Harris-Stowe State University is fairly new in name, having gained University status on August 25, 2005. However, the institution has a rich history as a combination of several colleges. The St. Louis Normal School (Harris Teachers College,1857, White Women only) and Sumner Normal School (Stowe Teachers College, 1890, Black Women only) merged to become known as Harris-Stowe College in 1954 after the landmark Brown V. Board of Education decision. In 1979, It was added to the Missouri state system of public higher education under the name Harris-Stowe State College. Male Students have been admitted since 1940. It is the only HBCU in St. Louis.
At present, the school touts its offerings, saying, “Thus, from its beginnings as two normal schools in the mid and late 19th century to its present status as a state institution of public higher education, Harris-Stowe State University and its predecessor institutions have always been in the forefront of teacher education. Now, with its mission expanded to include other professional disciplines, the University will provide greatly needed additional opportunities to metropolitan St. Louisians in other important fields of endeavor. The University will continue its quest for excellence in all of its offerings and strive even more to meet the complex and demanding challenge of preparing students for effective roles in this region’s various professions.” The institution currently offers 63 academic options.
In late January 2026, HSSU broke ground on the construction of a $62.3m STEM center. The STEM center will be 4 stories and 82,443 square-feet. Missouri State Senators Brian Williams and Steven Roberts jointly state, “the new facility will help prepare students for careers that support regional growth. Speakers at the Friday event described the project as an investment not only in campus infrastructure, but in talent development and shared learning environments meant to benefit future generations of students.” as reported by the St. Louis American (New STEM center marks major investment at HARRIS-STOWE – St. Louis American)
In Fall 2026, HSSU will welcome its inaugural cohort of its new Master of Business Administration (MBA) program. (Harris-Stowe launches inaugural MBA Program – St. Louis American)
Harris-Stowe State University Students
HSSU is the home of the Hornets! It is a member of the NAIA and competes in the American Midwest Conference (AMC). Athletic offerings at the institution include baseball, basketball, soccer, track and field (indoor and outdoor), soccer, softball, volleyball and co-ed cheerleading!
HUSSU has a lot to celebrate and more to offer! Please give it up for Harris-Stowe State University!!
Notable Alumni:
Cori Bush: Former member of the US House of Representatives for Missouri’s 1st congressional district.
Bobby Charles Wilks: The first African American US Coast Guard Aviator and the first African American promoted to Captain of The Coast Guard.
DJ Tab: Hip Hop DJ, Record Producer, and Entrepreneur
Arlene C. Ackerman: Educator, Served as Superintendent of District of Columbia Public Schools, San Francisco Unified School District, and Philadelphia Public Schools.
