Might of Montana Award

About UM's Might of Montana Award

Established in 2024, the Might of Montana Award recognizes UM employees for their outstanding service to our campus community. Nominations are accepted on a rolling basis. Recipients will be announced once a month. See below for more details.

Nominate someone today!

Click the button below to submit a nomination for the Might of Montana Award. Please address the award criteria (above) in your nomination.

Award Recipients

August 2026 Award Recipients

Jessica Robbins, Associate Dean of Students for Outreach and Care, Student Affairs & Enrollment Management

Excerpt from Jessica's nomination

“Jess invests not only her time, but her empathy and compassion into her work with outreach and care for students in need. Jess constantly displays attention to detail in her support of students, which is imperative to student success on the UM campus. Additionally, Jess is a positive, supportive and caring peer and colleague, always looking out for her fellow team and providing kindness and light to those around her. She is truly an exceptional employee and person, and should be recognized for her intentionality, compassion and value she brings to UM."

What’s your favorite part about working at UM?

My favorite part about working at UM is the opportunity to connect with students. I’ve found that most students are aware of the resources available to them on campus. More often, they are looking for empathy, connection, and someone who will listen without judgment.

One of the most rewarding parts of my work is when students return to share their successes, whether it’s earning a great grade in a course they struggled with, receiving a scholarship or reaching another personal milestone. While many of the students I initially meet with are navigating difficult circumstances, I feel honored when they trust me enough to come back and share their achievements. Those moments give me hope and serve as a powerful reminder of why this work matters.

I’m also fortunate to work alongside incredible colleagues across Student Affairs and Enrollment Management, the Dean of Students Office and the CARES Team. The work can be challenging, but my coworkers provide unwavering support, perspective and moments of levity that make even the toughest days meaningful.

Who inspires you to do your best at work?

As odd as it may sound, my own two kids inspire me to do my best work. I often find myself thinking about how I would want someone to support them if they were facing a challenge. That perspective serves as a guide in my work with students.

I hope my children would be met with kindness, compassion, and respect, while also being encouraged to develop confidence, resilience and the skills to advocate for themselves.

What’s your favorite UM tradition?

My favorite UM tradition is the Freshman Float! I love seeing students around campus carrying their inner tubes and getting excited for the experience. It’s such a unique tradition that celebrates both the spirit of UM and the incredible place we get to call home.

Every year, I eagerly wait for the Freshman Float photos to appear on Instagram at the end of Orientation Week. One of these years, I’m determined to sneak into the background of a picture!

What's your favorite spot on campus?

About 11 years ago, when my spouse was interviewing for a position at UM, our family traveled across the country to determine whether Missoula would be a good fit for us. During that visit, I carried our youngest child up the M Trail in a hiking backpack while our four-year-old proudly made the climb on his own, which felt like a major accomplishment at the time.

When we reached the top, we took a moment to reflect on the opportunity and decided to take the leap. Moving to Missoula turned out to be one of the best decisions our family has ever made. The M will always hold a special place in my heart because it marks the moment we chose the community that would become our home. I am deeply grateful to UM for bringing us here.

Nicholas Ververis, Director of Administrative Fiscal Affairs, Operations and Finance

Excerpt from Nick's nomination

“Nick is extremely hardworking, incredibly consistent and swift with responses. He is the epitome of someone who deserves to be recognized for their contributions to UM. He works closely with our department to help with budgeting and has been a mentor to myself and others on budget-related administrative work. All the while, Nick is personable, friendly, funny and professional, which makes it easy to do my job and help our department with ease."

What’s your favorite part about working at UM?

My favorite part about working for UM is the mission. I've always been a true believer of education and love being a steward of a place dedicated to that makes my heart happy every time I get to say "I work at UM."

Who inspires you to do your best at work?

My supervisor, Stacey Eve, and my coworkers, Cindy Johnson and Lindsey Veno, make it a fun place to be and continually inspire me to be curious. The other people I work with across campus also inspire me. I love working with some of the most visionary people on campus, as it makes every day interesting. I get to work with amazing people across the administrative sectors continually pushing UM into the future.

What’s your favorite UM tradition?

Grizzly football, especially the Griz-Cat game, has been one of my favorites since I was a kid going to games with my grandpa, Clark, and grandma, Shirley, who were both avid fans and supporters.

What's your favorite spot on campus?

I love Main Hall. I get to work there every day and it is such a symbol to me - a building that was here since the beginning standing amongst change all around campus.

July 2026 Award Recipients

Charity Atteberry, Director, Office for Disability Equity

Excerpt from Charity's nomination

“Charity is an exceptional model of grace, hard work and compassion. She creates a positive, welcoming and inclusive environment for not only the students she serves, but the faculty and staff she works with and supervises. Charity consistently gives others the opportunity to be heard and supported. She inspires creativity in her staff and welcomes input and collaboration that helps to improve workflows and communication in the ODE processes and protocols. She is a valuable asset to the University of Montana, and an exceptional example of what it means to be a leader."

What’s your favorite part about working at UM?

