ST. LOUIS — Kelvin Adams, who retired as St. Louis Public Schools superintendent in December, has been named associate dean of the college of education at Harris-Stowe State University.
Adams also received the university’s inaugural post of Regents’ Distinguished Professor and will start in the new roles on April 3.
“Dr. Adams’ stellar experience in the field of education crosses the boundaries of multiple disciplines,” said LaTonia Collins Smith, Harris-Stowe president, in a statement. “I look forward to working with Dr. Adams as he makes meaningful and intentional contributions to the field of education at Harris-Stowe.”
The terms of Adams’ contract have not been released. In his role as associate dean, Adams will work on strategic planning, staff development and enrollment growth, Collins Smith said. Before coming to SLPS, Adams served as associate dean of the college of Education at Southern University of New Orleans.
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Adams is the first to be awarded the rank of distinguished professor, the highest honor bestowed by the university’s board of regents. The role is expected to include lectures, teaching, consulting and research.
In a statement, Adams said he was “humbled” by the new opportunity.
“Harris-Stowe State University is a historically Black university committed to providing affordable, quality higher education to underserved students in an inspiring environment,” Adams said. “Since its inception, the institution has championed change and I am committed to working with them to continue the positive changes related to outcomes for students in the College of Education.”
Harris-Stowe has long sent graduates to teaching positions across St. Louis but falling enrollment at the college has contributed to a local teacher shortage.
Adams served 14 years as superintendent of SLPS, where he stabilized finances and helped the district regain full accreditation. He also recommended the closure of dozens of schools amid a freefall in student population.
Keisha Scarlett, the next superintendent of SLPS, will start in July. The SLPS board on Tuesday approved Scarlett’s three-year contract with a starting salary of $268,000.
St. Louis Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Kelvin Adams reflects on his time at the helm of the school district and what his future might hold. Video by Hillary Levin
