Opportunity to meet potential

Friday, September 19, 2025

Dedicated students, distinguished colleagues and dear friends,

Happy Friday! 

September is National Preparedness Month. So how do we make sure that all of us are prepared, not only for emergencies but also to take advantage of the available opportunities? Ranging from prevention to protection to mitigation to response and to recovery, achieving our highest levels of potential requires engaging all five elements. To exceed potential, we must envision and then create the opportunity.

Let me explain. On an almost daily basis, I receive notes from young people living in isolated or unfortunate places in the world, of which there are many, asking for the opportunity to study and learn here at S&T. In many cases, given today’s geopolitical challenges, the opportunity is almost nonexistent for them. For others, including our own students, the opportunity is almost boundless. For those fortunate enough, it is hard not to take all the available resources for granted! Is it really the case that all the created knowledge of past centuries on a subject of our interest is readily available in a university if we are determined and committed to acquire it? Further, is it really the case that we can contribute to the expansion of that knowledge? The answer is “yes,” for the fortunate with access. But we must first realize that we sit at the confluence of potential and opportunity. Potential is common to all; opportunity, on the other hand, is the differentiator. And today, we as students, faculty and staff here at S&T have both.

To our students, I say, take advantage of all the opportunities that are available to you to succeed. The entire might of the university is engaged to help you achieve, then exceed, the highest levels of your potential. Your professors, mentors, tutors, coaches, advisors, counselors and fellow students are all ready, eager and willing to invest the needed time and effort to help you achieve your objectives. In fact, much of this help is available through our organized services:

  • TalkCampus – A digital platform that offers anonymous, 24/7 peer-to-peer mental health support in more than 25 languages. The app integrates with S&T’s crisis response protocol and ensures you are connected to the right support in times of distress.
  • BetterYou – A wellness app that helps you set and track personal goals around sleep, exercise, social connection and screen time, encouraging healthier daily habits. You can earn gift cards and rewards for completing challenges and goals.
  • Mentor Collective – Pairs new students with trained peer mentors who guide and encourage our first-year students.
  • Stellic – An interactive degree-planning tool that helps you map your academic journey, track requirements and stay on track for graduation.
  • Knack tutoring – A peer-to-peer tutoring platform that connects you with your S&T peers for help in specific courses.
  • Text reminders – Sign up for short, timely text messages that nudge you toward key academic deadlines, events and opportunities to help you stay engaged.
  • Miner Food Pantry – Provides free, confidential access to nonperishable food items.
  • Miner Clothing Closet – Offers you professional attire and everyday clothing items at no cost to anyone in need.
  • Joe Miner Chatbot – Answers your questions 24/7 with the goal of helping you navigate the pressures and stress of being a college student.
  • Peer Involvement Advisors – Student leaders who meet one-on-one with peers to connect them to clubs, organizations and campus events.
  • Executive Function Advising – Provides individualized, collaborative support for our students with diagnosed disabilities that impact their executive function such as time management, organization, prioritization and planning.

Now that the semester is underway and you are submerged in all the course work, homework, quizzes and exams, be smart about navigating the challenges. DON’T GO IT ALONE! Seek available help to meet your potential. Be self-aware, go beyond your own insularity and surround yourself with those who have strengths where you might have weakness.

At the same time, extend a helping hand so others can achieve. The result will be lasting and will connect us all.

Warmly,

-Mo.
 
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Mohammad Dehghani, PhD
Chancellor
mo@mst.edu | 573-341-4116

206 Parker Hall, 300 West 13th Street, Rolla, MO 65409-0910
chancellor.mst.edu