Since Dr.
Henry Givens Jr. stepped down as president of Harris-Stowe State
University last month, the campus he did so much to salvage and
then expand – both, dramatically – has been named in his honor, and
this weekend his former colleagues will name a new scholarship at
the university for its president emeritus. The early estimates of
substantial net proceeds from the civic celebration for Dr. Givens
this Friday are a reflection of the respect and esteem he enjoys in
his hometown city. In many ways, it is as if this man who led the
university for 32 years has not yet left. In many respects, he will
never leave Harris-Stowe. Like his friend and counterpart
across Forest Park, Dr.
William H. Danforth, chancellor emeritus of Washington
University, Givens has left a
campus in his name and an institution shaped by his vision and
tireless leadership.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>Givens left Harris-Stowe, at least officially, as the longest-serving president of any university in Missouri. His longevity was rivaled only by his productivity. Under his leadership, the university nearly tripled its student population and was expanded from one building with only one degree to eight facilities graduating a diverse, indeed international, student population with 14 degrees. As Saint Louis University dramatically rose in stature and eminence right across Compton Avenue, under the strong leadership of Fr. Lawrence Biondi, Dr. Givens achieved what scarcely seemed possible and still is amazing: his leadership kept pace with that at the more richly endowed private Jesuit institution as he skillfully steered a state university through a series of gubernatorial administrations.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>With every change of the guard in Jefferson City, Henry’s impressive diplomatic skills, stubborn drive to succeed and sheer ability to win friends and supporters has kept Harris-Stowe moving forward. Gov. Matt Blunt worked closely with Dr. Givens to expand and improve Harris-Stowe, and Gov. Jay Nixon has done the same. “He has been a pioneer for our state’s work in education,” Gov. Jay Nixon said of Dr. Givens.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>Moreover, Dr. Givens enjoyed the support of many committed allies in this successful transformation, including many of the African-American community’s most prominent individuals, including former Congressman William L. Clay Sr., former Mayor Freeman R. Bosley Jr., deceased longtime Board of Regents member the Rev. William G. Gillespie and deceased former state Sen. J.B. “Jet” Banks. All have been memorialized by the naming of buildings and a park on the Givens campus.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>In the current economic climate, more than ever, university presidents operate behind the scenes as a de facto fundraiser-in-chief. Dr. Givens has mastered this thankless task as well; last year he headed the most successful fundraising campaign in the university’s 152-year history, reaching $45 million. That is what his friend and university’s benefactor David Steward means when he says of Givens, “I view him as much as an entrepreneur as an educator can possibly be.”
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>If we may be permitted a personal comment, we have personally benefitted from Henry’s inimitable charm and welcoming nature. In a city and a community that can be somewhat insular and overly concerned about “where you went to high school,” Henry Givens set his own higher standards for how to make people feel welcome in St. Louis and encouraged them to succeed here. The many faculty and staff working in academic disciplines thanks to his leadership know one way we have benefitted from this man; the many students they educate and graduate know another. We understand and respect the dedicated professional dimension of Henry Givens, while also cherishing something else about him – and this is yet another winning quality he shares with Bill Danforth. Henry Givens is a sturdy and reliable friend.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>And no, he won’t be missed, because he and his spirit will never leave his beloved Harris-Stowe.