U.S. Department of Energy's Under Secretary of Energy and Montana Tech Alumnus Kyle Haustveit Returns to Campus to Highlight Energy, Mining, and Workforce Priorities.

Montana Technological University welcomed U.S. Department of Energy’s Under Secretary of Energy Kyle Haustveit back to campus for a visit focused on the future of American energy, critical minerals, infrastructure, and the technical workforce needed to support them.

Haustveit, a 2013 Montana Tech Petroleum Engineering graduate, returned to Butte to meet with university leaders, students, researchers, and industry partners working at the center of some of the nation’s most urgent energy and resource challenges.

The visit showcased Montana Tech’s distinctive role as an applied STEM university with deep ties to mining, energy, materials, infrastructure, and workforce development. From hands-on labs to industry-connected research facilities, the campus tour highlighted how Montana Tech prepares graduates to move directly into high-impact technical roles.

“Under Secretary of Energy Haustveit’s visit reflects the growing national importance of the work happening at Montana Tech,” said Vice Chancellor for Research and Dean of the Graduate School Katie Hailer. “Our students, faculty, and industry partners are working on the real-world challenges that will shape America’s energy future, from critical minerals and grid reliability to advanced materials, mining, and emerging energy technologies. We are especially proud to welcome Kyle back to campus and show how Montana Tech continues to grow its national impact.”

During the visit, Haustveit toured Highlands College, the Continental Mine with Montana Resources President Jack Standa, and several of Montana Tech’s signature research and teaching facilities. These included the Underground Mine Education Center (UMEC), the only on-campus experimental research mine in the United States; as well as laboratories in Electrical, Petroleum and Metallurgical Engineering Departments. 

Haustveit also joined regional and national leaders for an energy industry roundtable in Butte. The discussion focused on domestic critical mineral supply chains, nuclear energy, grid reliability, data center power demand, mining, and the role of universities in preparing the next generation of technical talent. Participants included leaders from Sabey Data Centers, Silver Bow Mining, Butte-Silver Bow, the Montana Mining Association, Montana Resources, and Montana Tech.

The visit underscored Montana Tech’s growing role in connecting education, research, and industry around national priorities in energy security, resource development, and workforce readiness.