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NCI Newsletter

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Ameren Advances Engineering Education with $1 Million Investment at UMSL

Ameren has announced a $1 million investment to support the construction of the new Ameren Electrical Engineering Lab within the UMSL Science Complex. Beyond the facility, the funding will provide vital student scholarships and hands-on programming. This timely contribution will help meet the growing demand for highly skilled engineering professionals across Missouri’s infrastructure, technology, and energy industries. Read the article to learn more.

Electrical engineering students under the direction of Professor and Electrical Engineering Program Coordinator Xin Wang (at right) showed off some of their work using humanoid and quadruped robots during a presentation on May 6. (Photo by Derik Holtmann)

SSM Health DePaul Hospital Recognized with CMS Four-Star Quality Rating

SSM Health DePaul Hospital has received a high, four-star quality rating from the federal government (CMS), placing it among the top hospitals in the nation. This rating is based on an official review of over 4,600 hospitals, measuring important factors like patient safety, quick care, and overall patient satisfaction. Read the article about this achievement. Fewer than one in three hospitals nationwide earned four stars in the April 2026 cycle, and the 2026 methodology places greater weight on patient safety than in prior years, raising the bar for all institutions.

Vote for America's Best Donut

Our local favorite, Old Town Donuts, is officially in the running to defend their title as the Best Donuts in America in The64's nationwide competition. After an amazing win last year fueled by community support, they’ve been nominated again for the top spot. Let’s help them bring home the win for Missouri once more!

Pivot Bio Expands Operations with Ribbon Cutting at Hazelwood Facility

Global agtech leader Pivot Bio hosted a ribbon cutting earlier this year to celebrate the expansion of its Center of Excellence in Hazelwood, Missouri. This expansion includes the relocation of the company's Manufacturing and Innovation Center of Excellence to the St. Louis region. The move represents a $7 million investment from Pivot Bio and is expected to bring 40 new jobs to the area, further strengthening our local agtech ecosystem. Read the article.

Finding New Purpose: JT Thomas’s Journey of Resilience

Following a devastating spinal cord injury during his senior football season, Palmyra’s JT Thomas discovered a new path forward through mouth painting at Ranken Jordan Pediatric Bridge Hospital. Fueled by deep resilience, unexpected creative talent, and immense community support, JT has transformed a life-altering challenge into a powerful new identity as an artist. Visit the article to learn more.

Palmyra, Missouri, native JT Thomas paints with his mouth alongside Ranken Jordan Artist in Residence Julie Villhard, who encouraged JT to first try painting with his mouth and has been an instrumental figure in his recovery and progress as an artist. | Ranken Jordan Pediatric Bridge Hospital

Big Win for St. Louis County Neighborhoods!

Efforts to fix vacant and abandoned properties in St. Louis County are moving forward. What started as an idea in 2018 by the Neighborhood Leadership Fellows is now a reality. Thanks to a teamwork approach by community leaders, housing experts, and lawmakers such as Community Builders Network and St. Louis REALTORS®, a new bill to create a St. Louis County Land Bank has passed the Missouri legislature and is now waiting for the Governor's signature.

Rate Commission Membership Opportunity

MSD Project Clear's Board of Trustees is seeking organizations to fill 10-12 positions on the Rate Commission. If your organization is interested in serving on the Rate Commission, please submit a one-page letter on your organization's letterhead describing your interest by July 17, 2026. Learn more or submit using this link.

Civic Collaboration Fellows Applications Closing July 10

Don't miss the opportunity to join the next cohort of Civic Collaboration Fellows! This year-long advanced leadership program—brought to you by UM Extension, UMSL, and the James S. McDonnell Foundation—is dedicated to building civic networks and boosting economic mobility in St. Louis. The experience features collaborative workshops, a learning trip to Baltimore, and an economic mobility project, along with a $2,500 stipend. Apply by July 10 to help shape the future of our regional community. Learn more.

Outstanding Local Government Achievement Nominations

Nominations are officially open for East-West Gateway’s Outstanding Local Government Achievement (OLGA) Awards. These awards honor exceptional individuals, local governments, and public schools across our eight-county, bi-state region (St. Louis city and Franklin, Jefferson, St. Charles, St. Louis, Madison, Monroe, and St. Clair counties). Submit your nominations by September 1 to recognize outstanding public service in our community. For more information, use this link.

Greene County Historical Society Launches "Porch Stories Project

Thanks to new grant funding, the Greene County Historical & Genealogical Society is launching the Porch Stories Project, a digital initiative to preserve local history through recorded oral interviews, photographs, and community memories. Anyone with a connection to Greene County—past or present—is invited to participate. You can share your story, nominate someone for an interview, contribute historical photos, or volunteer as a "town contact" to help connect the project with your local neighborhood. Visit the website.

Congrats

MoDOT Welcomes New Leadership to the St. Louis District

We extend our congratulations to Tom Evers, the newly appointed District Engineer for MoDOT’s St. Louis District. He will assume leadership of the five-county region following the retirement of Tom Blair. Learn more.

STLCC Appoints Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs

Congratulations to Elizabeth Gassel Perkins, EdD, on her appointment as St. Louis Community College’s next Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs! Beginning July 1, Dr. Perkins will oversee districtwide curriculum policies, institutional research, instructional resources, and student learning assessments. Cheers to Dr. Perkins on this exciting new chapter! Learn more about her and her new role.

Leadership Transition at UMSL: Congrats to Chris Spilling!

Cheers to Chris Spilling on his appointment as the interim chancellor of UMSL, effective July 1! Appointed by UM President Mun Choi, Dr. Spilling steps into the role following the retirement of Chancellor Kristin Sobolik. With more than 35 years of service at UMSL—most recently as vice chancellor for research and economic and community development—he brings incredible experience to this transition. Best of luck, Dr. Spilling! Read the article.

Hazelwood School District Names Dr. Bonita Jamison as New Superintendent

The Hazelwood School District Board of Education recently announced the selection of Dr. Bonita E. Jamison as the district’s next superintendent, effective July 1, 2026. An experienced educator of 25+ years, Dr. Jamison (currently Superintendent at Maplewood Richmond Heights) will take over for Dr. Nettie Collins-Hart, who is retiring after a decade of service to the district. Read the article.

Events Around The Community

(Images are hyperlinked to external websites for your convenience, subject to availability.)

MoDOT St. Louis District will be hosting an in-person DBE Certification Workshop on Thursday, June 18, 2026, at 2 pm at the MoDOT Traffic Management Center located at 14301 S. Outer Forty Rd. Chesterfield, MO, 2nd Floor, Conference Room 209. Interested firms can register by clicking on the link below.

DBE Certification Workshops | Missouri Department of Transportation

Old Town Donuts :

June 2026 Special

Christian Hospital Reflection Garden

Join The Christian Hospital Foundation on June 27th to gather for a meaningful moment of connection and remembrance as we honor loved ones who have passed. During the ceremony, participants will dedicate a butterfly in memory of a family member or friend. Each butterfly will be released as names are read aloud, creating a beautiful tribute filled with reflection and hope. Learn more or register today!

SSM Health Foundations Bright Night Gala

Mark your calendars for the SSM Health Foundations Bright Night Gala on October 17th, 2026. Become a sponsor or learn more.

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