MLK Freedom Scholarship Banquet Showcases Power of Art and Education

From left, UCM President Roger Best, The Center Director Lover Chancler, scholarship recipients Mike Taylor and
Aleyja Baskerville, and Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Tim Crowley. Recipients Jonathan Crispin,
Nicholas Miller, Kyler Schnell, Elliott Everett and Alejandra Gomez-Carbajal were unable to attend.

 

The University of Central Missouri (UCM) commemorated the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.'s enduring legacy by showcasing art and awarding scholarships at the annual MLK Freedom Scholarship Banquet on Tuesday, January 20.

The banquet, hosted in the Elliott Student Union Ballrooms, is the highlight of the university’s MLK Celebration. This year’s theme is “From Dream to Reality: Building Our Beloved  Community.” Guests enjoyed performances from UCM and community members and watched the scholarship presentation. All funds raised go directly to deserving UCM students through two scholarship funds.

Shari Bax, Ph.D., vice president for Student Experience and Engagement, and Lover Chancler, Ph.D., director of The Center, presented eight scholarships to UCM students. 

The Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship provides opportunities for students from cultures, races or ethnicities that have been historically underrepresented in higher education. Undergraduate students are eligible. The Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship recipients are:

Aleyja Baskerville, of Kansas City, Missouri, is a Nursing major who plans to graduate in May. She loves caring for others and hopes to work as an operating room nurse before exploring travel nursing or moving to a scenic location to build her future home. She currently works as a tech at Research Medical Center, gaining valuable experience to grow in her career.

Jonathan Crispin, of Kansas City, Missouri, is a Political Science major with minors in Gender and Sexuality Studies and History. He is active on campus with UCM College Democrats, the Pre-Law Student Association, and will serve as president of the Political Science and International Studies Club. Crispin hopes to attend law school to pursue a career in immigration or labor law. 

Michael Taylor Jr., of Kansas City, Missouri, is a Nursing major whose passion for caring for others began after helping care for his mother during hospice, an experience that strengthened his faith and purpose. He is involved with Risen and the Association of Black Collegians, helping create supportive spaces for students and serving the campus community. Taylor hopes to continue his education in nursing and pursue a career in midwifery.

Nicholas Miller, of St. Louis, Missouri, is a Marketing major with a Health Science minor. He is passionate about football, community service and building lasting relationships. He plans to work in medical sales. 

The MLK Freedom Scholarship, established in 1994, is awarded to students who actively participate in community-building activities at UCM or in their home communities. It provides opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students from historically underrepresented groups in higher education. The MLK Freedom Scholarship recipients are:

Kyler Schnell, of Blue Springs, Missouri, is an Accounting major with a Spanish minor. He hopes to pursue a career in forensic accounting or financial law enforcement, combining his interest in justice with a commitment to service. Schnell stays active through fitness and the gym. 

Elliott Everett, of Excelsior Springs, Missouri, is a sophomore majoring in Secondary Education with a minor in History. 

Erika Parrish, of Independence, Missouri, is majoring in Political Science with minors in Legal Studies and Agriculture. A recipient of the KC Scholars program, Parrish works in the Center for Global Education, helping students create meaningful study abroad experiences. Beyond UCM, she volunteers with KC Defenders and has participated in national cohorts with Citizen University and Global Ties KC, gaining experience in civic engagement. 

Alejandra Gomez-Carbajal, who graduated in December, majored in Construction Management with a minor in Business Administration. Born in Mexico and raised in Kansas City, Missouri, she has overcome significant obstacles as a DACA student and survivor of a serious car accident that required multiple surgeries and years of rehabilitation. Gomez-Carbajal now lives in Texas and is a Field Engineer with Keller North America. 

“The success of the MLK Freedom Scholarship relies on the generosity and support of individuals like you who share our commitment to fostering positive change in the pursuit of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s dream,” Chancler told those in attendance. “These outstanding students have demonstrated an unwavering dedication to creating a more just and inclusive society.”

Capt. Sha’Quan Clarke, who previously served in the 509th Munitions Squadron at Whiteman Air Force Base and is now an entrepreneur, served as the evening’s emcee.

The event included artistic expressions of what it means to live King’s dream. UCM students presented a cultural fashion show, a trio dance, a multicultural dialogue, and original poems, including one by scholarship recipient Mike Taylor. The banquet also featured performances by the UCM Jazz Combo and the Center Stage Academy of the Performing Arts.

The evening’s guest speaker was Marlene Vann, Ed.S., a high school vice principal with Kansas City Public Schools. With more than 20 years of experience in special education and school leadership, she is a strong advocate for student-centered education. She believes every student deserves a high-quality learning experience tailored to their unique needs. Vann is a two-time graduate of UCM, earning a bachelor’s degree in Public Relations and a master’s degree in Special Education. She is also a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. and has served as a graduate advisor for the Pi Xi chapter at UCM for 15 years.

Melissa Werner, chair of the Warrensburg Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, introduced this year’s Community Service Award recipients, Warrensburg resident Delores “Dee” Hudson and Holden High School student Abby Miller. The pair was recognized for their efforts during last week’s MLK Community Service Awards luncheon.

For more information about UCM’s 2026 MLK Celebration, contact Chancler at chancler@ucmo.edu or visit ucmo.edu/mlk.