July 17, 2026
University of Missouri photographer Abbie Lankitus is earning international recognition for capturing the people, places and discoveries that define Mizzou.
Lankitus was recently named one of top 10 university photographers by the University Photographers' Association of America (UPAA), an international organization that supports photographers and videographers working in higher education.
She ranked No. 8 overall based on images submitted throughout the organization's Monthly Image Contest and the UPAA Annual Photo Competition, during which she also received honorable mention recognition.
- An aerial photograph of an agricultural drone flying above a corn field, which placed second in the science and research category during the September monthly competition.
- A photograph of Memorial Student Union, which placed third in the campus environment category in November.
- Triple-exposed photos of two Mizzou professors stitched together with an astronomy-themed backdrop, which placed fourth in the science and research category in January.
"It's always an incredible honor to be recognized by my peers, but even more important to me this year is being among the top 10 individuals," Lankitus said. "This milestone could not have been achieved without the support and encouragement of this organization and the work we all do in service of our universities. I'm also thankful to Mizzou for the many opportunities to create meaningful work and highlight the stories of our students, faculty, staff and campus."
