The organizational restructuring of the University’s academic division by eliminating the college and schools and the associated deans’ offices has flattened our organizational structure in a way that is reflected by only a few other institutions—all of whom are technological research universities.

A major benefit that we expect to realize from this restructuring is more opportunities for interdisciplinary cooperation in a variety of ways. Many of these new relationships will be developed over this coming year and I am excited about what the future will bring to our university in this regard.

The new strategic plan, modeled after the Baldridge Award criteria, is the first strategic plan that has involved using input from faculty, staff, and students in the 15 years that Missouri S&T has been doing strategic planning. An 85% vote in favor of the new plan indicates wide support for the plan.

The plan’s Vision reflects that of our Chancellor: to be recognized as a Top 5 technological research university by 2011. With the exceptional faculty and the extremely talented staff that is Missouri S&T, I am confident that we can attain that goal!

Changing the university’s name to Missouri University of Science and Technology is a bold move that is intended to better identify the nature of this institution. Since the entire Missouri S&T community—faculty, students, staff, alumni, and friends—will be a part of the branding and communication effort to inform others about Missouri S&T, 2009 will have another facet of excitement for us to anticipate and enjoy.

I am pleased to welcome everyone reading these comments to Missouri S&T and to the Provost’s web site. Please contact me if I can help you with any questions.

Warren K. Wray, Ph.D., P.E.
wkwray@mst.edu
(573) 341-4138