March 13, 2023 - Update on the spring semester at UMSL
Dear UMSL Community,
Spring is fast approaching and with the season comes new beginnings, renewal and transformation. That is what I see each day on our campus and more so as we continue to lean into our Transform UMSL initiative.
Work is well underway on our comprehensive master plan to reinvigorate and reimagine our campus environment through key investments in our facilities and programs. While we have many projects planned over the coming years, we are beginning our campus transformation with three core projects. First is a build-out of the second floor of the Patient Care Center that will soon house our College of Optometry programs. Second is working toward an official groundbreaking for the new Richter Family Welcome and Alumni Center as we engage in site preparation work. Third is the design planning stage for an extensive renovation of the university libraries on the north campus.
I’m pleased to share that UMSL Facilities Management will begin providing our campus community with a monthly update on this progress starting this week. They will also add to our Transform UMSL website to include the latest project information, timelines and FAQs to keep our community informed of the work ahead.
I’m also excited to share that we have established a planning committee to coordinate UMSL’s 60th-anniversary celebrations. Our official 60th-anniversary celebration will coincide with UMSL’s founding on Sept 15 and will continue with programming throughout the 2023-24 academic year. This committee is co-chaired by Susan Elliott, managing director of external and donor relations, and Adella Jones, chief of staff.
You can read more about the initial work of the committee on UMSL Daily, and I encourage you to engage with committee members to share your ideas on how we can best mark UMSL’s 60th year of transforming lives right here in St. Louis and beyond.
We have much to be proud of as we move through the spring semester - especially the continued success of our people and our programs. For example, we recently celebrated the graduation of more than 60 students in Bridge Program Saturday Academy. Our Black Faculty and Staff Association marked its 40th anniversary of service to our community. We received the St Louis American Foundation’s 2023 Corporate Diversity Award for our six-decade commitment to elevating our region. We even had UMSL Sport Management students on the ground at Super Bowl LVII engaging in practicum work.
I hope we continue to experience positive growth and transformation as we near the halfway point of our spring semester.
Gratefully forward,
Kristin Sobolik
Chancellor
University of Missouri–St. Louis