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The fourth annual Faculty Excellence Week began with the annual Kickoff event Tuesday on the steps of Jesse Hall. Rain didn’t stop the festivities, which were moved inside the Rotunda as everyone rallied at the last minute to ensure the event was a success. Mini Mizzou played outside on the porch and faculty band Threshers’ Union was still able to perform inside. Truman was even there with his umbrella to greet faculty as they came inside.
Faculty Council co-sponsored the event. Members handed out stickers and greeted faculty.
Tom Warhover, Faculty Council chair, said, “It’s more important than ever that we celebrate each other and celebrate the great work that faculty do every day. “
Faculty were encouraged to stop by one of seven local food trucks parked outside and come inside to have lunch with their colleagues.
Melt Masters, founded by four Mizzou students, was one of several food trucks recently vandalized—they started a GoFundMe to raise money for the cost of everything stolen and damaged. They will take a short break to recover from their losses, but they still braved the weather and showed up to serve lunch to faculty at this event.
While some faculty will be recognized for specific accomplishments at events later this week, the Kickoff event is a chance to take a break before the end of the semester and commemorate the hard work, collaboration and dedication of all Mizzou faculty over the last year.
“Whether it is in the areas of innovation, grantsmanship, book-writing, or the arts, it’s important that we take a moment to celebrate and support one another’s work,” said Brad Prager, a Faculty Fellow for Faculty Success with the Office of the Provost, “And it’s not only for the faculty, but it’s for the Mizzou community — I hope that the events this week help show off our great and accomplished faculty to students, alumni, and other Missourians.”
Other events throughout the week will celebrate the newest Kemper Fellows, faculty book authors in 2024, and winners of internal, external and UM System awards over the past year.