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Saint Louis University (SLU) and World Wide Technology (WWT) announced a strategic partnership that brings together WWT’s expertise in technology, artificial intelligence and data-driven decision-making with SLU’s mission of education, research and community. Combined with a Billiken Athletics sponsorship, this expansion of SLU and WWT’s longstanding partnership will help advance priorities that benefit students, strengthen the University and contribute to the vitality of the St. Louis region.
As part of the agreement, the WWT logo will appear on all team uniforms, making WWT the first official jersey patch partner of Billiken Athletics. WWT will also serve as a strategic advisor and collaborator to accelerate the University’s ability to make informed decisions through technology, data and the responsible application of AI.
“World Wide Technology’s journey from a small startup to a global technology leader demonstrates the power of investing in people, ingenuity and purpose,” said Saint Louis University President Edward Feser, Ph.D. “At SLU, we see that potential in our students every day. This partnership reflects the value of mission-driven institutions working together to cultivate talent, advance new ideas, and create opportunities for students and the communities they will serve.”
The new jersey branding will debut during Billiken Athletics games this fall. Highly visible on the court and the field, the branding signifies a deeper relationship between WWT and Billiken Athletics, and a broader collaboration across the University.
The partnership builds on a longstanding relationship between the organizations. Billiken alumni serve in roles across WWT, from technical roles to its leadership ranks, while WWT leaders have served SLU as trustees, advisors and supporters. Through internships, mentoring, philanthropy and engagement with academic and athletic programs, the two organizations have created pathways that connect learning, leadership and career opportunities.
“As an active SLU alumnus and former Billiken soccer team member, I care deeply about supporting the priorities of the University and enriching the student and fan experience,” said Jim Kavanaugh, co-founder and CEO, WWT. “This expanded partnership between SLU and WWT gives the University and its athletics department more capabilities to advance their AI and digital transformation, while growing and developing student athletes.”
WWT and SLU are exploring collaborations that upskill America’s workforce through degree programs and specialized trainings offered by the University’s colleges and Center for Workforce Development. By working together, WWT and SLU can help shape how the latest technologies are deployed to support the missions of higher education and healthcare across the globe.
“Technology decisions at a university impact students, faculty, staff and the community around them,” said Joe Koenig, WWT president SLU alumnus and former Billiken soccer team member. “Through enhanced research capabilities including data analysis, new technology development by faculty and students’ digital experiences, WWT will serve as a strategic advisor for SLU, applying our AI and data expertise to help the University make informed decisions, operate more efficiently and use AI responsibly.”
The partnership makes it possible to bring the benefits of AI to the community, engaging through digital platforms. Fans will have enhanced experiences and data insights will help inform student and athletic programs and reflect community feedback.
“Today’s collegiate athletics landscape requires institutions to think creatively and strategically about how they engage fans, support student-athletes and position their programs for long-term success,” said Chris May, director of athletics at Saint Louis University. “World Wide Technology is a trusted strategic partner whose expertise in building a best-in-class culture and organization has been central to the success of Billiken Athletics. We are thrilled to build on this relationship as we take the next step in our technology strategy and transformation, ultimately enhancing the experience for our Billiken student-athletes and fans.”
