UMSL was the first St. Louis-area stop Dec. 5 as newly elected state representatives and senators toured Missouri to gain a better understanding of the institutions and agencies that receive public support.

UMSL Chancellor Tom George (standing) tells the group of about 60 freshmen legislators that the university is nationally ranked for its teaching, research, service and economic development programs. George said UMSL faculty are dedicated to retaining UMSL’s excellent programs but noted that state support had declined over the past four years to $53 million from $61 million. He encouraged the legislators to maintain the university’s core budget along with at least an inflationary increase.

The photograph was taken by UMSL photographer August Jennewein and is the latest to be featured in Eye on UMSL.