History of Michigan Tech
Source: https://www.mtu.edu/about/history
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:32
History of Michigan Tech
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Michigan Tech History
Michigan Technological University began as the Michigan Mining School in Houghton
in 1885. Established by the state of Michigan to train mining engineers to better
operate the local copper mines, the school started with four faculty members and 23
students on the second floor of a building on Montezuma Avenue in Houghton. The building,
operated as the Houghton Fire Hall for decades, is now a nightclub and restaurant.
The Michigan Mining School and the subsequent Michigan College of Mines trained nationally
and internationally recognized mining engineers. Our first president,
Marshman E. Wadsworth
(1887-98), oversaw creation of a strong faculty, movement to our present campus location,
and a college mission.
Under President
Fred W. McNair
(1899-1924), the college consolidated its faculty, added several buildings and modified
the academic programs. McNair also led the school through the lean World War I years,
and he placed the College at the disposal of the armed forces for war training.
The next era was a difficult one. As the Michigan College of Mining and Technology,
money was tight, and, at times, department heads and President
William Hotchkiss
(1925-35) took pay cuts. The College was able to succeed, however, keeping current
with changes in society, notably assembly line production and forest management and
wood utilization. To these ends, programs in chemical, electrical, civil, and mechanical
engineering, and in forestry were added.
The enrollment numbers in 1931 were: 130 in electrical engineering, 117 mining engineering,
88 metallurgy, 79 civil engineering, 75 mechanical engineering, 71 chemistry/chemical
engineering, and a total of 591.
President
Grover C. Dillman
(1935-56) oversaw dramatic changes in the College, including the establishment of
a branch campus 250 miles east in Sault Ste. Marie. Also noteworthy was the creation
of the Memorial Union Building (MUB), which (now remodeled) remains the center of
campus, with a cafeteria, billiards, meeting rooms, student organization offices,
and lounges. The original bowling alley was in 2017 converted to a
MakerSpace
, where the campus community has tools and space to work on innovative projects. During
Dillman's tenure the College also procured the village of Alberta, Michigan, with
its sawmill and 4,000-acre forest from the Ford Motor Company, and acquired Portage
Lake Golf course. Post-war enrollment blossomed and in 1948 was 1,789 in Houghton
and 384 at the Sault branch, and temporary housing was established for the influx
of veterans. Programs added during this era included engineering administration, physics,
and geological engineering.
During
J. Robert Van Pelt's
tenure (1956-64), Michigan Tech moved from a college to a university. He also revived
the long-dormant PhD programs and began an aggressive research initiative. There was
a lot of major construction, such as the Civil-Geology Building, Wadsworth Residence
Hall, Fisher Hall (classrooms, labs, and mathematics and physics offices), the first
phase of Daniell Heights housing complex, and most importantly, a new Library.
By 1963, enrollment had reached 2,700, with only 44 in mining. The need for a new
name to better reflect the academic programs (now including nuclear engineering and
biological sciences) was great. The students also wanted a new name that would downplay
mining. By the end of Van Pelt's tenure, they would get their wish.
We became Michigan Technological University in 1964 and, with a new president,
Raymond L. Smith
(1965-79), enrollment would grow from 3,400 to more than 7,600, and the number of
faculty would increase to near 300.
During Smith's tenure, a long-range physical plan was developed, resulting in major
renovations to the campus. US Highway 41 was relocated, and a campus mall was developed.
New high-rises included the Mechanical Engineering-Engineering Mechanics Building,
Chemistry-Metallurgy Building, Electrical Energy Resource Center, and the Administration
and Student Services Building. Coed Residence Hall was also built, and a new upper
campus was developed. Located on a hilltop south of the main campus, new buildings
"up on the hill" included the Student Development Complex with Student Ice Arena,
the Gates Tennis Center, and the Forestry Building.
Physical expansion was equaled by growth in curricula. New programs were created in
bioengineering, computer science, forest engineering, industrial engineering, science
teacher education, transportation, water resources, and engineering science. The University
was organized into the College of Engineering, College of Sciences and Arts, School
of Business and Engineering Administration, School of Forest Resources and Environmental
Science, and School of Technology.
