Three more years
Tech extends president\'s contract
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HOUGHTON -- The Michigan Technological University Board of trustees has extended President Richard Koubek’s contract by three years. Meeting in regular session Thursday, the board approved Koubek's thru the end of the 2030-2031 school year. At the meeting the board also approved tenure, honored emeritus faculty and heard several reports.
After opening remarks from Chair Jon Jipping and Koubek, Vice-Chair Monique Wells gave a report from the Leadership Committee and said the board is grateful for Koubek's service to the university.
"We held a constructive conversation about initiatives for the 26-27 year that's upon us," she said. "Alongside strategic discussions on board succession, planning and the extension of President Koubek's contract for an additional three years... I want to express our appreciation for President Koubek's dedicated leadership."
The contract extension was passed in a bulk-item vote in the consent agenda. Michigan Tech declined to comment on anything discussed in the formal session.
Koubek gave an update on Tech's financials which was later echoed by Trustee Steven Tomaszewski. Koubek said fundraising goals were met and exceeded for the previous academic year, totaling $53.9 million. "Financially, we will be rolling out a performance-based budget model and launch the second phase of our capital outlay," he said. "I believe, regardless of the environment we find ourselves in, Michigan Tech will continue to thrive."
Koubek said enrollment for MTU's Global Campus increased by 10%, it now has 365 students. Humanities Professor and University Senate President Holly Hassel also mentioned global campus in her senate presentation. She said the University Senate is working on engaging more faculty with creating online curriculum for its initiative.
Tomaszewski gave the finance and audit committee report and said Tech is in favorable financial standing.
"Even as we remain mindful that Michigan Tech is not immune to the broader headwinds facing higher education today, looking at our core financial performance, preliminary results for fiscal year 2026 show strong budget alignment," he said. "This is affirmed by the release of our A1 credit rating."
Jipping gave an update on one of Michigan Tech's building projects. "The board had the privilege of hearing a presentation from the architects for the new Chang K. Park Center for Student Wellness," Jipping said in his opening remarks. "Speaking on behalf of the board, the design is truly inspirational."
Four faculty were approved for their emeritus ranks. Andrew Burton, Jacqueline Huntoon, Gordon Parker and Roger Turpening. Civil, Environmental and Geospatial Engineering Professor Erin Kutay, alongside Humanities Professor Michael Nelson were appointed chairs of their respective departments and approved for tenure by the board.
In other reports to the board, Vice President for Student Affairs Laura Bulleit and Athletic Director Suzanne Sanregret both reflected on the previous year, highlighting achievements in student success, wellness and athletics.
The next Board of Trustees formal session will be held Oct. 2 in the MUB Ballroom.