Edward Jones Executive Joins STLCC Board of Trustees

August 26, 2026

Posted by STLCC in News Resources 

The Missouri Coordinating Board for Higher Education has appointed Vanessa Okwuraiwe, MA, MBA to the St. Louis Community College Board of Trustees.

Okwuraiwe currently serves as principal at Edward Jones financial services, where she has worked since 2001. From 2012-2023, she served on the board for the STLCC Foundation and was board president from 2020-2022.

“The STLCC Board of Trustees has been very fortunate to have committed and dedicated members serve, and Vanessa is no exception,” said Craig Larson, EdD, STLCC board chair. “We look forward to Vanessa sharing her expertise and insight as we move into the College’s next chapter.”

Okwuraiwe earned an executive master’s degree in business administration from Washington University in St. Louis. She earned her master’s degree in development economics from the University of Kent in Canterbury, United Kingdom. Okwuraiwe earned her bachelor’s degree in economics from EDO State University in Nigeria. She also serves on the boards of the Shakespeare Festival St. Louis and the Olin Business School National Advisory Council.

“My commitment to the College is rooted in a longstanding belief that education is one of the most powerful drivers of opportunity, economic mobility and community prosperity,” said Okwuraiwe. “What most excites me about trustee service is the opportunity to contribute, learn and lead alongside dedicated colleagues who share a commitment to student success.”

Okwuraiwe is completing the term of former trustee Rodney Gee, who stepped down in May. She was sworn in August 20 at the public Board meeting for a term that runs through 2028.

Legislation signed into law in 2015 directs Missouri’s Coordinating Board for Higher Education to appoint a seventh member to the St. Louis Community College board. The appointee will have the same rights and responsibilities as the six elected members of the board.