Dale F. Stein was born and raised in Kimball, Minnesota. He received a degree in metallurgy in 1958 at the University of Minnesota before beginning work with General Electric Corporation. While working for G. E. he obtained his doctorate in metallurgy from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 1963. Dr. Stein joined the faculty at the University of Minnesota in 1967 as an associate professor of mineral and metallurgical engineering until 1971 when he accepted a position at Michigan Technological University as the head of metallurgical engineering, a post he held until 1977. In addition, he also served as the head of the mining engineering department from 1974 to 1977. In 1977 he was promoted to Academic Vice President and accepted the position of Michigan Technological University's seventh president in 1979. Dr. Stein retired from this position in 1991. After conducting research at the University of Arizona, he returned to Michigan Technological University in 1992 to teach and conduct research as a tenured professor of metallurgy and materials. Dale F. Stein was president when the university gave greater emphasis to the Graduate School and research. The Governor's Commission on the Future of Higher Education named Michigan Tech as one of the state's four nationally recognized research universities, along with the University of Michigan, Michigan State, and Wayne State. This would mean special research funding consideration by the state. State funding didn't keep up with enrollment gains, however, and President Stein had to make cuts soon after taking office. Through effective budgeting and fund raising, MTU was able to compensate for reduced state assistance. Michigan Tech added faculty, increased their salaries, increased cultural activities and support for Library acquisitions, and upgraded the computer mainframes and other computer systems. The University's centennial was celebrated in 1985, and the Century II Capital Campaign was launched. "Spheres of Excellence" were identified for future funding and included undergraduate engineering and science; materials and material processing; computer-aided engineering; forest, bio-tech, and natural resources; environmental engineering/science; wood products development; manufacturing; and scientific and technical communication. Spurred by the campaign, funding levels reached new heights under the Stein era. By the end of the 1980s, annual giving would top $1.8 million per year, and research funding would exceed $10 million annually. The $47-million Minerals and Materials Engineering Building was the pinnacle of the Stein years. Dr. Stein retired from this position in 1991. After conducting research at the University of Arizona, he returned to Michigan Technological University in 1992 to teach and conduct research as a tenured professor of metallurgy and materials.