st. louis, we need your help
For over 165 years, Harris-Stowe State University has been a place of access, opportunity, and transformation—serving students who are building better futures for themselves, their families, and their communities.
Today, that mission is at risk.
Right now, Harris-Stowe State University is facing a proposed $5 million cut to its state funding—more than a 40% reduction. For the students we serve, this isn’t just a number. It’s access, opportunity, and futures on the line. The Missouri Senate will decide what happens next.
Whether you’re a student, alumni, community member, or supporter—there are multiple ways to stand with HSSU and make your voice heard.
We need your voice—now more than ever.
Use the resources below to take action and #StandwithHSSU.
a message from our president
Harris-Stowe State University has always been more than an institution—it is a pathway to opportunity, a driver of economic mobility, and a cornerstone of our community.
The decisions being made today will shape what is possible for our students tomorrow.
Now is the time to stand together.
I ask you to use your voice, engage with your legislators, and advocate for the future of our university. Your support is critical to ensuring that Harris-Stowe can continue to serve, educate, and empower generations to come.
Stand with HSSU. Protect our future.
— Dr. LaTonia Collins Smith
President, Harris-Stowe State University
The proposed funding recommendations do not fully reflect the impact and value of Harris-Stowe State University.
HSSU has historically received the lowest level of state funding among all Missouri public universities—yet we continue to deliver outsized impact for our students and our state.
We are:
The most affordable public university in Missouri
A critical access point for first-generation and Pell-eligible students
A proven pathway to careers that strengthen Missouri’s workforce and communities
Over the past several years, Harris-Stowe has demonstrated measurable growth and impact:
A national leader in geospatial research, serving as a hub for HBCUs across the country
Nearly 2,000 entrepreneurs supported through our Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship
1,733 middle school students engaged through STEM Achievers programming
478 high school students enrolled in dual enrollment from 16 local schools
78 new law enforcement officers certified through POST training in partnership with Lincoln University
Our graduates go on to become educators, nonprofit leaders, law enforcement officers, entrepreneurs, and professionals who lead and serve across the state—with many remaining in the region, contributing directly to Missouri’s workforce and strengthening our local communities.
what does $5M look like?
A proposed $5 million cut is not just a number—it’s real impact on real students.
At Harris-Stowe State University, where the majority of students are first-generation and Pell-eligible, this funding supports access, stability, and success.
When funding is reduced at this scale, students don’t just feel it—they live it.
what can you do to support hssu?
contact your senator
One of the most effective ways to take action is to contact your state senator directly and share why Harris-Stowe matters—to you, your family, and your community.
Find Your Missouri State Senator
(Enter your address to get your senator’s name and contact information)
We have provided sample scripts you can use. Personalize them with your story, your connection, and your voice—because that’s what makes the biggest impact.
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We're a team of passionate thinkers and doers, dedicated to building with purpose and clarity. Collaboration and curiosity drive everything we do.
My name is (first and last name), and I am a student at Harris-Stowe State University from (your city or neighborhood). I am writing to express my deep concern about the proposed funding cuts to Harris-Stowe State University under HCS HB 2003.
This bill would reduce Harris-Stowe’s funding by more than 40%, and that kind of cut would directly affect students like me. Harris-Stowe is more than a university — it is a place of opportunity, access, support, and growth for students who are working hard to build better futures for ourselves, our families, and our communities.
(Insert your personal Harris-Stowe story here — why you chose HSSU, how it has helped you, or what it means to your future.)
Please vote to oppose this funding model and support an approach that takes into account institutional mission, student demographics, and community impact.
Sincerely,
(Your name)
Student, Harris-Stowe State University
(Your location) -
My name is (first and last name), and I am a (faculty member/staff member) at Harris-Stowe State University from (your location). I am writing to express my serious concern about the proposed funding cuts to Harris-Stowe State University under HCS HB 2003.
If passed, this bill would reduce Harris-Stowe’s funding by more than 40%. A cut of this magnitude would have a significant impact on our institution’s ability to serve students, support academic success, and continue fulfilling our mission.
Harris-Stowe serves a unique and essential role in Missouri’s higher education landscape. Our students include many who are first-generation, Pell-eligible, and deeply committed to creating stronger futures for themselves and their families. As someone who works closely with our students, I see every day the value of investing in this institution and the real consequences of underfunding it.
(Insert your personal perspective here — what you see in students, your role, or why this work matters.)
Please vote to oppose this funding model and advocate for an approach that recognizes institutional mission, student demographics, and community impact.
Sincerely,
(Your name)
(Faculty/Staff), Harris-Stowe State University
(Your location) -
My name is (first and last name), and I am a constituent from (your location). I am writing to express my deep concern about the proposed funding cuts to Harris-Stowe State University under HCS HB 2003.
This bill would reduce Harris-Stowe’s funding by more than 40%, and that would have a serious impact not only on the university, but on the broader St. Louis community and the state of Missouri.
Harris-Stowe State University plays an essential role in expanding access to higher education, preparing graduates for the workforce, and strengthening communities. Its students and graduates go on to become educators, nonprofit leaders, entrepreneurs, public servants, and professionals who contribute meaningfully to our region.
(Insert your personal connection here — why HSSU matters to you, your family, your organization, or your community.)
Please vote to oppose this funding model and instead support an approach that recognizes institutional mission, student demographics, and community impact.
Sincerely,
(Your name)
(Your affiliation: community partner, alum, parent, supporter, or friend)
(Your location)
hey hornets, meet your senator, steven roberts
District: 5 (St. Louis)
Affiliation: Democrat
Role: Assistant Minority Floor Leader
First Elected: 2020
About Him
Senator Steven Roberts is a St. Louis native and fourth-generation community leader. He has served in both the Missouri House and Senate and is a strong advocate for equity, justice, and community investment
Why This Matters to You
Senator Roberts helps make decisions that impact funding for universities like HSSU, student opportunities and resources, and the future of higher education in Missouri.
🐝hornets, we need you to Take action—
click here to send a pre-filled email to Senator Roberts and advocate for continued investment in your education
advocate on social media
Use the provided posts and captions, or create your own and share your story—your voice matters
Tag your senator. Tag @HSSU. Amplify the message.
Use your platforms to raise awareness and amplify the message.
Post using the photos and captions provided
Share why Harris-Stowe matters to you
Use #StandWithHSSU to unify the message and increase visibility
Tag your Missouri State Senator and @HSSU on all platforms to ensure your message is seen
Create and Share Your Own Content
Your voice, your story, your impact.
Record a short video sharing why you support Harris-Stowe
Post a personal message or testimony
Encourage others in your network to take action
Tag your Missouri State Senator and @HSSU on all platforms and use #StandWithHSSU to expand reach
The story of Harris-Stowe continues to be one of access, opportunity, and transformation.
Thank you for standing with HSSU and for supporting the students, families, and communities who rely on its impact.
Stats to know before you go:
72.9% of our students rely on Pell Grants to attend
More than half are first-generation college students
Over 1,000 students depend on HSSU each year
Nearly 300 new students enroll annually seeking opportunity
We graduate nearly 200 students into the workforce each year
Our graduation rates are rising—now exceeding 30%
Most of our students are from Missouri—and stay to serve Missouri