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The State of Higher Education in St. Louis


When

September 23, 2026
8:00 am - 9:30 am

Where

Register

When St. Louis’s colleges and universities thrive, the entire St. Louis region benefits. Join FOCUS and the Missouri Historical Society for a timely and candid conversation with higher education leaders from across our region.

Together, we’ll explore the challenges facing higher education, how these leaders are navigating uncertainty, and how they are innovating on their campuses and beyond to meet this moment. The conversation will examine how universities are adapting and evolving — and why the future of higher education matters to the future of the St. Louis region.

Panelists
  • Moderator: Dr. Jody Sowell, President, Missouri Historical Society
  • Dr. LaTonia Collins Smith,  President, Harris–Stowe State University
  • Dr. Andrew D. Martin, Chancellor, Washington University in St. Louis
  • Dr. James T. Minor, Chancellor, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
  • Dr. Jeff Pittman, Chancellor, St. Louis Community College

Advance registration is encouraged but not required. Seating is first come, first served.

Parking/Directions

This event will take place in the Lee Auditorium of the Missouri History Museum in Forest Park. Parking is available in the museum’s two lots, in the lots across from the Visitor Center or along the streets in Forest Park.

Schedule

Doors open at 8 a.m. for check-in and networking, and the panel discussion begins at 8:30 a.m.

Presented in partnership with

Missouri Historical Society

 

 

 

 

 

FOCUS St. Louis is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.
1034 S. Brentwood Blvd.
Suite 650
St. Louis, MO 63117
314-622-1250
info@focus-stl.org
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At FOCUS St. Louis, we believe that everyone possesses the power to be a leader. Through our experience-based leadership programs and civic issues education, we help people better understand our region and build their capacity for change.

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When you graduate from a FOCUS program, you join a powerful network of more than 11,000 alumni driving positive change in the St. Louis region and beyond. There are many ways to stay engaged with FOCUS while continuing your leadership journey.

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Alumni Dinner
Support Us
Help us create a thriving St. Louis! As a 501(c)3 nonprofit, FOCUS depends on the support of our members and donors to continue our work of educating and connecting leaders and facilitating the important conversations.

Learn More
  • Support FOCUS
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Members
Members
Join Focus

At FOCUS St. Louis, we believe that everyone possesses thepower to be a leader and that even the most difficult issues are solvable. Through our experience-based leadership programs
and civic issues education, we help people better understand our region and build their capacity for change.

Learn More

  • Mission
  • Leadership
  • Join Our Team
  • Latest News
  • Annual Report
  • Podcast
  • Community Agreement
  • Contact Us
  • Join Our Email List
FOCUS offers a continuum of programs to meet participants where they are and prepare them to take the next step in their civic leadership journey. Our programs challenge leaders to think critically, to collaborate across divisions and to see the region through new eyes.
Find Your Program

  • Leadership St. Louis
  • Women in Leadership
  • Emerging Leaders
  • Youth Leadership St. Louis
  • Experience St. Louis
  • FAQs
  • FOCUS BoardBridge
  • Custom Programs
  • Upcoming Events
  • What’s Right with the Region
  • Start With Leadership Conference
When you graduate from a FOCUS program, you join a powerful network of more than 11,000 alumni driving positive change in the St. Louis region and beyond. There are many ways to stay engaged with FOCUS while continuing your leadership journey.

  • Ways to Stay Engaged
  • Update Your Information
  • Member/Alumni Login
Help us create a thriving St. Louis! As a 501(c)3 nonprofit, FOCUS depends on the support of our members and donors to continue our work of educating and connecting leaders and facilitating the important conversations.

  • Support FOCUS
  • Partners
  • Donate Now