2004-2005: Joseph Massey, Chief Executive Officer

Josephy Massey, Ph.D., came to UMC in July 2004 as vice chancellor for academic affairs and was appointed chief executive officer in November 2004 where he served until September 2005. He returned to academic affairs as senior vice chancellor and dean to provide leadership and direction. Along with Charles Muscoplat, Ph.D., Dean at the College of Agricultural , Food , & Environmental Science at the University of Minnesota , Massey chaired the strategic positioning task force that will help shape the future of UMC.

2003-2004: Velmer S. Burton, Chancellor

Velmer Burton served as chancellor from June 2003 - October 2004. During his tenure as chancellor, the Crookston campus developed proposals for several new programs that address emerging workforce needs of Minnesota (communication, computer software technology, health science degrees). UMC received approval from the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota to offer new bachelor of science degrees in two areas:  communication and computer software technology.

1985-2003: Donald Sargeant, Chancellor

Donald Sargeant began employment at UMC in 1970 as Chair of the Agriculture Division, then as Academic Dean from 1973 to 1985. The Regents appointed Sargeant as Chancellor in 1985. He served in that position until 2003 ending his UMC career as Director of International Programs in 2006. The campus continued to grow under Sargeant's leadership and transitioned from a two to a four year college with the granting of the first baccalaureate degrees in 1993. Also, in 1993, UMC initiated a technology strategy which provided all students and faculty on campus with notebook computers, a first in higher education in the United States . Buildings constructed during Sargeant's service as Chancellor included Bergland Laboratory, University Teaching and Outreach Center Buildings and the purchase of land on the north end of campus, Early Childhood Building , Owen Hall renovation, Production Greenhouses, Westside Apartments, Peterson Gazebo, Kiehle Hall renovation, and funding received for a new Student Center . He worked closely with the City and State Agencies in securing funding to bring the Valley Technology Park and Agricultural Utilization Research Institute to the campus. For 35 of the first 40 years of UMC, Sargeant was actively involved with the students, faculty, and staff throughout the college.

1965-1985: Stanley D. Sahlstrom, Director

Stanley Sahlstrom was the "founding father" of the University of Minnesota, Crookston. Sahlstrom was appointed as director and charged with creation of the University of Minnesota Technical Institute in 1965. His title was later changed to Provost. Sahlstrom's vision, dedication, and ability to secure legislative and public support were key in securing funding for several buildings including Kaiser Building , Dowell Hall, the Library, Owen Hall Addition, Lysaker Gymnasium and Sports Center , Conference Center (later named in Sahlstrom's honor), Skyberg Hall, Lee Hall, Brink Hall, and the outdoor athletic complex on the south end of campus. He presided in the ceremony involving the last graduating class of the Northwest School of Agriculture and the first graduating class of the Technical Institute. Sahlstrom lead the transition of the campus from the Technical Institute to the Technical College to the University of Minnesota, Crookston. Upon his election to the Board of Regents in March 1985, he resigned from the Provost position. He served as a Regent for twelve years.

For his leadership and support of the campus and the region, Sahlstrom was presented the Torch & Shield Award (1986), the highest honor bestowed by the University of Minnesota, Crookston and the Northwest Research adn Outreach Center. He was also inducted into the Golden Eagle Athletic Hall of Fame in 2001. >> More

1956-1965: B.E. Youngquist, Superintendent

Bernard E. Youngquist became superintendent of the Northwest School of Agriculture and Experiment Station, Crookston in 1956. Under his direction, the station doubled in land resources, added staff and increased research. he was instrumental in gaining favorable approval for the phasing out of the high school-level school and for the beginning of a technical-collegiate school.

1937-1956: T.M. McCall, Superintendent

T.M. McCall had worked at the Northwest School of Agriculture as a horticulturist since 1911 and was experiment station field manager from 1919 to 1926. He bacame superintendent of the NWSA in 1937 and served in that capacity until his retirement in 1956. During his years as superintendent, enrollment grew to over 400 students annually, and the reputation of the school and experiment station continued to grow in stature.