Rick White

Contact

riwhite@mtu.edu
906-487-3510
Administration Building G23

Executive Director of Strategic Communications, University Marketing and Communications

Biography

Rick joined Michigan Tech in 2022 after earning his MFA in Creative Nonfiction from the University of Montana. His essays have been nominated for Best American Essays and published in LitHub, High Desert Journal, The A.V. Club and elsewhere. He also holds an MS in Environmental Studies from the University of Montana and a BA in Geography from the University of Central Arkansas.

About Rick

Rick leads the UMC communications team in projects ranging from media relations to editing MTU News and Tech Magazine.
He enjoys cooking, gardening, traveling, and exploring the Keweenaw Peninsula.

Recent Stories

Two students walking under the alumni gateway arch on a sunny day.

Michigan Tech Awarded R1 Classification Reserved for Nation’s Leading Research Institutions

Since 1970, the Carnegie Classification has been the leading framework for comparing and grouping accredited and degree-granting institutions. Carnegie's prestigious R1 status is awarded to doctoral universities for excellence in research activities at the highest level. In 2025, of the more than 4,000 degree-granting institutions nationwide, only 187 are recognized as R1 universities. Read More

Black and white photo of dark-haired hockey goalie in Huskies sweater crouching with legs and arms out in front of a hockey goal, looking at the camera.

MTU to Award Board of Trustees Silver Medal to Tony Esposito

The Board of Trustees Silver Medal is given to those whose personal and professional achievements set an outstanding example for Michigan Tech graduates. University President Rick Koubek will present the award to members of Esposito’s family during a pregame ceremony at the Michigan Tech hockey game versus Northern Michigan University. Read More

Eight staff members, board members and government officials stand in a ballroom smiling at the camera following the presentation of a framed award, held by a woman staff member in the center of the picture.

Michigan Tech Earns Federal Award for Excellence in Counterintelligence

The Jack Donnelly Award recognizes companies and institutions that best demonstrate the ability to stop foreign theft of U.S. defense and national security technology. Out of more than 10,000 eligible organizations in the nation, Michigan Tech's Keweenaw Research Center (KRC) was one of five chosen for the award, which was formally presented at the University's Board of Trustees meeting on Friday, Oct. 11. Read More

Car in motion driving through tunnel overpass at American Center for Mobility.

Michigan Tech Becomes New Engineering Services Provider for the American Center for Mobility

Through renowned facilities like the Advanced Power Systems Laboratories, the Keweenaw Research Center and the Michigan Tech Research Institute, Michigan Tech has built a record of excellence in sustainable vehicle technologies and advanced mobility solutions. Leveraging the University's cutting-edge research and development, testing programs and industry expertise, MTU will offer comprehensive engineering services to ACM's customers. Read More

Andrew Barnard on campus with the Library/Rekhi Hall bridge in the background.

Q&A with Vice President for Research Andrew Barnard

Andrew Barnard's tenure as Michigan Technological University's new vice president for research began on July 1, opening the next chapter of his history at the University. After earning his bachelor's and master's degrees in mechanical engineering from Michigan Tech, Barnard '02 '04 completed a PhD in acoustics from Penn State in 2010. In 2014, he returned to Tech, becoming an associate professor of mechanical engineering-engineering mechanics and advising the Strategic Education through Naval Systems Experiences Enterprise team, or SENSE. In 2019, Barnard received the University's Distinguished Teaching Award and became director of the Great Lakes Research Center. Now, after a two-year stint as director of Penn State's graduate program in acoustics, and as Michigan Tech celebrates two major research milestones, Barnard takes the helm of Tech's research efforts. Read More

Downstate Powerhouse: MTRI Celebrates Major Research Milestones

More than 60 attendees gathered at the Michigan Tech Research Institute’s newly renovated offices in Ann Arbor on May 17 to celebrate MTRI’s decorated history and learn about the institute’s plans for the future. Among the guests were Michigan Technological University officials and University partners from higher education, industry and government agencies. At the open house event, they enjoyed demonstrations and tours of the updated facilities, which offer new spaces for face-to-face collaboration and in-person research and development. Read More

Two students testing the lunar rover in a thermal vacuum chamber.

The Artemis Generation

It's 5:58 p.m.—two minutes to game time—and the Flat Moon Society is only just beginning to show signs of panic. Team captain Travis Wavrunek '20 '21 '24 scans the snow-covered Walker Lawn anxiously, looking for the team's regular goalie, Chuck Carey '22 '23, who is clearly running late. Other Society members huddle to revise their positioning and strategy. The referee blows the whistle, summoning players to the ice. The expression on Travis's face shifts from anxiety to resignation. Despite being one of the team's top scorers, he will have to fill in as goalie until Chuck arrives. Read More