During Smith's tenure, research dollars were increased 250 percent, and nearly 66
percent of faculty had PhDs, compared to 27 percent in 1964. Laboratory equipment
and computer facilities were also improved, and the Sault Branch was given autonomy
after it was elevated to a baccalaureate institution. (It is now Lake Superior State
University.) Read more about Smith and his enduring legacy in "
Once a President, Always a President
," in
Michigan Tech Magazine
.
Dale F. Stein
(1979-91) was president when Michigan Tech began to place more focus on the Graduate
School and research. The Governor's Commission on the Future of Higher Education named
Michigan Tech as one of the state's four nationally recognized research universities,
along with the University of Michigan, Michigan State, and Wayne State, which cleared
the way for special research funding consideration by the state.
State funding didn't keep up with enrollment gains, however, and President Stein had
to make cuts soon after taking office. Through effective budgeting and fund raising,
MTU was able to compensate for reduced state assistance. Michigan Tech added faculty,
increased their salaries, increased cultural activities and support for Library acquisitions,
and upgraded the computer mainframes and other computer systems.
The University's centennial was celebrated in 1985, and the Century II Capital Campaign
was launched. "Spheres of Excellence" were identified for future funding and included
undergraduate engineering and science; materials and material processing; computer-aided
engineering; forest, bio-tech, and natural resources; environmental engineering/science;
wood products development; manufacturing; and scientific and technical communication.
Spurred by the campaign, funding levels reached new heights under the Stein era. By
the end of the 1980s, annual giving would top $1.8 million per year, and research
funding would exceed $10 million annually. The $47-million Minerals and Materials
Engineering Building was the pinnacle of the Stein years.
Curtis J. Tompkins
(1991-2004) provided stability to Michigan Tech after a severe fiscal crunch in 1991
and repeated lean years of financial assistance. Under Tompkins' leadership, the University
gained new academic stature. Several undergraduate and graduate programs have received
recognition from
U.S. News and World Report
.
Money Magazine
included us in the "Best Buys in College Education." Michigan Tech had some of the
nation's largest enrollments in several engineering programs, and the scientific and
technical communication program.
Construction in the Tompkins era included the
Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts
, which features a 1,100-seat performing hall and brings world-class events to the
campus and community. The $44-million Dow Environmental Sciences and Engineering Building
brings together scholars from civil and environmental engineering, geological engineering
and sciences, and biological sciences. The Noblet Forestry Building, greatly expanded,
encompasses the Center for Ecosystem Science.
During the tenure of
Glenn D. Mroz
(2004-2018) Michigan Tech reached
record-breaking enrollment levels
for undergraduate, graduate, and women students. The University expanded its
research funding
to more than $72.5 million—the highest in Michigan Tech history. And the University
stepped forward to take a prominent role as steward of a vital natural resource through
its
Great Lakes Research Center
. Tech also increased its state and national presence with establishment of the
Michigan Tech Research Institute
(MTRI), in downstate Ann Arbor, Michigan. During the Mroz tenure spinoff technologies,
the average rate of two to four annually, have flourished on
Innovation Shore
. The University completed Rekhi Hall, the expansion of J.R. Van Pelt Library, now
the
Van Pelt and John and Ruanne Opie Library
; the Advanced Technology Development Center; Hillside Place apartment-style housing;
renovation of Fisher Hall, home to Michigan Tech's mathematical sciences and physics
departments as well as the
Elizabeth and Richard Henes Center for Quantum Phenomena
; and Wadsworth Residence Hall renovations.
New initiatives on campus under his leadership, outlined in the University's
Strategic Plan
, include a successful $215 million capital campaign, attaining 108 percent of its
original goal. Sponsored programs continued to grow, topping $48 million annually.
During Mroz's tenure, Michigan Tech raised more than $364 in philanthropic support.
For more highlights of the Mroz presidency, read "
Glenn Mroz: Level 5 Leadership
," in
Michigan Tech Magazine
.
