Mert Korkali, right, assistant professor in the College of Engineering, with student nominator Benjamin Peter, a senior electrical engineering and mathematics double major.
April 6, 2026
Photos by Logan Jackson
University of Missouri students pursue numerous nationally competitive grants, scholarships and fellowships each 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 21st anniversary of the celebration.
This year’s event honored four faculty members and one doctoral student.
“We spend a lot of time sharing with students about the importance of the process,” Erik Potter, program manager for the Mizzou Office of Global and National Fellowships, said. “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. MU Excels is such a rewarding opportunity to highlight the importance of that process, as well as the vital role that mentors play.”
Three faculty earned the Ann K. Covington Award, which 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.
This year’s awardees are:
- Mary Stegmaier, vice provost for international programs and professor in the Truman School of Government and Public Affairs in the College of Arts and Science
- Mert Korkali, assistant professor of electrical engineering in the College of Engineering
- Elizabeth King, associate professor of biological sciences in the College of Arts and Science
The Robin G. Walker Award for Mentoring was given to Marcello Mogetta, associate professor of Roman art and archaeology. Established in 2022 in collaboration with the Mizzou Graduate School, the award recognizes 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.
The PIVOT Award was given to Lucas Kuehnel, who earned a chemical engineering degree at Mizzou and is currently pursuing a PhD. Kuehnel was involved in the Honors College during his time as an undergraduate student, too. PIVOT, which stands for Professional, Invested, Vulnerable, Optimistic Trailblazer, was created for students who support other students’ fellowship efforts, by offering individual support and sharing their applicant experiences at events. Kuehnel is a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program recipient and has been active in helping the Office of Global and National Fellowships in a variety of capacities.
Read more from the Office of Global and National Fellowships
