Blanche Touhill, professor emeritus of history and education and UMSL’s sixth chancellor, wrote the new book “A Photographic History of the University of Missouri–St. Louis.” (Photo by August Jennewein)

Nobody knows the history of the University of Missouri–St. Louis better than Blanche M. Touhill. And she proves that again with the publication of a photographic history of UMSL’s first 50 years.

Touhill is chancellor emeritus and professor emeritus of history and education. She served as chancellor at UMSL for more than 12 years. She joined the UMSL faculty in 1965, was named interim chancellor in 1990 and appointed chancellor in April 1991. She retired on Dec. 31, 2002.

“A Photographic History of the University of Missouri–St. Louis” is a 192-page testament to the impact UMSL has had on the lives of thousands of individuals and the greater community as a whole.

“There are hundreds of faces in this book,” said Touhill, holding the book close. “They’re the people who worked together to make UMSL special.

“You could say it’s UMSL’s family photo album,” she said, pausing for a few seconds, flashing a quick smile. “Yes, that’s what it is; UMSL’s family album.”

This book also somewhat represents a sequel. Touhill wrote “The Emerging University: The University of Missouri-St. Louis, 1963-1983,” the first history of UMSL.

On Sept. 25, Touhill will sign copies of her book in the St. Louis Mercantile Library’s space in the Thomas Jefferson Library. There is a walk-in session set for 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The Mercantile is hosting a larger reception from 3 to 6 p.m., complete with refreshments and commentary from Touhill.