Richard J. Koubek
began his tenure
on July 1, 2018, bringing 30 years of experience in academia as a faculty member,
administrator, and leader—and a commitment to working alongside students, faculty
and staff to fulfill Michigan Tech's mission to lead as a global technological university.
In Fall 2018 Koubek spearheaded
Tech Forward
, an all-campus effort to provide a framework for future development. Nine institutional
initiatives emerged based on developing solutions for natural resource, water, and
energy problems; building autonomous and intelligent systems; creating technological
solutions to enhance human health and quality of life; preparing culturally receptive
leaders for a diverse world; and redefining education for the next generation.
To meet the technological, economic, and social
needs of the 21st century
, on July 1, 2019 Michigan Tech established the
College of Computing
—the first and only of its kind in the state of Michigan. During Koubek's tenure,
construction began for the H-STEM Engineering and Health Technologies Complex, a $44.7
million capital outlay project, and the University launched
Global Campus
, home to its online and continuing education programs.
Learn more about Koubek and his vision for Michigan Tech in "
Michigan Tech's 10th President
," in
Michigan Tech Magazine
.
MTU Fast Facts
University Type:
Public
Established:
1885
President:
Richard J. Koubek
Leadership:
President's Council
Campus Size:
925 acres
Ford Center (Alberta, MI):
4,609 acres
Faculty:
498
Staff:
1,271
Students:
7,411
Undergraduates:
6,022
Graduates:
1,402
Faculty/Student Ratio:
13:1
Student Organizations:
260+
Total Alumni:
81,136
Living:
60,672
Research Expenditures:
$124.2M
Sponsored Programs Awards:
$109.3M
Major Research Centers:
15
School Colors:
Metallic Silver and Gold
Spirit Colors:
Black and Gold
Nickname:
Huskies
Also Know As:
Michigan Tech, Tech, MTU
Mascot:
Blizzard T. Husky
Downloads:
Logos and Templates
,
Digital Decorations
[
more university facts
]
Related Resources
University Archives and Historical Collections
Copper Country Historical Images
Keweenaw Time Traveler
Hubbell Hall
Michigan School of Mines
Historical Images Courtesy of Michigan Tech Archives
©
Skip to page content
Skip to footer navigation
About Michigan Technological University
Home
About Us
History
Michigan Tech History
Michigan Technological University began as the Michigan Mining School in Houghton
in 1885. Established by the state of Michigan to train mining engineers to better
operate the local copper mines, the school started with four faculty members and 23
students on the second floor of a building on Montezuma Avenue in Houghton. The building,
operated as the Houghton Fire Hall for decades, is now a nightclub and restaurant.
The Michigan Mining School and the subsequent Michigan College of Mines trained nationally
and internationally recognized mining engineers. Our first president,
Marshman E. Wadsworth
(1887-98), oversaw creation of a strong faculty, movement to our present campus location,
and a college mission.
Under President
Fred W. McNair
(1899-1924), the college consolidated its faculty, added several buildings and modified
the academic programs. McNair also led the school through the lean World War I years,
and he placed the College at the disposal of the armed forces for war training.
The next era was a difficult one. As the Michigan College of Mining and Technology,
money was tight, and, at times, department heads and President
William Hotchkiss
(1925-35) took pay cuts. The College was able to succeed, however, keeping current
with changes in society, notably assembly line production and forest management and
wood utilization. To these ends, programs in chemical, electrical, civil, and mechanical
engineering, and in forestry were added.
The enrollment numbers in 1931 were: 130 in electrical engineering, 117 mining engineering,
88 metallurgy, 79 civil engineering, 75 mechanical engineering, 71 chemistry/chemical
engineering, and a total of 591.
President
Grover C. Dillman
(1935-56) oversaw dramatic changes in the College, including the establishment of
a branch campus 250 miles east in Sault Ste. Marie. Also noteworthy was the creation
of the Memorial Union Building (MUB), which (now remodeled) remains the center of
campus, with a cafeteria, billiards, meeting rooms, student organization offices,
and lounges. The original bowling alley was in 2017 converted to a
MakerSpace
, where the campus community has tools and space to work on innovative projects. During
Dillman's tenure the College also procured the village of Alberta, Michigan, with
its sawmill and 4,000-acre forest from the Ford Motor Company, and acquired Portage
Lake Golf course. Post-war enrollment blossomed and in 1948 was 1,789 in Houghton
and 384 at the Sault branch, and temporary housing was established for the influx
of veterans. Programs added during this era included engineering administration, physics,
and geological engineering.
