Page 15 – The Source | Washington University in St. Louis

WashU recognized for its support of global research, international students

Members of the Class of 2027, WashU’s most diverse class yet, walk to Convocation Aug. 26. WashU’s 1,834 newest members represent all 50 states as well as 29 countries; 21% of students are Pell Grant-eligible; 17% are the first in their families to attend college; 53% identify as students of color; and 7% are from rural communities. (Photo: Sid Hastings/Washington University)

In recognition of its work to address complex global challenges and support international students and scholars, Washington University in St. Louis is a 2026 recipient of the Paul Simon Award for Campus Internationalization from NAFSA: Association of International Educators.

Performing Arts

‘Ties that bind’

The Performing Arts Department will present Thornton Wilder’s Pulitzer Prize-winning drama “Our Town” in Edison Theatre beginning Feb. 20. Though familiar to generations of audiences, the play’s pastoral setting can disguise its formal inventiveness, says director Andrea Urice.

Awards & Notables

WashU named a top large employer by Forbes

WashU came in at No. 14 on Forbes’ annual list of America’s Best Large Employers 2026.

Appointments & Promotions

Rockhill appointed religious, spiritual life office director

The Rev. Cara Rockhill has been appointed director for the Office of Religious, Spiritual and Ethical Life within the Center for Diversity and Inclusion. She succeeds the Rev. Callista Isabelle, who previously served in the role.

Medicine

$6.4 million supports studies of cardiac muscle function in heart failure

Michael J. Greenberg, at WashU Medicine, has received two grants from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to investigate the complex roles of troponin — a critical protein in the heart — in various forms of heart failure.

Data & Computer Science

Payne elected president of medical informatics organization

Philip Payne, vice chancellor for biomedical informatics and data science at WashU Medicine and chief health AI officer for BJC Health and WashU Medicine, will lead the American Medical Informatics Association.

Health & Society

Why prescription drug prices stay high — and what Congress can do about it

High prescription drug prices are not caused by any single company or practice, but by the system itself, said WashU Law’s Rachel Sachs. If Congress wants lower drug prices, it has to fix the structure and incentives of the entire supply chain, said Sachs, an expert on prescription drug pricing.

Campus & Facilities