Richard K. Vitek, a 1958 chemistry graduate, began his career as a research chemist producing uranium from ore, before moving on to work as a scientist, director and startup CEO. His accomplishments include working with the U.S. Coast Guard to develop UV imaging instruments that analyze oil spills to identify the tankers responsible and develop a method of testing arsenic levels in wine that led the Environmental Protection Agency to impose stricter limits on pesticide use in U.S. vineyards.
Share This Story
Spark a Memory?
Share your story! Fill out the form below to share your fondest memory or anecdote of S&T. If you'd prefer not typing, you can also share by phone at 833-646-3715 (833-Miner150).
John Park: a commitment to quality
John T. Park, who served as interim chancellor in 1985-1986 and in 1991-1992, notes the major...
Supporting female faculty at S&T
When she established the Woman of the Year award at Missouri S&T, Cindy Tang, a 1985 economics graduate, wanted to…
Cheryl B. Schrader on strategic planning
Cheryl B. Schrader, who served as chancellor between 2012 and 2017, describes her approach to strategic...
Non-stop innovation
Dan Scott, a 1970 metallurgical engineering graduate, holds more than 100 patents and has dozens more patents pending. The technical…
From S&T soccer to the state capitol
You might think that with the thousands of graduates Missouri S&T has produced over its 150-year history, at least a…
‘Mr. Miner’
The name “Mr. Miner” may sound like someone related to mascot Joe Miner, and in Jerry Bayless’s case it may…