Matthew Southard is a business support specialist for the College of Engineering and Computing. He has been on the job at S&T since September 2022.

What do you most enjoy about working at Missouri S&T?
I enjoy the people I work with. Everyone is kind and helpful. I enjoy helping put people to work. 

What is your proudest accomplishment while working here?
I have been here less than one year. I am proud to learn new tasks and procedures. I am proud to be a  part of this great team, and I love helping new faculty get jobs with our organization — especially the members that come from other countries to work in our community. 

What is one piece of advice you would give to a new CEC staff member?
Be patient and do not expect to learn it all in one day. Take lots of notes and ask lots of questions. Be patient with how long the hiring process and approval process takes. 

What advice would you have for a struggling student?
If you are struggling with a particular class, then make an appointment to meet with your professor during office hours for extra help and clarification. If you are struggling with mental health, then reach out to the Student Well-Being team. Do not be afraid or reluctant to ask for help! 

What is something people may be surprised to learn about you?
I saw a lot of cool concerts in the 1980s and 1990s. Van Halen, Rush, Grateful Dead, Milli Vanilli and Ozzy, just to name a few. I saw the following concerts at S&T in the 1980s: REO Speedwagon, Cheap Trick, The Greg Kin Band and 38 Special. 

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?
The power to persuade people. I would persuade people to love one another and be kind. 

MORE ABOUT MATTHEW

Position title: Business Support Specialist II, College of Engineering and Computing
Years of service at S&T: Less than one year. Started in September 2022.
Hometown: St. James, Missouri
Favorite food: Steak
Favorite book: Bible

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.