Recognition and Gratitude
We are proud to recognize UM employees' accomplishments and express gratitude for their service to the University and to one another.
Comings and Goings
Inaugural deans for Colleges of Science and Humanities and Social Sciences
Leslie Rissler, Dean, College of Science
Michael Lynn, Dean, College of Humanities and Social Sciences
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Dr. Leslie Rissler has been appointed as the inaugural Dean of the College of Science. Dr. Rissler will assume this role on August 1, 2026.Dr. Rissler joins the University of Montana from the National Science Foundation (NSF), where she currently serves as Section Head for Living Systems and has held multiple senior leadership positions, including Acting Division Director and Acting Deputy Division Director in the Division of Environmental Biology. Throughout her tenure at NSF, she has overseen research portfolios exceeding $100 million annually, guided national research priorities, and led initiatives that strengthen research capacity, support faculty development, and advance safe and inclusive research environments.Prior to joining NSF, Dr. Rissler served on the faculty of the University of Alabama, where she rose to the rank of Professor of Biological Sciences. An integrative biologist whose research spans ecology, evolution, conservation biology, and biodiversity science, she founded interdisciplinary academic programs, mentored students and faculty across career stages, and led efforts to strengthen public engagement with science.Dr. Rissler brings extensive experience at the intersection of scientific research, higher education leadership, and federal research policy. Her work has focused on helping institutions build research capacity, foster interdisciplinary collaboration, and position themselves for success within an evolving national research landscape. She is widely recognized for her leadership in supporting faculty research, broadening participation in STEM, and advancing excellence in science.An elected Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, Dr. Rissler has received numerous honors recognizing her contributions to scientific leadership, public engagement, and inclusive excellence. She holds a bachelor's degree from Indiana State University, a master's degree from Utah State University, and a doctorate from the University of Virginia. She completed postdoctoral training at the University of California, Berkeley.Of her appointment, Dr. Rissler shared:“I am honored to join the University of Montana and serve as the founding Dean of the College of Science. Science is one of humanity’s great endeavors because it invites us to approach the mysteries that surround us with curiosity, humility, and rigor. Few places invite scientific inquiry as naturally as Montana. Its extraordinary landscapes, waters, and communities provide a living laboratory for scientific discovery.What excites me most is the opportunity to work alongside the many people who are invested in the future of the university because we have a rare opportunity to build a distinctive and nationally visible College of Science. Science is inherently collaborative, and the most important questions we face increasingly require us to build bridges among fields, perspectives, and people. I look forward to building on UM’s remarkable strengths to create new opportunities for discovery, student success, and public impact.”
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Dr. Michael Lynn has been appointed as the Dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences. He will assume this role on July 15, 2026.
Dr. Lynn joins the University of Montana from Purdue University Northwest, where he has served in a variety of academic leadership roles, including Associate Dean, Interim Dean, Interim Associate Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, department chair, and assistant dean. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a collaborative leadership style grounded in faculty engagement, student success, strategic planning, and academic excellence.
As a senior academic leader, Dr. Lynn has overseen budgets, academic programs, enrollment initiatives, faculty hiring, and student success efforts across the humanities, social sciences, education, and counseling disciplines. He brings extensive experience leading through institutional change while supporting faculty, staff, and students.
A Professor of History, Dr. Lynn is an accomplished scholar whose research focuses on eighteenth-century French history and the history of science. He has authored and edited multiple books, published extensively in leading scholarly journals, and remains actively engaged in national professional organizations. He currently serves as Treasurer of the American Society for Eighteenth-Century Studies.
Throughout his career, Dr. Lynn has combined scholarly achievement with a deep commitment to advocating for the humanities and social sciences and their vital role in preparing students for meaningful careers, engaged citizenship, and lifelong learning.
Of his appointment, Dr. Lynn shared:
“I am honored to join the new College of Humanities and Social Sciences. I am keenly interested in advocating for the humanities and social sciences at the University of Montana, in the region, and nationally. I am especially looking forward to working with faculty, staff, and students to craft a vision and plan for CHSS moving forward, a plan that highlights our considerable strengths, maintains our centrality in the education of all students at the University, and emphasizes our continued importance in preparing all students for employment and for life.”
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!
Griz Gratitude
Caitlin Mondloch, UM Housing
Some people leave an impression through the work they accomplish. Others leave one through the way they make people feel. Caitlin Mondloch has done both within UM Housing.
Over a decade of service, from supporting residential communities as a Hall Administrator to leading the department as a Program Coordinator, Caitlin has been a steady, joyful, and unmistakable presence within UM Housing. She has helped shape countless student experiences, supported colleagues through challenges and celebrations alike, and contributed to a culture where people feel welcomed, valued, and connected. Her work has never simply been about programs or processes—it has been about creating moments that build community and memories that last well beyond a student's time on campus.
If you've ever worked with Caitlin, you know that one of her greatest gifts is her humor. She has an uncanny ability to lighten the mood, bring laughter into even the busiest days, and remind those around her not to take themselves too seriously. That positivity is contagious, and it has made UM Housing a better place to work for everyone fortunate enough to know her.
Behind the mischievous grin is an extraordinary professional whose quality of work, dedication, and genuine care for others have quietly shaped our department for years. Her impact can be seen not only in successful programs and engaged communities, but in the relationships she has built, the staff she has supported, and the students whose college experience was better because she was part of it. Thank you for over a decade of phenomenal work! — Jace Whitaker
UM Community
Thank you to the UM community for showing up in such a big way for Campus Thrift 2026. We had incredible support from 65 volunteers, many of whom covered multiple shifts across collection, setup, and the sale. Over four days, volunteers collected donations as students wrapped up finals and moved out of the residence halls, then helped transform Schreiber Gym into a one-day UM Thrift Store.
By 9:00 a.m. on sale day, more than 100 people were already in line. By the end of the day, we welcomed over 700 patrons and raised nearly $8,000 to support sustainability programs at UM. We redirected 433.5 pounds of food to our campus food pantry and supported seven community organizations with item pickups.
In total, volunteers collected roughly 2,300 pounds of clothing along with dozens of mini fridges, microwaves, small electronics, rugs, fans, sporting goods, costumes, and more. That’s a significant amount of material kept out of the landfill and put back into the hands of our campus and community.
Our Sustainability Office is deeply grateful for everyone who contributed their time and energy. This event simply doesn’t happen without you. — Derek Kanwischer