DR. Richard Koubek Named as Michigan Tech’s 10th President

After nearly a yearlong search, the board of Directors at Michigan Technological University have unanimously Voted to appoint the university’s next President.

’Today was a historic Day at Michigan Tech. Today the Board of Trustees met and selected our 10th President.’

Said, Terry Woychowski, MTU Board of Trustees Chairman.

Dr. Richard Koubeck who is currently Executive Vise President and Provost of Louisiana State University will begin his presidency at MTU on July 1st of this year.

‘This is an exciting day for myself and I hope for Michigan Tech as we start to launch a new phase in the future of driving a technological university forward with the excellence that Michigan Tech has.’ Said, Koubek.

Koubeck, originally from downstate Farmington, has served at LSU since 2009, beginning his tenure as the dean of the University’s College of Engineering. Under Koubecks Leadership, LSU became the 17th largest college of engineering in the United States.

Prior to joining LSU, he also served as head of Pennsylvania State University’s Harold and Inge Marcus Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering, ranking as on of the nation’s best industrial engineering programs.

‘We have a great community of scholars and of students that can help us actualize what the vision statement is going to be with some key initiatives. So the next step is going to be working with the campus community over the next six months to understand where we want to take that. And then to put the plans in place, and get to work.’ Koubek added.

Nearly 70 Candidates applied for the position, and earlier this year the selection committee narrowed that list down to four finalists.

Woychowski says that there is no doubt that the board selected the right man for the job.

‘He’s a man of great character. His experiences are incredible. I would say everything in his career has led to this point. He was born for this position, this point, this time, this place, and we’re just so fortunate to have him as our next president.’ Said, Woychowski.

Koubek succeeds president Glen Mroz who is stepping down to rejoin faculty after a 14 year tenure.