Harris-Stowe State University: A Legacy of Inspiring Change

Harris-Stowe State University (HSSU) stands as a public historically Black university in St. Louis, Missouri, with a rich and complex history rooted in the pursuit of educational opportunities for all. From its pre-emancipation origins as a school for White women to its post-emancipation establishment as a normal school for Black women, HSSU has evolved into a comprehensive institution offering a variety of programs and contributing significantly to its community.

Historical Roots and Evolution

HSSU's story is one of transformation and progress. Its origins can be traced back to two separate institutions: one established before the Civil War for White students and another created after emancipation for Black students.

St. Louis Normal School: Educating White Women

In 1857, the St. Louis Public Schools founded the St. Louis Normal School with the exclusive purpose of preparing White women to become elementary school teachers. This institution represented the educational landscape of the time, where opportunities were often divided along racial lines. Anna Brackett became principal of the school in 1863. It was the first normal school led by a woman in the United States. During her tenure, Brackett worked to ensure female students had access to higher education and liberal studies as preparation for professional teaching. She made two proposals to the Board of Education that were eventually adopted. Her proposal was an age requirement for entrance to the school. Another proposal, there should be an entrance exam for admission. In 1872, Brackett resigned as principal. The school was later named Harris Teachers College after William Torrey Harris.

Sumner Normal School: Empowering Black Educators

Following the Civil War, in 1890, the St. Louis Public Schools established the Sumner Normal School to specifically train Black teachers. This institution played a crucial role in providing educational opportunities for African American women, who were often excluded from other institutions of higher learning. It was later known as Stowe Teachers College.

A Dual Leadership

Interestingly, prior to the merger of the two institutions in 1954, John L. Purdom served as president of both Harris Teachers College and Stowe Teachers College during the 1930s, highlighting a period of shared leadership despite the separate identities of the colleges. In 1940 St. Louis Normal School (Harris Teachers College) and Sumner Normal School (Stowe Teachers College) started to admit men.

Read also: The making of Kamala Harris

Integration and Transformation

The landmark 1954 Supreme Court decision in Brown v. Board of Education, which mandated the integration of public school systems, led to the merging of Harris and Stowe Colleges. The unified institution initially retained the name Harris Teachers College. However, in response to requests from Stowe alumni and other St. Louisans, the name was eventually changed to Harris-Stowe State College.

In 1979, Harris-Stowe State College joined the state system of public higher education. The college expanded its offerings, adding a four-year education degree program leading to a Bachelor of Science in Education. By 1981, additional programs were introduced, providing a wider array of degree options in education.

The institution achieved university status in 2005, marking a significant milestone in its evolution. The Stowe Teachers College building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2004, recognizing its historical importance.

Academic Programs and Accreditation

Today, Harris-Stowe State University offers 50 majors, minors, and certificate programs across diverse fields, including education, business, and arts & sciences. The university is committed to providing students with a high-quality education that prepares them for success in their chosen careers.

HSSU holds accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission, ensuring that it meets rigorous standards of academic excellence. The Anheuser-Busch School of Business within HSSU has earned accreditation from the Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs and the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education, demonstrating its commitment to providing a top-tier business education.

Campus and Resources

Located immediately east of the Saint Louis University campus, HSSU provides a vibrant and supportive learning environment for its students.

The William L. Clay, Sr. Early Childhood Development/Parenting Education Center, located on campus, exemplifies HSSU's commitment to early childhood education. This $11 million facility serves as a training ground for early learning professionals, offers parenting education programs, and provides high-quality day care services for children. Resulting from the 1998 study, and its 2010 extension, of historic resources in the Ville neighborhood of St. Louis, William L. Clay, Sr. Early Childhood Development/Parenting Education Center is an early childhood child care center located on campus.

Student Life and Activities

The Office of Student Engagement at HSSU plays a vital role in fostering a vibrant campus community. It sponsors and hosts more than thirty activities or special interest clubs and approximately a dozen academic clubs and honor societies, several campus affiliate chapters of national organizations, and nearly 12 Greek organizations (mostly in conjunction with other St. Louis area schools).

Athletics

The Harris-Stowe State University Hornets compete in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), primarily as a member of the American Midwest Conference (AMC) since the 1986-87 academic year.

Notable Alumni

Harris-Stowe State University has produced many accomplished graduates who have made significant contributions in various fields. Some notable alumni include:

Kimberly Gardner, politician and former circuit attorney for St. Louis.
Julius Hunter, retired television anchorman, former St. Louis Public Schools teacher.

tags: #harris #stowe #state #university #division #programs