Media Coverage: October 2025

by | Nov 3, 2025

Stories about the university, its scholars and their expertise are often covered by local and national news media. Media Coverage highlights some of the top stories.

UMSL Media Coverage

 

The University of Missouri–St. Louis makes a significant impact on the St. Louis area. Stories about the university, its scholars and their expertise are often covered by local and national news media.

Media Coverage highlights some of the top stories but does not serve as a comprehensive listing. Notice a clip we missed? Email us at umsldaily@umsl.edu.

Featured stories:

A National Geographic story on the secrets of the world’s oldest tattoos featured Anne Austin, assistant professor of anthropology. Austin said tattoos can convey details about societies that aren’t found elsewhere. “The things you write down on skin,” she said, “are different than things you write down on paper.”

The Washington Post tapped Erika Gibb, a professor of physics and astronomy, to explain to readers how to see two bright, once-in-a-lifetime comets with their naked eyes. “What stands out about these two is their potential brightness,” Gibb told the Post. For sky-gazers, it is relatively uncommon for comets to be observable, and they really are beautiful objects.”

The Associated Press quoted Susan Brownell, professor of anthropology and expert on U.S.-China relations, in a story about China’s rare golden monkeys debuting at European zoos. These monkeys may be the successor to “panda diplomacy.” Brownell said pandas’ “cuddly cuteness” was a deft diplomatic presentation by China. “China’s golden snub-nosed monkeys aren’t globally iconic yet,” Brownell said, “but there may be potential for them to be in the future.”

Media coverage:

Bobby Boxerman, criminology and criminal justice PhD candidate
KSDK: In determined Dutchtown, faith meets fixer-uppers and brings a neighborhood back to life

Michelle Byrd, music education alum
St. Louis Argus News: “Dear Lou”: Michelle Byrd Shares Her Journey to Success

Erika Cameron, education alum
Sacramento State News: Erika Cameron’s path to Sac State provost shaped by empathy, leadership and lived experience

Ja’Mel McCaine, graphic design alum
The St. Louis American: ‘This isn’t a traditional library anymore’

Charli Cooksey, education alum
The St. Louis American: Charli Cooksey appointed to LSEM board

Jim Craig, teaching professor of sociology and veterans studies
Military Times: The GWOT Memorial must be purpose-built to evolve

Dr. Julie DeKinder, clinical professor of optometry, director of residency programs and associate dean of academic programs
Eyecare Business: Industry Intel: ACOE, BostonSight, EssilorLuxottica, InFocus Eyecare, and College Optical Express
Review of Optometric Business: Accreditation Council on Optometric Education Announces New Leadership
Vision Monday: Accreditation Council on Optometric Education Announces New Leadership
Women in Optometry: Accreditation Council on Optometric Education Announces New Leadership

Brett Fechte, criminology and criminal justice alum
Construction Forum STL: IMPACT Strategies Continues to Grow its Team of Construction Professionals

Dennis Frank, business alum
Mountain Home Observer: Frank seeks fourth term as Baxter County JP for District 1

Charles Frey, business alum
KSDK: Full-circle moment: Former student invites beloved teacher to his wedding over 20 years after she invited him to hers

Becky Hansis O’Neill, biology PhD candidate
St. Louis Public Radio: Missouri has native tarantulas. A St. Louis scientist says they’re docile ‘cupcakes’

Deborah Hutti, English alum
WMCI-FM: Lake Land College Alumni & Retirees recognized at annual awards ceremony

Lea-Rachel Kosnik, professor of economics and department chair
KMOX Radio: Tracking the high costs of climate disasters

Alice Lee-Yoon, assistant professor of global leadership and management
HRM Asia: Why time off may be the ultimate bonus for employee engagement
Phys.org: Extra time off from work as a reward makes people feel more human, research shows

Haitao Li, professor of supply chain and analytics and chair of the Department of Supply Chain and Analytics
The Poultry Site: An innovative approach to shield poultry against foodborne illness, including Salmonella

Dr. Brandon Merrill, cornea and contact lens resident at the College of Optometry
Vision Monday: Art Optical and Contamac Award Travel Grants to Emerging Leaders in Specialty Contact Lenses

Terri Nappier, communication alum
Webster-Kirkwood Times: Soaring Into Retirement

Leon Perry, Jr., engineering alum
Informed Infrastructure: Case Engineering Adds Structural Engineer, Plumbing Designer, Two Electrical Engineers

Ryan Scheppers, biology alum
Environmental Echo: Horticulture Program Cited: Kirkwood’s Meramec Leads The Way With Growing Marijuana Curriculum

Holly Sheilley, executive director of athletics
St. Louis Post-Dispatch: The Sports Bra, a bar dedicated to women’s sports, to open in Maplewood

Lissa Geiger Shulman, education alum
WESA Radio: Voter guide to Allegheny County Council District 3 election: Geiger Shulman v. Lochner

Ashwin Spencer, computer science alum
The Entrepreneurship Reporter: Smart Banner Hub Introduces Clustrolin™: The Proprietary Brand Behind World’s First DBSCAN Creative Engine

Drew Steinhoff, business alum
Yahoo! Finance: Alliant Human Capital Welcomes Drew Steinhoff as First Vice President

Doug Swanson, coordinator of labor studies
KSDK: Striking machinists hold the line as Boeing replacement workers begin training

Todd Swanstrom, Des Lee Professor of Community Collaboration and Public Policy Administration
St. Louis Post-Dispatch: Hundreds of St. Louis houses hit by May tornado were vacant. That will hurt recovery.

