Blanche M. Touhill

Blanche M. Touhill is Chancellor Emeritus and Professor Emeritus of History and Education at the University of Missouri-St. Louis. With nearly 17,000 students, UMSL is the third largest university in Missouri and the only public research university in the St. Louis metropolitan region.

Touhill served as chancellor at UMSL for more than 12 years. She was named interim chancellor in 1990 and appointed chancellor in April 1991. She retired on Dec. 31, 2002.

During her tenure as chancellor, UMSL added 30 academic programs, 32 endowed professors, 138 acres and several new buildings, including a $10 million student-housing complex,  $32 million student center and $52 million performing arts center that bears her name.

Touhill's commitment to collaboration and diversity earned her recognition from the Urban League, the Ethical Society, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. State Celebrations Commission and the Conference of Christians and Jews. In 1997, Touhill became the first woman to receive the St. Louis Citizen of the Year Award.

Born in St. Louis in July 1931, Touhill began her career in education at Queens College, City University of New York. She joined UMSL as an assistant professor in 1965 and became a full professor in 1983.

In addition to her teaching duties, Touhill assumed administrative duties as associate dean of faculties in 1974 and associate vice chancellor for academic affairs two years later. She was named vice chancellor for academic affairs in 1987 and served in that role until moving to the Chancellor’s Office.

Touhill holds bachelor’s and doctoral degrees in history and a master’s degree in geography -- all from Saint Louis University. Her areas of expertise include 19th century Irish and Australian history and social studies education. She has published four books, including The Emerging University: The University of Missouri-St. Louis, 1963-1983, and numerous other articles and writings.