At the University of Central Missouri, we believe in the power of stories to inform, inspire and connect. The UCM News Bureau serves as the university's central source for official news, announcements and feature stories that highlight the achievements, events and initiatives shaping our campus community.
Our team provides timely, accurate and engaging content that reflects the university's commitment to academic excellence, student success and community engagement. Whether you're a student, faculty or staff member, alumnus, journalist or visitor, we invite you to explore our latest updates and discover the many ways UCM is redefining what's possible locally, nationally and globally.
On this episode of Central Speaks, we sit down with Dr. Dawn Pauling, associate instructor of biology at UCM, whose career has taken her from tracking wildlife in the wilds of Alaska to researching one of the most misunderstood diseases in history—the plague. Dr. Pauling pulls back the curtain on her journey into wildlife disease research, busts a few plague myths and explains why hands-on, curiosity-driven learning is a major part of the UCM experience. We talk about why engaging students in real-world inquiry matters, how UCM supports that mission, and what it means to prepare the next generation of scientists not just to learn science—but to do it.
May 20, 2025
In this episode of Central Speaks, we meet Tiffany Cochran, a UCM alumna and Senior Director of Events and Alumni Engagement. She shares her inspiring journey from scholarship student studying Fashion and Apparel Merchandising to leader in alumni engagement, reflecting on the pivotal role scholarships played in her education, her successful career in retail management, and her transition into higher education. Tiffany emphasizes the importance of community involvement, mentorship and building lasting connections with alumni.
April 15, 2025
We meet Dr. Matt Howdeshell, vice president of Intercollegiate Athletics at the University of Central Missouri. We discuss his background, his vision for UCM athletics, the importance of community engagement, and the initiatives he has implemented to support student athletes, including nutrition and mental health services. The conversation also touches on myths surrounding university athletics, the challenges of following a legendary predecessor and Howdeshell's management style and team-oriented culture.
April 15, 2025
On this episode of Central Speaks, we sit down with Dr. Dawn Pauling, associate instructor of biology at UCM, whose career has taken her from tracking wildlife in the wilds of Alaska to researching one of the most misunderstood diseases in history—the plague. Dr. Pauling pulls back the curtain on her journey into wildlife disease research, busts a few plague myths and explains why hands-on, curiosity-driven learning is a major part of the UCM experience. We talk about why engaging students in real-world inquiry matters, how UCM supports that mission, and what it means to prepare the next generation of scientists not just to learn science—but to do it.
May 20, 2025
In this episode of Central Speaks, we meet Tiffany Cochran, a UCM alumna and Senior Director of Events and Alumni Engagement. She shares her inspiring journey from scholarship student studying Fashion and Apparel Merchandising to leader in alumni engagement, reflecting on the pivotal role scholarships played in her education, her successful career in retail management, and her transition into higher education. Tiffany emphasizes the importance of community involvement, mentorship and building lasting connections with alumni.
April 15, 2025
We meet Dr. Matt Howdeshell, vice president of Intercollegiate Athletics at the University of Central Missouri. We discuss his background, his vision for UCM athletics, the importance of community engagement, and the initiatives he has implemented to support student athletes, including nutrition and mental health services. The conversation also touches on myths surrounding university athletics, the challenges of following a legendary predecessor and Howdeshell's management style and team-oriented culture.
April 15, 2025
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UCM boasts a diverse faculty and staff with expertise across a wide range of subjects. Visit our Experts Directory to find individuals willing to share information with the news media and local organizations.
Main Areas: Missouri Legislative Session, Employment Opportunities in Politics and Government for College Students, Current Events and Their Political Implications
660-543-4365
dpearce@ucmo.edu
Main Areas: Wildlife Disease, Vector-Borne Pathogens, Plague Sylvatic Cycle, Microbial Genetics, Microbial Ecology
660-543-8027
pauling@ucmo.edu
Main Areas: Entomology, Butterfly Conservation, Pollination
660-543-8880
marschalek@ucmo.edu
UCM's Integrated Marketing and Communications (IMC) staff is available to answer media questions, present an overview of our campus community, identify subject-matter experts in our faculty, provide photos/video footage and work with you on articles related to higher education.
