Dear Colleagues,

I’m writing to update you on S&T’s budget and strategic planning processes. As you may recall, University of Missouri System President Mun Choi asked the chancellors of the four UM System campuses to develop ways to reduce costs and move forward strategically.

I have been extremely impressed with the work so many of you have already contributed to S&T’s financial planning prior to my arrival. You have laid the groundwork for the challenges we all face, including a decline in state support and tuition restrictions, to name a couple. Missouri S&T has experienced some difficult times that brought added responsibilities for many of you, and you have responded extremely well and as a collective whole, with students and their success as our primary focus. Thank you all for your dedication, efforts, and selflessness.

While we seek ways to use our resources wisely, we will remain focused on our goal of student success. I assure you that ensuring student success has been and will continue to be our highest priority. You probably will note that student success is foremost in our strategic planning.

In conjunction with the University of Missouri System, all of us at Missouri S&T are contributing to a system-wide plan for all four UM campuses — the Missouri Compact for Education, Research, Engagement and Economic Development. 

The compact’s four strategic areas are:

• Excellence in Student Success
• Excellence in Research and Creative Works
• Excellence in Community Engagement and Economic Development
• Excellence in Planning, Operations and Stewardship

Much of S&T’s previous strategic planning has focused on processes and action items in these very areas. We are on a good course! I will keep you updated as plans are developed throughout our campus and consolidated by our dedicated administration.

Thank you all for your thoughts, efforts, and dedication. You help make Missouri S&T a great university!

Sincerely,

Christopher G. Maples, Ph.D.
Interim Chancellor