For an average medical student, managing day-to-day of such a rigorous course of study can be a tall task. While striking a balance between academic and personal duties is a challenging feat, one individual standing out in the crowd at MU is Nicholas Mullendore, a rising M3 at the School of Medicine and first-year student-athlete on the Mizzou Cheer team.
For Mullendore, the ability to effectively balance the array of responsibilities began with his unique path to studying medicine.
After graduating high school, he joined the U.S. Army National Guard and quickly adapted to his new personal and professional standards. For a decade, Mullendore strengthened his leadership and ability to manage conflict while leading missions domestically and overseas.
Mullendore’s second act was as a project manager for Black & Veatch, a global engineering company based in Overland Park, Kansas. While overseeing safety operations for some of the largest and most complex job sites in the country, Mullendore realized that most injuries, illnesses and deaths weren’t caused by job site injuries. Instead, they are the result of natural and common causes that the field of medicine can better help prevent.
Although he was saying goodbye to a career where he had already earned three degrees and a high quality of life, Mullendore knew entering the world of medicine and becoming a physician would be more fulfilling and impactful.
“The MU School of Medicine was always my number one choice,” said Mullendore. “As a first-generation student and someone who changed their career early, I wasn’t sure how I’d fit into the class. I came to find out, there was a lawyer, a pharmacist, a physical therapist and even more individuals that changed their careers like me. I’ve been fortunate enough to meet some of my best friends here at the School of Medicine and I’m proud to call it home.”
Soon after arriving to Columbia and beginning medical school, Mullendore decided to pursue another passion of his in competitive collegiate sports. After impressing Mizzou Head Cheerleading Coach & Mascot Coordinator Cynthia Metz at tryouts, he earned a spot on the 2024-25 cheer squad.
Adding the commitment and dedication needed to be a Division I student-athlete would be daunting to most, but for Mullendore it has been another opportunity he was eager to attack head on.
“While I didn’t possess a background in competitive cheer, I played sports year-round growing up and I also served in the U.S. Army, so I consider myself a natural athlete,” said Mullendore. “Coach Metz saw potential in me, and I know I have to give it my all every day to her and my teammates.”
Following his first two years at the School of Medicine, Mullendore is currently taking a gap year to earn a Master of Public Health from MU. While also competing on the sidelines at Mizzou Football games during the Fall 2024 semester, he credits his ability to manage his academic and cheer duties to his medical school experience so far.
“The intensity and expectations of medical school so far has prepared me well for this new challenge,” said Mullendore. “I’m on track to complete my master’s degree in only one year. Both are major time commitments as cheerleading requires practices, weights, games, events and clinics, while 15-18 graduate credit hours in the classroom requires a lot of attention as well.”
Following his gap year, Mullendore will rejoin the School of Medicine and his pursuit of a career in emergency medicine or surgery. Having overcome many challenges already, he’s confident in his ability to thrive in his future endeavors.
“I enjoy being tested in peak and intense moments, whether it’s on a competitive sports field like cheer, in the classroom with the School of Medicine or with my troops in the Army,” said Mullendore. “I believe I perform well under pressure and would thrive in the operating room or emergency room. I have always been comfortable with being uncomfortable.”
Despite the seemingly never-ending list of responsibilities, Mullendore continues to excel at a high level both academically and in athletic competition. Highlights have included receiving accolades as a medical student and executing the elite “full up” stunt with the cheer team. In the challenging stunt, Mullendore tosses his partner, Taylor Herrick, who performs a full 360-degree twist in the air before catching her feet above his head.
As Mullendore reflects on his personal and professional journey that ultimately led him to MU, he’s thankful to be a part of multiple welcoming organizations on campus.
“MU is a unique place where you can receive a premier education, combined with the opportunity to compete at the highest level athletically in the Southeastern Conference,” said Mullendore. “Everywhere I look around at both the medical school and Mizzou Cheer, I see greatness every day. Being a part of these winning and inclusive cultures is an honor.”
