The Honorable Joseph L. Adams became the thirteenth elected Mayor of University City, Missouri in April 1996 after serving on the City Council since 1974. He was the first African – American to serve on the City Council and the first to be elected Mayor. University City is one of the largest suburbs in the county of St. Louis, and the city will be celebrating its100 years of incorporation in 2006.

Mayor Adams has overseen a renewed housing boom and has facilitated the major expansion of the recreational facilities and one of its firehouses in his community. Developers’ investment in his community has proven their confidence in his leadership, and University City has one of the most successful entertainment districts in the region.

Mayor Adams has served his region, state and the nation; he has served as the president of the Regional Mayors Organization and as the president of the State League. He has also served as a member of the board of directors of the National League of Cities. He has also served on a number of state boards, while serving the citizens of University City, by being selected by different governors of both political parties to serve all the residents of Missouri.

Mayor Adams earned his Bachelor’s Degree and his Master of Arts Degree in History from the University Of Missouri – Kansas City. He has also completed graduate hours at Washington University in St. Louis. His area of study was Urban American History at both universities. He was a full professor of American History at St. Louis Community College until his retirement in December 2003.