Retirements and Departures
Click on each image to learn more about retiring and departing members of UM's scientific community.
Top left: John Goodburn, Department of Forest Management, W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation
Top right: Jim Elser, Director, Flathead Lake Biological Station
Bottom left: Alan Townsend, former Dean, Professor, W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation
Bottom right: Jonathan Batchelor, Department of Forest Management, W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation
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John Goodburn has retired from FCFC. Over his 26 years with the college, John shaped generations of students in silviculture; an influence on students to be felt for years to come. He'll be remembered for his good humor and dedication to hands-on teaching, and those lucky enough to work alongside him will miss him greatly!
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Jim Elser, the longtime director of UM’s renowned Flathead Lake Biology Station, retires this summer. In 2022, he was officially inducted into the National Academy of Sciences in recognition of his distinguished and continuing achievements in scientific research. At that time, he was the first person from UM inducted into the prestigious academy and only the second in the history of Montana. Read more about Elser’s lasting impact in this Lake Country Leader story.
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Alan Townsend is leaving UM to serve as Director of the Sabin Center for Sustainability at Wake Forest University. During his tenure, Townsend led the W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation through the unprecedented challenges of the COVID pandemic, helping to stabilize the college and maintain continuity for our students, faculty, and staff. Congratulations to Alan!
John Goodburn has retired from FCFC. Over his 26 years with the college, John shaped generations of students in silviculture; an influence on students to be felt for years to come. He'll be remembered for his good humor and dedication to hands-on teaching, and those lucky enough to work alongside him will miss him greatly!
Jim Elser, the longtime director of UM’s renowned Flathead Lake Biology Station, retires this summer. In 2022, he was officially inducted into the National Academy of Sciences in recognition of his distinguished and continuing achievements in scientific research. At that time, he was the first person from UM inducted into the prestigious academy and only the second in the history of Montana. Read more about Elser’s lasting impact in this Lake Country Leader story.
Alan Townsend is leaving UM to serve as Director of the Sabin Center for Sustainability at Wake Forest University. During his tenure, Townsend led the W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation through the unprecedented challenges of the COVID pandemic, helping to stabilize the college and maintain continuity for our students, faculty, and staff. Congratulations to Alan!
Jonathan Batchelor will be leaving UM to join Evergreen College. During his time at FCFC, Batchelor played a key role in supporting the GIS Certificate program and bringing innovative technologies into the classroom. Congrats to Jonathan!
Rick Honrud, Ingredient Room Chef, Retires After 18 Years!
Campus Dining bid farewell to ingredient room veteran Rick Honrud on Friday, June 26 —also Rick’s 65th birthday— following his 18 years of service to UM. Hallmarks of Rick’s career at the University included his reliability, focus and commitment to quality. Rick was a fixture on Campus Dining’s residential dining team, serving as pantry cook, cashier and ingredient room chef. Though out of the public eye, Rick was well-known by the culinary team as a rock-solid force, expertly prepping the ingredients for the array of dishes served in the dining halls, the iconic Food Zoo and new Lodge Dining Center. Rick could tell by looking at the prep list if a recipe was sized appropriately for the day’s business. Leadership appreciated his intuition and well-honed forecasting skill. Rick trained many student employees over the years, and most returned to work under his supervision semester after semester.
Rick’s plans for retirement are hard-earned rest, projects at his Missoula home and camping all around Montana with his wife in their new RV.
Thank you, Rick, for your speed, accuracy and sharp wit. Though the kitchen may be quieter in your absence, your stories and candor will be missed. Enjoy this next chapter to the fullest!
Jordon Baroch-Wallin Leaves UM
After seven years of service to the campus community in Human Resource Services, Jordon Baroch-Wallin will leave the University of Montana at the end of June 2026. Earlier this year, he and his wife, Madison, decided to move to Great Falls, Montana to be closer to family while raising their daughter, Poppy. He will be focusing full-time as a tattoo artist in Great Falls where he opened his own tattoo shop, The Wandering Needle Tattoo Company.
Jordon first joined Human Resource Services as a student employee while attending UM, where he was also a member of the Griz Track and Field team. As part of the Big Sky Conference champion 4x400m relay team in 2017, he contributed to a successful era of Griz athletics. After earning his degree in Psychology, Jordon joined HRS full-time in November 2019 as a Recruitment Specialist.
