Miya Reynolds, Class of 2009
College: UMKC
Degrees: BA, Sociology (2009-2014); MA, Liberal Arts & Sciences/Liberal Studies (2016-2018);
MPA, Non-Profit Management (2018-2020)
Attending UA for high school opened a lot of doors that I don’t think would’ve been opened had I attended a different school. Not only were there high standards as far as academics, there was also an atmosphere of excellence in regards to relationships and respect between peers and between students and staff. I greatly value the friendships and relationships I formed at UA that have carried over into my collegiate, career and personal ventures. The opportunity to take college credit in partnership with UMKC during my junior and senior years at UA put me ahead of many of my college counterparts as far as credits and knowledge. Also, receiving multiple scholarships through UA after graduating allowed me to complete my undergrad degree debt free.
More recently, I have been blessed to utilize the alumni program through UA Foundation, which I believe is one of the most valuable assets I’ve gained from attending UA. The staff and volunteers who work there are so supportive. I’ve earned and received thousands of dollars through the College Incentive Program rewards, which has helped me pay for books, classes, and life in general.
I am now working on a second masters degree in Public Administration in Nonprofit Management & Urban Admin. at UMKC’s Bloch Business School of Management, and plan to use this degree to further build the youth nonprofit I’ve co-founded, WeVIBE KC. I am forever grateful for the opportunities UA has provided me!
Update: Since submitting this spotlight, Miya completed her second masters degree and is Assistant Director at her non-profit which focuses on “higher educational attainment, social and self esteem development and community service opportunities for 4th-12th grade, lower-achieving, low-income students in the KCMO area.”
