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The seven recipients — representing all four UM System universities — are recognized for being outstanding leaders at their respective universities.

COLUMBIA, Mo. — The University of Missouri Board of Curators honored seven students from across the UM System with the prestigious Remington R. Williams Award. This year’s recipients were recognized Thursday at the board meeting in St. Joseph.

The award was established to honor Remington R. Williams, who served as student representative to the board from 2020 until his untimely and tragic death in June 2022.  

“These students exemplify academic excellence, leadership and service — the same qualities that defined Remington Williams and his contributions to the University of Missouri,” said Todd Graves, chair of the UM Board of Curators. “We honor his legacy with these seven students whose work within the classroom and their communities strengthens our universities, empowers their fellow students and showcases outstanding character and collaboration as an example for all to follow.”

Williams embodied extracurricular involvement and leadership qualities during his time as a student at the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law, where he earned his juris doctor, and later at the University of Missouri-St. Louis, where he was pursuing a master’s degree in business administration.  

To qualify for the award, each recipient must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 or its equivalent in their current program and be involved in at least two student organizations, including one in which the recipient held a major leadership position. They must also be formally nominated by a student, faculty member or staff member.

Winners will receive $1,000 along with a student-designed medal to wear at commencement. This year, the board chose four students from the University of Missouri-Columbia and one each from UMKC, UMSL and the Missouri University of Science and Technology.

The 2025 Remington R. Williams Award recipients are:

Wyatt Carlson

• Undergraduate student at the Mizzou College of Engineering pursuing a degree in Electrical Engineering and a minor in Mathematics with a cumulative GPA of 4.0.  
• Serves as chapter president for Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity and president of Interfraternity Council and a student ambassador for the College of Engineering.
• “One of Wyatt’s defining traits is his commitment to service to campus and the organizations he involves himself with,” said Kevin Coughlin, the Mizzou coordinator for Student Government and Auxiliaries. “His ability to inspire those around him to work toward common goals is a testament to his character and his deep-rooted sense of responsibility to the greater good.”

Marin Chamberlin

• Undergraduate student at the Mizzou College of Arts and Sciences pursuing degrees in constitutional democracy and philosophy.
• President of the student chapter of the Universities Fighting World Hunger, a student director in the Deaton Scholars program and a member of the Kinder Institute Democracy Lab lecture committee.
• “Marin possesses the drive and dedication that make her a leader in her discipline, her community, and enable her to gain the support of the public with whom she is working,” said Brady Deaton, Mizzou chancellor emeritus and executive director of the Deaton Scholars Program. “Her maturity and record of accomplishment have earned the respect of the faculty, of professional colleagues, and of the students who have gained so much from her leadership.”

Joshua Donaldson

• Undergraduate student at the Mizzou College of Engineering pursing a degree in biological engineering and minors in nutritional science and French, as well as pursuing an Honors Certificate with a cumulative GPA of 4.0
• Serves as executive director for Tiger Pantry and Truman’s Closet, vice president of the Sigma Phi Delta engineering fraternity and an involvement ambassador in Student Life. Selected to receive a MizzouForward Undergraduate Research Training Grant and led an Engineers Without Borders project in Panama.
• “As his supervisor and advisor, I have witnessed firsthand the exceptional leadership, reliability, and advocacy that Josh brings to every endeavor,” said Lane Cargile, Mizzou coordinator for student involvement. “His impact extends far beyond his immediate roles—he has helped shape a more inclusive and supportive campus environment for countless students.”

Kaitlyn Dunahee

• Undergraduate student at the S&T College of Engineering and Computing pursuing a degree in civil engineering with a cumulative GPA of 3.94.
• Serves as a member of the Kummer Vanguard Scholars Student Steering Committee program and as a Cornerstone Peer Mentor. Previously served as a governor in the Residential Commons Hall Association and senator in the Residential Hall Association.
• “Kaitlyn has a natural curiosity to not only learn more about various subject materials but also find out more about the creative intersections and connections between topics and people,” said Rachel Kohman, assistant dean of entrepreneurship education at S&T. “Furthermore, Kaitlyn is always seeking out opportunities to expand her knowledge about a wide variety of topics.”

Emerald Jones

• Professional student at the UMSL College of Optometry pursuing a Doctor of Optometry degree with a cumulative GPA of 3.842.
• Serves as president of the Missouri Optometric Student Association and as a member of the American Academy of Optometry Student Association, the National Optometric Student Association and Beta Sigma Kappa, a merit-based optometry organization.
• “Ms. Jones cares for students, patients, and other clinicians around her and is known for helping when she observes a need,” said Keshia S. Elder, dean of the UMSL College of Optometry. “The connections she makes with students and optometrists through her volunteerism, exemplifies her collaborative spirit. Her strength of character and contributions extend beyond the optometric community."

Mathew Kimaku

• Undergraduate student in the Mizzou College of Health Sciences pursuing a degree in health science and nutrition and exercise physiology and minors in chemistry and biology with a cumulative GPA of 3.97.
• Served as president of the Alumni Association Student Board and vice president of the Omicron Delta Kappa honor society. Works as a care tech associate for the University Hospital emergency department.
• “His ability to inspire and deliver results, often in a volunteer capacity, is remarkable,” said Todd McCubbin, executive director of the Mizzou Alumni Association. “He didn’t simply maintain the status quo – he leveraged his role to improve and innovate campus traditions, leaving a lasting impact on the Mizzou community.”

Michelle Wu

• Professional student in the UMKC School of Medicine pursuing a Doctor of Medicine degree with a cumulative undergraduate and professional GPA of 3.84.
• Serves as founder and co-president of the UMKC chapter of Global Medical Brigades and president of the UMKC Union Programming Executive Board. Previously served as city outreach coordinator for the UMKC Union Programming Executive Board.
• “As a trusted mentor, Michelle has become a go-to resource for her peers, always willing to offer advice and guidance, whether related to clinical challenges or academic inquiries,” said Richard Lustig, associate program director of the Internal Medicine Residency Program in the UMKC School of Medicine. “She has taken many students under her wing, patiently helping them navigate the complexities of medical training while fostering an environment of respect, empathy, and mutual support.”