Congratulations to Eli Lara who received the Distinguished Faculty Award from the Mizzou Alumni Association! Since joining the School of Music in 2016, Dr. Eli Lara has distinguished herself as a transformative educator whose deep commitment to student success is matched by her excellence as a performer and scholar. She has expanded Mizzou’s cello studio from just seven to more than 20 students, creating an environment — including the Mizzou Cello Choir — where students from all majors feel supported, challenged, and inspired to grow.