During his time with HRS, Jordon played an important role in several significant transitions and initiatives, including supporting remote recruitment and hiring efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic and helping implement and launch new applicant tracking systems for candidates and campus partners.
For the past several years, Jordon has also overseen the review and processing of approximately 300 adjunct hires and rehires each academic semester, providing critical support to departments across campus.
While we are sad to see Jordon leave UM, we are excited for this next chapter for him and his family and wish them continued success. We thank Jordon for his years of service and contributions to the UM community.
Human Resource Services is committed to ensuring a smooth transition. Current recruitments will be reassigned among the recruitment team, including Recruitment Specialists Sierra Jacob and Steven Oswalt. Marcie Briggs will oversee adjunct hiring processes for Fall 2026 while HRS begins recruitment efforts to fill the Recruitment Specialist position.
UM Housing Announces Cody Flynn as Assistant Director of Fraternity & Sorority Life
UM Housing is delighted to announce Cody Flynn as UM's new Assistant Director of Fraternity & Sorority Life. Following a national search that attracted a strong and competitive pool of candidates, Cody emerged as the top candidate. He has experience in fraternity and sorority life at Boise State University and Texas Christian University, along with international headquarters experience at Phi Delta Theta. Cody earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Idaho and his master’s degree from TCU. As a campus community grounded in connection, belonging and the spirit of “The Montana Way,” we are excited for Cody to help students find their place at UM — where, much like the rivers that run through Montana, community has a way of bringing people together.
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.
Comings and Goings Archive
An archive of announcements regarding new hires, retirements, departures, and other transitions for members of the campus community.
2025-2026
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After six years of service, Montana 10 Associate Director Joseph Grady will conclude their role with the University of Montana in May 2026.
Since 2020, Grady has contributed to the growth of Montana 10 into a statewide student success initiative supporting rural, first-generation, and Pell-eligible students. This work has been made possible through strong collaboration with campus and community partners, including the Undergraduate Advising Center, American Indian Student Services, TRIO, the Office of Disability Equity, Missoula College, the School of Social Work, Financial Aid and Business Services, Experiential Learning and Career Success, and Curry Health Center.
Montana 10 remains well-positioned for continued impact, with sustained institutional support and ongoing collaboration across campus.
Faculty and staff are invited to attend a professional send-off gathering 12 p.m.-2 p.m. Wednesday, April 29, Aber Hall Room 425.
Join colleagues in recognizing the shared work and partnerships that continue to strengthen student success at UM.
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Tobin Miller Shearer, History Professor and Director of the African American Studies Program, is retiring after 17 years at the University of Montana. The History Department is hosting a retirement reception in his honor from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m., Friday, May 1 at the Davidson Honors College lounge and patio. Please help us celebrate our dear friend and colleague as he moves on to his next adventure!
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The Office of the Provost announces that Lauren Fern has been appointed Interim Dean of Missoula College, effective July 1, 2026.Fern brings 23 years of experience at the University of Montana, with service across both the Mountain Campus and Missoula College. She has held roles including Math Lecturer, Associate Professor and Math Discipline Lead, Department Chair of Applied Arts and Sciences, Interim Associate Dean, Faculty Senate Chair, and Student Success Coordinator in General Education Mathematics. Her work has consistently focused on improving student success, including leading the development of co-requisite mathematics courses and redesigning UM’s math placement system, efforts that have been recognized nationally.At the state level, Fern chairs multiple Montana University System initiatives focused on math pathways, placement, and developmental education, contributing to systemwide policy changes and alignment efforts that support student success. She also brings national experience through consulting with institutions and systems on developmental math reform and co-requisite implementation.Of her appointment, Professor Fern shared:“I am grateful to Dean Gallagher for his stewardship of Missoula College and look forward to bringing my experience, relationships, and commitment to this role. I care deeply about two-year education, the students we serve, and the people who serve them.”Fern will work closely with current Dean Tom Gallagher through the remainder of the academic year to support a thoughtful and collaborative transition ahead of her July 1 start, and we thank Dean Gallagher for his many years of leadership and service to the University of Montana.
