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Under the M

Comings and Goings

New hires, retirements, departures, and other transitions for members of the campus community. Looking for a recent announcement? Find it in the Comings and Goings archive.

Dr. Libby Metcalf to Serve as Dean of W.A. Franke College

Libby Metcalf Headshot

Dr. Libby Metcalf to Serve as Dean of W.A. Franke College

The Office of the Provost is pleased to announce that Dr. Libby Metcalf has been selected to serve as Dean of the W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation, effective January 19, 2026. She is also named Director of the Montana Forest and Conservation Experiment Station and Franke Professor of Forestry and Conservation. 
 
Dr. Metcalf is currently serving as Interim Dean of the W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation. Prior to assuming this role, she served as the College’s Senior Associate Dean and is the Joel Meier Distinguished Professor of Wildland Management. Since joining the 91次元 in 2010, she has become a highly respected leader and scholar in the field of human dimensions of natural resource management. Her research focuses on complex social-ecological systems, recreation and wildlife management, and community resilience.
 
Her scholarship focuses on understanding people and their perspectives on recreation, wildlife, and natural resources in Montana. She currently co-leads Montana’s NSF EPSCoR Smart Fires project, which is working to expand the effective and responsible use of prescribed fire across the state. 
Throughout her time at UM, Dr. Metcalf has demonstrated a deep commitment to undergraduate education and student success. She has spearheaded curricular renewal, expanded field-based learning opportunities, and helped launch a federal internship pipeline for Franke College students. With extensive experience in academic leadership and a deep understanding of the College’s programs, faculty, and priorities, Dr. Metcalf brings both continuity and vision to this role. 
 
Dr. Metcalf shared,
 
“I am inspired by the faculty, staff, and students of this college; their passion, creativity, and shared commitment to the 91次元’s mission are truly exceptional. Together, they are shaping the future of environment and conservation. I am excited to work alongside this community to build on its strengths and expand the college’s impact in meaningful and lasting ways.” 
 
Please join us in congratulating Dr. Metcalf on her selection as Dean of the W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation and in welcoming her continued leadership in support of the 91次元’s mission. 

Griz Gratitude

Chelsea Chirinos - Director of Payroll Operations and Financial Compliance

Thank you, Chelsea, for being so responsive to, and patient with, all of our questions as we transition over to the WTE payroll system. You have been amazing, so please know how much we appreciate all you do. — Lauren Fern

Peter Boehm - Facilities

Thank you, Peter, for being so dedicated to finding a resolution and so kind while working around us. Your positive outlook on helping the UM community and creating realistic solutions is much appreciated. We are lucky to work alongside you! Happy 2-years! — Office of Educational Initiatives and Innovation

Samuel Schulz - Hospitality Manager

We reached out to Sam to reserve a conference room for a day-long meeting. Sam went above and beyond to ensure we had all we needed, that the technology was functioning appropriately and that we had proper permissions. Sam was responsive, kind and approachable. Thanks, Sam! — Anna Kiley

 

Read more Griz Gratitude in the archive.