Show-Me State Times

Matthew Martens, interim provost and executive vice chancellor for academic affairs at the University of Missouri, and Sarah Dubbert, president of the Columbia market for Commerce Bank, today awarded a 2024 William T. Kemper Fellowship for Teaching Excellence to Amy Knopps. Knopps is an associate teaching professor for the School of Music in the College of Arts and Science as well as the associate director of bands and director of athletic bands.

"A graduate of the University of Missouri and former member of Marching Mizzou, Amy Knopps infuses the spirit of Mizzou into every band performance she directs. Her lifelong dedication to music has informed a teaching philosophy focused on developing her students into both good musicians and good humans."

Cooper Drury, dean of the College of Arts and Science, joined other administrators surprising Knopps by honoring her with the fellowship, which includes a $15,000 check. Kemper Fellowships are awarded to five outstanding teachers at the University of Missouri each year.

"Dr. Knopps takes personal responsibility to not only be available to create personal relationships with all of her students but to foster an atmosphere of family," former student and Marching Mizzou member Alex Weinzierl said in his nomination letter.

In her time at MU, Knopps has earned several impressive accolades. Most recently, she received the Mizzou Alumni Association Faculty and Alumni Award and the University of Missouri Distinguished Alumni Award. The awards recognize her influence on Mizzou as both an educator and alumna.

"Dr. Knopps' contributions to the School of Music have been nothing short of transformative," said Jared Rawlings, director of the School of Music, in his nomination letter. "Her dedication, leadership and innovative teaching methods have created an environment in which students thrive and our program excels."

The William T. Kemper Fellowships for Teaching Excellence were established in 1991 with a $500,000 gift. Kemper, a 1926 MU graduate, was a well-known civic leader in Kansas City until his death in 1989. His 52-year career in banking included top positions at banks in Missouri, Kansas, and Oklahoma. Commerce Bank manages the trust fund.