Following his dedicated service in the Air Force from 2001-13, Jason Newton transitioned into academia in 2018 and began working with the environmental health and safety department at Missouri S&T. After serving in many advising roles in his military career and while in civilian jobs, he learned that he loved working with others to help achieve their goals. When new advising roles were introduced on campus, he jumped at the opportunity and, in March 2022, became an academic advisor for computer science.

Jason thinks that advising is a rewarding field, as advisors play a major role in the success of the students helping map out their graduation pathway. This also includes helping students transition into being successful college students. He reminds all students to – most importantly – communicate and work with their advisor frequently. They are here to help students remove barriers and obstacles and to achieve their educational goals.

After Jason joined the computer science department, he began his master’s of education degree focused on educational leadership and graduated in May 2023 with distinction. He was also selected to be part of the cohort for the 2023-24 University of Missouri Advisor Development Program led at S&T by Dr. Dan Reardon, vice provost of undergraduate education, and Amy McMillen, director of the S&T Advising Center.

Reflecting on his time in the Air Force, Jason recalls his favorite Meal Ready-to-Eat, or MRE, was either spaghetti or chili mac. If he had Tabasco, he could make any other MRE edible, except for the vegetarian meal. He says that many others agree there is nothing that can make the vegetarian MRE palatable. Jason’s favorite sides included the jalapeno cheese spread and the lemon pound cake. The cheese spread was a sought-after commodity, often exchanged among fellow service members. Jason also enjoys a good fruit punch Rip It, an energy drink, that he calls the “unofficial beverage of deployments.”

His connection to the armed forces extends beyond his personal service. His wife, a retired Air Force veteran, and his brother-in-law, a retired Army veteran, add to the military legacy within his family. Additionally, Tom Miller, one of the most influential men in his life, was a Vietnam Navy Veteran.

While discussing potential food options for S&T, Jason expressed a preference for establishments like White Castle or Charleys Cheesesteaks. When it comes to pizza, he enjoys the classic pizzas, including pepperoni, supreme, or sausage with onion. However, he added that a good cheese pizza is always a welcomed choice. Jason says the best pizza he ever ate was from Boston Pizza, a pizzeria he frequented while he was stationed in Guam.

Beyond campus, Jason’s hobbies reflect his hands-on and adventurous spirit. He works on building Jeeps, exploring off-road terrains, and kayaking. He has also taken on the restoration of a 1960s Oliver 550 tractor, which has been keeping his mind occupied.

Staff Council expresses deep gratitude for the years of service that Jason and other veterans have dedicated and continue to give.