Michael Bilden, Director of Marketing and Recruitment: Online and Distance Programs

Mike joins University Extended Campus as the Director of Marketing and Recruitment for the Online and Distance Programs. Mike works with faculty and staff to build the online enrollment in Minnesota State Mankato ONLINE and will also be working to grow the workforce programming at 7700 France.  His background in higher education has centered on enrollment management for adult-focused programs at the undergraduate, graduate levels in addition to workforce related programming.  Mike’s background and focus has also involved building new institutional opportunities and directing realignment operations for existing academic programming that leads toward financial success for programs, divisions and institutions.

Mike has worked with the Apollo Group, Augsburg University, North Hennepin Community College and UW-River Falls in various operational capacities including assistant dean, director, recruiter and academic advisor.  Mike’s other experience includes sales and marketing roles in the wireless telecommunications field along with military service in the United States Navy having served in support of tactical operations in the Pacific, Persian Gulf and Caribbean Sea.

Mike’s most recent experience at UW-River Falls involved building a financially sustainable degree completion program from scratch, taking the project from the aspirational idea stage through program maturity.  Hundreds of students earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree while enjoying participation in a student advising model that Mike developed.

Mike earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Wisconsin-Superior as a non-traditional adult student in addition to earning a Master of Arts in Leadership from Augsburg University.  When not working with faculty and staff to position MNSU Mankato for continued success, Mike can be found at the local ball fields watching his sons play shortstop and third base.