Expansion and progression of a local institution
By Dr. Henry Givens Jr.
President, Harris-Stowe State College
When one speaks of careers and choices and what it means to move forward in the higher-education sector, Harris-Stowe State College n soon officially to become a university n immediately comes to mind as one of the city’s most historical institutions of higher learning that is successfully preparing students for future professional endeavors.
For nearly 150 years, Harris-Stowe has been making a difference in the lives of first-generation college students and those that otherwise may not have had the opportunity to further their education. From teachers to physicians, business leaders and federal judges, the university has educated some of St. Louis’ most influential people. From one degree program to now offering 12 degree options, Harris-Stowe has grown into a full-fledged university.
We at Harris-Stowe are definitely proud of our many strides and accomplishments over the years. The most recent of these is Senate Bill 173, which changed our status from a college to a university.
To the students, faculty and staff of Harris-Stowe, this feat reflects the fact that we are indeed providing a real service to the community and that many Metropolitan St. Louisans are greatly benefiting from it. We are building new futures, starting new lives and impacting others. Thus, our hard work and dedication are not going unrecognized.
This transition from college to university raises the bar for Harris-Stowe and allows us to more effectively meet the needs of our great city and continue our quest to provide higher education for all. We are in a unique position to advance the well being of our students and to thereby strengthen the community through knowledge and skills, and we take great pride in doing so.
As part of this effort, expansion initiatives continue to be a priority. The Harris-Stowe South Campus will be unveiled in the fall of 2005. This will be the new temporary home of the university’s Busch Business School and its Continuing Education Department. The facility, which houses approximately 26 classrooms, is located off of Hampton Avenue and Highway 44. With additional resources and amenities, we are looking forward to a more enhanced and fulfilling learning environment for our business administration majors.
Also in the works is the university’s first dormitory/student center, which is due in fall 2006.
The public is familiar with the Emerson Performing Arts Center, the newest addition to Harris-Stowe’s campus, which includes the Board of Regents Gymnasium, Bank of America Theatre, an art studio and jazz music center. Since its opening in April 2003, it has generated much community interest. Area sports teams have played many championship games in the Emerson Center.
The relatively new Southwestern Bell Library and Technology Center, which sits on the east side of the campus, is equipped with a telecommunity room, seminar room and computer labs.
We invite everyone to come out and see all that Harris-Stowe has to offer and continue to support what is to come.
Expansion and progression n 148 years in the making! To the Harris-Stowe family, the words “expansion” and “progression” go hand in hand. That’s what we do n expand the minds of our students and make progress within the elements of our institution, both of which we’ve been blessed to do very well.
The new sound of “Harris-Stowe State University” ringing from our lips is one that will forever be uttered and celebrated, and we hope that the entire community will celebrate it with us in the years ahead.
