Kristin Sobolik was the eighth chancellor of the University of Missouri–St. Louis and led the university’s strategic focus on student success, educational relevancy, inclusive prosperity, and economic growth and development with collaborative asset alignment with other regional and national partners. Under her leadership, UMSL introduced over a dozen new academic programs, increased student graduation rates while decreasing student debt, increased private philanthropy by more than 135% and university endowment by 62%, grew research and sponsored activity expenditures by 295%, and received unprecedented state legislative and local government support of over $125M to implement the Transform UMSL Campus Master Plan, while acquiring additional state and federal investments to grow workforce programs in Engineering, Geospatial Technology, Nursing, Advanced Workforce Development, and Entrepreneurship.
Kristin first joined the UMSL community in 2017 as provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs – quickly rising to the role of executive vice chancellor, interim chancellor, and then chancellor in 2020. Prior to UMSL, Kristin served in administrative and faculty roles at Wright State University and the University of Maine, graduating with a degree in Biology from the University of Iowa and a master’s and Ph.D. in Anthropology from Texas A&M University. As a scholar and leader, Kristin has over 150 research, leadership, and educational publications and presentations.
Kristin served on the Executive Committee of the Coalition of Urban and Metropolitan Universities (CUMU) as well as numerous regional boards including Greater St. Louis, Inc., Cortex Innovation District, Missouri Botanical Garden, BioSTL, Urban League of Metropolitan Saint Louis, Greater St. Louis Area Scouting Council, and Christian Hospital.
Her accomplishments on and off campus led to the following awards:
- Visionary Leadership Award from North County, Inc., 2026.
- Inaugural Vision Award from the University of Missouri-St. Louis Bridge Program, 2026.
- Louis Business 500 list by St. Louis Magazine, 2026.
- Strong, Smart and Bold Award from Girls, Inc., 2025.
- People on The Move honoree by the Louis Business Journal, 2025.
- Inaugural St. Louis Business 500 list by the Louis Magazine, 2025, interview.
- Initiation into the International Women’s Forum, A network of the most accomplished women in the world, 2024 invitation and initiation.
- Good Scout Award from the Boy Scouts of America Greater St. Louis Area Council, 2023.
- Innovation in Philanthropy Award for the St. Louis Anchor Action Network, co-led by UMSL and Edward Jones, from the St. Louis Business Journal, 2023.
- Louis Titan 100 Award, 2023.
- Women Trailblazer Award from the University of Missouri-St. Louis, 2023.
- Louis American Corporate Diversity Award for the University of Missouri-St. Louis, 2023.
- Salute to Women in Leadership Award from the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis, 2022.
- Excellence in Partnership Award to University of Missouri-St. Louis by North County, Inc., 2022.
- Lifetime Membership to The Mercantile Library, the oldest library west of the Mississippi River and oldest cultural institution in STL, presented at their 175th Anniversary Celebration, 2022.
- Frankie Muse Freeman/Norman R. Seay Commitment to St. Louis Award from the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), 2022.
- 2020 Most Influential Business Women Award by the Louis Business Journal, 2020.
- Sigma Alpha Pi, The National Society of Leadership and Success, University of Missouri-St. Louis Chapter, honorary membership, 2019.
- Beta Gamma Sigma, The International Honor Society for Collegiate Schools of Business, University of Missouri-St. Louis Chapter, honorary membership, 2018.
- Woman of Distinction Award, presented by the Girl Scouts of Western Ohio for significant contributions in STEAM fields and giving hope and inspiration to girls through achievements and passion for our community, 2016. Received commendation from the Ohio State Legislature.