Dear friends, neighbors and community partners,

May is one of the most exciting times in higher education. Awards ceremonies, end‑of‑year presentations, celebrations, and, of course, commencement fill the calendar. The energy and enthusiasm are evident every where you go on campus. We are thrilled to celebrate our newest graduates—many of whom will continue to live, work, and make a positive impact throughout the St. Louis region. That said, be prepared for a little extra traffic during commencement weekend, May 15 & 16. The University of Missouri-St. Louis looks forward to sharing in the joy and excitement as we welcome visitors to campus for our five graduation ceremonies.

This commencement ceremony is a little bittersweet for me, as it will be my last in the role of Chancellor. However, I am pleased that Dr. Chris Spilling—a resident of Bel-Nor and longtime UMSL faculty member and administrator—has been selected to serve as Interim Chancellor beginning July 1 while the University of Missouri System conducts a national search process for the next UMSL Chancellor.

While change can be challenging, it also brings opportunities for exploration and growth. We remain excited about the progress taking place through our Transform UMSL initiative, with several projects ramping up in the coming months. For instance, in August, we will see construction completed for the new Richter Family Welcome and Alumni Center—a purpose-built, 31,000-square-foot facility along Natural Bridge Road that will serve as a front door to the university for prospective students and alumni.

As we close out this academic year, I want to thank you—our community partners and neighbors—for your continued support and commitment to UMSL. It is an honor to be part of such a vibrant and dedicated community.

University of Missouri President Mun Choi has appointed Chris Spilling as interim chancellor of the University of Missouri–St. Louis, effective July 1, following the retirement of Kristin Sobolik.

Spilling [a resident of Bel-Nor] currently serves as vice chancellor for research and economic and community development and professor of chemistry. He brings more than 35 years of dedicated service to UMSL, during which he has played a central role in strengthening the university’s research enterprise, fostering innovation and expanding regional and national partnerships.

“Dr. Spilling is a highly respected scholar, administrator and campus leader with deep institutional knowledge and a strong record of advancing research, innovation and community partnerships,” Choi said. “I am confident he will provide steady leadership and continuity for UMSL during this transition while helping advance the university’s mission and strategic priorities.” Read more about this appointment.

Jaee Blue has long understood the value of the opportunities available at the University of Missouri–St. Louis, and she’s made the most of them. As a high school student in the St. Louis area, Blue participated in UMSL’s Bridge Program, which helps prepare local students for academic success at the collegiate level. She then enrolled at UMSL, where she is now pursuing a marketing degree through the Ed G. Smith College of Business. “I’m always amazed about how UMSL comes to you with so many different options, so many things that you can do, like, ‘Hey, we also have this, why don’t you try looking into it,’” said Blue, who is on target to graduate in May 2027. “They’re not only helping you in your educational career, but they’re also helping you in your personal life.”

That support has also extended beyond the classroom with the university helping to nurture Blue’s entrepreneurial ambitions. Blue, the CEO of Venture Beyond Aspirations – a business-development platform that provides guidance for entrepreneurs – has also taken part in UMSL’s Anchor Accelerator program as a member of the 2026 cohort. Over the spring semester, she and her fellow founders have benefited from a $10,000 capital investment and received business coaching and mentorship as well as technical training as they’ve worked to refine their business plans. They’ve also had the help of UMSL student interns as they’ve positioned their businesses for future growth. Read more about the founders showcase.

Two dozen community members and UMSL faculty, staff, and students recently came together to discuss the importance of urban trees and how they factor into municipal planning, return on investment, and the policies that guide local tree management. This was the sixth event in a series of community forums launched in fall 2023 to encourage dialogue around pressing societal issues and help participants build their civic muscle. Previous sessions have explored topics ranging from strategies for strengthening economic vitality and improving communities, to government accountability, to understanding data centers—why they are needed and the challenges they present for local neighborhoods.

To provide context for the discussion on urban trees, Beyond Housing’s Director of Forestry and Community Conservation, Joe Oelke, along with the Forestry and Community Conservation Program Manager, Jack McDonnell, shared insights on tree management and the challenges facing local communities. They noted that most places take a reactive approach to tree issues, addressing problems only after they arise. In contrast, municipalities such as Hanley Hills and Bel-Nor are taking proactive steps by conducting tree assessments and being intentional about planting, care, and long‑term maintenance to support a healthy, resilient tree canopy. Some municipalities have established tree boards made up of community members who evaluate the impact of local trees and offer recommendations on planting, care, and maintenance. These boards serve as both advocates and educators, helping residents understand the value of a healthy urban canopy. For broader guidance, the Missouri Department of Conservation provides an urban trees report that outlines best practices for selecting and planting trees, along with summaries of key tree characteristics.

A Red Circle celebrated the grand opening of The Creative Spot in Ferguson in 2025 and served 759 individuals through arts programming! Recently, A Red Circle’s Executive Director Erica Williams shared news about TCS. “What I learned from this initiative is that art has many facets, and people are clamoring for a space where they belong - a third space.  We often praise the best singers, dancers, painters, and performers, but that is not only what the arts are about. Community Art welcomes everyone into artistic spaces regardless of their level of training.  The Creative Spot is now that space and it has welcomed families, youth, people on the Autism spectrum, and others.” 

A Red Circle announced in their spring news update that The Creative Spot is now its own nonprofit organization, and its Executive Director is Jessica Johnson!  A Red Circle continues to have art in its mission statement and looks forward to seeing how TCS continues to flourish.

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Spring to Dance Festival
Friday, May 22, 2026 and Saturday, May 23. 2026 at 5:30 PM
UMSL Touhill Performing Arts Center

The Midwest region’s celebrated SPRING TO DANCE Festival brings together nationally touring professional dance companies and artists from across the country for nonstop performances featuring contemporary, ballet, modern, hip hop, tap, aerial, Spanish, and more, with a dynamic lineup ranging from renowned companies to emerging ensembles.

The Author's Mixer Writers Networking Event
Friday, May 15, 2026
5:00 — 8:00 PM
The Creative Spot
414 South Florissant 

The Author’s Mixer brings together St. Louis writers, storytellers, poets, authors, and creatives for an evening focused on networking, inspiration, and community, featuring open mic performances, show and tell sessions, and creative connection in a welcoming space that celebrates storytelling and the voices shaping the community’s narrative.

Well Fest
Saturday, May 30, 2026
11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
806 Ferguson Ave.

Well Fest is a day focused on wellness through movement, creativity, music, food, and interactive experiences supporting emotional, physical, financial, social, and spiritual well being, featuring meditation, yoga, wellness crafts, massages, community resources, vendors, raffles, food trucks, and family friendly fun.

Harmony STL Presents: Now Playing -- The Hits That Shaped Our Generations!
Saturday, June 13, 2026  2:00 PM
UMSL Touhill Performing Arts Center

Join HarmonySTL for breathtaking a cappella as three outstanding choruses take the stage to celebrate the songs that have defined generations. Featuring the internationally acclaimed Ambassadors of Harmony, the dynamic Visions of Harmony, and the rising voices of The Recruits Chorus, this concert will showcase the power, precision, and excitement of barbershop harmony at its finest. 

We'd love to hear your questions and comments about UMSL and stories about great things happening in our communities. Your thoughts will help shape content covered in future newsletters to be pertinent to you and your neighbors. Leave any suggestions, questions or stories on Community Connection's feedback form. Thank you!