College of Public Service Unveils First Named Professorship

Saint Louis University's College of Public Service has reached a new milestone: the establishment of its first named professorship.

Civic leader E. Desmond "Des" Lee generously has provided funding to support the E. Desmond Lee Professorship in Collaborative Regional Education.

James Gilsinan, Ph.D.

James Gilsinan, Ph.D., dean of the College of Public Service, has been named the first holder of this prestigious professorship. The honor recognizes Gilsinan's decades of service to St. Louis area schools, local governments and non-profit organizations.

As a Des Lee Professor, Gilsinan will join scholars from Washington University in St. Louis and the University of Missouri-St. Louis in researching ways to help schools and communities improve the lives of young people.

Because the professorship requires teaching, research and service, Gilsinan has agreed step down as dean and rejoin the faculty on a full-time basis at the end of December.

"Jim's work as founding director and dean leaves an important legacy about which all of the members of the College of Public Service and the University can be proud," said SLU Provost Joe Weixlmann, Ph.D.

Weixlmann currently is working with faculty in the college to select an interim dean for the spring semester.

Des Lee Professors are part of the Des Lee Collaborative Vision (DLCV), an organization that links educational, cultural and social service institutions. Working together, the institutions enhance education, create opportunities for disadvantaged people and improve the quality of life throughout the St. Louis area.

DLCV was founded in 1996 by St. Louis philanthropist Lee and former UMSL Chancellor Blanche Touhill. Today, the organization includes more than 30 professors, 100 community organizations and several government agencies and businesses.

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