Scott "Mr. R-1" Whittenburg to Retire after 13 Years
Scott Whittenburg – “Mr. R1” – one of the most consequential vice presidents in UM history, plans to retire this summer after 13 years at the University.
As vice president for research and creative scholarship, Whittenburg led efforts to help UM finally earn status as a “Very High Research Activity” (R1) university according to the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education organization. UM first achieved R1 status in 2022, and it was reaffirmed in 2025. Less than 4% of U.S. degree-granting institutions are R1, and most of those have embedded medical or engineering schools.
Research expenditures at UM set an all-time record last fiscal year at nearly $150 million. They have increased 173% under Whittenburg’s leadership, with 12 consecutive years of research growth.
Among his many achievements, Whittenburg signed a $45 million cooperative research agreement with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 2014, and then in 2016 he enticed the research arm of GSK-Hamilton to move to UM and create the highly successful Center for Translational Medicine. Read his full retirement message in UM’s Vision magazine.
TRIO's Janet Zupan to Retire after 30 Years
Janet Zupan will retire from TRIO Student Support Services at the end of May after a remarkable 30+ year career serving students and the UM community. Janet's tireless dedication to teaching, advising, mentoring and advocating for countless students leaves a legacy that continues to ripple out across the state and country.
UM alumni who were impacted by her thoughtful guidance and support have built lives and careers of their own in fields ranging from art and political science to medicinal chemistry and forest ecology (and too many others to name!) Janet’s style of service has often been quiet and steady, never seeking recognition or accolades but living and working a clearly powerful ethic of helping others – knowing that one small connection can create a lifetime of change. She has, throughout her tenure, embodied the highest ideals of what higher education can be – a pathway to open possibilities (often for students who didn’t believe those possibilities were within reach.) Janet has helped make dreams achievable.
It is impossible to express our gratitude, respect and admiration properly, but the staff at TRIO SSS invite you to join us to celebrate Janet next Wednesday, May 20 from 4-6 p.m. in the Davidson Honors College Ephron Lounge & Patio!
Sandee Sepulveda Announces Departure
Franke Global Leadership Initiative program coordinator Sandee Sepulveda is leaving UM a to pursue a new opportunity. A Davidson Honors College and Franke GLI alumna who recently earned her MBA, Sandee has brought energy, innovation and a collegial attitude to her work.
She has helped Franke GLI students to realize their ambitions through Beyond the Classroom Experiences, capstone projects and more. She coordinated the process that granted over $150,000 in funding to Franke Fellows for their Beyond the Classroom Experiences over the past year. She also served as the course coordinator for GBLD 220, helping over 90 students complete civic engagement projects in the Missoula community.
Sandee, we'll miss you and we wish you well.
Griz Gratitude
Cindy Johnson, Director of Budget, Planning & Analysis and Lindsey Veno, Assistant Director of Budget, Planning & Analysis
A big thank you to Cindy Johnson and Lindsey Veno for their incredible patience and support in getting all unit budgets loaded into Axiom. This is a significant undertaking, and they manage it each year with grace, kindness, and unwavering dedication. UM is truly fortunate to have you both. — The AFO Team
People That Helped with Repainting the M
I can't say enough about the people that helped with the full process of repainting the M. Shout out to grounds crew members for clearing vegetation, volunteers and students for stripping old paint, labor for patching concrete, and the painting crew (Ryan Cooper you rock!) for showing up in a big way! The M looks better than ever! — Jamie Kirby
Bonnie Tucker and Jennipher Bednarczyk in HRS, Zoe Dansie in OOLD, and Ivy Wells, Micah Ingwersen, Trazz Pepper, Jenna Adams, Wesley Samson, Travis Tolzien, Reda Haddouch, Norman Singley and Josh Tucker in IT
The Family Medicine Residency of Western Montana would like to thank Bonnie Tucker and Jennipher Bednarczyk in HRS, Zoe Dansie in OOLD,and Ivy Wells, Micah Ingwersen, Trazz Pepper, Jenna Adams, Wesley Samson, Travis Tolzien, Reda Haddouch, Norman Singley, and Josh Tucker in IT for all their help in streamlining our onboarding process for our incoming medical residents! They have all gone over and above to make the process work better for everyone. We greatly appreciate all you do. — Jess Tripp
Amanda Cahill, MSW Director, Sarah Reese, Neil Carson and Jen Geist-Quigley, Director of Fiscal and Personnel Services
I'd like to recognize Amanda Cahill, Sarah Reese, Neil Carson, & Jen Geist-Quigley for their hard work, dedication, and perseverance managing the Online MSW Program in the College of Health! They have faced a plethora of challenges over the past year with the termination of their OPM contract and taking over the full scope of this program's management under their office. This is no easy feat, and yet they continue to push forward for the success of their students and their program! Your work does not go unnoticed. — Tricia Hatfield