Lincoln University Celebrates Launch of 2026-27 Academic Year at Opening Convocation

Lincoln University of Missouri celebrated the start of the 2026-27 academic year with its annual Opening Convocation on Thursday, Sept. 3, in Mitchell Auditorium at the Richardson Fine Arts Center.

The formal ceremony marks the beginning of each academic year at Lincoln and sets the tone for the year ahead. The convocation embodies the spirit of the university's motto, "To Labor and Study," emphasizing student dedication to scholarly pursuits and the quest for knowledge.

In his greeting, Lincoln University President John B. Moseley, Ed.D., reflected on the university's 160-year history and encouraged students to consider the opportunities ahead.

"Since 1866, students have come to this university with dreams about what their lives could become," Moseley said. "They came here to learn, to grow and to create opportunities for themselves and for others. Blue Tigers, now it's your turn."

The keynote speaker for this year's convocation was Dr. Christopher Paynter, a 2007 Lincoln University graduate. Paynter is a family physician with SSM Health Medical Group in Tipton, Missouri, and regional assistant dean of Kansas City University College of Osteopathic Medicine.

A native of Taiwan who grew up in Eldon, Missouri, Paynter earned a Bachelor of Liberal Studies from Lincoln University in 2007 before earning master's and doctoral degrees from Kansas City University. He completed his community and family medicine residency at the University of Missouri-Kansas City in 2015, serving as chief resident.

Paynter is board-certified in osteopathic family medicine and a fellow of the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians. His honors include SSM Health Physician of the Year in 2022, Lincoln University's 40 Under 40 in 2023 and Physician of the Year from the Missouri Society of the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians in 2024. He has advised Lincoln University's premedical program since 2015.

Drawing from his own academic and professional journey, Paynter encouraged students to embrace the challenges that come with pursuing a college education and remain focused on the future they are working to build.

Paynter shared stories of setbacks along his journey, including receiving his first F in physics, leaving nursing school and struggling after taking the MCAT without completing organic chemistry. Rather than allowing those experiences to derail him, Paynter took time to mature, completed a master's program, conducted research and continued pursuing his goal of becoming a physician.

"I didn't listen to the noise," he said. "I stayed focused. I pushed on, leaving the organization in a better place than when I started."

He also emphasized the importance of seeking guidance from professors, advisers, upperclassmen and members of the community. Reflecting on the mentors who helped him along the way.

"I could not have made it this far without the help of mentors, people who knew the way and helped show me the direction I needed," he said.

Paynter urged students not to be afraid to ask for help when they encounter challenges.

"No one knows if you need help unless you ask," he said, encouraging students to take advantage of the people and resources available to them at Lincoln University.

He reminded students that their success extends beyond themselves and contributes to the broader Lincoln community.

"The entire community here wants to see you prevail," Paynter said. "When you succeed, we are all better for it."

Paynter closed by challenging students to take ownership of their college experience and make the most of the opportunities available to them.

"You get out of this experience what you put in, so make the most of it," he said.

Click here to view more photos from the 2026 Opening Convocation.