Story by Emily Kebert
Photos by Morgan Solomon

Undergraduate photo album  Masters and Ed Specialist photo album Doctoral photo album

A total of 485 students from the University of Missouri College of Education & Human Development were recognized during May commencement ceremonies, celebrating graduates prepared to serve, lead and make an impact in communities across Missouri and beyond.

This spring, the college celebrated 240 undergraduate students and 245 graduate degree recipients across three ceremonies honoring both undergraduate and graduate students. The undergraduate ceremony was held May 15 at Mizzou Arena, where Dean Kui Xie presented candidates for graduation and University of Missouri President Mun Choi conferred degrees. Graduate students were recognized during Graduate School ceremonies held May 17, with degrees conferred by Provost Matthew Martens and Curator Robert Fry.

In remarks to graduates, Xie reflected on the journeys that brought students to commencement and the impact their work will have moving forward.

“Today, you begin the next chapter not only with a degree but with the commitment to serve, to teach, to lead, to innovate and to improve the lives of others,” Xie said during the undergraduate ceremony. “The communities you will touch, the families you will support and the learners you will uplift are the reason we celebrate with you today.”

Undergraduate Student Council President Eliza Pierce also addressed graduates during the ceremony, reflecting on the experiences, friendships and sense of belonging students found during their time at Mizzou.

“Mizzou means home and I am thankful every day that I chose to be here,” said Pierce, who graduated Cum Laude after completing the College’s Honors Program and earning a Bachelor of Science in Education with an emphasis in Middle School Language Arts. 

The ceremonies recognized graduates entering a wide range of professions in education, counseling, leadership, information science, human development and related fields. Throughout their time at Mizzou, students gained hands-on experiences through internships, research, fieldwork and partnerships that prepared them to apply their knowledge in real-world settings.

We spoke with several graduates about how their experiences at Mizzou shaped them as scholars and leaders. Read their stories below: 

Start your journey at Mizzou. Schedule a visit today!