Dedicated students, distinguished colleagues and dear friends,

Happy Friday! 

In a modest but exciting event, here at S&T, we just welcomed our new faculty members who have come from around the world into our family of Miners. Many are at the beginning of their academic careers, and others have joined us from successful, well-established careers at other institutions. Ranging from assistant to associate to full professors, our new colleagues bring a vast array of new SKAs (skills, knowledge and abilities) to our campus, and I was privileged to meet most of them. I knew right away that they will inspire our students to believe in their own abilities and then enable them to turn that belief into reality.

I have always believed that we must be faculty-minded if we want to be student centric. At the front line of educating our students, faculty are the ultimate differentiators. And as the stewards of the university’s narrative, faculty ensure that real-world, relatable, data-backed, reliable information is exchanged in the classroom and laboratory. In the eyes of the students, they are the sage on the stage as well as their guide on the side.

To our new faculty across the university, I say, welcome to your S&T, where the entire might of the university is at your disposal to help you succeed. You have the opportunity to start strong and then stay focused. To help ensure your success, our Center for Advancing Faculty Excellence (CAFÉ) is ready to “support and empower … you to become the most effective educators possible.” Similarly, S&T’s Office of the Vice Chancellor of Research and Innovation is prepared to assist with proposal development, compliance assurance, innovation and entrepreneurship, and all related sponsored research program activities for those interested in developing funded or unfunded research programs. Oh, by the way, don’t miss the opportunity to apply for the available Kummer Ignition Grants to jumpstart your next big idea.

I would also like to share a word of caution that one of my mentors highlighted at my early academic career stage: “be careful not to become a jack of all trades and master of none,” he warned. You see, it was tempting to engage with every team embarking on interesting research ideas. As a modeler and numerical simulator, I was eager to develop simulation models for interesting engineering processes. Collaborations are fine and encouraged, of course, but you want to establish your own pillars and write your own stories, rather than becoming a footnote in someone else’s book. You might be recognized, but you won’t become a rainmaker.

Did I mention mentors? Our success in a dynamic, ever-evolving environment such as S&T depends on an array of hard and soft skills. Identifying and seeking the guidance of a mentor, someone with knowledge and experience in your field, can accelerate your networking, enhance your communication skills and maximize the success of your professional relationship building. I vividly remember how my mentor, Dr. John Collier, a senior faculty member in another engineering department, took me along on his support program manager visits. It was a generous undertaking that vastly enriched my knowledge of funding organization processes and enhanced my opportunities to engage with the same organizations.

By joining S&T, you have started a journey where you can benefit from the collective genius of your colleagues from across the university and beyond. One of the best mechanisms available for engagement is membership in one or more of our disciplinary and interdisciplinary research centers and institutes. You will have the opportunity to collaborate and help others and, in the process, enlist their help. After all, it is only when you truly understand and fully subscribe to helping your colleagues and students achieve their goals that you will cultivate the sense of belonging that you will need to achieve your own objectives. 

Warmly,

-Mo.
 
Share your thoughts!

P.S. As I write this message and reflect on National Custodian Day, I say “thank you” to all our custodial staff. We see you, appreciate you and are grateful for all that you do for us. 

Read previous Friday morning messages.

Check out the latest news from S&T:

• S&T to honor alumni, faculty and staff during homecoming
• Students shine in 24-hour Campus Impact Challenge
• Missouri S&T to dedicate new Welcome Center today

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

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