President's Biography

George Dennison became the 16th president of The University of Montana on 15 August 1990. Dennison came to Montana from Kalamazoo, Michigan, where he served as the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs of Western Michigan University (1987-90). In earlier years, he spent time at the Universities of Arkansas and Washington prior to 18 years at Colorado State University in Fort Collins.

At Colorado State, he started as a history professor and then served in numerous other positions. He held simultaneously the positions as Associate Dean of the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences and Associate Dean of the Graduate School for International Development Studies. He also served as Acting Academic Vice President, Associate Academic Vice President, and Director of Admissions and Records.

A historian by training, Dennison received his Bachelor's degree with highest honors in history from The University of Montana in 1962. He received his Master's degree from The University of Montana in 1963, then earned his Ph.D. in history from the University of Washington in 1967. He has written numerous publications and made several professional presentations in both history and higher education.

In addition, Dennison serves on several boards, including the International Student Exchange Program, the Commission on Colleges of the Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges, and National Security Education Board. He also serves as Chair of the Montana Commission on Community Service, the Boards of the International Heart Institute of Montana, the Montana Campus Compact, the Maureen and Mike Mansfield Foundation, and the Neuro Science Institute Foundation.

George and his wife, Jane, have two children. Their son, Rick, played college football at Colorado State and then joined the Denver Broncos in 1982. He played linebacker for Denver for nine years and now serves as Offensive Coordinator for the Broncos. Their son, Robert, teaches mathematics and computer programming in Tecumsah, Kansas, just outside Topeka, and coaches football, wrestling, and track. The Dennisons have six grandchildren.