Michigan Technological University Executive and Leadership Team

November, 2026

Leadership Overview

Michigan Technological University has 6 executives leading key functions including technology infrastructure, student recruitment, institutional strategy, faculty advocacy, academic governance, and research leadership.

Committed to advancing scientific discovery, Michigan Technological University fosters innovation through rigorous research in mechanical engineering, robotics, and environmental sustainability to address global climate challenges.

Leadership Roles at Michigan Technological University

  • Undergraduate Recruiter And Outreach Chief Operating Officer - Carly Benson
  • President - Michael Vigrass
  • Chapter President - Bruce Barna
  • President - Robert Arden
  • President - Evelyn Johnson
  • Deputy Chief Technology Officer - Jarrod Karau
  • Carly Benson - Undergraduate Recruiter And Outreach Chief Operating Officer

    Carly Benson, the Undergraduate Recruiter And Outreach Chief Operating Officer at Michigan Technological University, manages the strategic expansion of student enrollment pipelines. Overseeing national outreach programs, the Undergraduate Recruiter And Outreach Chief Operating Officer drives engagement with prospective students interested in environmental engineering and robotics. This leadership role involves coordinating with academic departments to showcase research opportunities and laboratory facilities to high-achieving applicants. By refining recruitment messaging, Carly Benson directly impacts the diversity and quality of the incoming student body. Furthermore, Benson analyzes demographic data to optimize regional marketing efforts, ensuring consistent growth in enrollment numbers. Through collaboration with admissions staff, the Undergraduate Recruiter And Outreach Chief Operating Officer aligns outreach activities with the university's long-term academic goals. Ultimately, Benson strengthens the institution's reputation by attracting top-tier talent prepared to contribute to the rigorous research environment found within the university.

    Michael Vigrass - President

    Michael Vigrass, the President at Michigan Technological University, architects the overarching strategic vision for the institution. Overseeing the alignment of academic programs with industry demands, the President drives initiatives focused on mechanical engineering and climate change research. This leadership role involves managing relationships with the Board of Trustees and securing funding for large-scale research infrastructure. By fostering partnerships with private sector entities, Michael Vigrass directly impacts the commercialization of transfer technology. Furthermore, Vigrass coordinates with executive leadership to ensure financial sustainability while maintaining high standards of academic excellence. Through active engagement with stakeholders, the President promotes the university's mission to solve complex environmental problems through innovation. Ultimately, Vigrass secures the long-term growth of the institution by championing research-led education and expanding the university's influence within the global scientific community.

    Bruce Barna - Chapter President

    Bruce Barna, the Chapter President at Michigan Technological University, directs faculty advocacy and represents academic interests within the institutional governance structure. Overseeing the negotiation of professional standards, the Chapter President ensures that faculty members possess the resources required for high-impact research in environmental engineering and robotics. This leadership role involves mediating between administrative leadership and the academic body to maintain a productive working environment. By championing faculty rights, Bruce Barna directly impacts the retention of top-tier researchers and educators. Furthermore, Barna facilitates open communication channels to address concerns regarding research funding and academic freedom. Through consistent engagement with university committees, the Chapter President aligns faculty objectives with the broader mission of the institution. Ultimately, Barna secures a stable and supportive environment that empowers the university to continue its legacy of scientific discovery and technological advancement.

    Robert Arden - President

    Robert Arden, the President at Michigan Technological University, manages the operational execution of the university's research-focused mission. Overseeing the implementation of interdisciplinary programs, the President drives the integration of robotics and environmental engineering into the core curriculum. This leadership role involves coordinating with department heads to optimize laboratory utilization and research output. By streamlining administrative processes, Robert Arden directly impacts the speed at which new technologies move from the lab to practical application. Furthermore, Arden monitors institutional performance metrics to ensure alignment with state and national research benchmarks. Through strategic oversight of campus resources, the President facilitates a culture of innovation that attracts significant grant funding. Ultimately, Arden secures the operational health of the university by balancing academic rigor with the practical needs of a modern research institution, ensuring that all departments contribute effectively to the university's overarching goals.

    Evelyn Johnson - President

    Evelyn Johnson, the President at Michigan Technological University, leads the development of long-term academic strategies and institutional growth. Overseeing the expansion of research facilities, the President drives the university's efforts to become a global leader in climate change research and mechanical engineering. This leadership role involves cultivating relationships with government agencies and private donors to support capital projects. By prioritizing investment in cutting-edge technology, Evelyn Johnson directly impacts the university's ability to attract world-class researchers. Furthermore, Johnson coordinates with the Board to ensure that all academic initiatives remain consistent with the institution's historical commitment to public service. Through visionary leadership, the President fosters an environment where interdisciplinary collaboration thrives. Ultimately, Johnson secures the future of the university by positioning the institution as a vital hub for technological innovation and scientific progress, ensuring that the university remains at the forefront of modern research.

    Jarrod Karau - Deputy Chief Technology Officer

    Jarrod Karau, the Deputy Chief Technology Officer at Michigan Technological University, directs the digital infrastructure supporting advanced research initiatives. Overseeing campus-wide network security and data management systems, the Deputy Chief Technology Officer ensures seamless integration of robotics and mechanical engineering software across academic departments. This leadership role involves modernizing legacy systems to support high-performance computing requirements essential for climate change research. By optimizing technical resources, Jarrod Karau directly impacts the efficiency of transfer technology projects. Furthermore, Karau manages cross-functional teams to maintain robust cybersecurity protocols, protecting sensitive intellectual property generated by university researchers. Through strategic investment in scalable cloud solutions, the Deputy Chief Technology Officer facilitates seamless collaboration between faculty and external industry partners. Ultimately, Karau secures the technological foundation necessary for maintaining the institution's competitive edge in the rapidly evolving landscape of public research universities.

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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 Carly Benson (Undergraduate Recruiter And Outreach Chief Operating Officer), along with executives such as Michael Vigrass (President) and Bruce Barna (Chapter President).
    Who is part of Michigan Technological University’s executive team?
    The executive team of Michigan Technological University includes leaders such as Carly Benson (Undergraduate Recruiter And Outreach Chief Operating Officer), Michael Vigrass (President), Bruce Barna (Chapter President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Michigan Technological University have?
    Michigan Technological University has 6 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 Undergraduate Recruiter And Outreach Chief Operating Officer, President, Chapter President, President, President.