16th Annual Asian Chamber Awards Gala

Chancellor Agrawal began his tenure at UMKC in June 2018 after serving 15 years at the University of Texas at San Antonio, where he began as a faculty member and moved his way up to the dean of Engineering, vice president of research and interim provost. His passion and proven track record for increasing research and on-campus student success and engagement are both integral parts of his plan to keep UMKC moving forward into the 21st century.

In addition to being an experienced leader and award-winning educator and researcher, Chancellor Agrawal has an extensive list of professional accolades. He is a highly published bioengineer, former auto industry executive, an inventor with multiple patents, and an entrepreneur whose bioengineering research group has been responsible for starting three companies in San Antonio.

Pete Browne is the President and co-founder of Kissick Construction Company, Inc. Founded in 1994 by Jim Kissick and Pete Browne, Kissick Construction is a leading heavy civil and industrial contractor based in Kansas City, that performs site development, earthwork, underground utilities, structural concrete and flatwork across the four state region. The firm has been recognized by a variety of industry and trade organizations for its quality performance and safety record. With over thirty years of experience and leadership in the construction industry Browne has developed a strong reputation for providing innovative solutions to complex engineering projects for the firm’s clients, and is proud of the Kissick team’s genuine enthusiasm to be of service.

A native of Kansas City, Browne is an advocate for the arts, education and community development, and currently serves in leadership roles with The Folly Theater, The Nelson Atkins Museum of Art, Notre Dame de Sion Schools of Kansas City and The Kansas City Industrial Council.