The Board of Trustees of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities announced on April 21 that St. Cloud State University alumnus Michael Raich ’97 has been named the next president of Northeast Higher Education District (NHED), effective immediately.
Raich, who earned a Master of Science degree in Educational Administration from St. Cloud State in 1997, has served as the interim president of NHED since 2019. His job duties have included providing strategic vision for NHED colleges, advancing their mission and core values and growing his deep connections through the Iron Range community.
Prior to serving as interim president of NHED, Raich spent time as provost and dean of Academic Affairs and Student Services at Hibbing Community College. His accomplishments in higher education include collaborating with faculty and industry to develop and implement innovative academic programs in high demand sectors, implementing best practices for student success and solidifying partnerships with area high schools. Raich also serves on multiple regional boards that support K-12, business/industry and non-profit partners.
“Dr. Raich has consistently demonstrated that he is a strategic leader,” Minnesota State chancellor Devinder Malhotra said in a news release. “He understands that in order to move forward, it is important to work in a collaborative, transparent, and authentic manner, and build on a shared vision – a vision that will ensure the success of all students and the region. With Dr. Raich at the helm, the Northeast Higher Education District is well on its way to charting this collective, shared future.”
Raich succeeds Bill Maki, who served as the president of NHED from 2015-2019 and now serves as the Minnesota State vice chancellor for finance and facilities.
