UMSL Chancellor Tom George lectures students about carbon nanotubes. The Ladue News recently named George to its list of Dynamic People. (Photo by August Jennewein)

Higher education leader, renowned researcher, community influencer and acclaimed musician can all be used to describe University of Missouri–St. Louis Chancellor Tom George. That’s why he was named to the Ladue (Mo.) News’ top 10 list of Dynamic People. The weekly publication included a profile of George in its Jan. 24 issue.

In writer Julia Christensen’s feature, she explored how the Philadelphia native rose through the academic ranks to become UMSL’s seventh chancellor and the “Renaissance man” he is today. The article identified several examples of his leadership, as well as his roles in the sciences (as a nanoscientist, chemist and physicist) and the arts (as a jazz pianist).

“[They say] that science and music are different sides of the brain, but with the kind of music I do, you have to improvise, you have to create on the spot. And in my research in science, it really is improvisation,” he told the Ladue News. “Maybe there is more similarity than one thinks. And for that matter, doing administration, you have got to improvise, as well – you learn quickly there is no cookie-cutter approach.”

Christensen also noted George’s prolific workday.

“To an outsider, the chancellor’s daily schedule seems chaotic: Days often start with 7:30 a.m. breakfast appointments, followed by a day of meetings and an evening of events,” she wrote. “But George can’t explain his days without noting the fact that it’s a team effort, singling out executive assistant Candi Agnew.”

Visit the Ladue News website to read the full article.