A Word from the Dean

As we welcomed our 46th cohort of students in August, I reflected on the accomplishments of the College since it matriculated 36 students in its inaugural class in the fall of 1980 in Marillac Hall. Since then, we have graduated more than 1,660 students that earned Doctor of Optometry degrees or graduate degrees in Physiological Optics and Vision Science. We are the only optometric training program in Missouri and one of just 25 nationwide.

Over the years, we have experienced growth and transformation. Our classrooms have been renovated, our student lounge, The Focal Point, has been remodeled, and our pre-clinic has been expanded to accommodate the needs of our student body. Under the leadership of Dr. Larry Davis, Dean Emeritus of the College of Optometry, a milestone was reached with the groundbreaking of the new Patient Care Center in February 2015, followed by its opening in the Fall of 2016. The first floor of the Patient Care Center is dedicated to patient care, allowing our students to refine their clinical skills in our modern facility while serving our community.

The Transform UMSL initiative is a four-year, major redevelopment project aimed at designing the campus of the future, and the College of Optometry is proud to be a part of the initiative.  In Fall 2023, we completed the build-out of the Patient Care Center’s second floor, creating a state-of-the-art training space featuring 30 pre-clinical training lanes, two teaching laboratories, a National Board of Examiners in Optometry preparation room, and student study areas. This second-floor build-out was the first project completed under Transform UMSL.

I’m pleased to share an update on the second Transform UMSL project supporting the College of Optometry, the relocation of our Marillac Hall academic spaces to a newly renovated area in JC Penney North on UMSL’s North campus. The project remains on schedule with anticipated completion in the first quarter of 2026 and occupancy planned for Summer 2026.

This relocation offers many exciting opportunities for the College, including:

• Positioning ourselves for sustained success by creating a modern, collaborative environment for both current and future students;

• Providing greater accessibility to campus resources and services;

• Strengthening our connection with the broader UMSL community; and

• Ensuring that our facilities match the high quality of instruction we deliver.

We recently submitted our Self-Study Report to the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education (ACOE).  This comprehensive effort was an all-hands undertaking, and I am grateful to the faculty and staff that dedicated countless hours and energy to its development. We look forward to welcoming the ACOE Site Visit team to campus this November.

We want to keep you informed on the exciting changes occurring at the College of Optometry so please share updated contact information by clicking on UPDATE INFO or by scrolling to the bottom of the eNewsletter. I hope to see you at the American Academy of Optometry or the Missouri Optometric Association meetings and alumni and friends receptions.

Sincerely,
Keshia S. Elder, OD, MS, MS, FAAO, FNAP
Dean and Clinical Professor