Strategic Investment, Strong Returns: College of Business Dean Shares Successful Legacy and Future

Dean Johnson

As the College of Business prepares to welcome a new dean, Dean Johnson, who has led the College since 2016, offers perspectives on a foundation well-laid and future challenges addressed with foresight and initiative.

“We’ve always known that being part of a STEM-focused university is an advantage,” said Johnson. “After 95-plus years of offering tech-focused business courses, we’ve noticed that other institutions that offer business degrees are finally catching on. But here’s the thing — we’re not stopping our forward momentum. Embedded in Michigan’s premier technological university, we’ll continue to lead the pack.”

Hear more about the path forward for the College of Business in the current issue of Impact Magazine.

New Graduate Student Scholarship Joins MTU's Digital Commons Collection

The Graduate School published 35 new dissertations, theses and reports to Digital Commons, representing the culminating research of our fall graduates — 20 Ph.D. students and 15 master’s students — and their faculty advisors. These works join a legacy of over 3,000 submissions catalogued by MTU’s Van Pelt and Opie Library since 1998.

The impact of our students’ research is truly global. A snapshot of our readership shows that the collection saw over 45,000 downloads across 167 countries in the past month alone! We invite you to explore Digital Commons to see the breadth of innovation happening right here on campus.

For students currently preparing their own submissions, the Graduate School provides submission resources to help ensure your submission is approved smoothly and efficiently. You can also access recorded seminars to help guide you through the submission process.

Inaugural Michigan Tech Authors and Creators Reception

You are invited to join the Van Pelt and Opie Library in honoring the scholarship and creativity of Michigan Tech students, faculty and staff as part of the inaugural Michigan Tech Authors and Creators Reception.

The event will be held in the Opie Reading Room on March 13 from 4-5 p.m. We will be highlighting the books, journals, film and albums released in 2025 by members of the Michigan Tech community.

The reception will start with brief remarks from Provost Andrew Storer and will provide the opportunity to mingle and celebrate with authors and creators over refreshments and music.

Holi Hungama 2026: A Night of Colors, Culture and Celebration

The Indian Students Association (ISA) at Michigan Technological University proudly presents Holi Hungama, an evening dedicated to celebrating one of India’s most vibrant and joyous festivals. The event will take place on Sunday, March 8, from 6-10 p.m. in the MUB Ballroom.

Holi, widely known as the Festival of Colors, symbolizes happiness, renewal, unity and the triumph of positivity. Holi Hungama is ISA’s annual cultural celebration that brings these values to life through an engaging blend of traditions, performances, music and cuisine. The evening offers the University community a unique opportunity to experience the richness of Indian culture in a lively, welcoming atmosphere.

Attendees can look forward to a program filled with captivating cultural performances, festive energy, and exciting music for the dance floor. The celebration will showcase the spirit of togetherness that Holi represents, creating a memorable space for students, faculty, staff and guests to connect and enjoy.

The evening’s schedule includes:

  • 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. — Festivities and Cultural Performances
  • 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. — Authentic Indian Dinner
  • 9:30 p.m. onward — Music and Dance

Guests will also be treated to a carefully curated Indian dinner featuring flavored rice with raita, bhature, chole curry (vegetarian), chicken curry (non-vegetarian), pineapple kesari (dessert), and mango lassi.

Holi continues to be one of ISA’s most anticipated events, fostering cross-cultural appreciation and celebrating diversity within the Michigan Tech community. The Indian Students Association warmly invites everyone to join the celebration and be part of this colorful and energetic evening.

Important Note: Entry will not be permitted after 6:30 p.m., so guests are encouraged to arrive on time.

For registration and ticket details, please see our Holi Event Registration form or send us an email at isacomm@mtu.edu.

Coffee Talk with the Safety Crew Canceled This Month

Michigan Tech’s Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) will not have a coffee talk in March due to the University’s spring break schedule. If you have any safety concerns or questions, please email ehs-support@mtu.edu. If you have a topic you want discussed, please email our team and we would be happy to present on a safety topic you are interested in.

Please join the Safety Crew next month on April 1 at 9 a.m. in the Alumni Lounge. Michigan Tech’s Safety Team — EHS and RISSC (the Office of Risk, Insurance, Safety, Security, and Compliance) — will be hosting the monthly Safety Round Table… a place for all Huskies to share a cup of coffee and learn about the importance of campus health and safety.

MTU Fiber Arts Group Meetup

Fiber crafters from the Michigan Tech community! If you knit, crochet, spin, embroider, cross-stitch, bead, weave or do any other kind of craft involving yarn, cloth, fiber or string, this is the meetup for you. Feel free to bring your lunch as well as your works-in-progress. We welcome students, staff, faculty and the community — the more the merrier!

Our meetings will be on the first and third Wednesdays of the month at the Van Pelt and Opie Library in Library 103 from noon to 1 p.m.

No C-Cubed Luncheon This Week

Carved and Crafted Catering will not hold a C-Cubed Luncheon on Thursday, March 5, due to spring break.

For more information, please visit our C-Cubed Luncheon webpage.

Here’s a sneak peek at the menu for next week's luncheon on March 12!

Coming Next Week to C-Cubed:

  • Chicken Tikka Masala (AG) (PR)
  • Potato, Garbanzo and Pea Coconut Curry (VG) (AG)
  • Basmati Rice (VG) (AG)
  • Garam Cauliflower and Chickpea (VG) (AG) (CF)
  • Garlic Naan (V) (PR)
  • Kachumber Salad (VG) (AG)

Submit C-Cubed Feedback.

