A passion for student success

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Jan. 10, 2025

Velma Buckner's commitment to student success at the University of Missouri goes beyond a job - it's her life's work. As student support and program engagement manager for the Office of Academic Access and Leadership Development (AALD), Buckner's mission is clear: to support and uplift students, ensuring that they have the resources, guidance and encouragement they need to thrive.

"My passion has always been to help students feel seen, heard and supported," she said. "If I can be there for even one student, that's what truly matters."

Buckner loves the impactful work she does promoting student success at Mizzou.

A passion for learning and growth

Buckner's dedication to education was sparked early in her life. Growing up in Columbia, Missouri, as a first-generation college student, she embraced learning as a pathway to a better future.

"I have always had a passion for learning and my mother used to tell me that she knew I would go to college," she recalls.

After graduating from Hickman High School, she began her academic journey at Moberly Area Community College before transferring to Columbia College, where she completed her bachelor's degree in criminal justice. Balancing her education with full-time work and raising her daughter was no easy task.

"It was incredibly difficult, and I appreciated my family's support," Buckner recalls. "I would work all day, attend evening classes, and come home late, only to start over the next day. It took immense dedication and perseverance."

Driven by her love for learning, she later returned to Columbia College to earn a Master of Science in Criminal Justice and went on to obtain a Master of Education in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis from Mizzou.

A journey to empower and support

Buckner's professional path on campus began at the MU Research Reactor (MURR), where she worked for nearly six years.

"The work performed at MURR was amazing. Seeing the reactor and working where critical medical isotopes were being produced along with cancer-fighting research was an incredible experience."

However, it was a chance recommendation that led her to the Gaines/Oldham Black Culture Center (GOBCC), where she started as an administrative assistant and later became the director. This role marked the beginning of her journey in supporting students, which she continues today with AALD.

"I think I've always been doing student support and engagement work," she said. "I feel very fortunate to continue working directly with students, engaging with them one-on-one in various ways. Whether it's academics, professional, career development or overall wellness, I help connect students to new skills, critical resources and opportunities, along with motivating and guiding them to their own solutions."

From organizing and delivering presentations to one-on-one coaching, serving as an adjunct instructor, and involvement with student wellness initiatives such as Feeding for Finals, Buckner's schedule is packed but rewarding.

"Every day is different," she said. "While there are foundational high-impact practices that benefit all students, I strongly believe in meeting each student where they are. It's about acknowledging each student's unique strengths, identifying their goals and guiding them to success."

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