Update from Commissioner Christian
With the announcement that President Bodnar is stepping down, I want to both express my appreciation for his leadership and share information regarding an executive leadership transition.
I have tremendous confidence in UM and its current leadership team and the momentum of the university. This is a university that is not only growing but also charting a strong strategic course for success. In order to sustain that momentum and to avoid disruption, it is our intention to build a process that will enable the Board to name a replacement as soon as possible. I will secure the assistance of a search firm to quickly identify a pool of highly qualified candidates, and the Board will hire a permanent replacement.
During this process, I will step in and work closely with the current executive leadership team to support continued operations and a seamless leadership change. As part of this transition, I am meeting with the University Leadership Council, the executive leadership of Staff Senate, and the executive leadership of Faculty Senate. I look forward to meeting with student leadership in the near future.
Thank you for your steadfast service to UM and our students during this transition. I am confident we can make this transition quickly, smoothly, and without risking the important progress that has been made in recent years.
Clayton Christian
Montana Commissioner of Higher Education