Behind every gift is a story. As the executive director of development for gift planning at Missouri S&T, John D. Held II hears firsthand how the university has shaped the lives of alumni.

“I am fortunate to meet so many of our great alumni and hear their stories,” John says. “I get to hear about the faculty mentors who motivated or mentored our graduates — I hear names like Day, Brow, Stanley, Gragg, and many others.”

In his role, John helps donors focus their philanthropy for the greatest benefit of the S&T community. He says that one of the best things about working at S&T is working with a dedicated team. “We are surrounded by great colleagues in University Advancement. Even in the hardest times, my work family is there to celebrate and push me forward.”

With the support of his colleagues, Held was able to continue his education and earned his MBA while working at S&T.

“The leadership in University Advancement provides great encouragement,” he says. “It is great to be a part of a team that celebrates personal as well as professional achievements.”

John advises other S&T employees to enjoy all the benefits of the campus and Rolla as a whole.

“Our community is great—not too big, not too small, with a wonderful quality of life,” he says.” Make sure to take a walk every day and meet a new student daily.”

John at a glance

Hometown: St. Louis

Education: MBA from Missouri S&T

People are most surprised to learn: He has seven children, three of whom have served in the military. 

Hobbies: Fishing and enjoying the Ozark region.

Favorite food: Steak, and “anything German.”

Proudest accomplishment: Being a member of the team that helped Fred and June Kummer make their transformational gift to Missouri S&T.

Family: “I could not do my job without the great support of my wonderful wife, Alice.”

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.

Share the Spotlight

Would you like to recommend a staff member for eConnection’s staff spotlight feature? Would you like to be in the spotlight? Let us know! Email news@mst.edu with your name and the name of the person you would like to see featured (it can be yourself). If you’d like to tell us about yourself, fill out a staff spotlight questionnaire.