August 25, 2025 - Welcome to the 2025-26 Academic Year
Dear UMSL Community,
The start of a new academic year is always filled with possibility — new friendships, new discoveries and new opportunities to grow. Whether you are just beginning your academic journey at UMSL or returning to continue it, you are part of a community that believes in you and your future.
To our new students, welcome — we are excited to see all that you will accomplish. To our returning students, welcome back — this is your home, and we are proud to continue walking alongside you as you pursue your goals.
To our faculty and staff, thank you for your unwavering dedication to teaching, mentoring, researching, and supporting our students. Your commitment is at the heart of our mission and it is what makes the UMSL experience extraordinary.
This fall, you will also see the progress of our Transform UMSL initiative as we continue building a campus environment that matches the excellence of our people and programs. Transformation can be disruptive at times, but it is a powerful reminder that we are shaping a university that will serve generations to come.
As we step into this academic year together, let us bring our best selves — curious, determined and inspired. Let’s look out for one another, lift each other up, and embrace the promise of what we can accomplish together.
Here’s to a year of growth, discovery and transformation.
With gratitude,
Gratefully forward,
Kristin Sobolik
Chancellor, University of Missouri–St. Louis