Dedicated students, distinguished colleagues and dear friends,
Happy Friday!
Where has the time gone!? Five years, 260 Friday messages and countless responses and my responses to them. Yes, it has been five years since I started with my first Friday message in an attempt to communicate and write about the goings-on at S&T: the academics, research, industry partnerships — and perhaps most importantly, our students, faculty and staff, and their welfare.
Upon reflection on this fifth anniversary of my Friday messages, as I write and disseminate, I have observed that strong communities are built through communication, and success is easily measured by our ability to communicate with one another. I find my attempt to communicate and share information is not just necessary, but also pleasurable. In communicating my observations, experiences and thoughts, admittedly parochial at times, I have learned a great deal about the history of our institution and its people, including its prior incarnations, the University of Missouri-Rolla (from 1964 to 2008) and Missouri School of Mines and Metallurgy (from 1870 to 1964).
One gratifying outcome has been the establishment of our Miner Wall of Fame, commemorating hundreds of individuals who dedicated their lives to this institution and have been long gone — decades and over a century ago, in many cases. The recognition brings them back to the present time for all of us to appreciate their dedication, commitment and effort.
The most rewarding aspect of the effort has been the responses that I have received from thousands of alumni, students, faculty, staff, parents of students, interested applicants and friends who receive the messages. Responses range from a polite “thank you” to passionate arguments for or against the topic. They come from all over the world and from all ages. I hear back from our alumni in sub-Saharan Africa, Europe, the Americas, China, Far East Asia, the Middle East and all 50 states of the Union. I hear from those who graduated decades ago (one frequent responder graduated in 1949), as well as our most recent graduates. As people share stories of their time at the university, I learn more about this wonderful institution and its people.
To reflect the views of others on our campus, we have decided to include other voices to expand and enhance the perspectives that are conveyed in the Friday messages. Specifically, the voices of our students and faculty. In that light, we will have one student and one faculty member as guest writers each month. Students, if you are interested in adding your voice to the conversation, you can apply to be a Friday email author.
I encourage our students to heed the call and find the courage to forge the community they envision through their outward-looking positive messages and leadership. Let this be the step that widens the lens, shifting the focus from ourselves to others. The opportunity to empower and elevate others through your positive perspective will inspire your fellow students. Clearly, the most important element of your message, any message, must be the timeless spirit of authenticity, empathy and human connection, if it is to resonate.
And oh, be prepared for the responses that you will receive! There will be those who will agree, generally, and those who will disagree, generally. There will also be some who will respond with acidic emails, regardless of the message, because their truth has become “the” truth. Great leaders, however, realize that what inspires one does not necessarily speak to another.
Finally, I want to sincerely thank all my “dedicated students, distinguished colleagues and dear friends” who have been reading, responding or simply nodding during the past five years. I am grateful for all the guidance that you have provided. Your support has been educational and enlightening. Keep pointing the way as we travel together along our remarkable journey.
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
