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SLU Alumna LaTonia Collins Smith Inaugurated as President of Harris-Stowe

Harris Stowe State University celebrated the inauguration of Saint Louis University alumna LaTonia Collins Smith, Ed.D., as HSSU’s 21st president on Friday, April 14. She is the first woman to serve in the role.

Dignitaries applaud for Harris-Stowe President LaTonia Collins Smith, who is wearing an academic cap and gown while holding HSSU’s Mace, a long wooden staff topped with a gold university seal and laurel wreath.

Harris-Stowe President and SLU alumna LaTonia Collins Smith, Ed.D., holds the HSSU’s Mace during her investiture ceremony on April 14. Photo by Kasi Williamson.

SLU President Fred P. Pestello, Ph.D., attended Friday’s HSSU investiture ceremony as a delegate of Saint Louis University, joining officials from more than 25 colleges and universities around the country. 

“It was an honor to represent the Saint Louis University community on this historic and joyful occasion,” Pestello said. “President Collins Smith is a talented, innovative and accomplished leader – and a valued member of the SLU alumni community. HSSU will thrive under her leadership.”

The investiture ceremony included remarks from HSSU community members, local and state political figures, and distinguished higher education leaders. A Proclamation from the City of St. Louis named April 14, 2023, President LaTonia Collins Smith Day. 

In a moving moment, a Resolution from the Missouri House of Representatives honoring Collins Smith’s inauguration was presented to her by her daughter, State Rep. Kimberly-Ann Collins.

Collins Smith received a Master of Social Work and a Master of Public Health degree from SLU. She will be honored by SLU in May with an Alumni Merit Award from the School of Social Work. 

Collins Smith has served as HSSU president since March 1, 2022, following nine months as interim president. In addition to her degrees from SLU, she holds a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Central Missouri and a doctorate from Maryville University.

SLU President Fred Pestello and Harris Stowe President LaTonia Collins Smith pose for a photo following her inauguration.

SLU President Fred P. Pestello, Ph.D., poses for a photo with LaTonia Collins Smith, Ed.D., following her inauguration as the 21st president of Harris-Stowe State University. Photo by Kasi Williamson.