HAVRE, Mont. — Gregory D. Kegel announced plans to retire as Chancellor of Montana State University-Northern following more than 44 years of service to the institution, including over a decade as its chief executive. His retirement will take effect Aug. 1.
Kegel, a 1976 graduate of MSU-Northern, said his decision comes with deep gratitude and pride in the university community that shaped both his personal and professional life. He returned to campus in 1982 as an instructor and steadily advanced through the ranks, serving as an instructor, assistant, associate, and then full professor. He then served as Chair and Dean, before being named Chancellor in September 2014.
“Chancellor Kegel has my deepest thanks for his decades of service to MSU-Northern, and for all that he, and his wife, Sherry, have done for the university, for Havre and for Montana’s Hi-Line communities,” said Brock Tessman, president of Montana State University. “He’s helped make college dreams come true for generations of students and, it goes without saying, will leave a lasting impression and big shoes to fill.”
During his tenure as Chancellor, Kegel emphasized student recruitment and retention, focusing on improving the overall student experience. Through extensive engagement with faculty, staff, students, industry partners and community members, the university developed a shared vision centered on access, opportunity and hands-on learning.
Among the university’s many accomplishments during his leadership, the Applied Technology Center, the Advanced Fuels Center and the Diesel Technology Center stand as powerful examples of what persistence and partnership can achieve. These facilities reflect MSU-Northern’s strong industry collaboration, deep community support and commitment to preparing students for high-demand careers. Together with facilities such as the Electronics Building, the Brockmann Center, the Farm Mechanics Building and the Metals Technology Center, they form a more integrated industrial campus designed to strengthen recruitment, retention and instruction while maintaining a strong focus on quality.
The university also completed the first phase of its football stadium and transformed Tilleman Field during the COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrating resilience and continued investment in campus infrastructure during one of the most challenging periods in recent history.
Looking ahead, the Aurora Health and Recreation Complex is being designed to enhance student life and serve the campus for years to come. At the same time, MSU-Northern has expanded opportunities for students through continued growth in both academic and athletic programs. Through strategic investments in infrastructure, facility enhancements and strong partnerships, the university is well positioned as a leader in delivering real-world education.
Before serving as Chancellor, Kegel spent 12 years as Dean of the College of Technical Sciences and 20 years as a full professor. During that time, he helped expand technical programs, develop the Applied Technology Center and establish the Advanced Fuels Center. He also played a key role in strengthening the university’s cooperative education program, connecting students with hands-on experiences across the country and internationally.
Kegel has received numerous honors throughout his career, including being named Mike Malone Educator of the Year in 2014 and receiving the Golden N Award in 2015. He also served as Council of Presidents chair for the Frontier Conference from 2018 to 2020 and has been involved in the Pheasant Jamboree since its inception in 2000.
In announcing his retirement, Kegel expressed appreciation for the faculty, staff, students, alumni, community members, the Montana University System, and the Montana Legislature who have supported the university’s mission over the years. He also credited his administrative team for their leadership and partnership in advancing MSU-Northern’s goals.
Kegel said he is confident in the university’s future, noting that the foundation built over the past several decades will continue to support growth, innovation and student success for years to come.
