PIP Campus Spotlight – Missouri S&T

Posted On: 09-22-2026

Posted In: Latest, PIP News,

Wellness programming and prevention efforts within Missouri rely on the collective work of staff across the state’s colleges and universities. Supporting and learning from one another is integral to the work we do and to the students we support. In order to provide examples, inspiration, and simply share the work of our amazing colleagues from across the state, we at PIP want to spotlight the efforts of a specific campus each month. The campuses we work with often ask about methods of implementation for programming, use of funding, or any success from other campuses, and so, we hope this Spotlight series provides encouragement and stirs creativity for your own campus’s efforts.

For our first Spotlight, we will traverse to Rolla – based in the heart of Missouri – to explore the wonderful work out of Missouri S&T. Spearheaded by Stephanie Murray-Miller, Missouri S&T has shone as a gold standard for implementation of PIP resources and campus engagement. Building off of our Engage program model, S&T has integrated PIP-provided training with their own familiarized program: STEP UP!

With over 1500 students participating in STEP UP! presentations this past academic year, including over 700 first-year students, this campaign collaborates with the university’s New Student Programs, allowing each incoming student to participate in the training. Utilizing 3 tiers of involvement, each incoming student is given the basics for bystander intervention. Building upon Engage programming, additional certifications are offered to students seeking to further their involvement in the STEP UP! program through student-led presentations, additional training, or becoming a part of their Joe’s PEERS program as student peer educators. This model allows a baseline of prevention education for each student while maximizing student-led initiative through their optional tiers of involvement.

For campus outreach and initiatives, Missouri S&T uses monthly themes to highlight areas of prevention work. Missouri S&T has accomplished this for National Recovery Month in September through campus-wide campaigns, including Recovery Ally t-shirts for completion of student trainings, collaborating with their student and staff & faculty groups for recovery, and building community relations with local businesses to further a city-wide coalition across Rolla. For students, Miners for Recovery is a counselor-led support group that offers a supportive, non-judgmental space for students navigating substance use and recovery. Faculty, staff, and community members have the opportunity to connect through the Miners Recovery Fellowship,which offers a supportive space for those seeking community and encouragement in their journey. These examples showcase awareness and engagement targeted at all community levels; whether someone is a freshman with no prevention education, an already involved student peer, a staff or faculty member looking to further impact, a local business wanting to be involved in community well-being, or a community member looking for support, S&T has something to offer!

Boasting an impressive 77 outreach events, and connecting with over 4,000 students within the academic year, S&T’s peer education program, Joe’s PEERS, is a staple of their health and wellness outreach. S&T employed their PIP funding to support training for their peer educators and for resources related to certain programs such as MACRO – our Collegiate Recovery Ally Training – or information for Narcan administration. Lastly, S&T has worked with PIP in developing their upcoming campus social norms campaign for resource branding to revamp their Mak the Mole branding and continue to implement exciting new programs. S&T’s innovative campus health outreach is a testament to the work their staff put in and an inspiration to us all.

Written by Adriana Daisy, Prevention & Implementation Team Intern. Published September 2026.