Gift from Marny and John Sherman creates the Urban Education Research Center at UMKC

Gift supports research to improve conditions in urban schools 

 

The University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) and the UMKC Foundation are pleased to announce and acknowledge one of the largest gifts in the School of Education's history. The gift from Marny and John Sherman -- longtime and passionate supporters of urban education in Kansas City -- will create the Urban Education Research Center.

The center, scheduled to launch in the fall of 2012, will focus on conducting and disseminating research that addresses local issues with national applicability. The gift provides for the hiring of an endowed chair in urban education research. The chair also will serve as the center's executive director. In addition, the gift supports the center's start-up costs including equipment, marketing, travel and materials, and will fund research and other hard costs associated with a start-up operation.

"The School of Education's vision is to become a leading urban-serving school of education in the nation," said Wanda J. Blanchett, dean and Ewing Marion Kauffman/Missouri Endowed Chair for Teacher Education. "Because of the Shermans' generosity, the school is one step closer to achieving this vision. The center reflects both UMKC's and the school's commitment to prioritize the education of the least-served and most historically underserved students."

The center will use scientific methodology to assess the effectiveness of the school's teacher preparation and other professional education programs, and provide the necessary tools and resources for scientific investigation of issues and problems in urban schools.

"Marny and John are among the leading urban education advocates in Kansas City. They are dedicated community leaders and engaged volunteers," said UMKC Chancellor Leo Morton. "This gift is a continuation of the Shermans' commitment to UMKC and its priorities to serve our community."

John is the founder, chief executive officer and president of Inergy, L.P. He serves on the UMKC Trustees and the UMKC Foundation boards. Marny is a civic leader and chair of the Board of Trustees of Cristo Rey Kansas City.

UMKC, the UMKC Foundation and the School of Education are grateful to the Shermans for their generosity and commitment to the university, to the Kansas City community, and to urban education.