Mohammad Dehghani on Science and Technology Innovation

Mohammad Dehghani on Science and Technology Innovation In the heart of Rolla, Missouri, a quiet revolution is taking place. At the helm of this transformation is Dr. Mohammad ‘Mo’ Dehghani, Chancellor of Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T), a visionary leader redefining what it means to be a modern research university. With decades of academic and leadership experience across some of the most prestigious institutions in the U.S., Dehghani is steering Missouri S&T toward a bold future—one where innovation, industry collaboration, and student success intersect.

Founded in 1870 as the Missouri School of Mines and Metallurgy, the institution has evolved from a regional mining college into a globally recognized hub for science, technology, engineering, and applied research. Under Dehghani’s leadership, the university is expanding its influence, attracting top-tier talent, and delivering measurable value to students and industry alike.

A Vision Rooted in Purpose Dehghani’s journey began far from Missouri. Born and raised in Tehran, he moved to the United States in the late 1970s, where he pursued engineering at Louisiana State University. After earning his PhD in 1987, he launched an academic career that would span continents and institutions—from teaching at Ohio University to conducting cutting-edge research at MIT and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory.

“I’ve always believed that engineering is not just about solving equations,” Dehghani reflects. “It’s about solving real-world problems that impact people’s lives. That’s what drew me to Missouri S&T. Here, we don’t just educate—we innovate.”

When Dehghani took the reins as Chancellor in 2019, he initiated a comprehensive visioning process, engaging faculty, alumni, students, and industry partners. The result was a set of “North Star Goals” designed to position Missouri S&T as a leader in addressing national challenges in energy, infrastructure, cybersecurity, and emerging technologies.

Driving Innovation Through Strategic Leadership Under Dehghani’s guidance, Missouri S&T has made significant strides in research output and student outcomes. In 2023, The New York Times ranked the university among the top 10 highest-value schools in the U.S., citing strong post-graduation earnings and affordable tuition. The placed it among the top 10 institutions for graduate salaries—ranking alongside MIT, Stanford, and Georgia Tech.

These accolades, Dehghani explains, are not accidental. They are the result of deliberate strategy and a relentless focus on relevance.

“We’re not just chasing rankings,” he says. “We’re building an ecosystem where students, faculty, and industry partners thrive together. Our success is measured not just in degrees awarded, but in solutions delivered.”

One of Dehghani’s key initiatives has been expanding Missouri S&T’s industry partnerships. By aligning curricula with real-world needs and creating pathways for collaborative research, the university is ensuring its graduates are not only job-ready but innovation-ready.

“We’ve seen firsthand how powerful it is when academia and industry work hand-in-hand,” he notes. “Our students aren’t just learning theory—they’re working on live projects with companies like Boeing, Black & Veatch, and the Department of Defense. That’s how we stay relevant.”

Building the Next Generation of Innovators For Dehghani, leadership is not just about institutional growth—it’s about empowering others. Throughout his career, he’s balanced executive roles with a deep commitment to teaching and mentoring.

“I love the world of academics,” he says. “When you have a classroom of engineering students working through tough equations, and you see the light bulbs come on—that’s very rewarding.”

This passion for education is evident in Missouri S&T’s student-centric approach. From hands-on labs to undergraduate research opportunities, the university is creating environments where curiosity thrives and innovation is nurtured.

But Dehghani’s vision extends beyond campus walls. He sees Missouri S&T as a catalyst for regional and national development—training the next generation of engineers, scientists, and entrepreneurs who will tackle the world’s most pressing challenges.

Leading Through Change Leading a public research university during a period of rapid technological change and economic uncertainty is no small task. Yet, Dehghani’s approach is grounded in clarity, collaboration, and consistency.

“Change is inevitable, but transformation is a choice,” he says. “We chose to lead—not just adapt.”

By investing in state-of-the-art facilities, expanding interdisciplinary programs, and fostering a culture of innovation, Missouri S&T is turning that vision into reality. The university’s new Kummer Institute for Student Success, Research and Economic Development, funded by a $300 million gift—the largest in the school’s history—is a testament to that commitment.

Looking Ahead As Missouri S&T continues its ascent, Dehghani remains focused on the long-term. “We’re not just building a university,” he says. “We’re building a legacy. One that empowers students to dream bigger, think deeper, and build better.”

For C-suite leaders navigating their own transformations, Dehghani offers a simple but powerful insight: “True innovation comes from purposeful collaboration. Whether in academia or business, success is not about working in silos—it’s about breaking them down.”

With bold leadership and a clear North Star, Missouri University of Science and Technology is not just keeping pace with the future—it’s helping to define it.