Michigan Technological University Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Michigan Technological University has 7 executives leading key functions including information technology, financial administration, student outreach, technology development, institutional leadership, faculty representation, and organizational governance.

Dedicated to advancing scientific discovery, Michigan Technological University fosters innovation in mechanical engineering, climate change research, and robotics to solve complex global challenges.

Leadership Roles at Michigan Technological University

  • Administration Chief Financial Officer & Vice President - Carlos Rodriguez
  • Undergraduate Recruiter And Outreach Chief Operating Officer - Carly Benson
  • President - Evelyn Johnson
  • Chapter President - Bruce Barna
  • President - Michael Vigrass
  • Chief Information Officer - Joshua Olson
  • Deputy Chief Technology Officer - Jarrod Karau
  • Carlos Rodriguez - Administration Chief Financial Officer & Vice President

    Carlos Rodriguez, the Administration Chief Financial Officer & Vice President at Michigan Technological University, manages the fiscal health and administrative operations of the institution. Overseeing budgetary allocations for mechanical engineering laboratories, the Administration Chief Financial Officer & Vice President ensures alignment with long-term strategic goals. This leadership role involves optimizing resource distribution to support large-scale environmental engineering projects. By implementing rigorous financial controls, Carlos Rodriguez secures the capital necessary for infrastructure development and research expansion. The Administration Chief Financial Officer & Vice President coordinates with the Board to maintain transparency in all fiscal reporting. Through careful management of endowment funds, the Administration Chief Financial Officer & Vice President supports the university's mission of public research. Rodriguez monitors economic trends to mitigate risks associated with federal funding fluctuations. Ultimately, the Administration Chief Financial Officer & Vice President provides the financial stability required for the university to maintain its status as a premier research institution.

    Carly Benson - Undergraduate Recruiter And Outreach Chief Operating Officer

    Carly Benson, the Undergraduate Recruiter And Outreach Chief Operating Officer at Michigan Technological University, directs student acquisition strategies and community engagement programs. Managing the recruitment pipeline for engineering and robotics programs, the Undergraduate Recruiter And Outreach Chief Operating Officer expands the university's footprint across North American markets. This leadership role involves designing outreach initiatives that highlight the institution's expertise in transfer technology. By streamlining the admissions process, Carly Benson improves the overall student experience from initial contact to enrollment. The Undergraduate Recruiter And Outreach Chief Operating Officer collaborates with academic departments to showcase research opportunities to prospective candidates. Through targeted marketing campaigns, the Undergraduate Recruiter And Outreach Chief Operating Officer increases visibility for specialized environmental programs. Benson analyzes enrollment data to refine outreach tactics and ensure a diverse student body. Ultimately, the Undergraduate Recruiter And Outreach Chief Operating Officer secures the future talent pipeline necessary for the university's continued growth.

    Evelyn Johnson - President

    Evelyn Johnson, the President at Michigan Technological University, provides executive leadership for the entire research institution. Overseeing the strategic vision for mechanical engineering and climate change research, the President ensures that the university remains at the forefront of scientific innovation. This leadership role involves representing the institution to government agencies and private sector partners to secure funding for large-scale projects. By fostering a culture of academic rigor, Evelyn Johnson guides the faculty and staff toward achieving institutional milestones. The President collaborates with the Board to define long-term growth objectives and operational priorities. Through active engagement with the broader academic community, the President promotes the university's contributions to robotics and environmental science. Johnson manages the overall organizational structure to ensure efficiency across all departments. Ultimately, the President drives the strategic initiatives that solidify the university's position as a leader in public research and technical education.

