President, Education ​/ Teaching

Overview

PRESIDENT — Missoula, Montana

The President of the University of Montana (UM) serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Montana’s flagship public top-tier research university and provides strategic, values-driven leadership to advance impact, access, and inclusive prosperity. Reporting directly to the Commissioner of Higher Education, the Chief Executive Officer of the Montana University System, the President leads in a shared governance environment and works closely with the Board of Regents, faculty, staff, students, alumni, and partners across the state and beyond.

The President will provide UM with visionary leadership, stewarding the UM’s positive momentum at a pivotal moment for the institution. UM enjoys demonstrated maturity, operational stability, and an annual strategic operating rhythm. The campus community has strengthened enrollment and retention, achieved and reaffirmed both its Carnegie R1 status and its Carnegie Community Engagement status, earned recognition as the #1 Military Friendly University in the nation, expanded workforce-aligned and lifelong learning opportunities, and clarified a mission centered on inclusive prosperity.

The next President will build on this momentum, guide the university through continued change in higher education, and ensure UM remains accessible, excellent, and deeply connected to the people and communities it serves.

Leadership and strategic direction
Provide clear, steady, and forward-looking leadership that advances UM’s mission of inclusive prosperity and positions the university as a champion for Montana’s economic, civic, and cultural vitality. Set institutional priorities that respond to demographic, economic, and societal change while strengthening public trust in higher education.

Commitment to student success and post-graduation outcomes
Place student success at the center of decision-making, with sustained attention to access, retention, graduation, and post-graduation outcomes. Advance strategies that ensure education remains an accessible driver of opportunity and mobility for students across Montana and beyond.

Academic excellence
Foster a culture of academic rigor, innovation, and continuous improvement. Support faculty excellence in teaching, research, scholarship, mentoring, and creative work. Champion and strengthen initiatives that ensure access to high-quality education and efforts that enhance student learning, achievement, and experience.

Research and creative scholarship
Lead the continued growth and impact of UM’s research and creative scholarship enterprise. Ensure research and innovation contribute tangible statewide and regional benefit, supporting economic development, public problem-solving, and community resilience.

Inclusive prosperity and belonging
Champion policies and practices that promote access, belonging, and success for students, faculty, and staff of all backgrounds.

Workforce and lifelong learning
Expand education and training opportunities for learners at all stages of life. Strengthen partnerships with employers, communities, and public agencies to align education with workforce, economic, and civic needs.

Community, tribal, and statewide engagement
Serve as UM’s chief ambassador and convener. Build strong, respectful relationships with Tribal Nations, state and local leaders, alumni, K–12 partners, industry, and community organizations. Strengthen UM’s role as a trusted statewide partner addressing Montana’s most pressing challenges.

Fundraising and advancement
Inspire philanthropic investment aligned with UM’s mission and public purpose. Cultivate relationships that expand scholarships, faculty excellence, research capacity, infrastructure, and strategic initiatives.

Operational and financial stewardship
Ensure fiscal responsibility, transparency, and effective allocation of resources. Build institutional capacity through thoughtful management of finances, people, infrastructure, and risk in a complex public environment.

Governance, compliance, and system collaboration
Administer Board of Regents policies under the supervision of the Commissioner of Higher Education. Ensure compliance with…