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Mizzou Law alumnus Rich Kinder, ’68, was honored by this spring with a Jefferson Club Golden Quill Alumni Excellence Award.
Rich Kinder transformed his leadership ability into one of the most influential careers in American energy. As co-founder and executive chairman of Kinder Morgan, he helped build one of North America’s largest energy infrastructure companies, which transports approximately 40% of the natural gas used in the U.S.
Kinder’s impact extends well beyond business. He and his wife, Nancy, established the Kinder Institute on Constitutional Democracy at Mizzou, which has grown into a globally recognized, nonpartisan leader in the study of America’s founding principles and their enduring relevance. In their home of Houston and beyond, the Kinders are equally recognized for their philanthropic commitment to strengthening civic life, especially their efforts to expand and revitalize urban green spaces that enhance access and strengthen communities.
A dedicated Mizzou alumnus, Kinder earned bachelor’s and law degrees in 1966 and 1968. As a student he served as student body president of the School of Law and chapter commander of Sigma Nu, was an editor of the law review and was inducted into the honor societies Omicron Delta Kappa and QEBH. After graduation, he served as a U.S. Army captain in Vietnam. Inducted into the Mizzou Hall of Fame in 2020, he continues to serve on numerous corporate and nonprofit boards, including the Kinder Foundation.
Celebrating Mizzou alumni who exemplify the very best values of the university, the Jefferson Club Golden Quill Alumni Excellence Award recognizes alumni who exemplify the institution’s values of respect, responsibility, discovery and excellence. Selected annually through nominations from the Mizzou community, these honorees represent the enduring impact of a Mizzou education.