Harris-Stowe State University Honors President LaTonia Collins Smith with Plaza Naming

On Monday, April 13, during the celebration of the opening of the Brickline Greenway, Harris-Stowe State University proudly commemorated the naming of the Dr. LaTonia Collins Smith Plaza—a distinguished honor recognizing the leadership and impact of LaTonia Collins Smith, the University’s current 21st and first female president.

This honor holds deep significance as it permanently embeds President Collins Smith’s legacy within both the campus and the broader St. Louis community. The plaza serves as a symbol of progress, connection, and forward momentum—reflecting a period of growth and transformation for the University and its continued commitment to expanding access and opportunity.

Its placement alongside the Brickline Greenway further elevates its meaning. The Greenway stands as a historic investment in reconnecting communities and honoring the legacy of Mill Creek Valley—once a thriving Black neighborhood central to the cultural and economic fabric of the city. Together, the plaza and Greenway represent a powerful testament to St. Louis: acknowledging its history while actively shaping a more connected and equitable future.

The naming of the plaza was formally bestowed in 2023 by the Harris-Stowe State University Board of Regents, recognizing President Collins Smith’s transformative leadership and the momentum of the institution under her direction.

In reflecting on the honor, President Collins Smith shared,

“This recognition is deeply meaningful, not simply as a personal milestone, but as a reflection of the collective strength, resilience, and progress of Harris-Stowe State University. The work we do is rooted in purpose—and I remain committed to ensuring that our impact continues to extend far beyond our campus and into the communities we serve.”

This recognition comes on the heels of her third anniversary as President of Harris-Stowe State University, marking a moment that is both reflective and forward-looking. As the University continues to build on its legacy as The Only HBCU in the St. Louis, the Dr. LaTonia Collins Smith Plaza stands as a lasting symbol of leadership, impact, and the enduring power of purpose-driven progress.