. Louis. She also serves on the board of directors for the Little Bit Foundation, providing programs and resources in health and nutrition, academic equity and enrichment, wellness and family support, college and career readiness, and more to children in underserved St. Louis communities. Kowal majored in Broadcast Media in UCM and continues to be active with the Alpha Sigma Alpha national sorority. 

“UCM taught me the importance of community,” Kowal says. “It was easy to belong, join in and have fun. … Professionally, I have the privilege of building community and togetherness in the workplace. I always say, ‘My role is all about how it feels to work here.’ UCM, both in real time and my memories, is a tangible feeling that serves as a beacon for me.”

Andrew Mather, ’12, ’15, is a successful freelance photographer whose clients include the Kansas City Chiefs and UCM Athletics. He is a two-time UCM alumnus, earning his bachelor’s in Photography and master’s in Mass Communication/Media Studies. He has also launched a live music website featuring photo galleries and reviews of concerts in and around the Kansas City area.

“My time in my undergrad program prepared me for a career in photography by teaching me about various photographic scenarios I may find myself in, such as sports, portraiture, editorial, commercial studio work, investigative and event coverage,” Mather says, noting that he has worked professionally in all of these areas. “My graduate program helped to develop my photo skills further by teaching me to see things through the lens of a storyteller rather than just simply capturing what is in front of me.” 

Q. Olivia Rivers, ’08, majored in Criminal Justice at UCM with a minor in Anthropology and Forensic Science. She was a member of UCM’s Lambda Alpha Epsilon chapter of the American Criminal Justice Association and of the Alpha Phi Sigma Criminal Justice Honor Society. She now serves as CEO and founder of The Bridge Over Troubled Waters Inc., providing advocacy and education to end domestic and sexual violence. Rivers founded Q. Olivia Consulting, based in Houston, and serves as president of the board of directors for the Texas Association Against Sexual Assault. 

“Growing up in Warrensburg, I strongly desired to go out of state for college; however, after researching schools in the field of Criminal Justice, I realized that the quality education I needed was right in my backyard,” Rivers says. “When I cross paths with colleagues here in Texas, many are familiar with UCM’s Criminal Justice programs and professors, and that is something to be proud of.”

Holly A. Shores, ’07, ’09, earned her bachelor’s in Aviation Technology and master’s in Occupational Safety Management from UCM. She was first hired by Burns & McDonnell as a summer intern, a position that continued throughout her graduate studies. Her career with the company grew into a full-time position after graduation, and she now serves as Burns & McDonnell’s regional safety and health manager for California.

“The university provided an outstanding environment that fostered my growth into an exceptional safety professional. The professors played a pivotal role, offering not just academic instruction but also real-world insights and mentorship,” Shores says. “Not a day passes in my career where I can’t reflect back on my undergraduate and graduate studies and apply what I learned when I attended UCM.”