History
In late 1996, philanthropist, E. Desmond Lee, and Chancellor Emeritus Blanche M. Touhill, announced the Des Lee Collaborative Vision: Connecting St. Louis through Educational and Community Partnerships, in conjunction with the efforts of the University of Missouri-St. Louis. This historic announcement was the beginning of an incredible linking of key institutions in the St. Louis community, underwritten by the philanthropy of E. Desmond Lee and the higher education resources and expertise of UMSL.
The Des Lee Collaborative Vision at the University of Missouri-St. Louis is significant in its success in bringing together vital St. Louis educational and cultural institutions to establish programs and share resources that will benefit the St. Louis community, particularly those individuals who have been traditionally under served. The idea began as a way for students, staff and faculty to go beyond the traditional workings of a classroom and look how their efforts, knowledge and time can considerably impact a group in need. We share best practices, new and exciting research, staff/teacher development opportunities, enriching experiences and open worlds of possibility to thousands of citizens in our region through educational and community engagement.
Des Lee’s belief that education is the key to our progress and hope for the future is making a difference in the educational arena. The DLCV includes thirty-seven endowed professors with four at Washington University, one at Webster University and one at Saint Louis University. These professorships range from tutorial education, music, museum studies, art, science, character education, public policy and citizenship education (see professorship list). Many of the professorships are joined in their efforts with the Missouri Historical Society, Missouri Botanical Garden, Saint Louis Art Museum, Opera Theatre of St. Louis, St. Louis Science Center, Saint Louis Symphony and the Saint Louis Zoo to create and bring educational and cultural opportunities to underserved populations in the St. Louis community. There are over 100 members organizations actively involved in the Des Lee Collaborative Vision.