May 8, 2025
Contact: Janese Heavin, heavinj@missouri.edu
Photos by Sam Cox, Reagan Manis and Sophia Scheller
April showers brought May flowers to the University of Missouri as Tigers headed into the final weeks of the semester.
To celebrate their achievements, we're showcasing work from our talented student photographers, Sam Cox, Reagan Manis and Sophia Scheller.
Here are some of their favorite photos from April.
Sam Cox
Sam Cox, a sophomore at the Missouri School of Journalism, shares his thoughts on research, rabbits and reflections.
Some of my favorite photos of campus were taken when I didn’t have any intention of using my camera. It might be the walk to work in the morning or the walk back at night when I find myself awestruck enough to unpack my camera and make the most of the moment.
This image was taken on my walk home from work when I found myself enjoying one of these moments in early April under a perfect sunset.
One of the most enriching aspects of working as a photographer is finding yourself educated by the wealth of people you get to meet at work. You might find yourself talking to an engineer about new research or an artist about their award-winning display. No matter where you end up, you get the privilege of being the observer, not the expert.
Show Me Research Week allows students of all levels to present projects from a diverse range of majors and subjects. Around 500 students eagerly describe their work to visiting students, professors and family. As a visiting photographer, I was able to enjoy these presentations as well.
Just about any walk on campus after dusk comes with a sighting of bunnies. They stick to groups of two to four, hang out in the grass and retreat to the bushes when students push their boundaries. This one was oddly comfortable with my approach despite the large lens pointed directly in its direction.
A regular part of work for Mizzou Visual Productions is finding creative new ways to highlight campus. The more hours I spend roaming, the more I find myself pushing to look in directions I hadn’t previously considered.
This image came as a result of challenging myself to focus on reflections for a couple hours. The Mizzou Student Center, with its large glass walls, naturally drew my attention — often catching the gaze of my wandering eye on walks to class.
Reagan Manis
Reagan Manis is a junior at the Missouri School of Journalism. His favorite photos from April celebrate the beauty of Mizzou on Earth Day.
Pots of flowers add pops of color on Lowry Mall as students walk to and from Jesse Hall.
Outside of Switzler Hall on Francis Quadrangle provides a perfect study spot for students who want to take advantage of sunny days.
Mizzou's campus doubles as a botanic garden, providing foliage, flowers and fantastic photo ops.
With more than 5,600 inventoried trees showcasing textured bark, sky-reaching branches and vibrant seasonal color, it's no wonder Mizzou is a designated Tree Campus.
Biodegradable confetti adds a whimsical touch to academic surroundings when students take photos on Francis Quad for graduation announcements.
Sophia Scheller
Sophia Scheller, a senior journalism major, shares the inspiration behind her top three photos of the month.
It took a while to frame up this shot, but I was able to take advantage of people walking in front of the Mizzou Student Center to capture students outside of the Mizzou Student Center on a sunny day.
I loved the vibrant color of the freshly planted flowers in front of Memorial Union. I decided to get low to capture the brightness and beauty of campus.
I've kept coming back to the Yielding Spire sculpture outside of Lowry Mall throughout my time at Mizzou. I have enjoyed seeing the surrounding trees lose their leaves, gather snow and grow back during the spring.
