91´ÎÔª

College of Business

College of Health

Humanities and Social Sciences

W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation

With over 44 years of experience working at 91´ÎÔª, Terri has proven to be an invaluable employee since joining the Mansfield Center team in 2022. Her vast knowledge and expertise have had a profound impact on improving complex systems and processes, and enabling our team to function more efficiently and effectively. Terri approaches every challenge with professionalism, attention to detail, and a steadfast commitment to excellence. Despite the stressful and fast-paced nature of our work, she consistently maintains a kind demeanor that encourages collaboration and fosters a positive work environment. Her ability to mentor and guide colleagues, sharing both wisdom and support, has made her an exemplary leader and a trusted colleague.

Her contributions go beyond simply completing tasks—Terri helps shape the culture of the Mansfield Center by embodying the values we strive to uphold. Her leadership and unwavering dedication are a true inspiration to all of us at the Mansfield Center.

The campus community is welcome to join us in honoring Terri at her retirement reception on Thursday, September 4, 2025 in the Mansfield Center Lobby (MLIB 450) from 3:30 to 5:00pm.

Dr. Christina Yoshimura has been appointed Interim Dean of the college that includes the Humanities and Social Sciences. A respected scholar, teacher, and campus leader, Dr. Yoshimura brings more than two decades of experience in higher education to this role at a time of transformation and opportunity for the College.

Dr. Yoshimura is a Professor of Communication Studies (Ph.D., 2004) and Director of Graduate Studies in the Communication Studies department. She recently completed a term as Chair of the UM Faculty Senate, where she helped guide campuswide conversations around academic priorities and shared governance. With an additional role as a licensed clinical professional counselor, she brings a unique interdisciplinary lens to her work that integrates scholarship, teaching, and practice.

Her research focuses on how family systems navigate life’s challenging experiences, including bereavement, interpersonal violence, and mental health diagnoses. Her recent publications examine cross-cultural exchange, father-child socialization, and work-family tensions. She recently completed a several-year leadership role in her discipline’s academic association, culminating in conference planning and the presidency, and she serves on the editorial boards of three major academic journals.

A recipient of both UM’s Distinguished Teaching Award and Most Inspirational Teacher of the Year Award, Dr. Yoshimura is widely known for her student-centered approach to teaching. Her courses explore conflict management, interpersonal neurobiology, and relational communication. She has also developed innovative new classes that investigate how communication unfolds through shared meals and family rituals 

In her statement of intent, Dr. Yoshimura writes:
“I am honored to bring my experience and respect for both the social scientific and humanistic intellectual traditions to this year’s collaboration in building a new college. I look forward to working with faculty, students, and staff to develop a strong college identity, one we can communicate proudly within and beyond the university.”

Dr. Bruce Bowler has been appointed Interim Dean of the new College of Science. A seasoned academic leader, accomplished scientist, and long-serving faculty member at the 91´ÎÔª, Dr. Bowler brings deep experience in both research infrastructure and student-centered academic development.

Dr. Bowler joined UM in 2006 and currently serves as Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry. He also leads the Center for Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics (CBSD), an NIH-funded research center that supports core instrumentation and faculty research across several departments and colleges. Under his leadership, the CBSD has become a cornerstone of research support on campus, helping to grow grant submissions, secure new equipment, and expand collaborative opportunities in the sciences.

A protein chemist by training, Dr. Bowler’s research focuses on the physical forces that stabilize protein structures and guide folding mechanisms. He has authored more than 100 peer-reviewed publications and has served as principal investigator or co-investigator on grants totaling nearly $16 million since arriving at UM.

Beyond his research contributions, Dr. Bowler has played a leading role in science curriculum development. He spearheaded the creation of UM’s interdepartmental Biochemistry Program in 2009, which launched the state’s first Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry as well as graduate programs in Biochemistry and Biophysics. As director of the program for ten years, he helped expand and refine degree offerings, including a pre-med track that has prepared many students for successful careers in health and medicine.

In addition to mentoring undergraduate researchers and pre-med students, Dr. Bowler has taught a wide range of courses in biochemistry, inorganic chemistry, and structural biology. He has also helped shape institutional research strategy through service on university-wide committees including the University Research and Creativity Committee and the Montana INBRE Executive Committee.

Looking ahead, Dr. Bowler writes:
“I am excited to help establish the new College of Science. In particular, I’m eager to promote our strong academic and research programs in the sciences and to increase awareness of our excellence both within Montana and beyond. My goal is to help drive increased enrollment and opportunity for students across all science disciplines.”