What is the DLCV, and what does it do?
The Des Lee Collaborative Vision is an organization that links educational, cultural and social service institutions. Working together, the institutions enhance education, create opportunities for disadvantaged people and improve the quality of life throughout the St. Louis area.

The DLCV is housed within the division of University Relations at the University of Missouri-St. Louis.

Who comprises the DLCV?
St. Louis philanthropist E. Desmond "Des" Lee and former UMSL Chancellor Blanche Touhill founded the DLCV. Also on board are DLCV director Wendell Smith and DLCV associate director Steffanie Harting-Rockette, who are employed by the University of Missouri-St. Louis.

But at the heart of the DLCV are more than 30 endowed professors, 100 community organizations and a number of government agencies and businesses in the St. Louis area.

How does the work of the DLCV get done?
The work of the Des Lee Collaborative Vision is done by an elite group of more than 30 endowed professors. The professors unite their efforts with St. Louis-area educational, cultural and social service institutions. Specifically, the endowed professors work with one another, businesses, government agencies, community organizations and local school districts.

DLCV professors and partners meet to assess progress and to determine how to increase the DLCV's impact. Quarterly committee meetings are held, and all organization professors and partners meet annually.

What makes the DLCV endowed professors so special?
The Des Lee Collaborative Vision professors are not traditional university scholars. They are required to do half of their work within a conventional university setting and the other half within the community. They are also required to teach at least one course per semester and maintain their scholarly obligations.

Where do the endowed professors come from?
A national search takes place to find the best person to fill each DLCV endowed professorship.

What is the history of the DLCV?
The Des Lee Collaborative Vision began as a mere question to former University of Missouri-St. Louis Chancellor Blanche Touhill. St. Louis philanthropist Des Lee asked how he could strengthen ties between UMSL and the community.

So in 1996, Lee and Touhill announced the creation of the DLCV, an organization that would be underwritten by Lee and lead by Touhill. By the end of the year, there were 12 endowed professors and nine community partners. Most professors had expertise in science education.

Today, the DLCV includes more than 30 professors, 100 community organizations and several government agencies and businesses. And endowed professorships range from math to music to urban education.

What is Des Lee's personal philosophy?
He says, "Education is the key to all of our progress and all of our hope."