May 11, 2026
Contact: Brian Consiglio, consigliob@missouri.edu
Photo courtesy of Mathew Kimaku
The University of Missouri Honors College prioritizes in-depth study, experiential learning, scholarship, student engagement and leadership. Mathew Kimaku took advantage of all those opportunities and more.
In addition to pursuing the Honors Certificate, Kimaku served on the Alumni Association Student Board (AASB), as a student ambassador for the College of Health Sciences and worked as a care tech associate at MU Health Care’s University Hospital.
He also served as vice president of Omicron Delta Kappa, one of Mizzou’s six secret honorary societies.
The Lee’s Summit, Missouri, native is set to graduate this weekend with a degree in health science from the College of Health Sciences and a degree in nutrition and exercise physiology from the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources. Afterward, he’ll head back to the Kansas City area, leaving behind a legacy of service, scholarship and support for future generations of Tigers.
Limitless opportunities
When choosing a university, Kimaku wanted a place that would prepare him for medical school and somewhere he could get involved. With a teaching hospital on campus and more than 650 student organizations, Mizzou was the perfect place.
“As a freshman, it seemed like there were a billion different ways to get involved, and that’s something special that you might not get at smaller schools,” he said. “Applying to be on AASB as a freshman took courage because there were so many interviews where you really put yourself out there. Looking back on it now, I’m happy that I wasn’t afraid of failure. I had so many great mentors at Mizzou pouring into me with support, including those in the Honors College encouraging me to pursue scholarship opportunities. Now I try to be the biggest cheerleader for others.”
Serving as president of AASB his sophomore year, Kimaku oversaw marquee Tiger events such as Senior Sendoff and the announcements of the recipients of the Mizzou 18 and the Mizzou ’39 awards.
“That experience taught me the importance of responsibility,” Kimaku said. “I also loved supporting student leaders at Mizzou, including students with Tour Team, Homecoming Royalty, Summer Welcome and the Missouri Students Association, as I got to meet students from all different walks of life and learn so much about the pride Tigers feel being involved on campus.”
Kimaku was one of four Tigers who received the 2025 Remington R. Williams Award, a University of Missouri System honor that symbolizes the lasting impact Kimaku has made on Mizzou through his service and leadership.
“I truly care about Mizzou, and being around so many other great student leaders made me realize that iron sharpens iron,” Kimaku said. “I’ve grown in my ability to recognize the achievements of others, and I’ve learned the importance of being slow to speak and quick to listen.”
Working as a care tech associate in University Hospital’s emergency department, Kimaku gained hands-on experience transporting stroke patients to get computed tomography scans and assisting employees performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation for those in need.
“The things I’ve learned in class, especially in the Honors College, related to critical thinking, anatomy and physiology are directly applicable to trying to save lives in the emergency department,” Kimaku said. “This experience made me realize that my schoolwork can help me serve people who are, unfortunately, in terrible situations when they come into the emergency department. It’s been humbling.”
As a student ambassador for the College of Health Sciences, Kimaku enjoys telling prospective students about the variety of career paths within the field of health care. In addition to becoming nurses or doctors, students can also pursue careers in physical therapy, respiratory therapy, occupational therapy, nuclear medicine or public health.
Kimaku added a major in nutrition and exercise physiology toward the end of his freshman year after learning about the impact nutrition can have on individuals.
“Nutrition is something we can use to try to prevent diseases rather than just treating symptoms,” Kimaku said. “Hopefully, I can take what I learned at Mizzou to raise awareness about what people can do to better themselves in a sustainable way.”
Life’s next chapter
Having just taken the Medical College Admission Test, Kimaku plans to work for a year either in a hospital or for a public health agency before starting medical school.
While he’s excited about the future, Kimaku’s best piece of advice for current and prospective Mizzou students is to enjoy the present.
“You don’t have to have it all figured out already, so just enjoy the moment when you are at Mizzou,” Kimaku said. “You don’t realize this until you graduate, but there is really no other experience in life that is so interdisciplinary and flexible as being in college at a flagship university like Mizzou. Take it all in and have fun with it.”
