Mizzou Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis

Congratulations Dr. Preis! 👏

🎉 Congratulations to Stacey Preis (BA ’92, MEd ’94, PhD ’09) on being named Interim Commissioner of Education for the state of Missouri. A three-time Mizzou graduate, Preis has dedicated her career to supporting students, educators and schools across the state. We are proud to see her continue to lead Missouri education at the highest level.

Read more: https://brnw.ch/21x3mXt
Mizzou Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis

🐯 Tiger leaders on the move.

Congratulations to Mary Grupe, MEd '12 and Virginia Tate, MEd '08, on their new leadership roles. Grupe has been selected as the director of student support for Columbia Public Schools and Tate has been named principal of Hickman High School for the 2026–27 school year.

Mizzou Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis
Mizzou Department of Special Education

Because we’re still happily celebrating graduation from this weekend, here are a few more pictures of our amazing graduates!

Because we’re still happily celebrating graduation from this weekend, here are a few more pictures of our amazing graduates!

Congratulations Nathaniel! We are so excited to watch you transform the future of education!

Class of 2026 Spotlight 🎓 Nathaniel Claybon Brinkley III, MEd, Educational Leadership & Policy Analysis.

As a first-generation college student, Nathaniel Brinkley says Mizzou’s ELPA program strengthened both his confidence and his vision for the kind of leader he hopes to become. After graduation, he plans to continue growing as a school leader while creating positive environments where educators and students feel supported and empowered to succeed. Read more: https://brnw.ch/21x2xYu

"The principal certification program at Mizzou has helped me become a more intentional leader and reinforced that strong relationships and consistent leadership drive meaningful change. I’m committed to building school cultures where students and staff can thrive."

Congratulations to all the BES students who graduated today. We can’t wait to see how you change the future of education!

CEHD Researchers @ Work: Featured publication. Mueller, C., & Sarkar, T. (2026). Youth Crip Technoscience: Towards Youth-Centered Disability Research & Practice in Schools. Cultural Studies Critical Methodologies, vol. 26. no. 3. https://brnw.ch/21x278V

Congratulations Kobe! We look forward to following your leadership trajectory!

Class of 2026 Spotlight 🎓 Kobe Messick, MEd, Educational Leadership & Policy Analysis

"I feel incredibly fortunate for the support of my cohort and professors as I complete my MEd during my first year of teaching. After a few more years in the classroom, I plan to utilize my degree to transition into a role as a high school principal."

Congratulations Graduates 🎓
If you need a cap and gown come to Truman’s closet for rentals! This year we are allowing graduates to keep their Caps if they choose!! Remember to return after graduation for your gown!!

Celebrating leadership that turns commitment into impact 👏

We’re proud to recognize Sylvia Jauregui, NASPA Region IV-W Communications Coordinator, Senior Residence Hall Coordinator, and current EdD student at Mizzou, for her NASPA Region IV-W Impact in Action Award. Through her dedication, consistency, and thoughtful ex*****on, Sylvia ensured that NASPA Region IV-West’s work was communicated clearly and effectively across platforms.

A quote from her nomination: “From managing LinkedIn and email communications to keeping messaging timely and organized, her efforts kept the community informed, connected, and engaged.

Her reliability and willingness to step in whenever needed made a lasting difference, both behind the scenes and across the entire region.”

Thank you, Sylvia, for strengthening communication and connection through your leadership.