A huge part of the welcoming environment we enjoy every day at Missouri S&T is thanks to the tireless efforts of our custodians. These approximately 120 individuals work diligently to ensure that our campus remains clean, safe and functional, and manage the unique challenges of our facilities.

A massive responsibility

Every day, our dedicated custodial staff services about 320 restrooms, cleans over 220 classrooms and instructional lab spaces, maintains the residence halls, prepares for special events and more. Their tasks include everything from cleaning floors and sanitizing surfaces to preparing for functions and responding promptly to requests. Despite the unpredictability of weather and staffing shortages, their commitment never wavers—much like the unwavering delivery of the mail, custodial work must go on.

Two dedicated teams

S&T’s custodial operations are split between two teams: one focuses on academic buildings and the other services residential life facilities. Each team faces its own challenges, whether they’re cleaning a state-of-the-art building or maintaining a structure that’s been around for over a century. Regardless of the building’s condition, our custodians approach every task with the same level of diligence and care.

The heart of campus life

Custodians often serve as the first line of support for the campus community. They are not just cleaners; they are caretakers and confidants. Many students stop to chat with custodial staff, forming bonds that resemble familial connections. These interactions create a welcoming atmosphere and a sense of community that enhances the student experience.

Even during summer, when classes are on break, custodians stay busy preparing for summer camps and ensuring that residence halls are ready for young guests. In fact, when the rest of campus winds down, custodial duties ramp up to accommodate the influx of families.

Adaptability amid challenges

With ongoing renovations across campus, custodial teams must maintain cleanliness and functionality without disturbing ongoing work. From extensive cleaning of Leach Theatre and the Gale Bullman Building for events like the Career Fair to collaborating with landscaping for snow and ice removal, custodians demonstrate remarkable flexibility and adaptability.

Their day begins early—sometimes as early as 4 a.m.—to get the academic buildings ready before students arrive. They do things like cleaning classrooms, labs, and faculty offices, all while navigating the busy flow of student traffic.

More than just cleaning

Custodial staff members perform a myriad of tasks that often go unnoticed, including training, hiring and ordering supplies. It takes a lot of supplies to stock all those bathrooms. They also perform minor maintenance, reporting issues like broken fixtures or plumbing problems, which plays a crucial role in campus upkeep.

As their role evolves with advancements in technology and cleaning methods, custodians now use programmable systems to dispense chemicals, and they use eco-friendly cleaning products. The commitment to sustainability is just one example of the adaptability of our custodians.

A culture of appreciation

The custodial teams at Missouri S&T are resilient and dedicated, working behind the scenes to keep our campus thriving. They deserve recognition for the countless ways they contribute to a safe and welcoming environment. To celebrate their hard work, remember that their impact goes beyond the surfaces they clean. They are an integral part of the campus community, and they deserve appreciation every single day. Thank you to the custodial teams for your unwavering commitment and for making Missouri S&T a better place.