Recreation in March!

This March, let the fun begin with Michigan Tech Rec! 

From heart-pumping workouts and family-friendly events at the Student Development Complex (SDC) to fast-paced and fun pickleball matches at the Gates Tennis Center and unforgettable excursions with the Outdoor Adventure Program, there’s something for every age, interest and ability level. Whether you’re looking to stay active, try something new, or connect with others in the community, we’ve got your recreation covered. Be sure to visit our website for registration links, and check back often — new and exciting programs are always being added!

Plan ahead for spring break! Be sure to review our Open Rec Hours to schedule your recreation time accordingly. Please note that building hours are currently limited, now through Sunday, March 8, for spring break.

Interested in building membership and taking advantage of all the great components? We’ve got you covered! Check out the details of an SDC Membership or Gates Membership. Questions? Reach out to recreation@mtu.edu.

March Recreation Programs:

In the News

Jim Baker (VPR) was mentioned by the Daily Mining Gazette in a story about the upcoming Pike Tank Entrepreneurship Event, where he will serve as a keynote speaker for student participants from Baraga, Keweenaw and Houghton counties.

VoxelMatters quoted Shiyue Fang (Chem) in a story about emerging 3D-printed technology aimed at improving synthetic DNA manufacturing.

The Traverse City Record-Eagle mentioned Michigan Tech in its recreational fishing report, noting that MTU researchers are partnering with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources’ Fisheries Division to survey Lake Superior basin anglers about burbot fishing to help guide future fishery management decisions.

Reminders

March Deadline for Michigan Tech Fund Endowment Check Requests

Please remember to submit check requests for disbursements from the Michigan Tech Fund Endowed Funds to mtfchecks@mtu.edu by next Monday, March 9, to meet the deadline for the March 25 payment date.

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Opportunity for Local High School Students: US National Chemistry Olympiad

The Upper Peninsula Local Section of the American Chemical Society (ACS) is pleased to invite local high school students to participate in the upcoming U.S. National Chemistry Olympiad - Local Chemistry Olympiad Competition. This event offers an engaging opportunity for high school students in the United States to test their chemistry knowledge and be recognized with a certificate that they can include in their college portfolio. 

The Local Chemistry Olympiad Competition will be held on March 14 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at both Michigan Technological University and Northern Michigan University.

Michigan Tech’s event is sponsored by the MTU Department of Chemistry and will take place in Room 101 of the Chemical Sciences and Engineering Building. Northern Michigan’s event will be held in Room 3202 of Weston Hall.

Questions? Contact Wei Wei at wwei4@mtu.edu or Urvashi Urvashi at uurvashi@nmu.edu.

Sign up for the Local Chemistry Olympiad Competition using the registration form.

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On-Campus Volunteer Opportunities Sought

The Thompson Scholar Program at Michigan Tech seeks campus partners interested in hosting group volunteer opportunities for our students. 

In addition to supporting volunteer engagement through GivePulse, we want to supplement our efforts and expand experiences to allow our Thompson Scholars to volunteer together. These shared experiences foster a stronger sense of community and belonging while making meaningful contributions to campus initiatives.

We are especially interested in opportunities that:

  • Support campus departments, programs or events
  • Accommodate small to midsize groups of students (5-50) 
  • Provide hands-on engagement
  • Occur as one-time projects or short-term commitments

Thompson Scholars are motivated, community-minded and dedicated to giving back. Volunteer experiences strengthen their peer connections while deepening their engagement with Michigan Tech.

If your department, organization or event could benefit from a dedicated group of volunteers, please fill out our group volunteering form.

For more information about the Thompson Scholar Program, please contact us at thompsonscholars@mtu.edu

For volunteer opportunities intended for the broader campus community, we encourage partners to connect with Student Leadership and Involvement at huskyhelpers@mtu.edu.

Today's Campus Events

To have your event automatically appear, please submit them to the University Events Calendar.

Men's Tennis vs TBD

Men's Tennis vs TBD

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Women's Tennis vs TBD

Women's Tennis vs TBD

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New Huskies Orientation Paperwork Session

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New Huskies Orientation Paperwork Session

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Women's Rights are Human Rights: International Posters on Gender-based Inequality, Violence, and Discrimination Gallery Exhibit - Rozsa Art Galleries

MICHIGAN TECH ART SERIES EVENT Women’s Rights are Human Rights is a fitting title for an exhibition of women’s rights and advocacy posters, as it was a term used in the women’s rights movement and was the title of an important speech given by Hillary Rodham Clinton in 1995 at the United Nations Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing. This exhibition features posters created by artsit of all genders to celebrate and acknowledge the vital role that all citizens should play in protecting and promoting human rights while challenging gender inequality and stereotypes, advancing reproductive and sexual rights, protecting women and girls against brutality, and promoting women’s empowerment and participation in society. These poster images challenge patriarchal attitudes that subordinate, stigmatize or restrict women from achieving their fullest potential. These images argue for the elimination of discrimination against women and girls enabling empowerment of women and achievement of real equality between women and men that fosters societal stability and human dignity. Learn more at womensrightsarehumanrights.org Things to know ROZSA ART GALLERIES HOURS | M-F 8 a.m.-8 p.m. and…