ABOUT US
CEO Statement
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In 1963, a group of educators believed there was a need for our organization to be created in our community. Over 60 years later, our journey continues as as we rethink, recreate, and reimagine our place within the St. Louis metropolitan community. We will continue to fuel this journey with patience, perseverance, and through partnerships with institutions of higher education, secondary schools, community organizations, families, and individuals who share our mission, passion, and determination to empower students and their families, and to educate our community.
Throughout the years, we’ve received support from more than 25 local universities, colleges, and public organizations. We’ve partnered with 50 secondary schools, community organizations, and public institutions from St. Charles County, Missouri, to Madison County, Illinois. We are excited to deepen these relationships and establish new ones. We are confident that great things will continue to happen in the years to come when we work together.
Today, HEC of Metro St. Louis stands ready to enhance student access, achievement, and success in higher education through collective dialogue, strategic partnerships, and shared initiatives. At HEC, we believe the power of education transforms lives.
Cassandra M. Pinkston, CEO
MISSION
The Higher Education Consortium of Metropolitan St. Louis aims to foster collaboration and innovation among member colleges, universities, public institutions, and other partners. Our mission is to enhance student access achievement, and success in higher education through collective dialogue, strategic partnerships, and shared initiatives. We are committed to promoting educational opportunities that prepare all students to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
Our history starts in 1962.
A group of chancellors and presidents from the St. Louis area colleges and universities determined that there was a need for coordinated discussion on issues that affect higher education institutions and provide a voice for education in metropolitan St. Louis. In 1964, this group officially became the Higher Education Coordinating Council of Metropolitan St. Louis (HECC). Today, we are known as the Higher Education Consortium of Metropolitan St. Louis (HEC).
In the early years, the St. Louis colleges and universities of HEC focused on educational television, international education, college admissions, women’s issues, theatre, off-campus employment opportunities through cooperative educational, inter-library loans and graduate education.
Today, HEC works to make post secondary education accessible to everyone through our three in house TRIO programs — Educational Opportunity Centers, Educational Talent Search, and Upward Bound — and continued work with our member institutions and community partners.