In her Oct. 4 State of the University Address at Missouri University of Science and Technology, Chancellor Cheryl B. Schrader introduced a panel of members of the S&T community who discussed ways Missouri S&T’s strategic plan, “Rising to the Challenge,” is changing their university experience.

Before introducing the panelists, Schrader highlighted many of Missouri S&T’s good news items from the past year, including the completion of S&T’s new residence hall, University Commons, the change to a tobacco-free campus, news that a graduate and a current student competed in the Olympics in August, and the hiring of 29 new faculty members this fall.

Schrader then introduced the panelists:

— Dr. Doug Ludlow, professor of chemical and biochemical engineering and director of Missouri S&T’s Freshman Engineering Program. Ludlow discussed how the university’s requirement for all undergraduate students to complete a significant experiential learning component before graduation has changed the program for first-year students.

— Joan Nesbitt, vice chancellor of University Advancement. Nesbitt highlighted her division’s staff sustainability plan to support greater staff engagement. She noted the support of campus leadership in taking risks to try a new approach to increase employee engagement and retention.

— Dr. Laura Bartlett, the Robert V. Wolf Professor in Metallurgical Engineering who is a new faculty member and a Missouri S&T alumna. Bartlett spoke about the role that Missouri S&T’s signature areas played in her decision to return to her alma mater to teach and conduct research.

— Dr. Yinfa Ma, Curators’ Distinguished Teaching Professor of chemistry and associate dean for research and external relations in the College of Arts, Sciences, and Business. Ma discussed how the college structure has affected his colleagues and outlined his experience with successfully submitting a research proposal to Missouri S&T’s Innovation Team.

— Jarrett Harkless, a sophomore in aerospace engineering and president of the Formula SAE Design Team. He talked about the attractiveness of experiential learning opportunities when deciding on a university.

Schrader also invited participants to attend the upcoming Strategic Plan Summit on Thursday, Nov. 3, and noted the Strategic Plan Mid-Cycle Opportunity Review will occur on Nov. 10-11. She concluded the event by thanking participants and the audience, and emphasized her hope to remove barriers in the coming year.

“This past year has brought high points and challenges, but it has also brought clarity,” Schrader said. “As your chancellor, my mission is to listen, to create opportunity and to remove barriers for your success. It’s that simple. I appreciate all you do to make Missouri S&T such a special place. You truly inspire me to continue to do all I can to clear the way for your success.”