Mizzou College of Arts & Science

08/31/2026

What makes a good society? Are humans naturally wired for conflict — or cooperation? Named one of “TIME” magazine's 100 Most Influential People in the World and bestselling author Nicholas Christakis presents “Blueprint: The Evolutionary Origins of a Good Society.”

📅 Sept. 17
⏰ 6 p.m.
📍 Jesse Auditorium

Presented by Mizzou’s Open Minds Initiative. Free and open to the community.
More info: Open Minds Initiative: Nicholas Christakis
Register here: mizzou.us/Christakis

08/28/2026

Are we destined for conflict, or are we fundamentally wired for cooperation?

Nicholas Christakis, Yale professor and author of “Blueprint: The Evolutionary Origins of a Good Society,” will explore this provocative question at Mizzou.

📅 Sept. 17 ⏰ 6 p.m. 📍 Jesse Auditorium

Discover what evolution, social networks and human behavior can tell us about friendship, cooperation and our shared humanity.

Presented by Mizzou’s Open Minds Initiative. Register here: mizzou.us/Christakis

Photo credit: Evan Mann

Are human beings wired for conflict — or cooperation? Join Nicholas Christakis to explore why our capacity for friendship, cooperation, and goodn...

08/27/2026

Are we destined for conflict, or are we fundamentally wired for cooperation?

Nicholas Christakis, Yale professor and author of “Blueprint: The Evolutionary Origins of a Good Society,” will explore this provocative question at Mizzou.

Discover what evolution, social networks and human behavior can tell us about friendship, cooperation and our shared humanity.

📅 Sept. 17 ⏰ 6 p.m. 📍Jesse Auditorium

Presented by Mizzou’s Open Minds Initiative.

Register here: mizzou.us/Christakis

Photo credit: Evan Mann

No Discover your future. Change the world. Welcome to your new academic home The College of Arts and Science at Mizzou is dedicated to teaching critical thinking and creativity to our students. We are committed to researching the challenges we face to find evidence-based solutions and to enrichin...

08/23/2026

Welcome to Mizzou, Class of 2030! 🐯

07/27/2026

Congratulations to A&S alumnus Michael Leahy, BA ‘14, JD ‘17, Judge Advocate for the United States Air Force and one of this year's Mizzou R.A.H. recipients!

Meet Michael Leahy, BA ‘14, JD ‘17, Judge Advocate for the United States Air Force and one of this year's Mizzou R.A.H. recipients!

While serving with the Air Force, Michael has been able to practice law on three continents, advise commanders on the law of war, and advocate for 700+ service member clients.

His best advice for new graduates is, "In the Air Force, we’re often mentored to ‘grow where you’re planted’ — you won’t always land where you expect at first, but you can succeed and grow no matter where you are. The best experiences I’ve had are from opportunities I didn’t plan for at all."

Way to represent well, Michael!👏

07/20/2026

The Cherng Summer Scholars program allowed Abby Plenge to dive into the hidden history of a decades-old mural — once concealed behind wooden pegboards until uncovered during renovations to Jesse Hall in 2015.

07/20/2026

MICF (Mizzou International Composers Festival) kicks off this week, July 21-25, featuring lectures, workshops, and performances – free and open to the community. Visit newmusic.missouri.edu/micf for the full schedule and to register.

See the The COMO 411 interview with Artistic Director of the Mizzou New Music Initiative, Stefan Freund: www.facebook.com/reel/1695409914944194

07/16/2026

As a classics professor at , Jim Crozier regularly uses Homer’s epics to help students explore timeless themes of identity, home and human resilience. Now he's sharing his expertise with movie-goers as the latest adaptation of "The Odyssey" hits theatres.

07/16/2026

Congratulations to A&S alumnus Mahir Khan, BS ‘13, MPA, MPH ‘16. Mahir is a Public Health Advisor for the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and one of this year’s Mizzou R.A.H. recipients!

Meet Mahir Khan, BS ‘13, MPA, MPH ‘16. Mahir is a Public Health Advisor for the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. After volunteering for the Peace Corps in Botswana, it opened the door for a career in global health at USAID and CDC.

His best advice for new graduates is, "Get out there. Get as far out into the world as you possibly can, and then go farther. It is so important to get out of your comfort zone and experience hardship. Difficult experiences and exposure to different cultures cultivates humility and empathy, which are characteristics you’ll need to succeed professionally and personally no matter where life takes you."

Way to go, Mahir! 👏👏

07/13/2026

Congratulations to A&S alumna Kelly Dougherty (BS ’18, MD ‘22), Family Medicine Physician at Compass Health Network and one of this year’s Mizzou R.A.H. honorees!

Meet Kelly Dougherty, BS ’18, MD ‘22, Family Medicine Physician at Compass Health Network.

She considers her most significant professional accomplishment to be the culmination of her advocacy efforts for individual patients and the health system. Kelly says, “My responsibility only begins clinically and must be continued in Washington, D.C. where policy is made.”

When asked what advice she'd give new graduates, she said, “When the days are hardest, stay rooted in your purpose, invest in yourself, and protect your passions. Lean into your network by fostering genuine connections with both mentors and mentees. The education you have worked so hard for will open doors for you and give you a seat at many important tables.”

Congratulations to Kelly!

Mizzou College of Arts & Science MU School of Medicine