Show-Me State Times

Saint Louis University (SLU) is nearing the conclusion of a year-long Mission Priority Examen (MPE), a self-led process aimed at reaffirming its commitment to its Catholic, Jesuit mission. The MPE, established by the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities (AJCU) and the North American Jesuit Provincials, was requested by the Superior General of the Society of Jesus for Jesuit colleges in the United States and Belize.

The process involves Ignatian reflection and encourages SLU's community to evaluate strengths and opportunities related to its mission. SLU last conducted this examen in 2018-19. This year's MPE began with university-wide consultations followed by small group meetings involving students, faculty, staff, trustees, alumni, donors, parents, and community partners.

David Suwalsky, S.J., vice president for Mission and Identity at SLU and chair of the MPE steering committee stated: “The MPE gave us the opportunity to engage our SLU community in substantial conversations about what it means to be a Catholic, Jesuit university.”

A preliminary report was drafted over summer 2024. After a peer review visit on campus from October 29 to October 31 led by Mardell A. Wilson from Creighton University alongside Daniel R. J. Joyce from Saint Joseph’s University and Michael Serazio from Boston College, SLU will share its self-study with the Provincial of the Central and Southern Province in December.

Four priorities have been identified for future focus:

1. Strengthening university culture through feedback surveys and support infrastructure.

2. Integrating mission formation programming across all leadership levels.

3. Enhancing student initiatives around Ignatian discernment practices.

4. Promoting Catholic, Jesuit identity through collaboration with local partners.

Virginia Herbers from SLU commented: “The mission priorities outlined for our SLU community are an expression of what the participants had to say about the future of our Catholic Jesuit mission.”

The peer review team will conduct listening sessions on campus addressing gratitude towards current mission values implementation as well as aspirations for future enhancements.

Thomas Reynolds praised the self-study stating: “The SLU community has spoken and the self-study is thoughtful, thorough, and creates a clear path forward.”