"Western on its own could not have made the renovations of campus buildings that were needed. President Dennison and the affiliated campuses presented a joint strength that made this possible. The president felt a real sense of responsibility for our campus."

SHEILA STEARNS
President, Wayne State College (Nebraska)
Former Chancellor, Western Montana College of UM
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Sheila Stearns

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For 100 years, the Montana University System functioned as individual units, alternately cooperating and competing with each other. That structure was not designed for the demands higher education now faces.

In anticipating the educational needs of the 21st century, the Board of Regents in 1994 assigned the two largest Montana universities responsibility for the units within their geographic regions.

Overseen by President Dennison, the four campuses of The University of Montana -- located in Missoula, Butte, Dillon and Helena -- now collaborate while preserving appropriate individual autonomy. The campuses run more efficiently and cost-effectively by sharing resources and databases and collaborating on research.

The affiliation resulted in much-needed new construction and renovation of outdated facilities at UM's sister campuses. Consolidation of campuses also made it easier for students to transfer from two-year degree programs to four-year programs.

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