Joe Miner: Same character, more versatility
Posted by Velvet Hasner
Joe Miner, right, helped unveil new artwork during a celebration in The S&T Bookstore on April 4. The shown artwork features Rally Joe. Photo by Blaine Falkena/Missouri S&T
Joe Miner, Missouri S&T’s mascot, received a refresh in April. While maintaining his classic elements, including the pickaxe and slide rule that generations of alumni recognize, the Joe Miner artwork now features the athletic logo on his hat and comes in multiple poses to serve various university needs.
Students, faculty and staff gathered at The S&T Store for a special Joe Friday on April 4 to celebrate the refresh and get a first look at Joe’s new versatility. Guests enjoyed refreshments, games and giveaways, including T-shirts with one of Joe Miner’s new poses.
The updated collection includes:
- Classic Joe: With the stance familiar to alumni, this pose most closely resembles the 2005 design and iconic pose – with one foot off the ground and holding a pickaxe and slide rule.
- Casual Joe: A relaxed pose for informal communications, this pose shows Joe standing with one elbow resting on his slide rule.
- Rally Joe: Carrying the S&T flag, this forward-facing pose shows Joe flashing a smile with pride and spirit.
- Promo Joe: Shown holding a customizable sign, this forward-facing pose can have its message modified with approval of the marketing and communications team.
“We’ve preserved Joe Miner’s traditional elements while enhancing his versatility,” says Mindy Limback, director of creative services. “The refresh marks Joe’s first significant update since 2005 and was guided by community feedback.”
See all versions at brand.mst.edu/logos/joeminer.
The hyperlink you sent cannot be reached. This does mst.edu/logos/joeminer.
I don’t have a website
I bought a T shirt with “Classically Trained” with a slide rule in the center printed on it, and I proudly wore it since I had used a slide rule all four years in Rolla. Hand-held calculators were not known in 1965. While wearing this shirt, somebody asked me if my T-shirt showed some sort of an exotic musical instrument. When I took a survey of what people thought I had on my shirt, nobody, except some old engineering buddies, had a clue what it was. Thinking about it, I suddenly realized that any Miner after the class of 1970 probably had no need for a slide rule, and those current Miners would have no knowledge of exactly what could be done on a slide rule and how to use it. It makes me happy to know that Joe Miner still totes a slide rule on his shoulder in 2025 and that the students still want that on their Joe Miner mascot.
Casual Joe needs a revolver on his left hip.
Rally Joe and Promo Joe look like they were designed to be politically correct. Straight on view of Joe’ s hat doesn’t look good. Send both of these versions to the archives.
Call me old (I am), but where did Joe’s beard go? And the announcement says that Joe still has his ‘classic elements’, but I cannot determine if he still has his sidearm?! I hope he does, because you can run into some dangerous varmants in the open pit mines!
Was there a feedback process for this? The new mascot leaves a lot to be desired… The colors are an abominable choice.
Do the figures have copywrite status coverage? Milton
Not sure about a copywrite but the logo sites do say there is a copyright.
I’m not sure who ever changed the university colors either. I really liked the gold and black and orange.
And why is the beard gone when these days male facial hair is in like never before?
I don’t see the slide rule.
Over the years, Joe has become less of a miner and more of an actor trying to be a miner. At least the mascot person still has the beard.
The recent unveiling of the refreshed Joe Miner artwork is a commendable step forward in honoring tradition while embracing modern versatility. By retaining iconic elements such as the pickaxe and slide rule, Missouri S&T has ensured continuity with the university’s rich heritage, while the addition of multiple new poses like Rally Joe and Promo Joe provides greater flexibility in representing the institution across diverse platforms. The community celebration on April 4 at The S&T Store, complete with games, giveaways, and spirited engagement, underscores the pride and enthusiasm surrounding this update. This thoughtful evolution of Joe Miner reflects both respect for the past and readiness for the future.
What happened to “mines and metallurgy ” ?? Don’t they deserve a place in this logo as in MSM?? The history of this school was heavy into mining.
p.s. the slide rule is appropriate and fine although not so necessary today – perhaps it could be replaced with a computer – but I would not vote for that change.
I’m glad Joe was able to put his foot down for awhile. 🙂
Boo to the Joe changes! Glad I bought my print of Joe when he was a manly Miner (no offense, ladies) & toted a slide rule.