Nucor Establishes Endowed Professorship at Montana Tech

Longtime Montana Technological University champion and partner Nucor will announce a $2,000,000 Endowed Distinguished Professorship in Metallurgical and Materials Engineering on Friday, September 30, 2022, at 9:00 a.m. in the Copper Lounge on campus.

The announcement is coming during the university's centennial anniversary events for its Metallurgical and Materials Engineering Department, which started in 1922. The Centennial Event—Celebrating our Past and Securing our Future—includes technical sessions, student poster sessions, workshops, and social events.

"It's an exciting day for Montana Tech as we celebrate the generous support of Nucor," noted Montana Tech Chancellor Les Cook. "Strengthening industry partnerships is a significant piece of our strategic plan. Nucor's gift confirms this and accelerates possibilities for the future."

Nucor believes in the strength of Montana Tech's determined faculty, staff, and students. "We are honored to be partnering with such an established university, department, and faculty because, at Nucor, powerful relationships are at the core of our values," said Airika McClafferty, a Montana Tech alumnus and Sales Metallurgist at Nucor Steel Memphis. "We cannot continue to set industry standards without supporting the growth of students at Montana Tech. This endowment will ensure they are prepared to meet and exceed the demands of our industry."

Montana Tech Foundation CEO Jaime Heppler added, "Nucor's transformational gift is a testament to the company's commitment to developing next-generation engineers. The distinguished professorship will ensure Metallurgical and Materials Engineering students at Montana Tech receive world-class instruction, leading to academic success and bright futures in the field."

Nucor is North America's most diversified steel and steel products company.