One thing we love is how connected we are to alumni. We’ve had alumni come back as guest speakers, collaborators and colleagues.

Jason Smith, a geology, geography and planning (GGP) alumnus, has also made it a priority to stay connected to Missouri State through his business, Environmental Works (EWI).

The inspiration

Growing up in rural Douglas County, Smith had few options for entertainment. Luckily, he was fascinated with the outdoors and often dug holes to see what was down there and spent hours drawing maps of the world from memory with his Dad.

“I believe I spent every penny I had to my name on mineral and rock specimens at rock shops in Colorado during family trips,” Smith said.

A geologist was born.

EWI focuses on teamwork

After he graduated from Missouri State in 1999, Smith went to work for Environmental Works under Robin Melton, GGP alumna.

In Sept. 2012, Melton, founder and sole owner of EWI, died. Smith and the rest the company were devastated.

In June 2013, Smith and three other members of the executive board Melton had created to run EWI purchased the company to ensure its continued growth.

“While the events that led to our ownership in the company were extremely difficult, we knew that it was the best solution for keeping the business growing long-term as Robin would have wanted,” Smith said.

In the four years since Smith became President, the company has grown from 60 employees to approximately 140.

One of the things that Smith loves about EWI is the people—namely, the fact that everyone works together.

“In consulting, nobody knows everything, and we have to rely heavily on one another’s experience and technical expertise to meet clients’ expectations,” Smith said. “In our field services division, we complete physically taxing industrial service projects and respond to hazardous material emergencies—great teamwork is essential.  They are all great people who never hesitate to help one another out on a project.”

EWI also ensures everyone has a say by de-emphasizing management and using the philosophy of “the work is the boss.”  If the newest team member has the best idea, they win.

Missouri State prepares students for success

Sometimes science and English do collide. Reading and Writing in Geology, a course Smith said he didn’t fully appreciate at the time, has deeply affected his career.

“I now look back on it as one of the best classes I had because being a detailed and effective technical writer is critical in consulting,” Smith said.

In addition to Smith, there are 24 consultants at EWI who graduated from Missouri State CNAS, many with senior or principal level positions.

“Every year we look to MSU for recruiting recent graduates as our experience has shown these students are well prepared for a career in consulting,” Smith said.

When Smith isn’t running the company, he spends time with his wife, Jennifer, who runs a professional photography business, and their five sons.