Rockhurst News

The Best Colleges 2025 list from U.S. News and World Report is out today, and in it, Rockhurst University has entered the top 10 on the list of best universities in the Midwest.

On Wednesday, 11 new Hawks joined Rockhurst University’s worldwide alumni network. And in receiving their associate of arts in liberal studies degrees, these students earned another distinction – they became the first graduates of the University’s Companions in Chillicothe program at Chillicothe Correctional Center, located about an hour and a half northeast of Kansas City.

The first occupational therapists Amber Jenkins, OTD, MLS, OTR/L, assistant professor of occupational therapy, remembers having weren’t trained at all in the discipline – it was her mom and dad. Growing up in rural Wamego, Kansas, Jenkins was born with a condition known as Poland Syndrome, resulting in a limb difference on her right hand. But she said she never felt – and was never made to feel — that she was limited because of it.

Two specialty graduate business programs at Rockhurst University’s College Business and Technology are ranked among the top 30 in the nation, alongside rankings for occupational therapy, physical therapy and communication sciences and disorders, in the Best Grad Schools list released today by U.S. News & World Report.

There’s a phrase used in Costa Rica that is translated literally to pure life: “Pura Vida.” In general, it can mean hello and good-bye, much like “Aloha” in Hawai’i, but also means being centered in mind, body and spirit.

The phrase meant so much to new Rockhurst University professor and frequent Costa Rica visitor Missy Ling that she had it tattooed on her inner wrist years ago.

Diego Gutierrez, Assistant Professor of Management and Marketing, credits his time as a student at Rockhurst for much of the success he's had in his life and career. With his son about to begin his freshman year as a Hawk, we caught up with Diego to reflect on his time at Rockhurst as the next RU journey is his family is about to being.

Rockhurst University is recognizing anniversaries for faculty and staff members who have served the University for at least 5 years. Congratulations to these dedicated companions:

Staff

35 years

Laurie Hathman, Greenlease Library

30 years

Mary B. Cary, College of Arts and Sciences dean’s office

Steve Lyons, physical plant

25 years

Geoff Smith, admissions

Shirley Mitchell, physical plant