Endowed Faculty

Be part of Michigan Tech's ongoing effort to further our tradition of faculty excellence by providing endowed chairs and professorships, faculty development funds, visiting lectureships, and research support for current and prospective faculty. Please contact Lorraine Young to discuss supporting or starting an endowed position.

Endowed Deans

Dennis Livesay picture

Dave House Dean of Computing

Dr. Dennis Livesay

This deanship was created to recruit and retain the most distinguished and highly sought nationally and internationally celebrated academic administrators, professors to support world-class research in the educational department specified by the donor. The House Dean is intended to be of the highest caliber and expected to build academic programs of international stature at Michigan Tech. Annual Report


Endowed Chairs

Gordon Parker

John and Cathi Drake Endowed Chair in Mechanical Engineering

Dr. Gordon Parker

This professorship was created with the intent to retain and attract high quality faculty who are at the top of their profession, can excite students to think beyond the classroom material and know how to integrate their research into the classroom. The holder of the Drake Endowed Professorship will provide leadership in research and teaching in the Department of Mechanical Engineering – Engineering Mechanics. Funds from this endowment will also provide support for equipment and graduate and undergraduate students engaged with world-renowned faculty on cutting-edge research. Annual Report


Herbert H. Dow Endowed Chair in Chemical Process Safety

The holder of this position will develop and promote graduates with outstanding technical skills and cultural attitudes with respect to chemical process safety, assist other universities and departments in integrating concepts of chemical process safety into their curricula, develop a nucleus of faculty with research expertise in chemical process safety, work closely with industry and industrial colleagues to provide a resource for industrial training and research on chemical process safety and be a resource to the College of Engineering, the University and the larger academic community regarding the importance of safety in engineering design and implementation. 


Greg Odegard picture

John O. Hallquist Endowed Chair in Computational Mechanics

Dr. Gregory Odegard

The John O. Hallquist Endowed Chair in Computational Mechanics in the Department of Mechanical Engineering - Engineering Mechanics was established to retain and attract high quality faculty who are at the top of their profession, can excite students to think beyond the classroom material, and know how to integrate their research into the classroom. The holder of this position will provide leadership in research and teaching the department. Annual Report


James and Lorna Mack Endowed Chair of Cellular and Molecular Bioengineering

The James and Lorna Mack Chair emphasizing bioengineering will allow the Department of Chemical Engineering to establish national leadership in bioengineering research and education. The holder of the Mack Chair will be a leader in bioengineering research and education at Michigan Tech and nationally. The Chair will also involve undergraduate students in research efforts and teach undergraduate courses involving the cutting edge of bioengineering.


Caryn Heldt

James and Lorna Mack Endowed Chair in Continuous Processing

Dr. Caryn Heldt

This endowed chair position was created to provide leadership at Michigan Tech to enhance the education and training of students in the area of continuous processing of chemical and biological molecules. The focus of this endowment is on enhanced education and training in continuous processing.


Roland Mariucci Endowed Chair: Distinguished Practitioner in Residence

Andrea Andres

This endowment was created to appoint distinguished civil and environmental engineering practitioners to the Endowed Chair position. The gift was set up in support of helping the civil and environmental engineering programs in producing practical engineers.


Robbins Chair in Sustainable Manufacturing and Design

This endowment was created with the intent to retain and attract high quality faculty who are dedicated to advancing sustainability across disciplines. These include, but are not limited to:  development of machines and transportation systems with low noise, low levels of air pollution and high energy efficiency; the development of the use of alternative and renewable energy sources; and the application of ecological and wildlife management principles in forestry best practices.


Robbins Chair in Sustainable Marine Engineering

This endowment was created with the intent to retain and attract high quality faculty who are dedicated to advancing sustainability across disciplines. These include, but are not limited to:  development of machines and transportation systems with low noise, low levels of air pollution and high energy efficiency; the development of the use of alternative and renewable energy sources; and the application of ecological and wildlife management principles in forestry best practices.


Robbins Chair in Sustainable Resources

This endowment was created with the intent to retain and attract high quality faculty who are dedicated to advancing sustainability across disciplines. These include, but are not limited to: development of machines and transportation systems with low noise, low levels of air pollution and high energy efficiency; the development of the use of alternative and renewable energy sources; and the application of ecological and wildlife management principles in forestry best practices. 


