Mike Kiernan graduated from NDSU with a BS in Industrial Engineering in 1972 while being an active member in the Lamda Iota Epsilon Honor Society. In 1976, he went on to become a registered professional engineer and earned his MBA from Ball State University, IN in 1978.

Most of Mike's illustrious career has been working for Case New Holland where he has served in a variety of engineer and management positions. Over the years Mike has developed new plant layouts and labor standards and has become a skilled Manufacturing Engineer with experience in the heavy metal working industry and has managed all levels of large scale projects. Mike has also been the recipient of the CNH Circle of Excellence Award which recognizes outstanding work in advancement services, alumni relations, communications, fundraising and marketing at CASE member institutions worldwide.

Mike gives back to his community in many number of ways. He has been a hunter safety instructor for game and fish for over 38 years, volunteers for meals on wheels, Sanford Hospital and his local pastoral council. Mike has also stayed active with NDSU by speaking to engineering classes, judging IME capstone courses and has been a member of the IME Advisory Board since 1999.