Paul C. Reinert

After completing his Ph.D., he returned to Saint Louis University to serve as the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences (1944–1948), vice-president (1948–1949), and president (1949–1974).

[1] During his twenty-five year tenure as president, Reinert transformed the university and was a vocal advocate for social justice.

[4] His 1958 appointment to the Missouri Governor’s Committee of Education beyond High School eventually led to the formation of the St. Louis Junior College District in 1962 upon the recommendation of Dr. Ernest V. Hollis of the U.S. Department of Education and Edward B. Shils.

[6] After building the spacious Pius XII library on campus, he negotiated the microfilming of the Vatican's rare manuscripts collection, adding to the research facilities of the university.

In addition to this reorganization, he appointed lay professionals to high-ranking administrative positions in the university.

Even though critics believed that Reinert’s decision conflicted with his position as a Jesuit and diluted the university’s Jesuit nature, Reinert and others believed that the changes both reaffirmed the Ignatian educational mission and broadened the university’s vision for the future.

[6] In 1962, across Grand Boulevard from the University 22 acres were purchased to accommodate Busch Student Center, sports fields, a large classroom building, and a three-building science complex with a large hall under its courtyard.