STUDENT SPOTLIGHT: Senior Adora Mullendore Shares Experiences at UCM Including Mentorships, Professional Opportunities

Adora Mullendore, a University of Central Missouri social work major, is looking forward to receiving her bachelor’s degree in May and continuing a successful career.

 “I chose to enroll in UCM because they offered a great social work program and had night classes right down the road from my house,” said the Lee’s Summit resident.

UCM’s bachelor’s degree in social work is offered at both the Warrensburg and Lee’s Summit campuses.

During her years at UCM, Mullendore said she has appreciated her professors and the opportunity to become involved in professional activities.

“My experiences at UCM have been amazing,” she said. “The mentorship I have received from all my instructors throughout the social work program, especially Dr. (Ashley) Gage, has helped me realize my potential as a young professional, and I would not have had the courage to pursue a professional job if it weren’t for UCM.”

Through UCM, Mullendore also joined the National Society for Leadership and Success, which helped her realize her interest in other professional activities.

“I am now actively involved in the Independence Chamber of Commerce and have been approached by an elected official with Jackson County Extension to assist with community development program implementation,” she added.

Mullendore has been employed as a workforce specialist for the Community Services League for around a year. She meets with low-income individuals to determine if they qualify for CSL’s short-term workforce training program.

“I help support them until class completion,” she said. “I work closely with many educational sites (including UCM) and act as the student advocate for those selected to go through the program. I am big on strengths-based empowerment coaching and trauma informed care.”