I value the people at UM who support students with genuine generosity, beyond what policy alone can ensure. This work sits at the intersection of access and belonging, which I care about deeply. I am fortunate to work with colleagues who treat this mission as essential, not just a requirement. Doing this work well requires both rigor and humanity, and UM is full of people who embody both. I do not take that for granted.

Who inspires you to do your best at work?

The Office for Disability Equity team inspires me daily. They advise, educate, advocate, interpret, troubleshoot and support others, often all in a single afternoon. I see them quietly solve problems that may go unnoticed. Their creativity and care in often unseen work motivate everyone around them, including me. Ultimately, our students are at the center of everything we do. Watching them grow, advocate for themselves and find their place reminds me each day why this work is important.

What’s your favorite UM tradition?

Commencement is my favorite tradition because it reflects UM’s values of celebration, significance and community. I appreciate reconnecting with former students and meeting the families and supporters who contributed to their success. David Foster Wallace, in his "This Is Water" speech, describes fish not noticing the water they swim in until it is pointed out. Commencement is when I see our graduates step out of that water, fully aware of their growth — confident, self-assured and able to recognize what they have learned and who they have become. It is also a time for us to reflect on our own growth and look ahead, both with the graduates and for ourselves. It feels like the perfect conclusion to this leg of a student's journey.

What's your favorite spot on campus?

There's no shortage of beautiful spots on campus to engage, to rejuvenate and to catch your breath between meetings, classes and appointments. But I have to admit that I love my little wedge of campus carved out at the corner of Aber Hall — my office on the first floor. It's a maximalist's dream and a minimalist's nightmare, and it's a space I offer as safe for anyone who enters, including me. I don't leave my authentic self at the threshold, and I don't expect anyone else to either. People get to be real and be human. Hopefully they carry that humanity with them as they leave Aber Hall. That's what motivates me to do this work, and it's why my door is always open.

Colton Buford, Assistant Director, UM Catering and Sustainability

Excerpt from Colton's nomination

“Colton makes sure to take time out of his day to meet with students. He offers advice and guidance to his students and makes sure to put them first. He is always in the back getting his students pumped up for their shifts and checking in with how they are doing. He has a positive attitude always and brings that to all areas he works in. He goes above and beyond for his students and his staff. He has turned catering into a great place to work for not only students but his staff."

What’s your favorite part about working at UM?

I like working at UM for the exciting energy of being on a college campus everyday.

Who inspires you to do your best at work?

My family and co-workers inspire me to be my best.

What’s your favorite UM tradition?

Favorite UM tradition is WelcomeFeast.

What's your favorite spot on campus?

My favorite spot on campus is the M, or the Oval.

June 2026 Award Recipients

Karl Unterschuetz, Outreach & Engagement Manager, Accelerate Montana

Excerpt from Karl's nomination

“Karl exemplifies exceptional engagement among communities and individuals statewide. His work embodies UM’s mission of inclusive prosperity through expanding access to capital, strengthening entrepreneurial ecosystems and cultivating authentic partnerships with rural and Indigenous communities across Montana. Across his work, Karl demonstrates humility, respect for community voice and a sustained commitment to economic inclusion. His outreach efforts and relationships advanced UM’s mission and produced lasting, statewide impact and engagement. His support of his co-workers has been a gift in the last seven years of his UM career — we're truly lucky to have him." 

What’s your favorite part about working at UM?

The rich depth of research, ideas and the guiding mission to support the success of UM students and all Montanans.

Who inspires you to do your best at work?

Working with the great team who are dedicated to solving challenging issues for folks all across Montana.

What’s your favorite UM tradition?

I simply enjoy the beginning of the fall semester, with all the students arriving back on campus and the buzz of anticipation of new opportunities for so many.

What's your favorite spot on campus?

I love the gardens that are around the UC — the pollinator sections are my favorite. I love to slow my walk and see how many different insects are moving among the plants.

Dahn Ebert, Testing Coordinator, Office for Disability Equity

Excerpt from Dahn's nomination

“Dahn took the initiative to complete closed captioning for course videos — a technical, time-consuming task that fell outside her primary responsibilities. Moreover, she researched and found a new open-source platform for ODE to use to help streamline the captioning process. Without her specialized knowledge and technical skills, we would have struggled to meet our deadlines. More importantly, her dedication ensured that UM course materials were fully accessible, directly supporting our students' ability to learn and succeed." 

What’s your favorite part about working at UM?

My favorite part about working at UM is the opportunity to support students. As the Testing Coordinator at the Office for Disability Equity, I see students at some of the most stressful moments of their academic careers — exam time! I enjoy being able to provide a comfortable space for them, calm their nerves and support them as they move through each academic year. One of the most rewarding aspects of my role is watching students grow and progress through each year of their education. While it is bittersweet when a student tells me they are graduating or have just completed their final exam, I am always incredibly proud of their accomplishments. Knowing that I was able to play a small part in supporting their success is very meaningful to me. 

Who inspires you to do your best at work?