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Peter McDonough, director of UM’s signature Climate Change Studies program, announced his departure some weeks ago. As he prepares for this bittersweet transition, Peter reflects on his UM experience of 13 years.
A community of collaboration and care
The culture of UM stands out as I think about leaving. No other place I’ve been in academics has felt as vibrant but scrappy. There is a general culture of student-focused and caring people wanting to collaborate here, which leads to so many interesting things going on. Each college and program has its challenges, but we make it work. People are here because they want to be here – that is rare.An amazing student body
I like how diverse the student body is in terms of interests and backgrounds and passions for different things. UM students are so fun to work with!On mentors and role models
At UM, I have been a teacher as a learner, and a learner as a teacher. I have found mentorship through formal assignments and random encounters. Many of my mentors have been students and, of course, colleagues. For example:- The Davidson Honors College staff have been amazingly supportive, especially Tim Nichols as a supervisor and friend;
- Environmental Studies faculty continue to inspire me;
- An unexpected team-teaching partnership with Andrew Wilcox in Geosciences transformed my approach to teaching; and
- Writing Center colleagues Kelly Webster and Amy Ratto-Parks helped me design assignments to support student learning.
UM’s academic strengths
As the director of an interdisciplinary program, I know first-hand that UM is well set up for interdisciplinary work. Our collaborative, can-do culture finds ways to innovate that would be impossible at other universities. There are barriers, of course, but I’ve often seen faculty find the passion and motivation to overcome them, especially when students are involved. We realize our full potential when people with very different skill sets and perspectives come together. It’s been a source of frustration as well as inspiration over the years and stands out as a unique aspect of my UM experience.
Dean Tom Gallagher to Retire after 25 Years of Service
Dean Tom Gallagher has announced that he will retire at the end of this academic year, concluding twenty-five years of distinguished service to the University of Montana and more than three decades in education. Tom has led Missoula College since 2019, where he championed student success, strengthened transfer and workforce pathways and helped elevate the college’s national profile. Under his leadership, Missoula College implemented a strategic plan that improved student retention and completion, secured more than $10 million in external funding and earned selection by the National Center for Inquiry and Improvement for the Rural Guided Pathways Project, recognizing the college as a leader in rural student success.
Tom’s career at UM reflects a deep commitment to two-year and workforce education. Before serving as Dean and Associate Vice Provost, he held roles as Associate Dean, department chair, union president, full professor and long-time faculty member. He established the University of Montana Center for Cybersecurity Workforce and Rural Policy, led development of statewide workforce and policy initiatives, and taught and mentored students in information technology, computer science, cybersecurity and health informatics. He is a three-time Faculty Merit recipient and a four-time Outstanding Service to Students awardee.
In his message to campus, Tom expresses gratitude for the colleagues, faculty, staff and community partners who shaped his career, noting the privilege of serving Missoula and Bitterroot College and the meaningful relationships built along the way.
We extend our sincere thanks to Dean Gallagher for his leadership, dedication and lasting contributions to the University of Montana. We look forward to celebrating his service in the months ahead.
Beverly Hawkins-Llewellyn is Retiring!
After nearly 30 years of service to UM, Beverly Hawkins-Llewellyn is retiring!
Throughout her career, Bev has exemplified what it means to be a Griz — dependable, positive, and deeply committed to helping UM thrive. Her career began in Business Services, continued in Internal Audit and culminated in Center for Translational Medicine, where she has been an invaluable team member.
A proud UM alumni, Bev has given her time and leadership to Staff Senate, including several years as President. Her tireless efforts made a lasting impact across campus.
Outside work, Bev’s Griz spirit shines! She’s a Griz Football super-fan. Bev’s been one of the football team’s beloved “cookie ladies” for years and a familiar face in the North Endzone, where she’s held season tickets for as long as anyone can remember. When she’s not cheering on the Griz, you’ll find her cheering on her favorite driver in NASCAR!
Please join us as we celebrate Bev’s remarkable career and wish her the very best in her well-earned retirement! Monday, Dec. 1, from 1-3 p.m. in the Forbes Foyer, Skaggs Building (north lobby by PT). Come share your memories, enjoy refreshments and send Bev off with all the Griz love she deserves!
