SGA Awards to Long, Chancler Honor Governance, Service

Dr. Mary Long, second from left, and Dr. Lover Chancler, third from left, were honored by the Student Government Association on March 23 with special awards that recognize Long for governance and Chancler for service. Joining them were, from left, individuals who participated in the awards presentations, Dr. Roger Best, UCM president;  China Pryor, university student; and Cade Tremain, SGA president.  

WARRENSBURG, MO – Having grown up in a family that placed a high value on earning a college degree, Dr. Mary Long understands the benefits of a higher education, but also knows  the pathway toward earning a degree often comes for many students with challenges, both academically and financially. When the former member of the University of Central Missouri Board of Governors was presented the James C. Kirkpatrick Excellence in Governance Award on March 23 she reminded students to never give up in pursuit of their education goals.

“I know it can be a struggle. But I want to tell you, you need to keep pushing because if you don’t do that the cost of not doing that is too costly,” she told a gathering of Student Government Association members, campus administrative leaders and others who honored her on the UCM campus.                     

Long became the 38th recipient of the James C. Kirkpatrick Excellence in Governance Award in a ceremony which also honored Dr. Lover Chancler, director of the Center for Multiculturalism and Inclusivity and adjunct associate professor in UCM’s Child and Family Development Department. Chancler became the second individual to receive the Walt Hicklin Excellence in Service Award, an honor that was bestowed upon its namesake in 2022.

The Kirkpatrick Excellence in Governance Award was established in 1985 to honor the public service of Kirkpatrick, a university alumnus who served for 20 years as Missouri’s Secretary of State and spent many years on the university’s governing board.  Recognition is given annually to an individual who – similar to Kirkpatrick - promotes the public interest, practices good governmental procedures and has shown loyalty to the university. The recipient is student nominated and selected by members of the SGA.

By receiving the Excellence in Governance Award, Long joins a growing list of recipients that includes four  former Missouri governors, one of them who became a U.S. Attorney General; five U.S. Congressional members; and various other state and local governmental leaders, and individuals who serve in education. 

University President Roger Best introduced Long, and presented the award with Cade Tremain, SGA president. Long followed a longstanding tradition with the award recipient presenting the evening remarks.

Long, who began a career in public education in 1968, was named to the university’s Board of Governors in May 2009, and served until January 2023. Most of her professional life was spent in the Kansas City area, where she was a teacher, coordinator and director. She was Dean of Instruction and Student Services for the Metropolitan Community Colleges in 1983 and served there until 1986 when she became assistant principal, and later, principal for the Kansas City Missouri School District. She retired in 2007.

During her professional career, Long was honored for her work in education and involvement in civic and public service activities. This includes the National Association of Counties Training Award; Chancellor’s Commendation for Assessment of Business and Industry Needs; and recognition from former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and Millard Fuller for Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc.’s Habitat for Humanity home build in eight states.  She has also been recognized for her work in her church.

Long earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Education from Alcorn A&M University, a master’s degree in Vocational Business Education from Mississippi State University, a specialist degree in Secondary Administration from the University of Missouri-Kansas City, and a doctorate in Career, Technical Education from NOVA University.

The Hicklin Excellence in Service Award is presented to an individual directly associated with the university community who supports student success, demonstrates positive leadership, and serves the institution and its mission. Chancler was introduced as the 2023 award recipient by UCM student China Pryor, who praised her positive and encouraging words to students.

“Even though she wears many hats such as professor, advisor and advocate, and is involved in many committees, she works hard to show how important it is to be involved in the community,” Pryor added. “She is a mother to two kids, a mother to many students, a sister and a member to Alpha Kappa Alpha, Inc. While she is very busy, I have never experienced being turned away.”

In addition to her role at the Center for Multiculturalism and Inclusivity, Chancler is the principal investigator related to the SIP Title III grant at UCM. Outside of academia, she has served as a social worker, probation officer, program director for the State of Kansas Juvenile Justice Department, and a racial justice director. 

Chancler graduated from Kansas State University with a Ph.D. in Human Ecology. She also earned a Bachelor of Social Work at Kansas State University and a Master of Criminal Justice from Washburn University.

The Excellence in Service Award is named for a member of UCM’s emeriti family, Walter “Walt” Hicklin, who was also the 28th recipient of the Kirkpatrick Excellence in Governance Award. The SGA established an award in his name to honor his many years of service to UCM. Hicklin retired from the university in 2006 after 31 years.  His tenure included positions such as head coach of the Mules football team, teaching mathematics in the former Department of Academic Enrichment, serving as Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs, and later Interim Vice President for Student Affairs. He also served for several years on the Board of Governors.