Five Mizzou professors earn Kemper fellowships

By Brian Hauswirth
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Five Mizzou professors and their classrooms received a recent surprise visit from UM System President Dr. Mun Choi and Commerce Bank executive Steve Sowers and were honored with the William Kemper Fellowships for Teaching Excellence.

All five received $15,000 to spend at their own discretion.

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The 2026 Kemper Fellows at Mizzou’s Jesse Hall are in front. From left to right are Dr. Jenna Wintemberg, Dr. Amanda Durbak, Eric Aldrich, Dr. Jim Crozier and Dr. Karthik Panchanathan (May 11, 2026 photo courtesy of UM System spokesman Christopher Ave)

The five professors are Eric Aldrich, Jim Crozier, Amanda Durbak, Karthik Panchanathan and Jenna Wintemberg.

The awards are supported by gifts from the William Kemper Foundation.