February 2026 News at UCM

Associate Professors Publish Book on Digital Literacy

Lauren Hays, Ph.D., associate professor and program coordinator of Educational Technology, and Jenna Kammer, Ph.D., associate professor and program coordinator of Library Science, have authored a new book focused on digital literacy.

Published by ALA Editions, "Digital Literacy in Public Libraries" provides a holistic view of digital literacy support across the full spectrum of the public library. 

“Dr. Hays and I have co-authored several books together, but this is our first project dedicated specifically to the public library’s role in advancing digital literacy,” Kammer said. “We wanted to center the work that public librarians do every day to ensure equitable access, build critical thinking skills and strengthen communities through digital learning.”

“Dr. Kammer and I both care deeply about digital literacy and equipping educators and librarians with the tools to serve their communities effectively,” Hays said. “This book represents our effort to do just that. Having authored previous works on digital literacy, this project felt like a natural progression. We anticipate continuing work in this area and deepening our collaboration with educators and public librarians.”

Libraries are digital environments that store and preserve written information electronically and provide digital access to information, enabling the community to learn about a variety of topics. That means media literacy and digital literacy initiatives are a perfect fit for libraries.

The book is geared toward public library workers, library board members and anyone who wants to better understand the digital literacy imperative in public libraries. Kammer and Hays offer real-world examples of how libraries can shift from answering on-the-fly tech questions to implementing full-scale digital literacy programs. 

“Digital literacy has become essential to everyday life,” Kammer said. “Technology is changing fast! Public libraries sit at the center of their communities in the perfect position to bridge digital divides and provide opportunities for the public to gain the skills they need to be successful online.”

Fashion Students & Professors Attend MAGIC Trade Show

Four students and two professors from the Fashion and Apparel Merchandising program visited the MAGIC Trade Show on Feb. 17 in Las Vegas. 

MAGIC is one of the largest apparel, footwear, accessory and sourcing trade shows in the world, where vendors, factories and buyers from around the world meet to see merchandise for the upcoming seasons. Students attend as guests to learn how trade shows work, meet industry professionals and gain real-world experience by glimpsing into the life of a buyer or wholesale brand rep.

The students’ flights were paid for thanks to generous alumni donations and profits from The Fashion Shop micro-business. This optional trip is offered each February to offer a real-world connection to what students learn in buying, entrepreneurship, branding and product development classes.

Pictured, from left, are Erica Spurgeon, chair of the School of Industrial Sciences and Technology; students Rachel Gardner and Jolene Schmitt; Melissa Abner, associate professor and program coordinator of Fashion and Apparel Merchandising; and students Dally Bruns and Avery Barr.

Biology Students & Employees Attend Missouri Natural Resources Conference

Several students, staff and faculty from the Department of Biological and Clinical Sciences attended the Missouri Natural Resources Conference on Feb. 3-5 in Osage Beach, Missouri. 

More than 20 students attended, with five presenting their novel research. Gladys Adaran, an international graduate student, won first place in the Fisheries poster competition for her research titled "Microbial Communities in the Pyloric Cecum and Gut of Lake Sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens): Roles in Digestion and Energy Metabolism."

Pictured is Adaran with her winning poster.

UCM Hosts U.S. Bank Idea Jam Competition

Innovation was on full display Feb. 18 when UCM hosted the U.S. Bank Idea Jam, an intensive competition that challenged 30 students to solve real-world business hurdles through creative thinking and collaboration. Participants worked in teams to develop original concepts and pitch their solutions to a panel of professional judges in the Elliott Student Union.

The winning teams received scholarships for their outstanding presentations: $1,000 per person for first place, $500 per person for second place and $250 per person for third place.

“The U.S. Bank Idea Jam provided students with a valuable hands-on learning experience, allowing them to apply classroom knowledge to practical challenges while building teamwork, creativity and presentation skills,” said Matthew Houseworth, associate dean of the Harmon College of Business and Professional Studies (HCBPS). “Events like the Idea Jam reflect UCM’s ongoing commitment to experiential learning and strong partnerships with industry leaders such as U.S. Bank.”

The U.S. Bank Innovation Studio has brought the event to universities across the country as part of the bank’s efforts to promote innovation and provide students with a way to showcase their creativity, problem-solving skills and entrepreneurial spirit, with guidance from local U.S. Bank leaders and bankers.

Pictured is Doug Davenport, dean of the HCBPS, left, and members of the winning team.

Assistant Professor of Theatre Serves as Lighting Designer for KC Production

Alice Combs, assistant professor of Theatre (Lighting/Sound Design), was the lighting designer for Kansas City Sinfonietta’s “Winter's Journey” on Feb. 13 and 15 at the Just Off Broadway Theatre in Kansas City, Missouri.

Kansas City Sinfonietta tells stories by carefully curating programs, commissioning new works and creating interdisciplinary collaborations that especially center Kansas Citians. They perform musical programs with thematic unity and theatrical continuity, sharing a complete story. 

“Winter’s Journey (Winterreise)” traces the poetic journey of one man from lost love into the mystifying, isolating cold of winter.

Elliott Student Union Hosts Annual Bowling with the Bests

On Feb. 4, the Elliott Student Union hosted its annual Bowling with the Bests in the Union Bowling Center. 

The night kicked off with a featured game as President Roger Best and the college deans set the evening’s high score, challenging students to top it for a chance to win a prize. After the opening round, students continued bowling, mingling and talking with campus leaders and peers outside the classroom. Dinner was provided by Sodexo.

Bowling with the Bests offered students a memorable opportunity to relax, connect and feel more at home on campus, all while enjoying a fun night of bowling, food and conversation with UCM leadership.

Pictured are First Lady Robin Best and President Roger Best.