Gov. Matt Blunt’s ceremonial signing of Senate Bill 98, which changed the name of Harris-Stowe State College to Harris-Stowe State University, on campus on Wednesday is another significant, historic step made by the school during Dr. Henry Givens’ visionary, impressive tenure of more than 25 years. Dr. Givens has served tirelessly and effectively as president of Harris-Stowe since 1979, when the college was transferred from the St. Louis Public Schools to the state’s system of higher education.
Harris-Stowe State College, with its roots in two teacher-preparation institutions founded by the St. Louis Public Schools in the 19th century, is one of the historical treasures of St. Louis. From the founding of the first St. Louis Normal School in 1857, the college has prepared hundreds of teachers for service in the elementary schools of the Greater St. Louis area.
In 1954, the college blazed a trail for integration of the races in education by merging the all-white Harris Teachers College and the all-African American Stowe Teachers College in response to the Brown vs. Board of Education decision of the United States Supreme Court. It continues to serve as one of the most outstanding examples of interracial teamwork and cooperation in the St. Louis area n and in the nation.
In 1979, the college had a single building and offered only one degree program. Since that time, visionary leadership, good energy and the able implementation of realistic, sound ideas have led to a remarkable and ongoing renaissance that has made Harris-Stowe a vital place that serves a critical educational and community function.
The college has expanded its degree programs from one degree to more than 12 degrees, from one building to five buildings, and from 800 students to nearly 2,000 students. In addition, its campus has expanded from nine acres to more than 30 acres. The college also has entered into collaborative graduate degree programs with a number of neighboring institutions of higher education.
With the name change n which was merited, not merely given n Harris-Stowe has greatly enhanced its opportunities for important collaborations with other universities. The name change provides the institution greater equity, academic standing and prestige within the higher education community and generates a valuable sense of pride among faculty, staff, students (present and prospective) and alumni.
Ninety percent of the 126 historically black colleges in this nation already have the title of university. This name change, in particular, makes Harris-Stowe more competitive in the recruitment of highly credentialed faculty, who are essential for working collaboratively in master’s degree programs with other universities.
Uniquely, Harris-Stowe offers affordability and accessibility for hundreds of students, many of whom would not otherwise have access to a degree in higher education, which leads to more productive lives.
The entire community should take pride in the remarkable progress Harris-Stowe has made, which reflects its internal resourcefulness and determination to grow and improve. We commend Harris-Stowe’s Board of Regents, its faculty and staff, alumni, elected officials, and civic and business supporters who have played a major role, along with Dr. Givens, in Harris-Stowe’s dramatic ascent in strength and growth.