Congratulations to our 2021 Distinguished Alumni Award Recipients

The UMSL Alumni Association Distinguished Alumni Award winners for 2021 reflect the tremendous diversity and amazing abilities, talents, and leadership of UMSL alumni and truly show what makes us UMSLPROUD. 

Our 2021 award winners are leaders in the fields of education, veterans health administration, chemistry, and in equity and inclusion. Their work transforms lives locally in St. Louis, nationally and globally as they drive for change to improve the world around them.

The honorees for 2021 are: Melanie Adams, PhD 2014; Dr. Rajiv Banavali, PhD 1985; Jennifer Cobbina, MA 2006, PhD 2009; Patricia Hendrickson doctor of Nursing Practice 2018; and Amy Hunter BA 1992. LaVell Monger, BA 2016, earned the Outstanding Young Alumni Award. Read his story.

They were honored at the UMSL Founders Celebration on Thursday, October 7.


 

 

Dr. Melanie Adams

PhD, 2014, Education

Melanie is the director of the Anacostia Community Museum which is part of the Smithsonian Institution. She earned her PhD in Educational Leadership & Policy from UMSL in 2014.  During the past two years she has invigorated the Anacostia Community Museum in its mission to tell the story of black Americans in greater Washington, D.C. and throughout the United States. She also has been president of the Association of Midwest Museums and spent nine years on the Special Administrative Board of the St. Louis Public Schools where she helped the district regain accreditation. 

Dr. Rajiv Banavali

PhD 1985, Organic Chemistry

Rajiv is the Senior Vice President of Science and Innovation at Westrock Corporation, a $18 billion leader in paper and packaging with 320 manufacturing facilities in 11 countries. At Westrock, he leads a team looking to create more environmentally sustainable products, breakthrough packaging designs and the digitalization of packaging. He earned his PhD in Organic Chemistry from UMSL in 1985. Since 2007 he has served on the College of Arts & Science’s Dean’s Leadership Council at UMSL.  

 Dr. Jennifer Cobbina

MA 2006, PhD 2009, Criminology and Criminal Justice

Jennifer is an Associate Professor in the School of Criminal Justice at Michigan State University. At UMSL she earned her master's degree in 2006 and her PhD in 2009, both in Criminology and Criminal Justice. Her research examines the intersection of race, gender, and crime as well as public response to police use of force. As part of the nonprofit research organization, CNA Project on American Justice, she works with national leaders to create actionable advice and explore creative solutions to improve current law enforcement issues.

Dr. Patricia Hendrickson

BNP, 2018

Patty is the Associate Director of Patient Care at the Veterans Administration St. Louis Medical Center. She earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from UMSL in 2018. During her tenure, the VA St. Louis Health Care System went from being ranked 112th in the entire Veterans Administration to 22nd in patient quality metrics. In addition, she has served on the College of Nursing’s Leadership Council since 2015, helping to develop innovative collaborations with UMSL Nursing and its students.

Amy Hunter

BA 1994, English
Amy is the Vice President of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Caleres and is also the Principal of Lotus Roots Consulting LLC. She earned her bachelor's degree in English from UMSL in 1992 and is currently pursuing her doctor of education in social justice from UMSL's College of Education. She has dedicated her more than 20-year professional career in corporate, nonprofit, education and healthcare to diversity and inclusion. In her professional and volunteer pursuits Amy strives to create positive change and equality.