August 4, 2021

Dear Campus Community,

I am pleased to share that with the start of the fall semester, we will begin a national search for the University of Montana’s next provost and executive vice president. As our chief academic officer, this leader will ensure we maintain a robust academic portfolio and will adapt that portfolio in ways that draw upon UM’s strengths while responding to students’ and society’s needs. This person will become a vital, trusted partner to me, a thoughtful collaborator to all of you and strong visionary for UM’s continued impact.

Dean Townsend has graciously accepted the invitation to chair this important search, and I am grateful to the search committee members who will devote time to curating an exceptional set of finalists. This group of faculty, staff, students and administrators care deeply about UM’s future, evidenced by their persistent and demonstrated efforts to prioritize what is best for the institution and those we serve. I have every confidence in this group of UM citizens.

The search committee will be assisted by AGB Search, a consulting firm with whom the Montana University System frequently works and whose consultants have come to understand well UM’s context and aspirations. Our AGB colleagues will aggressively help us reach and vet a broad network of talented candidates. Meanwhile, Maggie Angle and Jessica Shontz in the Office of the President will provide search committee support, and Marcie Briggs, Recruitment Manager in Human Resource Services, will provide guidance as we move through the process.

We will officially launch the search at the beginning of September, aiming to bring finalists to campus at the end of November and into the first week of December. The new provost will start no later than July 1, 2022. The institutional profile and job advertisement, a general search timeline, details about listening sessions and other information will be provided on the search website, which will be updated as the process progresses.

The search committee is in the process of scheduling listening sessions to gather input on the type of candidate who would serve UM well. These sessions will be facilitated virtually to allow for maximum participation.

Finally, I want to express my appreciation for Acting Provost Humphrey. He will continue to serve as our academic leader and my partner as we move through some very important decisions and planning efforts this fall and into the coming calendar year. Provost Humphrey has agreed to serve through the academic year during which time he will carry the full authority of the provost. 

Please join me in thanking Dean Townsend and the search committee members. I invite you to support our collective effort to bring to UM a leader who recognizes our unique strengths, our special place in Montana, our incredible talent and our great potential. 

Sincerely,

Seth