The University of Missouri–St. Louis (UMSL) has long demonstrated a deep commitment to community engagement and regional impact. This commitment was exemplified through its co-leadership of the St. Louis Anchor Action Network (STLAAN), guiding the initiative from its founding in 2021 through its incubation period and eventual launch to Greater St. Louis, Inc. in 2026.
Established in 2021, UMSL and Edward Jones provided initial leadership and staffing for the network, whose early members included BJC HealthCare, Harris-Stowe State University, Mercy Health, St. Louis Community College, Saint Louis University, the Saint Louis Zoo, SSM Health, Washington University in St. Louis and Webster University. STLAAN was designed as a coalition of local anchor institutions—including universities, public museum and conservation organizations, healthcare associations, and corporations—dedicated to creating a culture for social mobility in the St. Louis region. By focusing on intentional hiring, purchasing, and community investment, the network aims to create a more robust regional community. In the fall of 2021, Stefani Weeden-Smith was tapped to serve as the network’s inaugural director.
UMSL's active participation in STLAAN aligned seamlessly with its strategic goals of community engagement and economic development. In 2023, the university set ambitious targets to increase hiring and purchasing within 22 ZIP codes identified by the network as areas of focus due to historical disinvestment. By December 2023, UMSL had surpassed these goals, spending over $6.4M contracting with businesses in the focused geography—up from just over $3.7M in 2022—and employing more than 650 individuals from these ZIP codes, exceeding its target by nearly 200 employees.
The impact of STLAAN's initiatives were further bolstered by external support. In August 2023, the James S. McDonnell Foundation awarded a $2.4M grant to UMSL and STLAAN, facilitating additional staffing and programming to support network members. This investment underscored the network's potential to drive positive change and enhance the quality of life in St. Louis.
UMSL's leadership in STLAAN not only exemplified its role as an anchor institution but also underscores its dedication to transformative community engagement. By leveraging its resources and influence, UMSL continues to actively contribute to promoting shared prosperity in the region, embodying the university's mission to transform lives and uplift communities.