Missouri
WashU Chancellor Discusses University’s Future – St. Louis Today
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
The vibrant visual celebration of Washington University’s academic legacy and innovative spirit reflects the institution’s resilience in the face of evolving challenges.St. Louis Today
In a wide-ranging interview, Washington University Chancellor Andrew D. Martin discussed the university’s engagement with the Trump administration, financial challenges, the acquisition of the University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy, the implementation of Workday, the decline in international graduate student enrollment, the use of artificial intelligence, and emergency preparedness following a recent armed person alert on campus.
Why it matters
As a leading research institution, WashU’s relationship with federal policymakers and its ability to navigate financial uncertainties have significant implications for the university’s future. The chancellor’s comments provide insight into how the school is adapting to evolving challenges in higher education.
The details
Chancellor Martin detailed WashU’s efforts to advocate for issues like research funding and protecting endowments through engagement with Congress and the Trump administration. He also explained the university’s steps to improve its financial position, including pausing capital projects, cutting central administration expenses, and the strategic acquisition of the University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy. Additionally, Martin discussed the university’s transition to the Workday system and the decline in international graduate student enrollment, which has put financial pressure on some master’s programs.
- The chancellor met with the Trump administration in the fall to discuss issues important to WashU.
- In his State of the University address, Martin said the university is in a stronger financial position than a year ago.
The players
Andrew D. Martin
The chancellor of Washington University in St. Louis, leading the university through a period of financial and policy challenges.
Mark West
The provost of Washington University, leading the university’s efforts to integrate artificial intelligence into the curriculum.
University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy
A pharmacy school that WashU recently acquired, a “once-in-a-century opportunity” according to the chancellor.
Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›
What they’re saying
“To be clear, the conversations with the administration weren’t explicitly about the compact. They were about the importance of American higher education, the importance of academic freedom, the importance of research funding, the importance of protecting our endowments so we can fund professorships and student scholarships and the like.”
— Andrew D. Martin, Chancellor
“I was scared and completely freaked out. The safety and security of this campus is our most important responsibility.”
— Andrew D. Martin, Chancellor
What’s next
The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.
The takeaway
This interview highlights the complex challenges facing a major research university like WashU, from navigating federal policy changes and financial constraints to ensuring campus safety and preparing students for the rise of artificial intelligence. The chancellor’s comments suggest the university is taking a thoughtful, strategic approach to addressing these issues while upholding its core academic mission.
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Emergency crews responded to a crash after a semi truck collided with a train Tuesday morning, south of Loch Lloyd in Belton.
According to the Belton Fire Department, units were called to the area of 187th Street and Holmes Road for a collision between a train and an 18-wheeler.
The intersection is currently blocked as crews work the scene.
No injuries were reported.
Missouri
Longtime St. Louis journalist killed in freak accident after tires fall from tractor-trailer, strike his car
A veteran St. Louis journalist was killed in a freak accident Thursday when two tires came flying off a tractor-trailer and crashed through the roof of his vehicle.
Local media mainstay Ray Hartmann, 73, was driving eastbound on I-64 near I-270 in St. Louis when two tires went airborne after zooming off a tractor-trailer ahead of him and struck the roof of his car around 2 p.m., KMOV reported, citing the Missouri State Highway Patrol.
Hartmann died at the scene of the freak accident, according to a statement issued by his long-term friend and attorney, Andy Leonard, 5 On Your Side reported.
“The news covered the accident last night, and I can confirm that Ray was in his car when a tire crashed through his windshield. We believe that he died at the scene,” Leonard said in the statement.
He is survived by his wife, Kerri Hartmann, and their two children, Ben and Brielle, who were each away at college at the time of the accident.
“It’s such a tragic loss. He was dearly loved. We’re going to miss him so much,” Kerri Hartmann told 5 On Your Side in a statement.
Hartmann was a much-loved mainstay within St. Louis media for almost 40 years, making his mark in print journalism first before moving in front of the camera.
He is known for founding the Riverfront Times and St. Louis Magazine and for spending nearly four decades on Nine PBS’ debate program, “Donnybrook,” which he co-founded in 1987.
He took a step back from the media in 2024 to run for Congress in Missouri’s 2nd District. He won the Democratic primary but lost to incumbent Ann Wagner, according to 5 On Your Side.
“His departure was too soon,” said Charlie Brennan, Hartmann’s long-term friend and host of “Donnybrook.”
“I think he had books to write, columns to write, causes to champion, and I’m very sorry that he’s not going to be around to get to those,” he said.
Fellow panellist Alvin Reid said that the late journalist was determined to make a difference in the Gateway City, no matter what show he was on.
“Ray was determined to make a difference in St. Louis. He wanted to make a difference on every show,” Reid said.
“As long as we do this show, Ray will be a part of this show and a part of St. Louis,” he said.
Even with his illustrious and accomplished career, Hartmann’s colleagues remembered him first and foremost as a proud husband and father.
“I’m already missing him,” Reid said. “I really do feel like I’m talking about Ray in the present. I can’t believe I’m talking about Ray in the past. That hasn’t really hit me yet.”
The investigation into Thursday’s fatal crash remains ongoing.
The Midwest is bracing for severe weather on Monday, including the threat of the excessive rainfall, hail damaging wind gusts and tornadoes.
Missouri, Illinois and Indiana face the greatest risk of severe storms. Scattered large hail, flooding, severe and damaging winds, and strong to intense tornadoes could develop across the region, the National Weather Service said.
“Storms will intensify Monday afternoon and continue into the night, increasing the risk across a heavily populated part of the region,” said Brandon Buckingham, AccuWeather Meteorologist. “The St. Louis area is in the heart of the zone facing the greatest potential for strong, long-track tornadoes.”
The St. Louis metro is under a flood watch, while parts of central Illinois are under a severe storm warning and tornado warning.
The severe weather is forecast to shift eastward on Tuesday, according to AccuWeather, bringing a threat of damaging winds, large hail and tornadoes to parts of Texas and the Ohio Valley.
A pair of tornadoes killed two people in north Texas over the weekend. An EF-2 tornado in Wise County led to one fatality and six injuries and caused significant damage across multiple neighborhoods, according to County Judge J.D. Clark.
A separate tornado in Parker County left one dead, the county sheriff’s office said.
Topics
Illinois
Missouri
Was this article valuable?
Here are more articles you may enjoy.
The most important insurance news,in your inbox every business day.
Get the insurance industry’s trusted newsletter
-
Business5 minutes agoQuixote production services vendor to wind down most of its soundstage business in L.A.
-
Entertainment11 minutes ago’90s star Samuel Monroe Jr. is on life support after meningitis ‘repeatedly misdiagnosed’
-
Lifestyle17 minutes agoWhat to snag at the ‘And Just Like That…’ auction, from Carrie’s manuscript to Charlotte’s heels
-
Politics23 minutes agoWith Kimmel under fire, FCC moves to review ABC’s TV station licenses
-
Sports35 minutes agoPrep sports roundup: Gavin Guy pitches Newport Harbor to 1-0 win over Huntington Beach
-
World47 minutes agoUS appeals court rejects Trump’s immigration detention policy
-
News1 hour agoYomif Kejelcha broke the 2-hour marathon but got 2nd place. He’s still happy
-
New York3 hours agoFather and Daughter Who Sold Fake Warhols Plead Guilty in Forgery Scheme