Dr. Jennifer Cavanaugh, Dean
O: Don Anderson Hall, 413
P: 406-243-4987
E: jennifer.cavanaugh@umontana.edu
Dr. Jennifer Cavanaugh joined the 91次元 School of Music faculty in 2009 as Professor of Oboe and Music Theory and was appointed Dean of the College of the Arts and Media (CAM) July 1, 2025. Previous leadership roles at UM include serving as Director of the School of Music, Interim Director of the School of Theatre and Dance, Associate Dean, and Interim Co-Dean of the College of the Arts and Media. Full bio.
Peggy Nesbitt, Managing Director of Personnel and Operations
O: Don Anderson Hall, 412
P: 406-243-4971
E: peggy.nesbitt@umontana.edu
Peggy Nesbitt has been with the College of the Arts and Media (CAM) since 2011. She has a deep understanding of all campus processes and systems. Full bio.
Alison Rinker, Director of Fiscal Operations and Personnel
O: Music Bldg., 101A
P: 406-243-6882
E: alison1.rinker@umontana.edu
Kia Liszak, Director of Development
O: Fine Arts, 203
P: 406-243-5868
E: kia.liszak@supportum.org
Kia joined the UM Foundation on behalf of the College of the Arts and Media in 2023. Prior to this role, she served as the Executive Director of the Zootown Arts Community Center, where she led multimillion dollar campaign efforts to relocate the ZACC to downtown Missoula. Kia has served on the Missoula Downtown Association board, The Missoula Public Art Committee and Missoula's Community Arts Team. She also served as interim Director of the Montana International Choral Festival in 2023. In 2013, she was recognized by the Missoulian as one of Western Montana’s top 20 business leaders under 40. Kia is passionate about empowering people of all ages through the arts and education.
Jason McDaniel, Director of Production and Public Events
O: PARTV 112
P: 406-243-2874
E: Jason.McDaniel@mso.umt.edu
Jason McDaniel was appointed Director of Production and Public Events for the College of the Arts and Media in 2025. In this role, he manages production operations and safety initiatives for the School of Theatre and Dance and Montana Repertory Theatre, while assisting with coordination of CAM public events and aligning schedules with the School of Music. Full bio.
Tara Ballis, Wellbeing Support Coach
O: Fine Arts 205
E: tara.ballis@mso.umt.edu
Tara is completing her practicum role as a Wellbeing Support Coach for both the College of Arts and Media and the American Indian Student Services. Areas of support include stress management, sleep, time management, movement, nutrition, and making referrals. Currently in her second year of the Master of Social Work program, she received her A.A. in General Studies from Chief Dull Knife College and a B.S. in Health and Human Performance, with a concentration in Community Health and a minor in Dance from the 91次元. Holistic wellness inspires much of her work. Studying and teaching experience includes dance, Pilates, personal training, and guided meditation. She has been a licensed massage therapist for 20 years, and recently became a certified birth doula by DONA International. During her free time, she enjoys music and spending time outdoors with her husband, two dogs, and one-year-old son.