By Jeff Murphy,
May 15, 2018
WARRENSBURG, MO (May 10, 2018) – Dr. Gerianne Bliss, M.D., director of the University
Health Center at the University of Central Missouri, was named the 2018 recipient
of the J. P. Mees Award during the annual Staff Appreciation breakfast May 9.
The award, the highest honor bestowed upon a member of the university’s staff, honors
the legacy of the late John Paul Mees, who died in 2000 while serving as vice president
of planning and policy/executive assistant to the president at UCM. Mees, a dedicated
and motivated employee known for his friendly and outgoing personality, joined the
university in 1988 as executive assistant to the president and professor of education.
He also served as provost and vice president for academic affairs.
Bliss joined UCM in 1999 as manager of clinical operations at the health center. She
became full-time director of the center in 2005. She received her medical degree from
the University of Missouri School of Medicine in 1986, completing her residency at
St. John’s Mercy Medical Center in Springfield. She is affiliated with Western Missouri
Medical Center and Lee’s Summit Medical Center.
Barbara Mayfield, director of accessibility services at UCM and the 2017 recipient,
presented the award to Bliss. She noted that Dr. Bliss’s dedication to the well-being
of UCM students and staff allowed the UCM Health Center to develop into a cohesive
medical practice with a reputation for excellence.
She also noted that Dr. Bliss’s commitment extends to serving as medical advisor for
the UCM Counseling Center and into the community as an integral part of the planning
committee for the annual Project Community Connect event that serves the needs of
residents of Warrensburg and Johnson County, Missouri. She also serves on the Warrensburg
Community Health Needs Assessment Committee.
“Besides being an excellent student advocate, Dr. Bliss has been a leader for the
UCM Health Center staff,” Mayfield said. “She runs a tight ship, expecting excellence,
and is never too important to complete any task she would ask others to complete.
She is well-loved by all and will be greatly missed when she retires this May.”
