University of Montana President Seth Bodnar Resigns After Eight Years

Overview

• The leadership transition begins immediately after Bodnar informed the commissioner and Board before addressing campus.
• Commissioner Clayton Christian called the move a surprise and said the process to hire a permanent leader will be expedited.
• The change has systemwide implications because the UM president also oversees Montana Tech and UM Western.
• During his tenure, UM reversed an enrollment slide, set retention and graduation highs, expanded access for underrepresented students, grew research to R1 status, and led record fundraising and campus renewal.
• Bodnar described the decision as a move to pursue new public service, while the Board praised his performance and noted strong applications for the coming fall.