Michelle Wiginton-Pipes is a fifth-generation Rolla resident.

“I have many, many engineers in my family tree,” she says. “When we were young, we heard stories of ‘when I was in college’ from family, so I was raised thinking that going to college and working at S&T is just what you did,” she says.

Carrying on the family tradition, Michelle joined S&T in 2014 as a professional and continuing education program coordinator. She coordinates many of the university’s summer camps and the annual Expanding Your Horizons Conference that brings 500 seventh- and eighth-grade girls to campus each fall. She also coordinates local, regional, national and international professional association conferences, as well as many other non-credit courses, webinars and certification programs.

“I remember some buildings no longer here, faculty who remain family friends, and students who are treasured acquaintances – and can’t wait to see future progress and projects change the shape of what campus looks like today,” she says.

Michelle at a glance

Hometown: Rolla

Education: Bachelor’s degree in journalism and mass communications and a master’s degree in international human relations (organizational), both from the University of Oklahoma. Michelle is currently pursuing a doctorate of business administration (DBA) at the University of Missouri-St. Louis.

Advice to other employees: “Focus on the positive, because there is always some silver lining in every situation. Laugh each and every day. Embrace change, extend mercy and grace to others, and never stop learning. Today will not last forever and tomorrow is not today.”

Favorite food: Creme Brulee

Hobbies: Writing and photography

People are surprised to learn: Michelle is an introvert – or more precisely, an INFJ according to the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator text. “I am the introverted-extrovert – so I can be the life of the party, but I’m probably the first one to leave and go home, where I am surrounded by the beauty and peacefulness of the Ozarks,” she says. “I am inspired by nature and fueled by its constant change.”

Pets: “I would not be where I am today without the love, encouragement and support of my two kitties, Spooky and Nonnie,” she says. “They keep me humble, remind me that I work to buy them the expensive bag of food, and to keep them in feather toys – which, somehow, always end up under the refrigerator.”

About the Staff Spotlight

Missouri S&T’s Staff Council launched the staff spotlight feature in February 2019 as a way to highlight staff members throughout the university. Legends Bank, Au Bon Pain and the S&T Store are sponsors. The articles are published in eConnection and shared on Staff Council’s Facebook page.

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