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Celebrating Two Decades of Excellence and Inspiration at Mizzou Academy
Earlier this month, Stephanie Walter, our Director of Teaching and Learning, struggled to format information in Smartsheet (“as so often I do,” says Stephanie). Though frustration started to build, she suddenly felt calm as she realized, “Aha! I have help. Tami knows how to do this stuff.”
A few days later, while working with a student and their family, Stephanie needed more context and a supportive partner to brainstorm strategies. She immediately reached out to Tami again.
Stephanie says, “Tami is not only business smart, she is also a fierce advocate for our students.”
Stephanie wonders, “Is there anything Tami can’t do?” After 20 years of working alongside her, Stephanie hasn’t found anything yet! And judging by the praise from Tami’s colleagues, she isn’t the only one who feels this way.
Tami Regan joined Mizzou Academy in 2005 and has seen the school through many iterations, seasons, names, and major events in education. Over these last two decades, she has also grown in her role and leadership. Today, Tami serves as our Director of Business Operations. Her leadership speaks directly into our support services, infrastructure, technology systems, and HR, fiscal, and business processes. “These are unique areas for one leader to cover,” says Executive Director Kathryn Fishman-Weaver, “yet if you know Tami, this all makes sense. Everywhere she goes, she brings a heart for people, an attention to detail, and a spirit for problem solving that keeps us moving forward.”
To celebrate Tami’s milestone, Kathryn sent the Mizzou Academy team a request to visit a secret document to share their appreciation for Tami. The comments and purple images poured in. (As anyone who knows Tami can tell you, purple is her signature color.)
Tami’s Mizzou Academy and university colleagues shared over 2,000 words of gratitude over several pages. The following week, Kathryn asked Tami to join her for a special announcement on zoom. As people kept logging in with purple Zoom backgrounds and big smiles, Tami knew something out of the ordinary was happening. It took her a few moments to realize that the Mizzou Academy team was all there to celebrate her.
Colleagues describe Tami as a powerhouse whose “brain amazes” with problem-solving skills, technological wizardry, and a “visionary approach that keeps Mizzou Academy moving forward.” Her expertise is sought after without hesitation; she never shies away from finding answers, and she embodies“a true spirit of dedication and perseverance.”
One team member fondly calls her “Queen Tami,” recognizing how much better the Academy has become through her influence. Another says, “Tami’s journey with us is nothing short of extraordinary—a blend of brilliance, grace, and unwavering commitment that has profoundly shaped our community.”
Beyond her technical talents, several celebrated Tami’s grace under pressure and ability to juggle multiple responsibilities with a pleasant yet no-nonsense attitude to ensure that our school runs smoothly every day. Her humor, candor, and positivity bring light and happiness to the profession, inspiring all who work alongside her. She quietly, without fanfare, “simply gets the job done.” She makes an indelible impact on staff, students, and the entire Mizzou Academy family.
Tami’s kindness and empathy shine as brightly as her intellect. She makes everyone feel seen and heard, no matter how busy she is. She creates a supportive environment where “it’s safe to make mistakes and learning flourishes.” Her passion for students and willingness to help anyone in need are hallmarks of her character, earning her the admiration and gratitude of colleagues who call her “superwoman” and “the best boss I’ve ever had.”
As we celebrate Tami’s Emerald Anniversary, we echo one writer who shared, “Here’s to 20 years of excellence and to the many more ahead—please don’t leave anytime soon!”
Purple confetti and big congratulations, Tami! We all look forward to many more years of her leadership and friendship. Tami, thank you for your brilliance, patience, and devotion. Your contributions are woven into Mizzou Academy’s success and culture. You are the stripes to our tiger and the M-I-Z! to our Z-O-U! Our school is fortunate to have you.