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Accelerating Innovation

Investing in Academic Excellence

First and foremost, SLU is about academics. We’ve been a leader in higher education since our founding two centuries ago, charting new territories as we advance, transmit and apply knowledge. And in SLU’s hands, 200 years of history is 200 years of momentum.

Our next chapter will build on our legacy of academic excellence coupled with the character and compassion inherent in the Jesuit tradition. Across all schools and colleges of the University, Accelerating Excellence will enable us to make investments in cutting-edge technology, state-of-the-art facilities and – most importantly – world-class faculty to become the academic powerhouse we know we can be.

The knowledge generated on SLU’s campus today will shape tomorrow for communities around the world. Supporting academics creates a bright future for everyone.

Learn more about our focus on academics in the video below.

Campaign In Action: Academic Excellence

Michael Vaughn smiles at the camera while standing in the hallway of an academic building.

Professor of Social Work Named a Top-Cited Scientist

Michael Vaughn, Ph.D., was recognized by Research.com as one of the most-cited researchers in the area of social sciences and humanities.

Dan Nickolai smiles at the camera.

SLU Professor Developing Second-Language App

Dan Nickolai, Ph.D., is an associate professor of French and director of the Language Resource Center at Saint Louis University.

The face and shoulders of a bronze statue of St. Ignatius at dusk, with SLU's Pius X Library in the background.

Saint Louis University to Launch Ignatian Minor in Fall 2022

The project-based minor aims to foster a lifelong commitment to service.

SLU VP, Student Honored by Missouri Lawyers Media

Missouri Lawyers Media has recognized Vice President and General Counsel Danielle Uy and School of Law student Emma Mitchell with Women’s Justice Awards.

Looking at DuBourg Hall through an allee of trees.

SLU Students, Alumni Earn 2022 U.S. Fulbright Awards

SLU's Office of Competitive Fellowships and Scholarships announced that seven students/alumni have been selected to participate in the prestigious Fulbright U.S. Student Program.

Abby Stylianou, Ph.D., looks at the viewer while on campus.

SLU Professor Works to Combat Human Trafficking

Abby Stylianou, Ph.D., assistant professor of computer science at Saint Louis University College of Arts and Sciences, uses image recognition to rescue victims.

Looking across Grand Boulevard toward SLU's DuBourg Hall, with flags flying in the foreground.

SLU Faculty Make A Difference in the Lives of Women

In honor of Women’s History Month, we spotlight five SLU researchers and clinicians who are making a difference.

Looking up at an arched entrance gate on SLU's north campus, with the spire of Cook Hall and blue sky in the background.

SLU Graduate Programs Again Among Nation’s Best

SLU has 29 graduate and professional programs ranked in U.S. News & World Report’s top 100.

SLU's north campus pictured from the air at dusk.

SPS Launches Two New Programs

The school has launched a new Medical Cannabis Science and Therapeutic Management certificate program.

Seyoon Choi, an undergraduate student researcher in SLU's CHROME Lab, smiles while holding his service dog.

SLU Researchers Developing Adapted Hockey Puck

The team at SLU’s CHROME Lab is working on a puck for players with visual impairments.

Singers wearing the new Vocal Ease mask.

SLU Music Professor to Develop VocalEase Mask

The brainchild of assistant professor Stephanie Tennill, it's taking the market by storm.

2021 Nancy McNeir Ring Award Winner Named

Christina Garcia, Ph.D., assistant professor of Spanish, is the 2021 recipient of the Nancy
McNeir Ring Award, SLU's highest honor for teaching.

Sofia Origanti, Ph.D.

Meet a SLU Researcher: Sofia Origanti, Ph.D.

An assistant professor of biology. Dr. Origanti’s research focuses on how body cells synthesize proteins and the role they play in the growth of cancer cells.

Aerial view of Parks College

SLU Selected for Prestigious Satellite Program

Parks College of Engineering, Aviation and Technology was chosen by the Air Force Research Laboratory’s University Nanosatellite Program as one of 10 participating universities invited to design, fabricate and test small satellites.

Ana Santos Putschman, S.J.D.

Meet a SLU Researcher: Ana Santos Rutschman, S.J.D.

An assistant professor of Health Law Studies, Rutschman’s research includes vaccine law, policy and intellectual property.

planes in front of Parks College

SLU Ranks in Top 10 for Best Colleges for Pilots, Aviation

Best Value Schools recently ranked Parks College of Engineering, Aviation and Technology as the No. 10 best college in the country for pilots and aviation.

Christa Jackson, Ph.D.

Meet a SLU Researcher: Christa Jackson, Ph.D.

A professor of educational studies, Dr. Jackson’s research focuses on teachers’ knowledge of equity.

Alexei Demchenko, Ph.D.

Meet a SLU Researcher: Alexei Demchenko, Ph.D.

A professor of chemistry and the Chemistry Department chair, Demchenko’s research focuses on carbohydrate molecules.

