Gregory D. Kegel became the Chancellor of Montana State University-Northern in September of 2014.  In the role of chancellor, Kegel has successfully led numerous initiatives directed at stabilization of the university.  He immediately launched a “Recruitment and Retention” initiative that challenged every campus department to seek ways to enhance the student experience at MSU-Northern.  Kegel engaged in listening sessions with campus faculty, staff, and students, as well as corporate partners, community members, and state leadership.  As a result of these meetings, Kegel spear-headed an initiative to fund and build the new $9.8 M Diesel Technology Center (DTC) which was completed in May of 2018.  The facility has helped Northern’s highly acclaimed diesel program address a nationwide demand for highly skilled technicians. 

Other initiatives have included the completion of phase one of MSU-Northern’s new football stadium and sports complex.  He has also initiated numerous campus infrastructure upgrades, and designs for a new equine program and facility. Through these efforts, MSU-Northern was recognized as having the highest median starting graduate salaries and being #1 school in the state for upward social/economic mobility.

Prior to becoming Chancellor, Kegel served for 12 years as the Dean of the College of Technical Sciences and 20 years as a full professor.  In those roles he successfully raised money for the new Applied Technology Center (ATC) and was instrumental in creating the Bioenergy Innovation Testing Center (now known as the Advanced Fuels Center). Kegel also expanded Northern’s technical programs to include associate trade programs in plumbing, carpentry, construction, and electrical.  Kegel worked to expand and strengthen Northern’s highly touted co-operative education student program.  Through those efforts, Northern students are placed in national and international businesses such as Modern Machinery, Tractor and Equipment, Kiewit, BNSF, Caterpillar, Wartsilla, Fairbanks Morse, Foundation Coal, General Electric, Toyota, Ford, and many others.