Hey! Glad you’re here!

Hi, I'm Abbie — the University Photographer at Mizzou, where I've been snapping photos and telling stories since 2022.

I grew up in a tiny farming community north of Lubbock, Texas, and headed off to Texas Tech, where I picked up two degrees: one in Agricultural Communications and one in Creative Media Industries (yes, I like to keep busy). Before landing at Mizzou, I worked as a communications specialist for Certified Angus Beef, and along the way I've worn a lot of hats in marketing, communications, and photojournalism.

These days my main gig is photography, but that background means I can also speak the language of marketing and communications — I get what makes a story or a design actually work for the people who need it.

I'm a storyteller through and through, and I'm a little obsessed with UPAA (University Photographer's Association of America) — I even placed in the top 10 at the 2026 annual symposium!

When I'm not behind a camera (which is rare), you'll find me listening to audiobooks, enjoying game nights with friends, or curled up with a movie and a glass of wine at home with David and our two cats and dog.

Feel free to email me at abbielankitus@outlook.com

Accomplishments & Awards

University Photographers’ Association of America (UPAA):

• 2nd place, Portraits, June 2026

• 8th, Top 10 University Photographers, 2026

• Honorable Mention, Science and Research, Annual Photo Contest 2026

• Honorable Mention, Campus Environment, Annual Photo Contest 2026

• Honorable Mention, Science and Research, Annual Photo Contest 2026

• 4th place, Portraits, January 2026

• 4th place, Science and Research, January 2026

• 5th place, General Marketing and Illustrations, November 2025

• 3rd place, Campus Environment, November 2025

• 2nd place, Science and Research, September 2025

• 2nd place, Viewbook, Annual Publications Contest 2025

• Honorable Mention, General Publications, Annual Publications Contest 2025

• 4th place, Science and Research, April 2025

• 5th place, Portraits, September 2024

• 2nd place, Publication Cover, Annual Publications Contest 2024

• 2nd place, General Publications, Annual Publications Contest 2024

• 3rd place, General Marketing and Illustrations, Annual Photo Competition 2024

• 4th place, Campus Environment, February 2024

• 3rd place, Sports Action, December 2023

• 1st place, General Features and Illustrations, November 2023

• 3rd place, Sports Action, January 2023

• 4th place, News & College Life, January 2023

Ag Communicators Network (ACN):

• Communicator of the Year, 2022

• Master of Communications, Highest Level

• Master Photographer Program, Level 2

• Master Writer Program, Level 1

Livestock Publications Council (LPC):

• Photographer of the Year, 2020 & 2022

Documentary “Texas Snow”

• Produced and directed

• Selected for the Flatland Film Festival, 2018