Known as the hip-hop president, Dr. Walter M. Kimbrough is one of the youngest college presidents in the nation.
And during his seven-year tenure as president at Philander Smith College, student recruitment and graduation rates have dramatically increased. At home in Little Rock, Ark., a local magazine called him one of five “rock climbers,” residents who prove Little Rock has plenty to brag about.
Kimbrough will share some of his secrets as keynote speaker at the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis’ 94th Annual Dinner Meeting on Monday, March 12 at 7 p.m. in the Millennium Hotel Ballroom.
“His informative and inspirational speaking style combined with his strong record of accomplishments perfectly matches with the goals and mission of the Urban League,” said James H. Buford, president and CEO of the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis, Inc.
On Friday, the Urban League announced this year’s honorees of the night. The Regional Business Council, Francella Jackson (director of community programs for the East St. Louis Police Department), and Nate Johnson (president of Real Estate Solutions) will receive Awards of Merit. Frankie Muse Freeman will be honored with a Chairman’s Award for her numerous community achievements.
These groups and individuals help the Urban League fulfill its mission of Empowering Communities and Changing Lives of over 50,000 individuals in St. Louis City, St. Louis County and St. Clair County, IL, said Buford.
The annual meeting wasn’t designed to be a social event 94 years ago. It was – and still is – a meeting to give the community an annual report on the Urban League’s accomplishments and goals. New board members will be announced, and Buford will also give a report.
For Buford, this is his 27th annual dinner as CEO. He said this year, the Urban League is looking towards building its financial reserves and identifying a facility for a new outreach center.
Kimbrough’s insight will be particularly of interest to many in the audience. He has been recognized for his research and writings on HBCUs and African-American men in college, including the creation of the Black Male Initiative at Philander Smith College that has been a model for similar programs. Kimbrough was recently appointed to serve as president of Dillard University beginning July 2012.
“We are pleased to honor this year’s awardees with our Awards of Merit and Chairman’s Awards for their exemplary service in helping the greater St. Louis community,” Buford said.
For ticket information to the 94th Annual Dinner, please call 314-615-3668 or email specialevents@urbanleague-stl.org.