David Shonnard

Robbins Chair in Sustainable Use of Materials

Dr. David Shonnard

This endowment was created with the intent to retain and attract high quality faculty who are dedicated to advancing sustainability across disciplines. These include, but are not limited to: development of machines and transportation systems with low noise, low levels of air pollution and high energy efficiency; the development of the use of alternative and renewable energy sources; and the application of ecological and wildlife management principles in forestry best practices. Annual Report


Endowed Professors

Jeffrey Allen

John F. and Joan M. Calder Endowed Professor in Mechanical Engineering-Engineering Mechanics

Dr. Jeffrey Allen

This professorship was created with the intent to provide leadership in research and teaching in the Department of Mechanical Engineering – Engineering Mechanics. Funds from this endowment  will also provide support for equipment and graduate and undergraduate students engaged with world-renowned faculty on cutting-edge research. Annual Report


Elham Asgari Photo

Charles C. and John G. Gates Professorship in Entrepreneurship and Innovation

Dr. Elham Asgari

This professorship was created with the intent to support the Center for Technology Innovation, Leadership, and Entrepreneurship (TILE) efforts to focus on existing models with activities that relate specifically to technology and engineering, in accordance with its mission and building on its existing strengths and resources. It will aim to prepare students to immediately, successfully enter business environments and/or to start their own businesses. Annual Report


Richard and Elizabeth Henes Endowed Professorship in Mathematical Sciences

This professorship was created with the intent to provide support for an outstanding faculty member in the Department of Mathematical Sciences.


William Endres

Richard and Elizabeth Henes Professor (Mechanical Engineering)

Dr. William Endres

This professorship was established with the intent to provide leadership in teaching and research in mechanical engineering and electrical and computer engineering. Annual Report


L. Brad King

Richard and Elizabeth Henes Endowed Professor (Space Systems)

Dr. L. Brad King 

This professorship was created with the intent to provide leadership in research and teaching in the Department of Mechanical Engineering – Engineering Mechanics. Funds from this endowment will also provide support for equipment and graduate and undergraduate students engaged with world-renowned faculty on cutting-edge research.


Jeffrey Naber

Richard and Elizabeth Henes Endowed Professor (Energy Systems) 

Dr. Jeffrey Naber 

This professorship was created with the intent to provide leadership in research and teaching in the Department of Mechanical Engineering – Engineering Mechanics. Funds from this endowment will also provide support for equipment and graduate and undergraduate students engaged with world-renowned faculty on cutting-edge research.


Fernando Ponta

Richard and Elizabeth Henes Professor (Wind Energy)

Dr. Fernando Ponta

This professorship was created with the intent to provide leadership in teaching and research in mechanical engineering and electrical and computer engineering. Annual Report


Sanders Photo

Patrick S. Horvath Endowed Professorship

Dr. Paul Sanders

This position was created to attract high quality faculty who are at the top of their profession, can excite students to think beyond the classroom, and know how to integrate their research into the classroom. Annual Report


Timothy Havens

William and Gloria Jackson Professorship

Dr. Timothy Havens

This professorship was created with the intent to provide financial support for an outstanding faculty member in computer and information sciences. The holder will be an exceptional scholar and teacher whose expertise and activity bridges the disciplines of computer science, electrical and computer engineering and business entrepreneurship. Annual Report


Vertanen Photo

Dave House Endowed Professorship 

Dr. Keith Vertanen

This professorship was created with the intent to recruit and retain the most distinguished and highly sought nationally and internationally celebrated professors and support world-class research in the educational department specified by the donor.


 Daniel Fuhrman

House Professor in Computing

Dr. Daniel Fuhrmann

This professorship was created with the intent to recruit and retain the most talented faculty and support world-class research in computer engineering, computer science and information technology. The holder will be expected to demonstrate superior leadership skills in the conduct of his or her duties, with the objective of guiding and encouraging others to greater levels of performance. Annual Report


Yun Hang Hu

Charles and Carroll McArthur Professorship in Materials Science and Engineering

Dr. Yun Hang Hu

This professorship was created with the intent to provide financial support for an outstanding faculty member in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering. Annual Report


Milligan photo

Franklin M. St. John Professor in Materials Science and Engineering

Dr. Walter Milligan

This professorship was created with the intent to assist the materials science and engineering department chair with expenditures such as research, start-up for new faculty, supporting graduate students and equipment.


