Story and photos by Logan Jackson

University of Missouri students pursue a variety of nationally competitive grants, scholarships and fellowships throughout the academic year – but they don’t do so alone. In addition to their faculty mentors, the Mizzou Office of Global and National Fellowships aids students during the application journey as they navigate the various requirements, all the while exploring their interests, building their skills, articulating their goals and developing lasting mentor relationships.

The advisors within the office make sure students celebrate that journey as well. That is the primary focus of the annual MU Excels event, which not only recognizes student applicants, but also shines a light on the important role mentors play throughout the process. This year marked the 20th anniversary of the annual celebration.

This year’s event, which was held on Thursday, March 13, honored three faculty members and one doctoral student.

“MU Excels is all about honoring the process,” said Erik Potter, program manager for the Mizzou Office of Global and National Fellowships. “Our students see so much personal growth when they engage with their applications, and no matter the award outcome, that’s something no one can take away.”

Elizabeth Brixey, a professor of journalism, and Jacqueline Limberg, an associate professor of nutrition and exercise physiology, were recognized with the Ann K. Covington Award. This prestigious award honors faculty and staff who continue Covington’s legacy of student mentorship. Covington is a retired Missouri Supreme Court judge, a retired member of the University of Missouri Board of Curators and a graduate of the Mizzou School of Law. She also served on the Truman Scholarship campus nomination committee for many years, offering sound guidance and counsel to many student applicants.

Brixey was welcomed by student nominator Yasmeen Saadi, a senior journalism major. Limberg was honored by Samuel Martin, a senior biological sciences major.

The Robin G. Walker Award was given to Jung Ha-Brookshire, professor and chair of the Department of Textile and Apparel Management (TAM). This specific award was established in 2022, in collaboration with the Mizzou Graduate School, to recognize a faculty or staff member who has effectively supported a Mizzou graduate or professional student’s efforts in applying for a globally or nationally competitive award. Walker worked at Mizzou for 20 years, serving as a curriculum writer, grant writer, and director of leadership and professional development in the Mizzou Graduate School.

Emma Nicoson, a graduate student in the Department of Textile and Apparel Management, spoke as Ha-Brookshire’s student nominator.

“Our students can’t do what they do without mentors, and these faculty members are the epitome of what our students need; someone to encourage them, challenge them and guide them,” Potter said.

The final award of the afternoon was the PIVOT Award, given to Jasmine Godwin, a doctoral student in the Department of Human Development and Family Science. PIVOT stands for Professional, Invested, Vulnerable, Optimistic Trailblazer. The award was created for students who support other students’ fellowship efforts, by offering 1-on-1 support and sharing their applicant experiences at events. Godwin is a National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) recipient and her research mentor is Antoinette Landor, an associate professor in the College of Education and Human Development.

“Jasmine is a brilliant researcher, a fantastic teacher and willing to share her knowledge with others,” said Nina Wilson-Keenan, a coordinator and advisor in the Mizzou Office of Global and National Fellowships. “She is someone who truly exemplifies all the Mizzou values we hold dear.”