New Planetarium Director Brianna Beller
Congratulations to our new planetarium director, Brianna Beller! Brianna earned a post-baccalaureate BA in Physics from the University of Montana. Shortly after, she joined UM’s Department of Physics and Astronomy as Physics Lab Coordinator and Instructor. She has since taken on leadership roles as Coordinator of the Blue Mountain Observatory and now Director of the Planetarium. Brianna lives in Missoula with her partner and enjoys gardening, birdwatching, and contemplating the cosmos. You can catch Brianna in the planetarium on Nov. 21 at 6 and 7 p.m. at her public show, "Beethoven Under the Stars."
Vice President Jenny Petty is Moving On!
On December 1, 2025, Vice President Jenny Petty will conclude her service at UM to begin a new chapter as a marketing and communications leader. We are deeply grateful for the creativity, energy, and vision Jenny has brought over the past five years. During her tenure, she led a transformative brand refresh for UM, modernized our enrollment marketing efforts, strengthened our internal communications, and elevated UM’s story on the national stage. Jenny leaves a lasting mark on this University, and while we will miss her daily presence, we are proud of the impact she’s had and are excited to follow her continued success.
To ensure a seamless transition and while we conduct a national search this winter and spring, Dr. Brad Goan, Senior Advisor for Strategy and Innovation, will serve as interim Vice President for Marketing Communications, Experience and Engagement. Brad brings two decades of executive leadership, including nine years as a vice president with responsibilities spanning brand strategy and enrollment marketing. His deep experience, thoughtful leadership, and intimate knowledge of the UM community make him exceptionally well-prepared to guide the sector during this transition period.
We are grateful for Jenny’s service and impact at UM!
Lorrie DeYott Retiring After 38-Year Career at UM!
It was teaching - rather than technology - that first brought Lorrie DeYott to Missoula. With a degree in education and a fiancé already living here, she picked up a part-time teaching job and soon spotted a part-time typist opening that fit perfectly between classes. At the time, her only experience with computers was typing a single paper in WordPerfect during college.
“I’d never even turned a computer on or installed a software program,” she laughed. “I’m proud of the way I’ve moved through the IT area without having computer experience.”
Her willingness to learn and eye for improving processes were traits she leaned into as her knowledge and skills expanded and the department went through several evolutions, from the Computer Center, to Computing and Information Services, and finally UM IT. Lorrie’s current official title is “Banner Systems and Identity Management Systems Coordinator,” but she is renowned across campus for being - and doing - so much more.
Early on, when every developer had to record tasks in 15-minute increments for billing, she found a way to streamline the process by moving everything into Excel. Over the years, she has continuously applied that same problem-solving mindset to challenges across campus, from automating student timesheets to creating Excel workbooks that organized complex schedules for the Music department.
Lorrie’s impact reaches well beyond spreadsheets and systems. She’s been named by more than one student as a support person who made a difference for them outside of her official duties, a portrayal she carries with pride. “Students should be able to approach us without worrying about being afraid to ask for help,” she noted. She’s also proud of her behind-the-scenes work improving internal IT processes, such as identifying potential password issues for affiliate campuses before they became campus-wide problems, and her contributions to UM’s ongoing One Identity project.
Still, what she’ll miss most is the people — the students, colleagues, and others with whom she has built strong working relationships, friendships that extend well beyond campus, and countless memories - including when she first met Zach Rossmiller as a new student worker: “Now he’s my CIO!”
Lorrie’s advice as she closes this chapter with UM IT: Remember, “It’s not just fixing something on a computer. It’s the connections. When someone you worked with 22 years ago says they still think about you — that means something.”
She added: “It always comes back to the people. It really is about the people.”
Jonathan Carter Recognized as ASPIRE's 2025 Rising Star
Karen Schlatter to be Recognized as a Community Hero
Congrats to Dr. Ke Wu!
Congrats to Dr. Paul Lukacs!
Announcing Brenda Avery's Retirement!
Please join the Office of the Registrar and Institutional Research in the President's Room in Brantly hall on Friday, October 3, 2025 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. as we wish Brenda Avery the best on her next adventure. We will have cake and light refreshments available.
