What’s it like to work at Mizzou? We asked 12 staff members // Show Me Mizzou // University of Missouri

May 22, 2025
Photos by Jennifer Manning

Nearly 1,400 University of Missouri staff members gathered on Tuesday for a lunch provided by Staff Advisory Council as part of Staff Recognition Week celebrations. While gathered, 12 employees shared what they enjoy about working for Mizzou.

Miranda Clines

Title: Director of the Child Development Lab

How long have you worked at Mizzou? Three years

What’s the most rewarding part of your job? I love training the next generation of teachers and making sure people can come to the CDL to learn best practices.
Kyle Comins

Title: Programmer analyst, Applications Training Department

How long have you worked at Mizzou? One year

What’s your favorite part of your job? Launch days for apps, getting to see it all happen. Also helping students.
Larry Dietzel

Title: Head of security, Ellis Library

How long have you worked at Mizzou? A little over three years

What’s the best part about what you do? Working with the students and maintaining the safety and security of the library.
Kevin Hughes

Title: Academic advisor, Robert J. Trulaske, Sr. College of Business

How long have you worked at Mizzou? Three years

What’s the most rewarding part of your job? Seeing the students I’ve worked with graduate.
Karsen Idelman

Title: Coordinator of alumni and student programs, Mizzou Alumni Association

How long have you worked at Mizzou? 10 months

What’s the most rewarding part of your job? Working with students every day. They bring a great energy that inspires me to do better work.
Matt MacVey

Title: Impact producer, Reynolds Journalism Institute

How long have you worked at Mizzou? Eight months

What’s your favorite part of your job? I have amazing colleagues. I also enjoy connecting with the different news organizations and learning about them.
Lacey Runge

Title: Assistant director for study abroad, International Programs

How long have you worked at Mizzou? Almost a year

What’s the best part of your job? I like working with the students, helping them see themselves studying somewhere they may not have considered.
Christopher Sovich

Title: Advancement officer, School of Medicine

How long have you worked at Mizzou? Two years

What’s your favorite part of your job? Getting to connect with alumni and to the university at large. Promoting the university in the best way possible.
Colleen Thomas

Title: Lead groundskeeper, Campus Facilities

How long have you worked at Mizzou? 18 years

What is your favorite part about what you do? I take care of the perennials, so I get to work with flowers all day!
Nicole Wells

Title: Human resources recruitment specialist, Human Resources

How long have you worked at Mizzou? Almost two years

What is your favorite part about what you do? I enjoy working with other departments and divisions, learning what everyone else does.
Majiyebo Yacim

Title: Library information specialist, Reynolds Journalism Institute

How long have you worked at Mizzou? More than six years

What is your favorite part of your job? Working with the students. It’s surreal every graduation; getting to see the student journey. I also have awesome coworkers.
Sijie Yao

Title: Advisor, School of Accountancy

How long have you worked at Mizzou? Six years

What’s the most rewarding part of what you do? Making connections with the students and seeing the student outcomes. I went to Mizzou for my undergraduate and graduate degrees and enjoy all the traditions.