It’s already an A+ year for Kansas City’s academic scene. The University of Missouri-Kansas City has just minted R1 status from the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education — landing our Roos among the nation’s top universities.
By the numbers
Like any good student, going above and beyond expectations is what landed UMKC in the company of research powerhouses like Harvard and Stanford:
134. Surpassing the required average of 70, that’s the number of research doctorates the university awarded last year.
$5 million. That’s how much UMKC exceeded the Carnegiebenchmark of $50 million spent on research and development.
6%. Out of 2,800+ four-year institutions, only 187 universities (~6%) are awarded R1 status.
Other regional R1s include KU, K-State, Missouri S&T, and Mizzou. UMKC is the first Kansas City institution to receive the honor.
What does this mean for KC?
The designation is expected to attract more research dollars, top talent, and innovation-focused companies to the metro — fueling our city’s growing reputation as a center for innovation. This isn’t just a win for UMKC, it’s a win for all of KC.
Events
Events
Monday, Feb. 17
Drop-In History: President’s Day | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | John Wornall House Museum | Free | For one day only, the historic 1858 home is letting guests step back in time with a showcase of presidential memorabilia and artifacts not typically on display.
Tuesday, Feb. 18
Ceramic Tic-Tac-Toe Board | 6-8 p.m. | Cherry Pit Collective | $60 | Hand build a functional and fun coffee table centerpiece, with all materials + firing included in your ticket.
“Beetlejuice” the Musical | Tuesday, Feb. 18-Sunday, Feb. 23 | 7:30-9 p.m. | Kansas City Convention Center | $50+ | It’s showtime! Based on Tim Burton’s dearly beloved film, this hilarious musical brings the ghost-with-the-most back with a score that’s out of this netherworld.
Sporting Kansas City vs. Inter Miami CF | 7 p.m. | Children’s Mercy Park, KCK | $43+ | Catch the hometown team face off against Miami’s legendary forward Lionel Messi in the CONCACAF Champions Cup.
Wednesday, Feb. 19
Cece Winans | 7 p.m. | Sheffield Family Life Center | $45 | The best-selling and most-awarded female gospel artist of all time is coming to KC with her greatest hits and new releases in tow.
Thursday, Feb. 20
Teacher Appreciation Happy Hour | 4-6 p.m. | Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art | Free, RSVP | Show your educator badge for a free drink and light bites while exploring the museum and learning about its school tours + educational offerings.
Friday, Feb. 21
Aziz Ansari | 6 p.m. | Arvest Bank Theatre at the Midland | $50+ | Treat yo’ self. The actor and comedian, best known for his roles on “Parks and Recreation” and “Master of None,” is returning to KC for the debut stop of his “Hypothetical Tour.”
Morning Rounds is on the rise.The early morning bakery — owned by Andrea Rainey, a nurse at Children’s Mercy — plans to serve coffee and fresh-made items like vanilla bean cake from its Crossroads digs. A spring opening, alongside discounts for healthcare pros, are also in the works. (Kansas City Star)
Community
Vote like a member of the Academy with Kansas City Magazine’s “Best of KC” awards, now open for nominations through Monday, March 3. For those that find themselves browsing City Life’s “Best Local Blog” category, consider gushing about your favorite local newsletter.
Mansion Monday
Imagine summer evenings spent walking through your personal orchard. A 5-bedroom, 6-bathroom Tudor cottage is on the market in Mission Hills. Take a tour of the 4,843-sqft home that is situated on a 1.53-acre double lot and features arched doorways, a spiral staircase, and massive organic vegetable garden + berry bramble.
Pets
Whether your Shih Tzu thinks it’s Great Dane-sized or your pup prefers pint-sized playmates, small dogs will soon have a new private place to roam. Olathe’s Heritage Park is building a 2.9-acre, off-leash area for dogs up to 14-in tall and 25-lbs or less. An early spring opening is expected. (Johnson County Post)
Closing
Craft and fabric chain Joann is shuttering ~530 stores nationwide, including two in Independence and Belton. Closing sales are already underway, though shoppers can still find full inventories at its locations in Shawnee, Overland Park, and Kansas City. (KCBJ)
Number
$0. That’s how much it costs to post your first job listing on our community job board. There’s nothing to lose and everything to gain — you’ll discover talented local candidates. Try it now.
ICYMI, Russell Stover and Southwest Airlines surprised travelers at KCI with a few sweet perks on Valentine’s Day. Devour the delicious story behind the promotion with KCBJ’s latest “Anatomy of an Ad Campaign,” dissecting this major collab between America’s No. 1 V-Day chocolate brand + the “LUV” airline.
Answered
Answered
Which candy did not get its start in the metro?
This was a bit of a trick question. Participants may have recognized Goo Goo Clusters’ Nashville roots (40%) from its longtime partnership with the Grand Ole Opry, but — as reader Jeff G. pointed out — it’s technicallynot the only non-local candy on the list.
Cherry Mash (21%) was invented about an hour outside of KC in St. Joseph, which is considered the center of its own metro area. I owe you all a few Valomilks for that...
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