Karen Pierre

Karen Pierre (pictured), manager in the Office of Public Affairs at the University of Missouri–St. Louis, recently received the Gwen Giles Public Service Award.

The Missouri Legislative Black Caucus Foundation presented Pierre the award on July 10 during its annual conference in Kansas City, Mo. The award is named for the first African-American woman to serve in the Missouri Senate. Pierre helps manage the university’s relationships with elected officials and business leaders to support UMSL’s overall mission. Pierre joined the university in 1999 as a temporary clerical worker. Sen.Rita Days, St. Louis County Executive Charlie A. Dooley and Everett Ballard, director of the St. Louis County Police and Fire Training Center, nominated Pierre.

“I was completely floored when I was told by Senator Days that I was receiving this award,” Pierre said. “I’m still reeling.”