During
J. Robert Van Pelt's
tenure (1956-64), Michigan Tech moved from a college to a university. He also revived
the long-dormant PhD programs and began an aggressive research initiative. There was
a lot of major construction, such as the Civil-Geology Building, Wadsworth Residence
Hall, Fisher Hall (classrooms, labs, and mathematics and physics offices), the first
phase of Daniell Heights housing complex, and most importantly, a new Library.
By 1963, enrollment had reached 2,700, with only 44 in mining. The need for a new
name to better reflect the academic programs (now including nuclear engineering and
biological sciences) was great. The students also wanted a new name that would downplay
mining. By the end of Van Pelt's tenure, they would get their wish.
We became Michigan Technological University in 1964 and, with a new president,
Raymond L. Smith
(1965-79), enrollment would grow from 3,400 to more than 7,600, and the number of
faculty would increase to near 300.
During Smith's tenure, a long-range physical plan was developed, resulting in major
renovations to the campus. US Highway 41 was relocated, and a campus mall was developed.
New high-rises included the Mechanical Engineering-Engineering Mechanics Building,
Chemistry-Metallurgy Building, Electrical Energy Resource Center, and the Administration
and Student Services Building. Coed Residence Hall was also built, and a new upper
campus was developed. Located on a hilltop south of the main campus, new buildings
"up on the hill" included the Student Development Complex with Student Ice Arena,
the Gates Tennis Center, and the Forestry Building.
Physical expansion was equaled by growth in curricula. New programs were created in
bioengineering, computer science, forest engineering, industrial engineering, science
teacher education, transportation, water resources, and engineering science. The University
was organized into the College of Engineering, College of Sciences and Arts, School
of Business and Engineering Administration, School of Forest Resources and Environmental
Science, and School of Technology.
During Smith's tenure, research dollars were increased 250 percent, and nearly 66
percent of faculty had PhDs, compared to 27 percent in 1964. Laboratory equipment
and computer facilities were also improved, and the Sault Branch was given autonomy
after it was elevated to a baccalaureate institution. (It is now Lake Superior State
University.) Read more about Smith and his enduring legacy in "
Once a President, Always a President
," in
Michigan Tech Magazine
.
Dale F. Stein
(1979-91) was president when Michigan Tech began to place more focus on the Graduate
School and research. The Governor's Commission on the Future of Higher Education named
Michigan Tech as one of the state's four nationally recognized research universities,
along with the University of Michigan, Michigan State, and Wayne State, which cleared
the way for special research funding consideration by the state.
State funding didn't keep up with enrollment gains, however, and President Stein had
to make cuts soon after taking office. Through effective budgeting and fund raising,
MTU was able to compensate for reduced state assistance. Michigan Tech added faculty,
increased their salaries, increased cultural activities and support for Library acquisitions,
and upgraded the computer mainframes and other computer systems.
The University's centennial was celebrated in 1985, and the Century II Capital Campaign
was launched. "Spheres of Excellence" were identified for future funding and included
undergraduate engineering and science; materials and material processing; computer-aided
engineering; forest, bio-tech, and natural resources; environmental engineering/science;
wood products development; manufacturing; and scientific and technical communication.
Spurred by the campaign, funding levels reached new heights under the Stein era. By
the end of the 1980s, annual giving would top $1.8 million per year, and research
funding would exceed $10 million annually. The $47-million Minerals and Materials
Engineering Building was the pinnacle of the Stein years.
Curtis J. Tompkins
(1991-2004) provided stability to Michigan Tech after a severe fiscal crunch in 1991
and repeated lean years of financial assistance. Under Tompkins' leadership, the University
gained new academic stature. Several undergraduate and graduate programs have received
recognition from
U.S. News and World Report
.