    Bruce Barna - Chapter President

    Bruce Barna, the Chapter President at Michigan Technological University, represents faculty interests and advocates for academic standards within the institution. Overseeing the communication between the faculty body and the administration, the Chapter President ensures that research priorities remain aligned with pedagogical goals. This leadership role involves negotiating professional development opportunities for staff engaged in environmental engineering and robotics. By facilitating dialogue regarding institutional policy, Bruce Barna maintains a collaborative environment for academic inquiry. The Chapter President works with other leaders to address concerns related to research funding and laboratory resources. Through consistent advocacy, the Chapter President supports the professional growth of the university's educators. Barna monitors internal governance processes to ensure that faculty voices influence key decision-making. Ultimately, the Chapter President drives the collective efforts required to uphold the university's commitment to high-quality instruction and impactful research across all technical disciplines.

    Michael Vigrass - President

    Michael Vigrass, the President at Michigan Technological University, manages specific organizational units focused on specialized research and community outreach. Overseeing the integration of transfer technology into the local economy, the President ensures that the university's innovations reach practical application. This leadership role involves coordinating with regional stakeholders to expand the impact of environmental engineering projects. By fostering partnerships with industry leaders, Michael Vigrass creates pathways for students to engage in real-world robotics applications. The President monitors the performance of outreach programs to ensure they meet the university's high standards for public service. Through strategic planning, the President aligns departmental activities with the broader mission of the institution. Vigrass evaluates the effectiveness of research initiatives to ensure they contribute to the university's overall growth. Ultimately, the President drives the operational success of specific research divisions, ensuring that the university remains a vital contributor to scientific and technological advancement.

    Joshua Olson - Chief Information Officer

    Joshua Olson, the Chief Information Officer at Michigan Technological University, directs the digital infrastructure supporting advanced research in robotics and environmental engineering. Managing enterprise-wide data systems, the Chief Information Officer ensures secure connectivity for faculty and students across the Houghton campus. This leadership role involves architecting scalable cloud solutions that facilitate high-performance computing for climate change research initiatives. By modernizing network architecture, Joshua Olson optimizes the technological environment necessary for academic excellence. The Chief Information Officer collaborates with academic departments to integrate emerging software tools into the curriculum. Through consistent oversight of cybersecurity protocols, the Chief Information Officer protects sensitive research data from external threats. Maintaining robust digital frameworks remains a primary objective for Olson, as the institution expands its reach within the global scientific community. Ultimately, the Chief Information Officer drives the digital transformation required to sustain the university's competitive edge in technical education.

    Jarrod Karau - Deputy Chief Technology Officer

    Jarrod Karau, the Deputy Chief Technology Officer at Michigan Technological University, executes technical strategies focused on hardware integration and laboratory automation. Overseeing the deployment of robotics equipment, the Deputy Chief Technology Officer ensures that research facilities meet modern engineering standards. This leadership role involves bridging the gap between theoretical research and practical technology transfer. By managing technical staff, Jarrod Karau maintains the operational readiness of specialized climate change monitoring tools. The Deputy Chief Technology Officer collaborates with the Chief Information Officer to align hardware capabilities with broader institutional software goals. Through the implementation of advanced instrumentation, the Deputy Chief Technology Officer supports the university's commitment to hands-on learning. Karau monitors emerging technological trends to identify opportunities for laboratory upgrades. Ultimately, the Deputy Chief Technology Officer drives the technical efficiency required to sustain the university's reputation for excellence in mechanical and environmental engineering research.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Michigan Technological University Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Michigan Technological University?
    Michigan Technological University is led by Carlos Rodriguez (Administration Chief Financial Officer & Vice President), along with executives such as Carly Benson (Undergraduate Recruiter And Outreach Chief Operating Officer) and Evelyn Johnson (President).
    Who is part of Michigan Technological University’s executive team?
    The executive team of Michigan Technological University includes leaders such as Carlos Rodriguez (Administration Chief Financial Officer & Vice President), Carly Benson (Undergraduate Recruiter And Outreach Chief Operating Officer), Evelyn Johnson (President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Michigan Technological University have?
    Michigan Technological University has 7 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Michigan Technological University’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Michigan Technological University includes roles such as Administration Chief Financial Officer & Vice President, Undergraduate Recruiter And Outreach Chief Operating Officer, President, Chapter President, President.