Brenda Avery has been with UM since 2005. In her most recent role, she bridges the work of the Institutional Research (Data) Office and the Registrar’s Office as a system analyst. She creates tools for campus colleagues to easily obtain and analyze student information to help, inform, advise and teach Grizzly students. She has made valuable contributions to the UMDW Finance Database, InfoGriz Student Reports, and Tableau Dashboards.
Despite living and working remotely from Butte, Brenda is an integral part of the Data and Registrar’s office teams. We will miss Brenda greatly, and we wish her well.
The campus community is cordially invited to a farewell reception for Brenda tomorrow from 3 - 5 p.m. in the President’s Room of Brantly Hall.
Announcing New Associate Deans
Isho Tama-Sweet
College of Business
Isho Tama-Sweet earned his Ph.D. in Accounting from the University of Oregon in 2009, and joined UM in 2016 after serving on the faculty at Oregon State and Cal State Fullerton. He focuses on budgeting and cost management, data analytics, and information systems. He was promoted to Professor in 2024, and is the Knick Family Faculty Fellow. From 2021-2025 Isho was department chair in the College of Business, and during the past two years has served as the Provost Faculty Fellow.
David Fuentes
College of Health
David Fuentes is a pharmacist by training and a lifelong learner whose academic background spans organizational leadership, organizational psychology, and higher education leadership. He has served as both faculty member and administrator across multiple areas of healthcare education, with experience in academic operations, accreditation, assessment, curriculum redesign, faculty development, leadership training, and student support services. He also brings specialized certifications in Gallup leadership coaching, lean systems, human resources, and facilitation. His work emphasizes interprofessional collaboration in teaching, service, and scholarship.
Soazig Le Bihan
Humanities and Social Sciences
Soazig Le Bihan has been a professor in UM’s Philosophy Department since 2008 and the Director of the Pre-Law Program since 2013. She studied at the École Normale Supérieure, holds a B.S. in Fundamental Physics from the University of Paris, and earned her Ph.D. in Philosophy from the Universities of Nancy and Bielefeld. Her research focuses on the philosophy of science, especially quantum physics, scientific modeling, and the interplay of science and values in areas such as ecology and conservation. She is currently co-authoring a monograph with Armond Duwell on unifying scientific practices under a pragmatic view of understanding. At UM, she teaches Modern Philosophy, Philosophy of Law, and Animal Ethics, and through the Pre-Law Program has helped students achieve a 90% acceptance rate to law school since 2013. Le Bihan has been recognized with multiple honors, including the Outstanding Faculty Advising Award (2017), the William Reynolds Award for Excellence in Teaching Across the Curriculum (2024), the Distinguished Teaching Award (2024), and the DHC Teacher of the Year Award (2025).
Carl Seielstad
W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation
Carl Seielstad studies fire and fuel pattern–process relations using remote sensing and emerging quantitative methods to map and model wildland fuels. His research supports applications such as forest inventories, carbon assessments, fire behavior modeling, prediction of fire effects, and fuel treatment design. Alongside his scholarship, Seielstad is a practicing burn boss and incident commander with more than 30 years of fire experience, including work as a hotshot and smokejumper. At UM, he advises the Student Association of Fire Ecology and Management, oversees fire and fuels management for the Montana Forest and Conservation Experiment Station, and directs research and workforce development at the National Center for Landscape Fire Analysis.
Terri Coslet Retiring After 44+ Years!
With over 44 years of experience working at University of Montana, Terri has proven to be an invaluable employee since joining the Mansfield Center team in 2022. Her vast knowledge and expertise have had a profound impact on improving complex systems and processes, and enabling our team to function more efficiently and effectively. Terri approaches every challenge with professionalism, attention to detail, and a steadfast commitment to excellence. Despite the stressful and fast-paced nature of our work, she consistently maintains a kind demeanor that encourages collaboration and fosters a positive work environment. Her ability to mentor and guide colleagues, sharing both wisdom and support, has made her an exemplary leader and a trusted colleague.
Her contributions go beyond simply completing tasks—Terri helps shape the culture of the Mansfield Center by embodying the values we strive to uphold. Her leadership and unwavering dedication are a true inspiration to all of us at the Mansfield Center.
