May 19, 2026
Contact: Sara Diedrich, diedrichs@missouri.edu
Photos by Abbie Lankitus
At the University of Missouri, staff members often work behind the scenes, but they play a vital role in supporting faculty, students and the overall Mizzou experience.
From leading collaborations to caring for campus spaces, their work creates an environment where the entire community can thrive.
During Staff Recognition Week, meet four staff members who help keep Mizzou running.
Jenne Parker
Assistant to the dean and senior business service consultant
College of Engineering
If you want to know what’s happening at the College of Engineering, start with Jenne Parker, BA ’03. If she doesn’t have the answer, she knows exactly where to find it.
As assistant to the dean and senior business service consultant, Parker works daily with faculty, staff and students across the college — an experience she values deeply.
“It allows me to see connections across the college that might otherwise go unnoticed,” she said. “When you take the time to support others, you gain a deeper understanding of their work and how it fits into the bigger picture.”
That broad view is what Parker finds most rewarding about her role.
“Engineering is far beyond my own background, but that’s part of what makes it so interesting,” she said. “I get to witness so many innovative and impactful projects, and that constant exposure to new ideas keeps the work exciting.”
After graduating from Mizzou with a degree in hospitality management, Parker spent 13 years at a Jefferson City hotel, building a strong foundation in event planning and coordination. She joined the College of Engineering a decade ago and transitioned to her current role five years later — a move that felt like a natural next step.
Parker enjoys the variety her job offers and the way it brings together many parts of the college. And she knows her work is valued.
“I feel genuinely appreciated and that my perspective matters,” she said. “Being asked for my input and invited to contribute makes me feel invested in what’s happening, and that sense of shared purpose motivates me to come to work each day.”
Marvin Walton
Groundskeeper
Department of Landscape Services
Next time you walk through Francis Quadrangle, notice the pattern in the grass. It’s Marvin Walton’s handiwork.
A member of Mizzou’s Landscape Services, Walton is responsible for mowing this iconic campus space, an honor he doesn’t take lightly. For him, it’s an opportunity to be creative while elevating one of the university’s most photographed landmarks. Among his favorite designs is a zigzag inspired by the markings on Truman the Tiger’s tail.
“I like to stay away from just north-to-south or east-to-west, if I can,” he said.
To execute his patterns, Walton builds off existing grass lines and uses locator flags — similar to those used to mark utilities — to map out each design. Traditional mowing, known as striping, typically involves simple back-and-forth lines for efficiency. Walton, however, aims to avoid monotony.
“I was nervous the first time I did it,” he said. “But I wanted to do something that enhanced the space.”
Mowing Francis Quadrangle takes about 45 minutes to an hour for each side of the Columns. Walton also maintains Carnahan Quadrangle, where he experiments with circular, wave-like patterns and designs that curve around trees. That area takes about an hour to complete.
Walton didn’t initially realize how much attention his work was drawing, but reactions from students, faculty, staff and visitors quickly made it clear.
“I’ll see people in Jesse Hall windows giving me a fist bump,” he said. “I’ve gotten texts from coworkers saying how good the quad looks.”
Campus tour groups often pause to watch him work, and alumni frequently stop to take photos.
“That inspires me to keep going,” he said. “It’s my way of enhancing an already beautiful space.”
Emmie Harcourt
Institutional research analyst
University Data, Analytics and Institutional Research
With more data at its fingertips than ever before, the University of Missouri relies on Emmie Harcourt, BA ’14, MPA ’23, and her co-workers with University Data, Analytics and Institutional Research (UDAIR) to translate complex information into meaningful insights.
As an institutional research analyst with UDAIR, Harcourt leads the university’s reporting for reputational rankings — most notably U.S. News & World Report — compiling, validating and submitting data during annual cycles while also responding to follow-up requests to ensure accuracy and integrity.
“Our work plays a role in how the university is perceived externally,” Harcourt said. “Reputational rankings can influence recruitment and admissions, so it’s critical that the data we submit is accurate and thoroughly vetted.”
UDAIR brings together analytics and institutional research to support the university with trusted data, strategic insights and consistent standards.
Harcourt’s work focuses on institutional research and includes completing required federal reports, which are essential for maintaining eligibility for funding such as federal financial aid. On top of that, she helps campus leaders interpret data so they can plan effectively, whether that’s around enrollment, course offerings or long-term strategy.
For Harcourt, those responsibilities are also what make the role engaging.
“I work with a great team and collaborate with colleagues across campus, which I really enjoy,” she said. “I also like the problem-solving aspect of the job. Much of the work feels like solving a puzzle, figuring out how to pull together the right data to answer a question.”
She credits Mizzou’s Graduate School for sparking her passion for data-focused work.
“Now, I’m in a role where I can continue developing those skills and applying them in meaningful ways,” she said.
Eric Henley
Building trades specialist
Facility Operations
If you’re looking for Eric Henley on the job, you’ll probably need to look up to find him.
For nearly 20 years, he’s maintained roofs across the university, tackling the challenges of keeping up with many types of materials and construction for Mizzou’s Facility Operations. About four years ago, he stepped into a supervisory role, now leading a team of roofers and painters responsible for keeping facilities in top shape.
“I’m outside on rooftops, seeing great views and experiencing different parts of campus every single day,” he said. “It’s a unique place to work.”
Originally from Jefferson City, Missouri, Henley joined the Navy after high school, then spent 13 years in commercial roofing before coming to Mizzou, where he has continued to expand his expertise.
“Our job is to provide safe, comfortable spaces where students can learn without distractions like leaking roofs or deteriorating paint,” he said. “We want campus environments to feel welcoming and well cared for.”
For Henley, one of the rewards of working across campus is seeing older spaces transformed into something modern while still preserving their character.
“With new technology and fresh paint, a classroom can feel completely different,” he said. “Right now, the work happening in the Medical Science Building stands out — updated hallways and renovated lab spaces are really coming together.”
What keeps Henley motivated is supporting his team by making sure they feel fulfilled and appreciated.
“I try to stay positive and find ways to keep each person engaged by matching them with work they enjoy and take pride in,” he said.
And just as much as he dedicates himself to maintaining campus, Henley invests in the relationships he’s built across campus.
“Those connections help me do my job better because I understand different perspectives and needs,” he said. “With older buildings and complex infrastructure, we often run into unusual problems, and people rely on our team to help find solutions.”
