Dr. Jennifer Cavanaugh, Dean
O: Don Anderson Hall, 413
P: 406-243-4987
E: jennifer.cavanaugh@umontana.edu
Dr. Jennifer Cavanaugh joined the University of Montana School of Music faculty in 2009 as Professor of Oboe and Music Theory and was appointed Dean of the College of the Arts and Media (CAM) July 1, 2025. Previous leadership roles at UM include serving as Director of the School of Music, Interim Director of the School of Theatre and Dance, Associate Dean, and Interim Co-Dean of the College of the Arts and Media. Full bio.
Peggy Nesbitt, Managing Director of Personnel and Operations
O: Don Anderson Hall, 412
P: 406-243-4971
E: peggy.nesbitt@umontana.edu
Peggy Nesbitt has been with the College of the Arts and Media (CAM) since 2011. She has a deep understanding of all campus processes and systems. Full bio.
Alison Rinker, Director of Fiscal Operations and Personnel
O: Don Anderson Hall, 437
P: 406-243-6882
E: alison1.rinker@umontana.edu
Austin Amestoy, Marketing and Communications Manager
O: Brantly Hall 224
P: 406-690-2783
E: austin.amestoy@umontana.edu
Austin is a proud graduate of the University of Montana (Journalism, 2022) and an even prouder resident of Missoula. He grew up in Laurel, Montana as the oldest of four siblings, all of whom he is glad to be close with to this day. After starting his career as a public radio morning show host and reporter, he joined the College of the Arts and Media as its marketing and communications manager in 2026. Austin believes in the power of creativity to shape our world for the better. In his free time, he likes to cook, watch movies, play games, and spend time with his lovely wife, Addie.
Kia Liszak, Director of Development
O: Fine Arts, 203
P: 406-243-5868
E: kia.liszak@supportum.org
Kia joined the UM Foundation on behalf of the College of the Arts and Media in 2023. Prior to this role, she served as the Executive Director of the Zootown Arts Community Center, where she led multimillion dollar campaign efforts to relocate the ZACC to downtown Missoula. Kia has served on the Missoula Downtown Association board, The Missoula Public Art Committee and Missoula's Community Arts Team. She also served as interim Director of the Montana International Choral Festival in 2023. In 2013, she was recognized by the Missoulian as one of Western Montana’s top 20 business leaders under 40. Kia is passionate about empowering people of all ages through the arts and education.
Jason McDaniel, Director of Production and Public Events
O: PARTV 112
P: 406-243-2874
E: Jason.McDaniel@mso.umt.edu
Jason McDaniel was appointed Director of Production and Public Events for the College of the Arts and Media in 2025. In this role, he manages production operations and safety initiatives for the School of Theatre and Dance and Montana Repertory Theatre, while assisting with coordination of CAM public events and aligning schedules with the School of Music. Full bio.
Joe Cleinmark, Wellbeing Support Coach
O: Brantley 304
E: joe.cleinmark@umconnect.umt.edu
Joe’s educational and career path has been anything but conventional. For nearly 20 years, he worked seasonal jobs centered on people, community, and connection with the natural world—spending his free time traveling, climbing, and following the road less traveled. Early on, he was introduced to meditation, which has remained an anchoring practice and a deep wellspring of inspiration, drawing him into extended retreats and volunteer service at meditation centers.
Deeply curious about the many ways people create lives that feel grounded, connected, and meaningful, Joe is especially interested in the relationship between individual well‑being and the communities and environments that hold us. Now rooted in Missoula, he has become an avid gardener, is deepening community ties, and continues the ongoing experiment of finding balance and peace in an increasingly chaotic world.
As a Well‑Being Support Coach, Joe hopes to offer students a space to slow down, reflect, and explore what truly supports them in being well—not just academically, but as whole, complex people.