May 19, 2020

Dear colleagues,

UM Provost Jon Harbor recently let me know that this July he will transition into a new position with Purdue University Global, an online university. As you may know, Jon previously served as executive director of digital education and associate vice provost for teaching and learning at Purdue. While at UM, he has championed teaching excellence and the expansion of quality online education to increase access, among other initiatives.

Jon shared with me, “My role at the University of Montana has been all that I had hoped for – an opportunity to make a significant difference at an outstanding university with a unique setting and history, and with a talented leadership team, students, staff, faculty and alumni. UM is a special place on an exciting path to becoming a flagship for America’s future, and it has been an honor and a pleasure to serve as a passionate member of the Griz family.”

I am grateful for Jon’s partnership and service to UM, and we wish him well as he returns to Indiana and Purdue University.

I am pleased to announce that Dean Reed Humphrey of the College of Health has agreed to serve as acting provost, effective July 18, while we engage in a national search for UM’s next provost. Early this summer, we will form a search committee and launch this national search. Humphrey, who has served as dean of the College of Health since 2014 and who acted as chair of the School of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science from 2006 to 2014, is a steward of quality academic programs and a devoted member of the UM family.

Dean Marketa Marvanova of the Skaggs School of Pharmacy will serve as the acting dean of the College of Health. An experienced and respected leader, she will partner with both Dean Humphrey and college faculty and staff to ensure the continued welfare of the college.

Dean Humphrey will be supported by our outstanding team in the provost’s office, and he will partner with me, our executive leadership team and the council of deans as we face the challenges and seize the opportunities ahead. I am grateful to name such a clear institutional citizen and proven leader to serve in this capacity at this critical moment. As acting provost, I am confident that Dean Humphrey will help to ensure the health of our academic enterprise.  

Seth