Tara Byrd | Grant Award Accountant | UMB Donor for 4 years

“I have seen firsthand how a scholarship can bring joy, relief, and encouragement to a student. A scholarship means a lot to them. I wanted to be a part of the commitment to support them, and this campaign allows me that opportunity.”

Working in the School of Nursing’s Office of Scholarships and Grants, Tara Byrd has seen exactly how much of a difference scholarship support means to students — helping to shape their current experience, their philosophy and passion and vision, and the course of their future careers.

Byrd celebrated her 10-year anniversary at UMB in May 2018. Now working in the School’s Office of Administrative Services/Contract and Grants Management as a grants award accountant, she finds profound satisfaction and enjoyment in working in a place where people on all levels are achieving great goals. “I’m happy to help them in any way I can,” she says. One way in which Byrd supports the great work going on SON is through her personal support of the school’s campaign.

Her experience working with students and seeing the enormous and far-ranging impact of scholarships inspired Byrd to give back: “Students will always have a special place in my heart, as I enjoy listening to them and helping them. A scholarship means a lot to them. I wanted to be a part of the commitment to support them, and this campaign allows me that opportunity.”