Michigan Technological University sits along the shores of the Keweenaw Waterway in the Upper Peninsula, but its presence is in each of the state's 83 counties. Alumni small businesses. Fortune-500 employees. Future and current students poised to make a difference in the world. And research projects in our forests and freshwaters. Together—Michigan Tech and the State of Michigan—work to improve the lives of nearly 10 million Michigan residents. Michigan Tech's educational and research activities have a direct economic impact throughout the state.
As Vice President for Government Relations, Bill Kordenbrock serves as state relations officer and is the lead point of contact with all state government entities and agencies. These responsibilities include:
- monitoring bills and initiatives in Lansing including state appropriations and capital outlay
- disseminating information to Michigan Tech leadership assisting University units in researching issues and connecting them with appropriate state government offices and staff
- articulating the role Michigan Tech plays in the economic and general prosperity of the state of Michigan to those in Lansing
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Statement on Michigan House Bill 4580 (June 14, 2025)
"The budget approved late Thursday night includes historic funding levels for Michigan Technological University. MTU recognizes the signal this sends on the importance of higher ed, and the contribution that MTU and the other 14 public universities make to the workforce development and research needs of our state.
MTU wishes to thank Speaker Hall, Chairwoman Bollin, and Sub-Committee Chair Markkanen for their efforts. While we are still reviewing the details of the House budget proposal, we want to express our appreciation for this historic double digit increase in funding for MTU. As is the case with most budget proposals over the years, there are some details in the new bill that we anticipate being points of discussion to help ensure maximum impact for our students, the people of the State of Michigan and its employers. We look forward to supporting the work of the House, Senate and the Governor’s administration as budget negotiations continue in Lansing. All sides have demonstrated a desire to support our students’ success and ensure that public higher education institutions here in Michigan continue to be world-class centers of academic and research excellence."