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.

A $5 million cut is not just a number

it is a significant reduction to an already limited state investment.

Harris-Stowe State University receives just $12.6M in state funding—the lowest of any public university in Missouri.

That funding supports:

  • Faculty and staff who teach and serve students

  • Academic programs and course delivery

  • Basic campus operations and student services

It does not cover:

  • Major facility upgrades or new buildings

  • Technology expansion or infrastructure growth

  • Large-scale scholarships or program expansion

A cut at this level doesn’t reduce excess—it reduces access.

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.

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.

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