Elizabeth “Beth” J. Stroble, PhDPresident, Webster University |
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The INSIGHT Into Diversity Giving Back Award honors college presidents and chancellors who go above and beyond their everyday duties to give back to their institutions and communities. President Stroble was nominated by colleagues and selected by INSIGHT Into Diversity as a 2016 Giving Back Award recipient for her dedication to promoting diversity and inclusion and encouraging community service both on her campus and in the surrounding community.
Civic Involvement
Board member of the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities, Mercy Hospital of St. Louis, and United Way of Greater St. Louis’ Women’s Leadership Society; member of the International Association of University Presidents and the International Women’s Forum
Support for Community Service
Annually, Webster University sponsors a campus-wide community service day in partnership with local nonprofit organizations. Students, faculty, staff, and alumni work in teams on projects that range from tutoring to gardening.
Since the start of Webster Works Worldwide, more than 31,000 volunteers have contributed more than 134,000 hours of service, and under Stroble’s leadership, participation has increased.
Inclusive Programming
Stroble has supported Webster First, an initiative that promotes the success of Webster University students who identify as first-generation college students. The initiative is a campus-wide collaboration dedicated to providing academic resources, social and emotional support, financial literacy education, opportunities for campus and community involvement, and career readiness for first-generation students. She has also helped secure funds for the Student Literacy Corps, a group of students who tutor elementary, middle, and high school students to improve literacy.
Awards and Recognitions
Recognized as one of St. Louis Business Journal’s “Most Influential Businesswomen” in 2010 and by the St. Louis NAACP as an inspiring leader in 2012; Saint Louis Argus’ 2011 Distinguished Citizen Award; the Jewish Community Relations Council’s Norman A. Stack Community Relations Award; named a 2013 “Woman of Achievement in Educational Leadership” by St. Louis Community Empowerment Foundation
Nomination Excerpt
“Elizabeth Stroble leads Webster University’s mission as a worldwide institution, transforming students for individual excellence and global citizenship. Since her arrival, she has demonstrated her commitment to the success of those in the Webster community, not just through words, but also through consistent actions. She possesses a dynamic grace that influences the Webster community, domestically and internationally, to … transform the institution into one of inclusive excellence. Having the ability to lead with her head and heart is admirable.”
