University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD) Chancellor Charles Nies has been recognized by Twin Cities Business (TCB) Magazine in the TCB 100: Who to Watch in 2026, alongside leaders from the northland and across the state who are likely to make news and drive change in the year ahead. Individuals were announced at an event held on Wednesday, December 3.

Charles Nies, PhD, became the 10th chancellor of the University of Minnesota Duluth on July 1, 2024. As chancellor, Nies serves as UMD’s chief executive, overseeing all aspects of the campus—from academics and student affairs to administration, public relations, and community engagement. He leads the Duluth campus’s strategic vision and works closely with University of Minnesota leaders statewide to prioritize accessible, world-class education and advance the University’s mission to enhance health, safety, and prosperity in Minnesota and beyond.

Since joining UMD, Nies has co-chaired the University of Minnesota’s statewide strategic roadmap committee and guided the Duluth campus through collaborative visioning to elevate faculty, staff, and student work. He also led an initiative in partnership with area schools, colleges, and community leaders to create the Duluth Promise, which provides clear pathways to careers that meet local workforce needs.