(LISTEN): Kemper Fellowship for Teaching Excellence winner Chris Prestigiacomo appears on 939 the Eagle’s “CEO Roundtable”

Mizzou Trulaske College of Business professor Chris Prestigiacomo recently earned the Kemper Fellowship for Teaching Excellence. Professor Prestigiacomo joined host Fred Parry in-studio for the hour on 939 the Eagle’s “CEO Roundtable” to discuss the award, the future of higher education and how college students feel about politics. Mr. Prestigiacomo grew up in Kansas City and starting working in his father’s grocery store in the the 1960s at age five. At age 11, he started selling peanuts and popcorn in the seats at Kansas City’s Starlight Theatre. Mr. Prestigiacomo moved to Columbia to attend college at Mizzou in 1977, earning his bachelor’s and master degrees. His first job was at Columbia Regional Hospital, a job he didn’t like. He tells listeners that he was laid off from that job, saying God played a role in the job loss and that it was actually a blessing. Mr. Prestigiacomo became a professor at Columbia’s Stephens College and now has been a professor for 40 years. As for the Kemper Fellowship for Teaching Excellence, he credits everyone at Mizzou for doing their best to serve other people. Mr. Prestigiacomo describes the award as humbling. He also discussed the current culture at Mizzou, describing UM System President Dr. Mun Choi as a “rock star” and someone who gets the job done. Prestigiacomo tells listeners that while some faculty members have criticized President Choi, the majority of Mizzou’s faculty members appreciate him. He also says President Choi has been instrumental in helping Missouri’s health care industry. Mr. Prestigiacomo also discussed politics, saying the vast majority of college students today are apathetic about politics. He also discussed his love for baseball and the Columbia team that went to the College World Series. Host Fred Parry and Mr. Prestigiacomo also discussed some of the stars who have performed at the Starlight Theatre over the years including Elton John, who wanted to ride the roller coasters at Kansas City’s Worlds of Fun when he was in town: