March 20, 2023

Jerry L. Jost, BS ChE ’70, has been recognized with a Missouri Honor Award for his contributions to the profession and to the College. The award is the highest honor bestowed by Mizzou Engineering.

“This award represents the cumulative benefit I have received from all of the great people I have learned from and worked with over my 50-plus year career,” he said. “I thank the dean and the College of Engineering as well as all those whose shoulders I have stood on.”

Jost is the Founder and President of Jost Chemical Company, a manufacturer of high purity chemicals used in pharmaceuticals, nutritional food and other specialty markets around the world. He started the business in 1985 after several years in industry.

He credits Mizzou for laying the foundation for his success. In addition to engineering, he took marketing and business courses. He was also a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon and participated in ROTC, where he received commission.

“If there’s one thing the College of Engineering does well, it’s teach you the methodology and appropriate way to approach problems,” he said. “The totality of my experience at Mizzou played a role in helping me in my career and in starting a business.”

That’s why Jost has been a strong supporter of Mizzou Engineering. He’s served on the Chemical Engineering Industrial Board for more than a decade and in 2021 established the Jerry L. Jost Endowed Chair in Chemical Engineering. He also provided equipment for a chemical operations laboratory, now the Jost Chemical Lab, which will be celebrated at a grand re-opening in April.

“Jerry exemplifies excellence in engineering,” said Noah Manring, dean of the College. “Not only has he used his education to become a leader in the field, he has consistently supported our mission to train future engineers to be successful as well.”

This is the third time Jost has been honored by the College. He received the MU Engineering Alumni Organization’s Citation of Merit Award in 2013 and the James E. “Bud” Moulder Distinguished Alumni Award in 2019.

Learn more about the Missouri Honor Award.