Money Magazine
included us in the "Best Buys in College Education." Michigan Tech had some of the
nation's largest enrollments in several engineering programs, and the scientific and
technical communication program.
Construction in the Tompkins era included the
Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts
, which features a 1,100-seat performing hall and brings world-class events to the
campus and community. The $44-million Dow Environmental Sciences and Engineering Building
brings together scholars from civil and environmental engineering, geological engineering
and sciences, and biological sciences. The Noblet Forestry Building, greatly expanded,
encompasses the Center for Ecosystem Science.
During the tenure of
Glenn D. Mroz
(2004-2018) Michigan Tech reached
record-breaking enrollment levels
for undergraduate, graduate, and women students. The University expanded its
research funding
to more than $72.5 million—the highest in Michigan Tech history. And the University
stepped forward to take a prominent role as steward of a vital natural resource through
its
Great Lakes Research Center
. Tech also increased its state and national presence with establishment of the
Michigan Tech Research Institute
(MTRI), in downstate Ann Arbor, Michigan. During the Mroz tenure spinoff technologies,
the average rate of two to four annually, have flourished on
Innovation Shore
. The University completed Rekhi Hall, the expansion of J.R. Van Pelt Library, now
the
Van Pelt and John and Ruanne Opie Library
; the Advanced Technology Development Center; Hillside Place apartment-style housing;
renovation of Fisher Hall, home to Michigan Tech's mathematical sciences and physics
departments as well as the
Elizabeth and Richard Henes Center for Quantum Phenomena
; and Wadsworth Residence Hall renovations.
New initiatives on campus under his leadership, outlined in the University's
Strategic Plan
, include a successful $215 million capital campaign, attaining 108 percent of its
original goal. Sponsored programs continued to grow, topping $48 million annually.
During Mroz's tenure, Michigan Tech raised more than $364 in philanthropic support.
For more highlights of the Mroz presidency, read "
Glenn Mroz: Level 5 Leadership
," in
Michigan Tech Magazine
.
Richard J. Koubek
began his tenure
on July 1, 2018, bringing 30 years of experience in academia as a faculty member,
administrator, and leader—and a commitment to working alongside students, faculty
and staff to fulfill Michigan Tech's mission to lead as a global technological university.
In Fall 2018 Koubek spearheaded
Tech Forward
, an all-campus effort to provide a framework for future development. Nine institutional
initiatives emerged based on developing solutions for natural resource, water, and
energy problems; building autonomous and intelligent systems; creating technological
solutions to enhance human health and quality of life; preparing culturally receptive
leaders for a diverse world; and redefining education for the next generation.
To meet the technological, economic, and social
needs of the 21st century
, on July 1, 2019 Michigan Tech established the
College of Computing
—the first and only of its kind in the state of Michigan. During Koubek's tenure,
construction began for the H-STEM Engineering and Health Technologies Complex, a $44.7
million capital outlay project, and the University launched
Global Campus
, home to its online and continuing education programs.
Learn more about Koubek and his vision for Michigan Tech in "
Michigan Tech's 10th President
," in
Michigan Tech Magazine
.
MTU Fast Facts
University Type:
Public
Established:
1885
President:
Richard J. Koubek
Leadership:
President's Council
Campus Size:
925 acres
Ford Center (Alberta, MI):
4,609 acres
Faculty:
498
Staff:
1,271
Students:
7,411
Undergraduates:
6,022
Graduates:
1,402
Faculty/Student Ratio:
13:1
Student Organizations:
260+
Total Alumni:
81,136
Living:
60,672
Research Expenditures:
$124.2M
Sponsored Programs Awards:
$109.3M
Major Research Centers:
15
School Colors:
Metallic Silver and Gold
Spirit Colors:
Black and Gold
Nickname:
Huskies
Also Know As:
Michigan Tech, Tech, MTU
Mascot:
Blizzard T. Husky
Downloads:
Logos and Templates
,
Digital Decorations
[
more university facts
]
Related Resources
University Archives and Historical Collections
Copper Country Historical Images
Keweenaw Time Traveler
Hubbell Hall
Michigan School of Mines
Historical Images Courtesy of Michigan Tech Archives
©