The Mizzou Black Women’s Initiative (MBWI) and the Mizzou Black Men’s Initiative (MBMI) assist students in making a successful transition within the University of Missouri, both academically and personally.

These initiatives aim to foster a sense of belonging, promote retention and engagement in the curricular and co-curricular life of the university, encourage self-responsibility, seek to help students develop and apply essential skills, enhance critical thinking and communication, explore interests, abilities, values and options regarding the choice of a major and career. The semester is underway and we have added another cohort for MBWI and MBMI. 

This year’s MBWI and MBMI students join us from Georgia, Illinois, Ohio, North Carolina, South Africa, Missouri and abroad. Their interests include, and are not limited to, Chemical Engineering, Journalism, Business Management, Biological Sciences, and Health Professions.

Despite the various challenges faced last year we have sustained consistent interest in the programs and MBWI will have one of its larger cohorts. 

In addition, to enhancing the programs essential components this year we welcome Joel Stancer, Student Service Coordinator within the MU School of Medicine as MBMI’s instructor. 

We look forward to the opportunities that this year will bring! Interested in learning more? Email Velma Buckner, Assistant Director, Access & Leadership Development, and MBWI Instructor/Program Coordinator at bucknerv@missouri.edu.