In this file photo, UMSL Chancellor Tom George gives his annual report to the community on May 2 at America’s Center in downtown St. Louis. He recently spoke with St. Louis Public Radio about UMSL’s role in the community. (Photo by August Jennewein)

The University of Missouri–St. Louis plays a significant role in the St. Louis community. UMSL Chancellor Tom George discussed this on Oct. 9 with “St. Louis on the Air” host Don Marsh and several callers on St. Louis Public Radio | 90.7 KWMU. Ferguson, Mo., and the unrest that has followed the shooting death of Michael Brown on Aug. 9 were among the topics addressed.

“There are immediate issues to deal with, clearly, and we all have to work on the immediate issues,” George told Marsh. “But we also, at some stage – and we’re starting to do that – stand back a little, look at what’s more deep-seated, look where issues are that are not only a problem in Ferguson, but a problem, really, across the whole St. Louis area and other metropolitan areas. How do we address and deal with these? How do we deal with issues of racism? How do we deal with issues of unemployment? Opportunities?”

Visit the St. Louis Public Radio website to hear the full program. Visit UMSL Daily to read more about the university’s response to Ferguson.