Shinn Named UM President

UM's Living Lab and spectrUM Discovery Area recently received a $1.3 million National Institutes of Health grant to connect area high school students to UM faculty around the theme of “The Changing Brain.”

The highly competitive Science Education Partnership Award will support the High School Explainer Program, recruiting western Montana high schoolers for real-world health sciences experiences focused on the brain and mental health. The program also will engage K-8 students in Missoula and on the Flathead Reservation.

“By engaging in professional development alongside local researchers, students will realize their leadership potential, learn what a career in research entails, and form professional connections that will open doors to their future,” said Alex Sobin, director of the spectrUM Discovery Area.

UM Summer celebrated their 6th annual Summer Kickoff with a beloved UM tradition: hosting Mules on the Oval. The pack mules are from the United States Forest Service Region 1, physically advertising Dr. Eva-Maria Maggi's course, Wilderness Policy and Packing. The class is a three-week pack trip adventure into Montana's Bob Marshall Wilderness that offers a unique interdisciplinary blend of wilderness policy, backcountry skills and creative writing. Students learn the fundamentals of horse and mule packing, wilderness first aid, and Leave-No-Trace/backcountry camping and trail-maintenance practices. They also Study the history, theory, and contemporary challenges of U.S. wilderness policy, including land management, recreation, wildfire, wildlife, and tribal wilderness issues. Finally, students develop reflective and narrative writing skills, producing a policy- or wilderness-themed paper.

The pack class is simply one of many UM Summer classes that allow Grizzlies to test their boundaries, catch up and stay on track for graduation. Let's go!

Graduating this spring? Before you go, please complete the UM Graduation Survey and share your plans after graduation. Whether you have a job lined up, are heading to grad school or are still figuring things out, your response matters. This data helps improve programs, strengthen career support and show future students what is possible with a UM degree.

One of the nation’s longest running student-organized powwows will be held Friday, April 17, through Saturday, April 18, at the University of Montana Adams Center.

The annual Kyiyo Pow Wow Grand Entry begins at 6 p.m. on Friday and at noon and 6 p.m. Saturday. Admission is $5 on Friday and $10 on Saturday. Children 6 years and under and seniors are admitted for free.

Since 1968, UM’s Kyiyo Native American Student Association has organized the annual spring powwow, drawing tribes and Indigenous people from across Montana and beyond. Now in its 57th year, the event is produced entirely by the student group, which plays an integral role in promoting the cultural traditions and customs of all Native Americans at the University. 

Friday, April 17, also will include a Native Student Admitted Day at UM’s Payne Family Native American Center. Admitted Native students planning to attend UM in the fall will participate in specialized programming, meet with staff and faculty, and explore majors and wellness programs. They’ll also learn about the college journey, scholarships, financial aid and many additional resources, including UM’s First-Year Indigenous Program.

Join the University of Montana Alumni Association at noon on Wednesday, April 29, for the next installment of Griz Paths. This session spotlights UM graduates who have built careers in politics and law — sharing their career journeys, insights into their fields, and advice for those looking to follow a similar path. Whether you're a student exploring your options, a recent grad, or an alumnus curious about the field, this is your chance to hear firsthand from Griz who are making an impact in the political and legal arenas.