Shelly Morgan has been a valued staff member at Missouri S&T for over 29 years. She currently works in the mechanical and aerospace engineering department.
What do you most enjoy about working at Missouri S&T?
Working with the students is absolutely my favorite thing about this job, but I also work with a great team in mechanical and aerospace engineering. Having a support system from our department chair and faculty makes a big difference in your daily routine.
What is your proudest accomplishment while working at S&T?
Several years ago, when we still did paper travel expense reimbursements, I completed a 15-page international travel reimbursement with no mistakes. It was a time when we had to look up the currency conversions and staple it to each receipt – and a month of receipts was a lot.
What is one piece of advice you would give to a new CEC staff member?
Always be a team player and go above and beyond what is expected of you. Always ask questions, smile, but most importantly, stay positive.
What advice would you have for a struggling student in your department?
If you need help in a particular class, go see your professor because they want to see you succeed, not struggle. They are always here to help you. If you need help with deciding on what classes you need to take, see your advisor. Don’t make things harder on yourself; just ask for help. Your advisors also want to see you succeed.
What is something people may be surprised to learn about you?
I won a contest from the radio and got to ride in a hot air balloon. Once we got in the air, the owner let me guide the balloon. We flew over the golf course, and I had to toss a bean bag down and try to hit the center of the X. I was close, but the next person was closer and won the contest. I also got to help land the balloon in the field. It was something I never dreamed of doing, but I’m glad I got the experience to do it – and I would do it again!
If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?
Cure cancer! I have fought this battle, and it’s a tough one. I have a lot of friends and family members that are either on this journey now or have lost their battle. It’s different for everyone. My struggle wasn’t nearly as bad as others; it was hard, but I thank God that I have been cancer free for eight years now. I feel like there has been so much research over the years, and yet so many people lose their life to this horrible disease daily. Nobody should ever have to hear the words “you’ve got cancer!”
MORE ABOUT SHELLY
Position title: Office Support Assistant IV
Years of service at S&T: 29+
Hometown: St. James
Favorite food: Mexican
Favorite book: I read my Bible app twice a day.
About Q&A with the CEC
Staff members in the College of Engineering and Computing (CEC) have great stories and deserve to be highlighted. This feature is one way to recognize them.