A New Chapter Begins

UM welcomes 28 Presidential Leadership Scholars to campus this fall. Chosen for their academic excellence, leadership and commitment to service, these exceptional students come from across Montana and North America to join the Davidson Honors College. Future scientists, artists, entrepreneurs, physicians and advocates, they represent the next generation of Grizzlies ready to learn, lead and make an impact. Their arrival reflects the growing momentum, opportunity and excellence that define The Montana Way.

For the first time ever, the U.S. Forest Service has co-branded Smokey Bear with a select group of universities with nationally recognized fire science programs — and UM made the list.

Because at Montana, wildfire science isn’t nostalgia. It’s next-generation stewardship.

From prescribed burns and landscape ecology to wildfire modeling and boots-on-the-ground fieldwork, Grizzlies are helping shape how communities live with fire in the West.

The limited-edition collection features Smokey, Main Hall and Montana forestry heritage, with proceeds supporting wildfire prevention education nationwide.

UM students followed their curiosity all the way to the South Atlantic subtropical gyre with SUBSEA. During a recent expedition, UM Professor Matthew Church, UM graduate students and an international team of collaborators explored how nutrients move between the sunlit and twilight zones of the ocean. Life aboard the research vessel brought together not just scientists, but marine technicians, engineers, artists and storytellers, each playing a vital role in understanding these vast, dynamic ocean systems.

Join us at UM for a day designed for prospective and admitted students interested in Club Sports! Explore a variety of teams, connect with current students and coaches, and learn about the student experience, including admissions, financial aid, housing and campus life. Whether you’re focused on one sport or still exploring, this is a great opportunity to find your fit. If you want the inside scoop and early access to UM Club Sports, join Admissions and Club Sports for Club Sports Preview Day on July 10.

A UM education took one graduate from subzero research camps on the Greenland Ice Sheet to a dream career in Missoula. Through hands-on research, faculty mentorship and real-world experience, she transformed scientific curiosity into meaningful work protecting water resources and advancing environmental solutions right here in Montana. Gehl now works as a hydrogeologist at an environmental consulting firm called GSI Environmental, working with data and modeling various project sites to check that water quality is within reasonable limits. 

The University of Montana Alumni Association's 2026 25 Under 25 honorees prove that Grizzlies don't wait to make a difference. From advancing science and public service to launching businesses and championing communities around the world, these young alumni are putting a UM education into action, and helping shape a better future.