SLU Professor Named a Rubenstein Fellow

Keon L. Gilbert, DrPH, associate professor in the College for Public Health and Social Justice has been appointed to the third class of David M. Rubenstein Fellows at the Brookings Institution.

Meet a SLU Researcher: Charles Parker, Ph.D.

A professor of History, Dr. Parker’s research includes the first wave of globalization in early modern Europe.

SLU's north campus in the autumn, with trees turning red and orange

SLU Ranks Sixth Among Catholic Universities

The University is among the top-10 Catholic colleges in the Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education 2022 college rankings.

SLU Professor Elected National Aeronautics Associate Fellow

Sanjay Jayaram, Ph.D.,has been elected to the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Class of 2022 Associate Fellows.

Meet A SLU Researcher: Koyal Garg, Ph.D.

An associate professor of Biomedical Engineering at Parks College of Engineering, Aviation and Technology, Garg’s research focuses on the enhancement of skeletal muscle regeneration and function following injury, disease and aging.

A closeup of the Pius Library sign above the library's south door.

SLU’s Pius Library Named Missouri Library of the Year

The Missouri Library Association has named Pius XII Memorial Library the Missouri Library of the Year for distinguished achievement in service.

DuBourg Hall, seen from the SLU arch on the east side of Grand Blvd.

SLU Named Best Value for Sixth Year

Saint Louis University has been recognized as one of the nation’s best values in higher education by U.S. News & World Report.

Parks College students

Parks College Students Participate in National Nanosatellite Competition

Saint Louis University was invited to participate in the elite competition in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Meet a SLU Researcher: Ness Sandoval, Ph.D.

The associate director of SLU’s Geospatial Institute and an associate professor of sociology, Dr. Sandoval’s research tells stories using maps and works with students to use data and maps to look into the future.

SLU student Steven Skaggs in the lab.

SLU Student's Research Earns Grant From NASA

Steven Skagg's search for possible origins of life on Saturn's largest moon was one of 32 proposals selected by the Planetary Science Division in the Science Mission Directorate.

African American Studies faculty and students

SLU's African American Studies Program to Become Full Academic Department

This fall, Saint Louis University will become the fourth Jesuit university in the nation to formally establish a Department of African American Studies.

Victor Geiser, a first-year meteorology student, discusses radar data interpretation during a storm safety and spotter training webinar.

Meteorology Students Work to Earn SLU’s NWS StormReady Designation

Saint Louis University is one step closer to earning the National Weather Service StormReady designation thanks to a student-led effort.

Aerial view of SLU's campus

New SLU Institute Focuses on Drug Discovery and Development

The Institute for Drug and Biotherapeutic Innovation brings together University researchers in medicine, biology, engineering, and computational and applied chemistry to address unmet patient needs.

Dr. Pestello at the ATC grand opening

Phase II of Pius XII Library's Academic Technology Commons Opens

The new study rooms are located on the second floor of Pius XII Memorial Library.

Artist's rendering of the Food Discovery Center

New Strategic Partnership Benefits SLU Nutrition and Dietetics Students

Beginning in July 2021, SLU's Doisy College of Health Sciences will have access to Deli Star's Food Discovery Center for food-science research and innovation.

Aerial view of the clocktower on SLU's campus.

WSJ Ranks SLU Among Top Midwestern Colleges in Cities

Saint Louis University ranks No. 8 on the Wall Street Journal’s 2021 list of the top 10 colleges in big Midwestern cities.

SLU Geospatial Institute Researcher

SLU Geospatial Institute Will Train DOD and NGA Workforce

SLU faculty will teach GIS mapping, remote sensing, photogrammetry, geomatics, geoinformatics, data science, geospatial analytics, coding, computer vision, artificial intelligence/machine learning, human geography and cybersecurity to the Department of Defense and National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency.

Enbal Shacham, Ph.D.

SLU Researchers Develop App to Track COVID-19 Symptoms

SLU computer science faculty and researchers developed an app to monitor real-time symptoms and the location of symptomatic individuals.

College for Public Health & Social Justice

SLU Professor Named 2021 Martin Luther King Jr. Spirit Award Winner

The University City Board of Education has awarded the 2021 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Spirit Award to Natalie Parks, Ph.D.

Tim Wiemken, Ph.D.

SLU Professor Named 2021 SouthSide Champion for Children

Timothy L. Wiemken, Ph.D., associate professor in Saint Louis University’s School of Medicine, will receive the 2021 SouthSide Early Childhood Center’s Champion for Children award.

Ted Mathys

SLU Faculty Member Pens Book of Poetry

In his new book of poetry Gold Cure, assistant professor of English in the College of Arts & Sciences Ted Mathys has several poems which meditate on gold, both as a physical substance and as a cultural and philosophical ideal.

