Education

How UMKC’s top student entrepreneur found shelter (and a path forward) as a founder

By Tommy Felts / December 5, 2025

Shapree Marshall’s path began with shared struggle, re-routed to survival — and ultimately made a stop Wednesday evening at H&R Block’s World Headquarters where the startup founder was honored as UMKC’s 2025 Student Entrepreneur of the Year. “My journey into entrepreneurship did not begin with a business plan or a class project,” said Marshall, founder…

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Biz class to barista: UMKC student’s mobile matcha cart hand-whisks crowds of thirsty fans

By Tommy Felts / November 10, 2025

Editor’s note: The following story was published by KCUR, Kansas City’s NPR member station, and a fellow member of the KC Media Collective. Click here to read the original story or here to sign up for KCUR’s email newsletter. HerCafe, a matcha business founded by a University of Missouri-Kansas City student and her friend, has found success with its weekend…

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Q&A: Troy Nash grew up in public housing; now he’s leading real estate innovation at UMKC

By Tommy Felts / October 30, 2025

Editor’s note: The following story was written and first published by the University of Missouri-Kansas City. Click here to read the original story. Executive MBA professor named new real estate center director With more than two decades of leadership in public-private partnerships, economic development and community engagement, Troy Nash will serve as director of the Lewis White…

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Goodwill’s adult high school launches first day; work continues toward long-term campus

By Tommy Felts / October 21, 2025

The region’s first-of-its-kind adult high school opened classes Monday, offering a glimpse into programming and projected outcomes for the Goodwill-run Excel Center now operating out of space at Metropolitan Community College’s Penn Valley campus. “The opening of the Excel Center is a major step, not just for our organization, but for the entire region,” said…

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A St. Joe CEO handed him a franchise after graduation; two years later, the risk is paying off 

By Tommy Felts / October 17, 2025

Spencer Engelman’s expectations for his post-college career were shredded by an offer he couldn’t refuse. The Northwest Missouri State University graduate was awarded a business of his own — minus the franchise fee — by a veteran entrepreneur who had visited one of his classes. “It’s a crazy opportunity,” said Engelman, who now operates a DocuLock…

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