Thomasina F. Hassler

Thomasina F. Hassler is an Assistant Teaching Professor and Director of the Matthew D. Davis Racial and Social Justice Institute at the University of Missouri-St. Louis (UMSL). She holds an MEd (1972) and PhD in Teaching and Learning Processes (2010) from UMSL. Previously, she served as adjunct faculty at UMSL and Harris-Stowe State University. She also serves as Director of Social Justice Ministry at West Side Missionary Baptist Church.

Education Background:

• MEd in Counseling, University of Missouri-St. Louis (1972)
• PhD in Teaching and Learning Processes, University of Missouri-St. Louis (2010)

Research Focus: Her work centers on racial and social justice, applying critical race theory to educational equity. She advocates for systemic reforms in education and policing through intersectional approaches. Her 2010 doctoral thesis explored equitable educational opportunities for African Americans using critical race theory frameworks.

Affiliations & Roles:

• Member of St. Louis County Board of Police Commissioners (2019–present)
• Collaborator with Stop the Bleed STL violence prevention initiative
• Community advocate emphasizing police-community relations and policy reform

Key Contributions: Played pivotal role in reshaping St. Louis County's police governance through her Board appointment. Her work bridges academic research with grassroots activism, focusing on dismantling structural inequities in education and law enforcement systems.