LaTonia Collins Smith, Ed.D.: A Catalyst for Historic Change

Saint Louis University alumna LaTonia Collins Smith, Ed.D., (GRAD SW ’98, GRAD PH ’99) made history in 2022 as the first female president of Harris-Stowe State University. She credits her graduate education at SLU for shaping her commitment to service and social justice.

“Saint Louis University’s emphasis on caring for the whole person shaped how I lead today: with empathy, accountability and a commitment to the holistic development of students,” she said. “Whether I’m making decisions that impact students or engaging with the community, I strive to act with integrity, stay grounded in purpose and use education as a force for meaningful change.”

After 21 years as a social work and public health practitioner in the St. Louis area, Collins Smith shifted her focus to higher education in 2010 by joining Harris-Stowe State University, where she held several leadership roles. As the 21st president of the historically Black university, Collins Smith said she is deeply honored to be the first woman to lead the university and considers it a historic milestone that reflects both progress and possibility.

Building Strong Communities

Collins Smith holds four degrees: a bachelor’s in social work from the University of Central Missouri, two master’s degrees from SLU, in social work in 1998 and public health in 1999, and a doctorate in higher education leadership from Maryville University. 

She chose SLU for its Midtown location and hands-on learning approach, rather than a research-focused curriculum. Receiving an employee scholarship from the Archdiocese of St. Louis helped confirm her decision, she said. 

SLU significantly impacted Collins Smith’s career, particularly through two faculty members in the School of Social Work, she said. Faye Abram, a retired associate professor, educated her about the broader societal implications of social work and advocacy, while Susan Tebb, Ph.D., professor emerita, provided leadership and guidance and encouraged her to explore diverse opportunities within the field.

“Both women played key roles in shaping my professional identity and left a lasting impression on how I approach my work today,” Collins Smith said. “They and other faculty members challenged me to think beyond traditional roles and to view leadership as a platform for impact. That mindset has been invaluable as I work to expand opportunities for students, foster institutional growth and champion equity in higher education.”

Noelle Fearn, Ph.D., dean of the School of Social Work, has seen the outcome when faculty motivate students and alumni to promote the common good.

“The School of Social Work cultivates leaders who are deeply committed to serving others and who view that work as a true calling,” Fearn said. “LaTonia has embodied SLU’s Catholic, Jesuit mission throughout her career by uplifting others and championing social justice. That dedication continues to shape her leadership as a university president, where she empowers and inspires the next generation of leaders.”

Inspiring Change and Growth

Collins Smith considers it a privilege to inspire change in others through the power of education, scholarship and service, and she does not take it for granted, she said.

“More than any title or accolade, what I’m most proud of is the ability to walk in my purpose and passion every day,” Collins Smith said. 

She is also grateful for how her early career allowed her to serve communities with compassion and purpose, she said. One of the first roles that provided her with that opportunity was as an adoption and foster care worker at Catholic Services for Children and Youth, a ministry of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of St. Louis that is now Good Shepherd Children and Family Services. While working there in the mid- to late-1990s, she received the archdiocesan scholarship to further her education at SLU.

Don’t hesitate to pursue what ignites you, even if the path seems unclear. Let SLU’s core values guide your way. True purpose often resides at the intersection of your passions, your strengths and the needs of the world.”

LaTonia Collins Smith, Ed.D.,

Her current service on several boards, including United Way of Greater St. Louis, Greater St. Louis, Inc. and others, enables Collins Smith to build regional relationships. She has earned numerous awards, including the 2024 YWCA Metro St. Louis Leader of Distinction Award and the 2022 St. Louis American Foundation Stellar Performer in Education Award. She was also named one of the HBCU Campaign Fund’s Ten Most Dominant HBCU Leaders of 2025 and one of Ingram’s Magazine’s 50 Missourians You Should Know.

As a leader, Collins Smith encourages students and alumni to pursue their passions.

“Don’t hesitate to pursue what ignites you, even if the path seems unclear,” she said. “Let SLU’s core values guide your way. True purpose often resides at the intersection of your passions, your strengths and the needs of the world.”

Learn more about Collins Smith’s presidential inauguration at Harris-Stowe State University.

Do you know a SLU alum who deserves a spotlight? Let us know! Email alumni@slu.edu.