The campus community is welcome to join us in honoring Terri at her retirement reception on Thursday, September 4, 2025 in the Mansfield Center Lobby (MLIB 450) from 3:30 to 5:00pm.
Associate Dean, Chair and Director Changes
Outgoing Associate Deans, Department Chairs and Directors
Many thanks for your service to your academic units and colleges, faculty and staff colleagues and students!
- Cheryl Galipeau, Department Chair, Department of Business Technology, Missoula College
- Jessica Dougherty-McMichaels, Department Chair, Department of Applied Arts and Sciences, Missoula College
- Annie Belcourt, Department Chair, Department of Native American Studies, Humanities and Social Sciences
- Isho Tama-Sweet, Department Chair, Departments of Management and Marketing, Managment Information Systems, and Accounting and Finance, College of Business
- Jennifer Cavanaugh, Associate Dean and School Director, Schools of Music and Theatre and Dance, College of the Arts and Media
- Ione Crummy, Department Co-Chair, Department of World Languages and Cultures, Humanities and Social Sciences
- Beth Hubble, Program Director, Women, Gender, and Sexual Studies Program, Humanities and Social Sciences
- Ashley Trautman, School Co-Director, School of Social Work
- Donna Beall, Department Co-Chair, Department of Pharmacy Practice
- Tony Crawford, Associate Dean, College of Business
- Marc Hendrix, Department Chair, Department of Geosciences
Incoming Associate Deans, Department Chairs and Directors
...and welcome to all the new leaders in your respective colleges, departments, schools and programs.
- Victor Valgenti, Department Chair, Department of Business Technology, Missoula College
- Lauren Fern, Department Chair, Department of Applied Arts and Sciences, Missoula College
- James Smart, School Director, School of Music, College of the Arts and Media
- Heather Cahoon, Department Chair, Department of Native American Studies, Humanities and Social Sciences
- Ona Renner-Fahey, Department Chair, Department of World Languages and Cultures, Humanities and Social Sciences
- Justin Angle, Department Chair, Department of Management and Marketing, College of Business
- Shawn Clouse, Department Chair, Department of Management Information Systems, College of Business
- Lisa Eiler, Department of Accounting and Finance, College of Business
- Bernadette Sweeney, School Director, School of Theatre and Dance, College of the Arts and Media
- Danielle Cooney, Program Co-Director, Women, Gender, and Sexual Studies Program, Humanities and Social Sciences
- Hillary Powell, Program Co-Director, Women, Gender, and Sexual Studies Program, Humanities and Social Sciences
- Isho Tama-Sweet, Associate Dean, College of Business
- David Fuentes, Associate Dean, College of Health (new to UM, starts in August)
- Payton Gardner, Department Chair, Department of Geosciences
UC Leadership Transition
Student Union Buildings, like UM's University Center, play an important role in the lives of our students, staff, faculty, and community members.
Following the announcement of Adrienne Smith's departure last month, VP for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management Leslie Webb is pleased to announce that Shannon Brilz has accepted the role of Interim UC Director. Shannon’s long history of working at the University will offer continuity of operations during this transition time. Kevin Harding will assume Shannon’s current role temporarily as Interim Director of Conference & Event Services.
In addition to the slate of wonderful work that will take place in the coming semester, the University Center management team will analyze the mission of the UC with a focus on space, scope, and structure.
Following that, VP Webb anticipates launching a national search for the UC Director in spring 2026, with an ideal start date of July 1, 2026 for the next permanent director.
Christina Yoshimura to serve as Interim Dean of the College that includes the Humanities and Social Sciences
Dr. Christina Yoshimura has been appointed Interim Dean of the college that includes the Humanities and Social Sciences. A respected scholar, teacher, and campus leader, Dr. Yoshimura brings more than two decades of experience in higher education to this role at a time of transformation and opportunity for the College.
Dr. Yoshimura is a Professor of Communication Studies (Ph.D., 2004) and Director of Graduate Studies in the Communication Studies department. She recently completed a term as Chair of the UM Faculty Senate, where she helped guide campuswide conversations around academic priorities and shared governance. With an additional role as a licensed clinical professional counselor, she brings a unique interdisciplinary lens to her work that integrates scholarship, teaching, and practice.
