Argus Staff
ST. LOUIS – Five regional higher-education leaders will convene for The State of Higher Education in St. Louis on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, from 8 to 9:30 a.m. at the Missouri History Museum.
The forum will bring together leaders representing public, private, community-college and historically Black institutions serving the St. Louis metropolitan area.
Featured participants include Harris-Stowe State University President LaTonia Collins Smith; Washington University in St. Louis Chancellor Andrew D. Martin; Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Chancellor James T. Minor; St. Louis Community College Chancellor Jeff Pittman; and University of Missouri-St. Louis Interim Chancellor Christopher Spilling.
The discussion comes as colleges and universities confront changing enrollment patterns, rising educational costs, workforce demands and questions surrounding access, affordability and student success. The forum also offers an opportunity to consider the role higher-education institutions play in regional economic development, workforce preparation and community partnerships.
For St. Louis’ African American community, the conversation carries particular importance as families and students continue to navigate disparities in college access, completion, student debt and employment opportunities.
The program is presented by FOCUS St. Louis and the Missouri Historical Society. The Missouri History Museum is located in Forest Park.
