Week of October 14, 2024

Weekly Campus Debrief

Meeting Recaps & Takeaways

A dynamic week at Missouri S&T, with several key developments advancing our institutional goals.

On Monday, the week kicked off with the Retirees’ Association Luncheon, providing opportunities for campus retirees to engage in volunteer activities. Later that day, the CM2AE Consortium convened to discuss updates on critical minerals research, with Tech Hub team members and partners collaborating on future initiatives.

Tuesday featured an Enrollment Management Update, where Chancellor Dehghani and leadership reviewed current enrollment strategies and discussed future plans for broadening outreach. That same day, the Leadership Team focused on operational effectiveness, discussing topics such as the Bioplex Architect Selection, new dining plans for faculty and staff, and campus IT security. Additionally, an interview for the Lead Recruitment Consultant role took place.

The Council of Chancellors Meeting on Tuesday included a detailed discussion on federal white papers, with Missouri’s higher education leadership exploring funding opportunities and collaborative strategies across the UM System.

Wednesday saw the HR Monthly Meeting and the Rolla Area Chamber of Commerce Monthly Luncheon, where Anita Brooks presented on power coaching.

On Thursday, the third candidate for the Vice Provost of Online Learning and Educational Innovation presented their vision during an open campus interview, seeking to reshape and expand Missouri S&T’s online learning landscape. The same day, the Texas Alumni Gathering was held in Spring, Texas, with Chancellor Dehghani and Tory Verkamp connecting with alumni to discuss the university’s progress and initiatives.

Former Chancellor Merl Baker’s daughter, Marilyn Baker, toured Missouri S&T with her husband, Mike Strobel. Marilyn lived on campus for ten years, ending in high school. Dr. Merl Baker, who served as the last dean of the Missouri School of Mines and Metallurgy and the first chancellor of the University of Missouri-Rolla, led the university from 1963 to 1973, during which time the campus experienced significant growth in research, graduate programs, and faculty. Dr. Baker also pioneered the university’s engineering management program and promoted the inclusion of women in engineering.

Thursday also featured the Faculty Wine & Cheese Research Reception at Wilson Library, where faculty members shared their research interests and areas of expertise through presentations and networking.

Friday closed the week with two important meetings. The Rolla Regional Economic Commission Monthly Meeting brought together local leaders to discuss economic growth, including contributions from Phelps Health and Missouri S&T. The Kummer Quarterly Finance Committee Meeting also convened, with discussions focused on the financial stewardship of the Kummer Institute’s resources.

It was a week filled with productive conversations and key decisions, driving Missouri S&T forward as a leader in education, research, and community engagement.

Meetings Details

Monday, Oct. 14:

Tuesday, Oct. 15:

  • Enrollment Management Update
    • Who’s in the Room: Chancellor Dehghani, Cheryl Cain, Garry Grubbs, Susan Murray, Alysha O’Neil, Colin Potts, Stephen Roberts, David Spivey

  • Leadership Team Meeting: Operational Effectiveness Leadership Team
    • Agenda: Bioplex Architect Selection • Faculty and Staff Dining Plans • New Catering Menu • Events and Hospitality Vision Presentation • State of Security • Stellic
    • Who’s in the Room: Please refer to the agenda for a list of attendees
    • Information: Agenda

Wednesday, Oct. 16:

  • Council of Chancellors Meeting | Federal White papers discussion
    • Who’s in the Room: UM System Chancellors

  • RACC Monthly Luncheon
    • Agenda: Luncheon Speaker: Anita Brooks, P4 Power Coaching, Luncheon Sponsor: Jefferson Bank
    • Who’s in the Room: Open to the Entire Campus and Rolla Community
    • Information: https://business.rollachamber.org/events/

  • HR Monthly Meeting

Thursday, Oct. 17:

  • Marilyn Baker Visits Campus
    • Agenda: Former Chancellor Merl Baker’s daughter Marilyn Baker tours campus with her husband Mike Strobel
    • Who’s in the Room: Marylin Baker, Mike Strobel, Jill Warren
    • Information: Merl Baker

  • RACC Monthly Luncheon
    • Agenda: Luncheon Speaker: Anita Brooks, P4 Power Coaching, Luncheon Sponsor: Jefferson Bank
    • Who’s in the Room: Open to the Entire Campus and Rolla Community
    • Information: https://business.rollachamber.org/events/

  • Vice Provost of Online Learning and Educational Innovation interview candidate
  • Texas Alumni Gathering
    • Agenda: Spring, Texas, Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, 6 P.M
    • Who’s in the Room: Texas Alumni, Chancellor Dehghani, Tory Verkamp

  • Faculty Wine & Cheese Research Reception
    • Agenda: Thursday, October 17, 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM, Wilson Library, 2nd Floor 
    • Who’s in the Room: Open to the Entire Campus Community
    • Materials: Bring or email ONE PPT slide or a single-page Word Document / PDF
      that describes your areas of expertise/research interests
    • Information: https://mst.libwizard.com/f/WineCheese_ResearchReception

Friday, Oct. 18:

  • Rolla Regional Economic Commission Monthly Meeting
    • Agenda: Phelps Health – Jason Shenefield • S&T – Fred Stone • Phelps County Commissioner – Joey Auxier
    • Who’s in the Room: Open to the Entire Campus and Rolla Community
    • Information: Agenda

  • Kummer Quarterly Finance Committee Meeting
    • Who’s in the Room: Kummer Institute Finance Committee
Friday Email

Subject: Learning the rules, playing accordingly

Summary: Missouri S&T is rooted in a culture of accountability, respect, and shared responsibility—values that continue to guide our vibrant community today. Our Collected Rules and Regulations (CRRs) are more than just guidelines; they pave the way to a safer, more supportive campus where every individual plays a role. Programs like STEP UP and our fraternity and sorority initiatives empower us to protect one another and prevent harm before it happens. Together, we’re building a stronger S&T—where every action counts, every voice matters, and we all contribute to shaping a brighter future.

Read the full message: Learning the rules, playing accordingly

Upcoming Meetings & Dates

Monday, Oct. 21:

  • Taskforce Meeting: Teaching Communication
  • Porth Lecture
  • Faculty Senate Officers Meeting

Tuesday, Oct. 22:

  • Leadership Team Meeting: Student Success

Wednesday, Oct. 23:

  • ALDP Panel Discussion
  • Executive Forum
  • Gregory Adams Visitation

Thursday, Oct. 24:

  • Chancellor Dehghani meets with President Choi
  • Faculty Senate Meeting
  • Kummer Institute Foundation Board Reception and Dinner
  • 29th Annual Induction Ceremony of the Academy of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineers

Friday, Oct. 25:

  • Kummer Institute Foundation Board Meeting with Breakfast
  • Academy of Engineering Management
  • Miner Alumni Association’s Legends Luncheon combined with Kummer Institute Luncheon
  • The 9th annual James O. Stoffer Lecture in Chemistry-Dr. Karen Wooley
  • Welcome Center Beam-Signing Ceremony
  • Silver and Gold Gathering

Saturday, Oct. 26:

  • Miner Alumni Association Board of Directors Meeting
  • Alumni Tailgate Party 
  • Homecoming Football Game: Miners vs. Lincoln University
  • Alumni Post-Game Social 
  • Miner Alumni Association’s Awards Dinner