Upcoming Events

At my State of the University Address last September, I announced an aggressive plan to implement our strategic plan. Nearly a year later, we have made tremendous strides in implementing that plan, from changing the very structure of our university to naming our signature areas to launching our innovation team.

In today's newsletter, I'll share some of our progress with you.

Kent Wray steps into new role

As part of our strategic restructuring, last fall I announced Missouri S&T would add a new position that underscores the growth we've experienced as a global institution — vice chancellor for global and strategic partnerships. This month, Kent Wray will leverage his impressive connections to lead this dynamic area. Kent will oversee international affairs, global and online learning, and a new position, executive director for corporate relations. Kent has exhibited extraordinary leadership in the role of provost and executive vice chancellor for academic affairs, a position he has held since 2006. Additionally, Kent served as interim chancellor from September 2011 through March 2012. Please join me in congratulating Kent on his new position.

Robert Marley begins as Missouri S&T provost

This month also marks the start for our new provost and executive vice chancellor, Robert Marley. Robert comes to us from Montana State University in Bozeman, where he most recently served as interim vice president for student success. Among his accomplishments as dean of Montana State's College of Engineering, he led diversity efforts that resulted in a nearly five-fold increase in women faculty and recognition as one of the nation's leading colleges in the graduation of Native American students. Under his leadership, the college's annual research expenditures nearly tripled and endowments and gifts increased by more than $30 million.

Colleges, new leaders will enhance Missouri S&T's national prominence

The upcoming semester will bring another dramatic change to Missouri S&T: the introduction of the College of Arts, Sciences and Business, and the College of Engineering and Computing. I'm pleased to share that we have two excellent individuals to lead those colleges.

Ian Ferguson, formerly professor and chair of electrical and computer engineering at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, will lead the College of Engineering and Computing. Stephen Roberts, formerly professor and chair of biology at Central Michigan University, will lead the College of Arts, Sciences and Business. I encourage you to learn about both Ian and Stephen. I think you'll agree they both bring a wealth of experience and will help Missouri S&T forge a bold future at this pivotal time in our history.

Innovation Team now accepting proposals

Fostering innovation and creativity at Missouri S&T is a key aspect of our strategic plan. As part of that plan, I'm pleased to announce that we have named our innovation team. The members are Del Day, Curators' Professor emeritus of materials science and engineering; Dennis Goodman, medical director; Rose Horton, strategic planning progress manager; Greg Smith, chief information officer; Nancy Stone, professor and chair of psychological science; Keith Strassner, director of the office of technology transfer and economic development; and Joan Woodard, executive vice president and deputy director of Sandia National Laboratories, and Board of Trustees president, 2012-2014.

The team will solicit and consider creative suggestions to seize entrepreneurial opportunities, innovative approaches and “a-ha” moments brought forward by individuals or groups interested in making a difference. These ideas are integral to supporting a culture of innovation as we move forward with our strategic plan. Learn more about this team and how to submit a proposal here.