Her research focuses on how family systems navigate life’s challenging experiences, including bereavement, interpersonal violence, and mental health diagnoses. Her recent publications examine cross-cultural exchange, father-child socialization, and work-family tensions. She recently completed a several-year leadership role in her discipline’s academic association, culminating in conference planning and the presidency, and she serves on the editorial boards of three major academic journals.
A recipient of both UM’s Distinguished Teaching Award and Most Inspirational Teacher of the Year Award, Dr. Yoshimura is widely known for her student-centered approach to teaching. Her courses explore conflict management, interpersonal neurobiology, and relational communication. She has also developed innovative new classes that investigate how communication unfolds through shared meals and family rituals
In her statement of intent, Dr. Yoshimura writes:
“I am honored to bring my experience and respect for both the social scientific and humanistic intellectual traditions to this year’s collaboration in building a new college. I look forward to working with faculty, students, and staff to develop a strong college identity, one we can communicate proudly within and beyond the university.”
Bruce Bowler to serve as Interim Dean of the College of Science
Dr. Bruce Bowler has been appointed Interim Dean of the new College of Science. A seasoned academic leader, accomplished scientist, and long-serving faculty member at the University of Montana, Dr. Bowler brings deep experience in both research infrastructure and student-centered academic development.
Dr. Bowler joined UM in 2006 and currently serves as Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry. He also leads the Center for Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics (CBSD), an NIH-funded research center that supports core instrumentation and faculty research across several departments and colleges. Under his leadership, the CBSD has become a cornerstone of research support on campus, helping to grow grant submissions, secure new equipment, and expand collaborative opportunities in the sciences.
A protein chemist by training, Dr. Bowler’s research focuses on the physical forces that stabilize protein structures and guide folding mechanisms. He has authored more than 100 peer-reviewed publications and has served as principal investigator or co-investigator on grants totaling nearly $16 million since arriving at UM.
Beyond his research contributions, Dr. Bowler has played a leading role in science curriculum development. He spearheaded the creation of UM’s interdepartmental Biochemistry Program in 2009, which launched the state’s first Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry as well as graduate programs in Biochemistry and Biophysics. As director of the program for ten years, he helped expand and refine degree offerings, including a pre-med track that has prepared many students for successful careers in health and medicine.
In addition to mentoring undergraduate researchers and pre-med students, Dr. Bowler has taught a wide range of courses in biochemistry, inorganic chemistry, and structural biology. He has also helped shape institutional research strategy through service on university-wide committees including the University Research and Creativity Committee and the Montana INBRE Executive Committee.
Looking ahead, Dr. Bowler writes:
“I am excited to help establish the new College of Science. In particular, I’m eager to promote our strong academic and research programs in the sciences and to increase awareness of our excellence both within Montana and beyond. My goal is to help drive increased enrollment and opportunity for students across all science disciplines.”
Patrick Barkey Retires
The University of Montana’s longtime BBER Director Patrick Barkey is retiring at the end of June after leading the center since 2008.
Over the past 17 years, Barkey has guided a team of 20 research professionals through the tumultuous years of the Great Recession and the Covid pandemic; conducted highly visible studies on important issues like housing affordability, health care and high tech; served as a well-respected source of economic analysis and expertise for legislators and leaders across the state; and led BBER to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Economic Outlook Seminars.
Barkey is well-known throughout Montana for his economic forecasts, having traveled the state annually on the Economic Outlook tour, reaching all corners of Montana, and for his “Montana Economic Minute” a one-minute podcast that covers issues ranging from recession, inflation and interest rates to artificial intelligence and federal job cuts. He has elevated the national reputation of BBER through his leadership in the Association of University Business and Economic Research (AUBER), serving as the organization’s Secretary-Treasurer for nine years and its president for two years. He also won AUBER’s most prestigious award, the Thayne Robson award, for his longtime commitment and service to the organization.
The Bureau of Business and Economic Research is a research center located in UM’s College of Business. BBER researchers engage in a wide range of applied research projects that address different aspects of the state economy, including survey research, economic analysis, health care research, forecasting, wood products research and energy research.