On Monday, Michigan Tech formally announced Max Seel as the provost and vice president for academic affairs. Seel was one of three finalists who completed the rigorous application process, which included open forums on campus, but what set Seel apart was his knowledge and familiarity of Michigan Tech.

He has been interim provost for 13 months, after nearly 20 years of experience as the Dean of the College of Sciences and Arts and nearly 25 years of experience at the university. He came to Michigan Tech as a physics faculty member in 1986.

As provost, Seel will be responsible for all of Michigan Tech’s academic programs and faculty, working to implement the university’s strategic plan, and balancing both teaching and research at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.

Alex Mayer, chair of the 15-member provost search committee, said in a Tech Today article earlier this week that, “The search committee recognized Dr. Seel’s intellectual vision, his demonstrated commitment to excellence in teaching, research and service, and his impressive skills as an experienced administrator.”

Seel’s time at Michigan Tech:

1986 – Joined Michigan Tech physics as a faculty member

1989 – Named interim dean of College of Sciences and Arts

1991 – Named dean of College of Sciences and Arts

2008 – Returned to teaching and researching in physics

2009 – Named interim provost and vice president for student affairs

2010 – Named provost and vice president for student affairs