Contact: Eric Stann, StannE@missouri.edu
Photos by Abbie Lankitus

University of Missouri President Mun Choi, Steve Sowers, executive officer of Commerce Bank’s Missouri community markets, and Sarah Dubbert, president of Commerce Bank’s Missouri community markets, awarded a 2025 William T. Kemper Fellowship for Teaching Excellence to Dennis K. Miller today. Miller is an associate professor in Mizzou’s College of Arts and Science. He also serves as the associate chair for curriculum, instruction & advising, director of graduate studies and director undergraduate studies for the Department of Psychological Sciences.

Cooper Drury, dean of the College of Arts and Science, joined other leaders in surprising Miller by honoring him with the fellowship, which includes a $15,000 stipend. Kemper Fellowships are awarded to five outstanding teachers at the University of Missouri each year.

The William T. Kemper Fellowships for Teaching Excellence were established in 1991 with a $500,000 gift. Kemper, a 1926 Mizzou graduate, was a well-known civic leader in Kansas City until his death in 1989. His 52-year career in banking included top positions at banks in Missouri, Kansas and Oklahoma. Commerce Bank manages the trust fund.