Dean Johnson

James and Dolores Trethewey Applied Portfolio Management Program Professorship

Dr. Dean Johnson

This professorship was created with the intent of the holder to serve as the Director of the APMP program. This is in addition to maintaining and advancing the program's reputation through national and international competitions as well as taking advantage of the opportunities and changes in portfolio management education. Annual Report


Dr. Paul van Susante

Lou and Herbert Wacker Professorship in Mechanical Engineering

Dr. Paul van Susante

This professorship was created with the intent to retain and attract high quality faculty who are at the top of their profession, can excite students to think beyond the classroom material, and know how to integrate their research into the classroom. 


Dennis Wiitanen Professorship in Electric Power Systems 

The holder of this professorship will apply their leadership  efforts toward the continued advancement of the energy systems program at Michigan Tech University to a truly world-class level. He or she must also be an outstanding recognized professional, active in professional societies, have a strong history of industrial, foundation and government funding and have demonstrated research and educational accomplishments in one or more areas of electrical power systems, wind, solar and other renewable energy technologies, smart grid technologies, cyber security, converters, motor drives and electrical vehicles and energy conversion and storage.


Drelich image

Richard Witte Endowed Professorship

Dr. Jaroslaw Drelich

This professorship was created with the intent to reward highly talented faculty in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering.


Kamm Photo

Portage Health Foundation Endowed Professor 

Dr. Kelly Kamm

The holder of this position will exhibit a commitment to improving human health in general and in Houghton, Keweenaw, Ontonagon, and Baraga counties specifically. They will work with students pursuing health related research or professional interests, develop new knowledge through research, publications, and obtaining external funding to support research, have awareness of social determinants of health, and the ability to improve health awareness or outcomes-based research and recognized best practices, and will collaborate with community partners associated with outreach or health innovation research. This person will also serve as a liaison with the PHF. Annual Report


Endowed Faculty Fellows

Manish Srivastava

David L. and Marilyn A. Bernard Faculty Fellow in Business

Manish Srivastava

The "Bernard Fellow in Business"  was created to retain and attract high quality faculty who are at the top of their profession, can excite students to think beyond the classroom material, and know how to integrate their research into the classroom. Annual Report


sonia goltz image

Mickus Endowed Faculty Fellow in Business Impact

Dr. Sonia Goltz

This fellowship was created to assist the College of Business with its priority need to attract, reward and retain highly talented faculty and with its goal to grow the accounting program. Annual Report


Joel Tuoriniemi

Edward and Betty Robinson Endowed Faculty Fellow

Joel Tuoriniemi

This fellowship was created to assist the College of Business with its priority need to attract, reward and retain highly talented faculty and with its goal to grow the accounting program. Annual Report


Jeremy Shannon

Carl G. Schwenk Endowed Faculty Fellow in Applied Geophysics

Jeremy Shannon

This fellowship was created to provide students with practical knowledge and intuition, that when combined with exceptional instruction, promotes mobility for an impactful and rewarding career in the field of applied geophysics. Annual Report


Jeana Collins

Gary Sparrow Endowed Faculty Fellow in Chemical Engineering

Dr. Jeana Collins

This fellowship was created to build upon Michigan Tech's outstanding educational and research experiences and assist the University in attracting exceptional faculty, staff, and students.


Jun Dai

Richard and Joyce Ten Haken Endowed Faculty Fellow in Accounting/Finance

Dr. Jun Dai

This fellowship was created to assist the College of Business with its priority need to attract, reward and retain highly talented faculty and with its goal to grow the accounting program. Annual Report


Junhong Min

Richard and Joyce Ten Haken Endowed Faculty Fellow in Business

Junhong Min

This fellowship was created to assist the College of Business with its priority need to attract, reward and retain highly talented faculty and with its goal to grow the accounting program. Annual Report


Snehamoy Chatterjee

Witte Family Endowed Faculty Fellow in Mining Engineering

Snehamoy Chatterjee

This fellowship was created to build upon Michigan Tech's outstanding educational and research experiences and assist the University in attracting exceptional faculty, staff, and students. Annual Report