Mary Troy, former editor of Natural Bridge and MFA instructor
Arkansas Radio: Award-Winning Author Mary Troy to Give Public Reading at Lyon College Oct. 16
Batesville Daily Guard: Award-winning author to give public reading

Tony Urban, business alum
St. Louis Business Journal: Cass Information Systems exec named to St. Louis Fed’s transportation council

Erica Williams, education alum
The St. Louis American: Turning adversity into hope

Rachel Winograd, associate professor of psychological sciences and head of the MIMH Addiction Science team

KCUR: Missouri sees ‘significant’ drop in drug overdose deaths for second straight year
NPR: Trump slashes mental health agency as shutdown drags on
St. Louis Public Radio: Missouri sees ‘significant’ drop in drug overdose deaths for second straight year

Other news:

Collinsville Daily News: CHS Students Gain Direct Acceptance to College at 2025 On-Site Admission Day

Construction Forum STL: UMSL Finishing Work on Library Transformation
Construction Forum STL: Mechanical Contractors Association Announces Engineering Scholarships, Student Club
Construction Forum STL: New UMSL Creative Arts Building Begins New Life On a Celebratory Note
Construction Forum STL: Partners Break Ground on $20M Mixed-Use Development at N. Hanley MetroLink Station

Defense One: Silicon Valley in St. Louis?

Fox 2 Now: Memorial for William ‘Bill’ L. Clay Sr. on Oct. 18
Fox 2 Now: Don’t Miss “Motown in Your Town” this Saturday, November 1st!

KMIZ: Drug overdose deaths drop across Missouri for second straight year

KMOX: ‘Motown in Your Town’ concert coming to Touhill Saturday night

KY3: Missouri overdose deaths drop as free Narcan distribution expands

Memphis Business Journal: The Sports Bra, women’s sports-focused restaurant and bar, chooses site for St. Louis location

Missourinet: New report: Missouri’s drug overdose deaths decline for second year in a row

The National Herald: Hellenic Spirit Foundation Honors St. Louis Tribute that Became Part of Olympic History

Red Latina STL: St. Louis Gears Up for Its Own Tech Renaissance

Southeast Missourian: Overdose deaths are dropping across the U.S. How does Southeast Missouri fare?

Spectrum News: Missouri overdose deaths decline as naloxone distribution booms

St. Joseph News-Press Now: St. Joseph announced as new host site for GLVC basketball championships starting in 2027

The St. Louis American: Earl’s 30 in 30
The St. Louis American: William “Bill” Clay Sr.’s historic life and service to be celebrated at UMSL memorial
The St. Louis American: Gala honors educators who shape futures and the students they inspire

St. Louis Business Journal: It’s in the male: the struggle to reverse campus declines
St. Louis Business Journal: API Innovation Center calls for government intervention to boost domestic drug production

St. Louis Magazine: MADCO celebrates 50 years of modern dance in St. Louis
St. Louis Magazine: The Sports Bra, a Portland-based bar franchise focused on women’s sports, to open in Maplewood in early 2026
St. Louis Magazine: Brian Owens brings the spirit of Marvin Gaye to life in ‘Motown in Your Town’

St. Louis Post-Dispatch: Public memorial service Oct. 18 for political, civil rights pioneer William L. Clay
St. Louis Post-Dispatch: Students compete in College Transit Challenge
St. Louis Post-Dispatch: Current and former lawmakers lead money haul in two St. Louis Senate races
St. Louis Post-Dispatch: William ‘Bill’ Clay memorial service in St. Louis honors his leadership and courage
St. Louis Post-Dispatch: After 150 years, can St. Louis’ historic Sumner High School still thrive?
St. Louis Post-Dispatch: Hochman: Best story on NFL’s best team? STL’s Johnathan Edwards, Colts’ undrafted standout

St. Louis/Southern Illinois Labor Tribune: ‘One of our own’: remembering the life of Congressman Bill Clay Sr.

Times of Oman: MCBS Among Top 100 Arab Universities in QS Arab Region University Rankings 2026

World Atlas: The Most Iconic Libraries in Missouri

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Media Coverage: September 2025
Media Coverage: September 2025

Stories about the university, its scholars and their expertise are often covered by local and national news media. Media Coverage highlights some of the top stories.

Media Coverage: September 2025

Stories about the university, its scholars and their expertise are often covered by local and national news media. Media Coverage highlights some of the top stories.

Media Coverage: September 2025

Stories about the university, its scholars and their expertise are often covered by local and national news media. Media Coverage highlights some of the top stories.

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