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Pestello Discusses State of SLU During Presidential Town Hall

Saint Louis University President Fred P. Pestello, Ph.D., discussed the state of the University during a town hall that was open to all members of the SLU community Sept. 12 in the Center for Global Citizenship. The event drew more than 550 participants in person and online.

Presidential Town Hall Meeting

Fred P. Pestello, Ph.D., listens to a question from David Reddick, quality assurance analyst in the Division of Information Technology Services.

Saint Louis University President Fred P. Pestello, Ph.D., discussed the state of the University during a town hall that was open to all members of the SLU community Sept. 12 in the Center for Global Citizenship. The event drew more than 550 participants in person and online.

During his remarks, Pestello revealed that SLU is undertaking its first campus master planning process since 1989. Specifically called for in the strategic plan, the process is being led by a committee of faculty, staff and student representatives, who have reviewed extensive data.

Next, there will be on-campus workshops and stakeholder engagement later this fall to gather community input and feedback. A target date for completion of the campus master plan is summer 2017.

Pestello also announced that SLU has taken steps to establish a redevelopment corporation through Chapter 353 of the Revised Statutes of Missouri — known as the “Urban Redevelopment Corporation Law.”

If approved, SLU would become the “master developer” for a proposed redevelopment area in Midtown that encompasses approximately 395 acres. In that role, SLU would gain the ability to attract others to invest in the area and have a greater say about what is built around the St. Louis campus in the future.

Pestello also talked about SLU’s efforts to establish a core curriculum for undergraduate education at the University. As announced in late August by Provost Nancy Brickhouse, Ph.D., a joint task force will be formed and charged with specifying a set of learning outcomes for all students earning a baccalaureate degree at SLU.

This work, Pestello noted, will build upon an “inspiring” vision statement articulating what is distinctive in a SLU undergraduate education. Crafted by a faculty-led task force following University-wide discussions, the vision statement was released in May.

On Monday, Pestello also gave updates on the strategic plan, student enrollment, the bicentennial and the comprehensive fundraising campaign. In addition, he talked about the Magis Operational Excellence program, which he once again called, “the single most important initiative before [SLU] this year.”

Before taking questions from the audience, Pestello wrapped up his remarks by encouraging members of the SLU community to stay involved in and informed about the various initiatives under way to move the University forward.

“I value hearing from you, and I strive to truly listen to what you have to say,” he said. “I am a better leader — and SLU is a better place — because of you. I am optimistic about our future and eager to proceed.”

After the event, Pestello thanked everyone who participated and apologized to those who were unable to join via the Fuze meeting link, which exceeded capacity, something that was not expected.