A Lifetime of Maverick Service

Tim Huebsch ’02 has gone above and beyond in his dedication to Minnesota State University, Mankato.

By Grace Brandt '13

You could say that Minnesota State University, Mankato alum Tim Huebsch ’02 grew up at the University—and he never fully left.

His mother worked in the registrar’s office for 45 years, and some of his earliest memories are of visiting the campus with her. His first campus classroom was as a middle schooler, arriving for a program hosted through the College of Education. In eighth and ninth grade, he volunteered at the campus academic computer center. By the time he had to start thinking about where to apply for college, there was only one he considered.

"I wouldn’t trade my time at MSU for anything” – MSU alum Tim Huebsch.

“I never applied for any other school other than MSU,” Huebsch said. “I knew right away it was where I was going to go.” 

Huebsch earned a degree in computer science, continuing to work at the academic computer center all four years. But that wasn’t all he did before graduating in 2002. He also got involved in student government, first on a technology committee but eventually as vice president of the University’s student senate. Huebsch had many more experiences that prepared him for success after graduation, including an internship at General Mills (one of four internships.)

He spent 25 years working in 19 different positions within General Mills, and he credits his time at the University for helping set him up for success.

Staying Connected

Six months after he graduated, Huebsch accepted a position on the MSU Alumni Association Board, and later on the Foundation Board, serving as president for two years.

He jokes that he has spent enough time on University boards that he could officially retire, and he has indeed been granted emeritus status—the only board member with the title.

“It was an amazing opportunity to see the impact we can have on MSU and what we do for all our students,” Huebsch said.  

Huebsch recently accepted a six-month role as Interim Leader with GreenSeam, the Mankato-based organization initiated by Greater Mankato Growth in 2013 to attract, retain and empower ag-related businesses to the area.

“MSU has been a key partner with GreenSeam and Greater Mankato Growth from the beginning,” he said, “and will continue to be a key partner going forward.

Everyone works together to support, grow and improve our region across so many facets.”

Huebsch’s term on university boards may have ended, but he’s still making an impact on the University. Today, he’s one of 15 members on the Minnesota State Board of Trustees helping oversee the state colleges and universities.  

Naturally, he’ll always have a soft spot for his own alma mater.

“I think the tagline says it really well: Big ideas, real-world thinking,” he said. “There’s the practical aspect MSU does really well, to turn what you learn in the classroom into something you take action on right away. The University helps you think a little bit bigger than you might believe you can do.”