Saint Louis University announced on April 6 the launch of the Center for Literary and Creative Arts, a new initiative housed in its College of Arts and Sciences to lead programming in literature and the creative arts.
The creation of the center is intended to foster connections between Saint Louis University (SLU) and the broader St. Louis community through literature, writing, and arts-focused activities. The university said it aims to encourage creative work across disciplines while supporting community engagement.
The center is funded by a gift from an anonymous SLU alumnus. Dean Donna LaVoie, Ph.D., said, “The College of Arts and Sciences at Saint Louis University plays an important role in creating dialogue and engaging minds. This generous gift allows the College to expand those conversations with the community while we educate the next generation of leaders.”
Katrina Thompson Moore, Ph.D., associate dean in SLU’s College of Arts and Sciences, will lead the CLCA along with Edward Ibur, executive director of the St. Louis Literary Award. The CLCA will serve as home for that award—which has brought major writers to SLU for over fifty years—as well as other initiatives such as Campus Read; student competitions like the Undergraduate Writing Award; 1818 Writing Competition; Inspired By Arts Showcase; and a youth literary initiative.
Ibur said, “As we have grown our Campus Read program over the past decade, we’ve seen the great conversations that come from bringing a group of people together around literature and the arts. Those conversations don’t stop in the classroom – they carry into book clubs, discussion groups and communities across the region. We’re excited to expand that network by engaging students throughout the St. Louis area.”
The advisory board will include faculty from English, American Studies, media production, dance minor coordination, art history—such as Brian Yothers (chair), Flannery Burke, Alex Rafi, Holly Seitz Marchant, Bradley Bailey, Joya Uraizee and Devin Johnston.
St. Louis University supports community engagement through service programs addressing social needs according to its official website. The university offers more than 100 undergraduate programs along with over 100 graduate or professional ones according to its official website. In addition to its main campus in St. Louis it also operates a campus in Madrid offering international study opportunities according to its official website.
SLU pursues truth for greater glory of God while serving humanity according to its official website, maintaining Jesuit traditions emphasizing care for each person according to its official website.
According to information provided by Saint Louis University officials: “The Saint Louis University Center for Literary and Creative Arts fosters inclusive, interdisciplinary…programming where literature…thrive[s]. Guided by Jesuit values…the Center amplifies diverse voices…and connects students…[to] public discourse…[and] partnerships….preparing students with communication…skills essential for leadership….”
