President

The Board of Regents for the Montana University System and Montana Commissioner of Higher Education Clayton Christian invite nominations and applications for an innovative, inspirational, and visionary leader to serve as the next President of the University of Montana.

Founded in 1893 and located in Missoula, the University of Montana (UM) is a public flagship top-tier research university with a strong liberal arts foundation and a commitment to professional preparation, graduate education, research, and creative scholarship. UM serves more than 11,000 students in traditional baccalaureate, graduate certificate, master’s, and doctoral degree programs, as well as more than 10,000 additional learners through noncredit courses and workforce-focused trainings developed in partnership with employers and communities across Montana.

The President of UM serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the university and provides strategic, values-driven leadership to advance impact, access, and inclusive prosperity. Reporting directly to the Commissioner of Higher Education, the CEO of the Montana University System, the President leads in a shared governance environment and works closely with the Board of Regents, faculty, staff, students, alumni, and partners across the state and beyond.

The President will provide the university with visionary leadership, stewarding UM’s positive momentum at a pivotal moment for the institution. UM enjoys demonstrated maturity, operational stability, and an annual strategic operating rhythm. The campus community has strengthened enrollment and retention, achieved and reaffirmed both its Carnegie R1 status and its Carnegie Community Engagement status, earned recognition as the #1 Military Friendly University in the nation, expanded workforce-aligned and lifelong learning opportunities, and clarified a mission centered on inclusive prosperity.

The next President will build on this momentum, guide the university through continued change in higher education, and ensure UM remains accessible, excellent, and deeply connected to the people and communities it serves.

Additional information about the search and the university may be found on the University of Montana website at https://www.umt.edu/president/president-search/.

Nominations and Applications

This is an expedited search. For best consideration, applicants should submit the required materials below as soon as possible:

• A letter of interest addressing the desired attributes and qualifications described in the position description on the UM Presidential Search webpage at: https://www.umt.edu/president/president-search/position-description.php;
• A current résumé or curriculum vitae; and
• A list of five professional references with each person’s position, email address, and telephone number(s). References will not be contacted without prior authorization from the candidate.

Application materials should be submitted in PDF format through the AGB Search portal using this link: University of Montana - President.

Applications will remain confidential until the finalist is announced.

Please direct any nominations, expressions of interest, or questions regarding the application process to UMontanaPres@agbsearch.com or to the AGB Search team:

Roderick J. McDavis
Managing Principal and CEO
rod.mcdavis@agbsearch.com
(804) 514-1982

James H. McCormick
Senior Executive Search Consultant
jim.mccormick@agbsearch.com
(651) 238-5188

Janice S. Fitzgerald
Senior Executive Search Consultant
janice.fitzgerald@agbsearch.com
(717) 580-0663

University of Montana (UM) is an equal opportunity employer. UM does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of protected class status as described in UM's non-discrimination policy and any applicable law.

Reasonable accommodations are provided in the hiring process for persons with disabilities. For example, this material is available in alternative format upon request.

Qualified candidates may request veterans’ or disabilities preference in accordance with state law.