My colleagues in the ODE office inspire me to do my best work every day. Together, we have cultivated an understanding, positive and encouraging work environment unlike any I have experienced elsewhere. Their support, collaboration and commitment to one another create a workplace where people can thrive. The student employees at ODE also inspire me to be the best manager I can be. They motivate me to continually grow as a leader and to foster an environment where they feel supported, valued and empowered. I strive to be a trusted resource and a safe space for them, providing the same positive and encouraging workplace culture that my colleagues have created for me. Their growth, success and well-being are a constant source of motivation.

What’s your favorite UM tradition?

This may not be considered a UM tradition, but my favorite time is finals week. While it is often the busiest and most stressful time of the semester for me, as I coordinate hundreds of final exams, it is also one of the most rewarding. Helping to create a smooth testing week for students and faculty always feels like a great accomplishment. It also signifies that the calm after the storm is coming!

What's your favorite spot on campus?

I think my favorite spot is Aber hall — my office. I have filled it with things that bring joy and calmness. During spring, when the trees outside have those white blooms — that is my favorite time to take a walk around the building and clear my mind.

May 2026 Award Recipients

Greg Machek, Chair and Professor, Department of Psychology

Excerpt from Greg's nomination

“Dr. Machek continues to serve as Department Chair with unparalleled integrity and conscientiousness. Our department hosts the largest undergraduate major in CHSS, three separate doctoral programs and a specialist program in school psychology. Dr. Machek is consistently and immediately responsive to concerns raised by his faculty colleagues, department staff and countless students. In my twenty-one years with the University, I have never seen anyone dedicate so much of themself to others. He does so in a leadership role that does nothing to advance his own career or boost his image. He does it simply because he cares." 

What’s your favorite part about working at UM?

Seeing so many success stories. I get to witness the personal and professional growth of many of our students, both at the undergraduate and graduate levels. My favorite time of the year is at the end of the semester, when we can all start to catch a breath and reflect on the progress that has been made. To be able to share in the students’ growth and preparation in charting their future careers and life’s journeys is an incredibly satisfying experience. Catching up with students, years after they have graduated, and hearing about their accomplishments, both personal and professional, never ceases to instill me with pride in our department - and the University as a whole- for the work that we do.

Who inspires you to do your best at work?

In terms of day-to-day inspiration at work, it truly is a collective of people within the department and throughout the campus. We like to talk about the work of “departments” or “colleges,” but most faculty members run their own generative enterprise. It’s hard to not be inspired by the service, research, great teaching and creative work that is constantly going on around you by your colleagues. In addition to being inspired by productive and collegial faculty, I take inspiration in the hard work of just about every one else I get to interact with on a regular basis. Our whole University is held together by  so many dedicated and knowledgable employees, most of whom are incredibly cordial and productive problem-solvers; it inspires you to meet them at the same level. And, of course, our students, whose curiosity, drive and energy demands the best from you.

What’s your favorite UM tradition?

Tough question because it’s hard to pick just one. Hiking the M, seeing a pumpkin appear on the top of Main Hall, Homecoming parade... those are some of my “small" favorites. In terms of larger spectacles, any home Griz football game, not because I favor football over any of our other sports, but because it’s such an obvious, oversized example of what makes this place special. There is a great sense of community and camaraderie and it is the culmination of so much effort, preparation and talent by so many people (event coordinators, the players, the coaches, the band and music school, etc.)     

What's your favorite spot on campus?

Anywhere with a good view of Sentinel and the M. With the mountains and the Clark Fork partially framing this campus, our university setting is iconic.

Randi L. Edwards, Deputy Director of International Programs, Mansfield Center

Excerpt from Randi's nomination

“Randi Edwards exemplifies an extraordinary commitment to UM and the Mansfield Legacy, combining vision, excellence and a dedication to people. Drawing on her rural Montana roots, her education at UM and her work in Japan, she creates life-changing opportunities for Montana and global youth. Never afraid to learn new skills, she has grown into a leader capable of guiding successful 400-page, $10 million proposals that expand UM's impact around the world. Through it all, Randi holds herself to the highest standards, showcases the very best of UM and Montana, and serves as the colleague, mentor and leader anyone would be fortunate to have." 

What’s your favorite part about working at UM?

My favorite part about working at UM is having the opportunity to foster connections between Montana and the world. At the Mansfield Center, I support programs that open doors for students, especially those from rural and tribal communities, and help them see what’s possible in this ever-expanding global community. It’s amazing to work in a place that values global perspectives and is passionate about local impact.

Who inspires you to do your best at work?

My colleagues, students, and our program participants! I’m really lucky to be surrounded by colleagues who care deeply about this work and are always finding ways to create opportunities for others. The students and Mansfield Center program participants are a source of motivation as well. Seeing people step outside their comfort zones to engage across cultures and perspectives is what makes me show up each day. 

What’s your favorite UM tradition?

My favorite UM tradition is Move-In Day. There’s something special about watching campus come alive after the summer break! I always end up giving new students directions or chatting with families. Having been a student at UM, I still distinctly remember moving into the dorms all these years later and how kind the staff was. The small moments are what make students feel like they belong.

What's your favorite spot on campus?

The library! It's where my office is located and where I spent many hours studying as a student. 

Find other Might of Montana Award Recipient features in the archive.