Tegeler Hall

Saint Louis University Partners with Xavier University to Offer Master of Social Work Degree

SLU is partnering with Xavier University to offer a top-ranked Master of Social Work (MSW) degree through SLU’s School of Social Work in the College for Public Health and Social Justice, beginning in the Fall 2021 semester.

Aerial view of SLU's Midtown campus

Professor Karla D. Scott Named YWCA 2020 Leader of Distinction Honoree

Karla D. Scott, Ph.D., (A&S '81) professor of communication at Saint Louis University, received the YWCA 2020 Leader of Distinction Award for Racial Justice.

Two SLU Faculty Receive Emerson’s Excellence in Teaching Award

Two Saint Louis University faculty members and alumni received Emerson’s 2020 Excellence in Teaching Award, which recognizes educators in the St. Louis metropolitan area annually for their leadership in and passion for teaching, their contributions to student learning, and their knowledge and creativity.

Geophysics students in Hawaii

SLU Geologist Helps Art Lovers Find the Beauty in ‘Paintings on Stone’

John Encarnacion, Ph.D., a geologist at Saint Louis University, is combining his passions for science and the fine arts to help art lovers get a sense of ways geology hides in museum masterpieces.

Jenna Gorlewicz, Ph.D.

SLU Engineer Tackles the Digital Graphics Accessibility Gap in STEM

Jenna Gorlewicz, Ph.D., associate professor of mechanical engineering at Saint Louis University, aims to create methods for teaching abstract STEM concepts, often conveyed visually, accessible to students with visual impairments.

interior of SLU's new ISE building

SLU Dedicates New Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering Building

The University dedicated its newest academic building, the Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering Building, during a virtual ceremony on Sept. 26. The 90,000-square-foot, three-story structure opened in late July.

Snow-Covered SLU North Campus

Saint Louis University Ranked as a Top 10 Program for Political Science

SLU ranked No. 9 in the nation on Bachelor Degree Center's list of the top-rated political science programs for 2021.

Krishnaswamy Ravindra, Ph.D.

Professor Honored for Contributions to Aerospace Engineering Education

Krishnaswamy Ravindra, Ph.D., professor of aerospace and mechanical engineering in Saint Louis University's Parks College of Engineering, Aviation and Technology, is a recipient of the 2021 American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) Sustained Service Award.

Sidney Watson

Faces of the Campaign: Sidney Watson, J.D.

Donor support allows SLU to attract and retain world-class faculty like Sidney Watson, J.D., director of SLU's Center for Health Law Studies. She also holds the Jane and Bruce Robert Endowed Professorship, which was created by a gift from donors.

Satellite team

NASA Launches SLU-Built Satellite

Built by a team of faculty and students at Parks College of Engineering, Aviation and Technology, the satellite was successfully launched into orbit from the International Space Station.

Dr. Finan

SLU Irish Excavations Featured in Archaeology Magazine

As Thomas Finan, Ph.D., and his students delve deeper into the Gaelic past, their work is being profiled in a premier publication in the archaeological world.

SLU students at 2019 Day of Service

Princeton Review Ranks SLU As a Best Value, Impact School

This ranking is a reflection of the investments made possible by Accelerating Excellence: The Campaign for Saint Louis University.

SLU campus

SLU Among Wall Street Journal's Top Midwestern Colleges

Saint Louis University ranks No. 8 on the Wall Street Journal’s 2020 list of the top 10 colleges in big Midwestern cities.

researcher

Using Big Data to Support Economic Development

Michael Podgursky, Ph.D., leads SLU's effort to use big data to improve educational outcomes and workforce development in St. Louis.

vr room

SLU Opens New Virtual Reality Space on Campus

SLU is opening a dedicated virtual reality (VR) room – one of the first spaces of its kind in the St. Louis area, and the first public VR space on campus.

Investiture 2019

University-Wide Investiture Ceremony Honors Faculty, Donors

Faculty appointed to endowed positions of distinction in various academic units were honored.

maps

SLU Launches New Geospatial Institute

The new institute will support and accelerate research, training and innovation in the rapidly growing fields of geospatial science and technology.

Tech Commons

Academic Tech Commons Welcomes SLU Innovators

From its intentionally-designed furniture to 3D printers to Nao, the programmable robot, Saint Louis University's Academic Technology Commons is as a space where the Billikens of today are learning on the future's technology.

Research Funding Awarded to 13 Faculty

Launched in September 2018 through investments made possible by Accelerating Excellence: The Campaign for Saint Louis University, the SLU Research Institute provides critical funding to support faculty and researchers whose interests span the University.

biology department

Tackling Food Challenges From Seed to Table

Food research at SLU spans the entire academic spectrum, from the natural and social sciences to the humanities. This interdisciplinary approach gives SLU a unique, comprehensive perspective on the issue, distinguishing the University from other institutions.

Clocktower

SLU Garners Top National Rankings

Saint Louis University is ranked among the top-100 national universities in the latest undergraduate rankings from U.S. News & World Report. SLU is also one of the nation’s best values, according to the magazine.