Show-Me State Times

St. Louis Magazine's first edition of the St. Louis Business 500 has recognized several key figures from Saint Louis University (SLU) for their contributions to education, health care, and geospatial intelligence in the region.

The magazine acknowledged SLU President Fred P. Pestello, Ph.D., and Jackson Nickerson, Ph.D., dean of the Richard A. Chaifetz School of Business, as leading educators in St. Louis. "Pestello’s upcoming retirement from the University" was noted alongside achievements such as SLU's growth in enrollment and the establishment of the SLU Research Institute during his tenure. The university recently earned an “R1” designation from the American Council on Education and the Carnegie Foundation for its research activities.

Jackson Nickerson joined SLU in 2024 after a long tenure at Washington University in St. Louis. He is known for his work on leadership, organization strategy, and innovation, having published extensively on these topics.

Christine Jacobs, M.D., vice president for medical affairs and dean of the School of Medicine at SLU, was also featured as a top leader in health care. Jacobs has improved SLUCare's financial health and increased medical student applications while focusing on research growth strategies.

In geospatial intelligence, Vasit Sagan, Ph.D., professor of geospatial science at SLU, and Nadine Alameh, Ph.D., executive director of Taylor Geospatial Institute (TGI), were highlighted for their roles in advancing geospatial education and research.

Sagan is involved with numerous funded projects and leads training programs for future geospatial professionals at various educational levels. Alameh became TGI's executive director in September 2023; TGI collaborates with multiple institutions to address diverse applications like national security and agricultural technology.

Additionally recognized was Rex Sinquefield, an alumnus and trustee of SLU celebrated as a "living legend." In 2018, he donated $50 million to create the Saint Louis University Research Institute to enhance SLU's research capabilities.