Griz Gratitude
Thank you to Norman in IT! There have been many technology changes on campus, and Norman is calm, reassuring, and can easily guide people to solution in just a few minutes. Thank you so much!
- Jennifer Schoffer Closson, Professor, Speech Language, Hearing, and Occupational Science
Read more Griz Gratitude in the archive.
Comings and Goings
New hires, retirements, departures, and other transitions for members of the campus community.

Julie Baldwin Accepts Dean Role at Central Washington University
Dr. Julie Baldwin, Interim Dean of the College of Humanities and Sciences, will conclude her service at the 91次元 on June 2 to assume the role of Dean of the College of the Sciences at Central Washington University.
Dr. Baldwin has been a member of the UM community since 2005, beginning as an assistant professor in the Department of Geosciences. Over the past two decades, she has held a range of academic and administrative leadership roles, including associate dean and interim dean of the College of Humanities and Sciences.
As interim dean, she has overseen strategic enrollment planning, budget management, and the advancement of student success initiatives. Her leadership helped launch a centralized academic advising center, a new B.A. in Multidisciplinary Studies, and a Career Planning Center supporting liberal arts majors. She also co-led a $2.5 million HHMI Driving Change grant to improve outcomes for Indigenous students in STEM and promote inclusive teaching practices.
Dr. Baldwin is also a nationally recognized geoscientist with expertise in tectonics, petrology, and geochronology. She has received multiple honors, including selection as a Mineralogical Society of America Distinguished Lecturer and the Helen and Winston Cox Educational Excellence Award.
At CWU, she will lead a college comprising 13 departments and nine interdisciplinary programs, serving over 2,300 students and 200 faculty and staff.
The 91次元 thanks Dr. Baldwin for her service and contributions to our academic community and wishes her continued success in this new role.

Stephanie Laut joins the School of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science
Dr. Laut is UMPT's newest Physical Therapist and On-Site Clinical Preceptor. She earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy from the Mayo School of Health Sciences and her B.S. in Psychology from Michigan State University.
Dr. Laut brings a unique blend of clinical expertise in neurologic physical therapy and a deep passion for mentoring the next generation of PTs. She looks forward to thriving in an environment of collaboration and continuous learning, working alongside students and colleagues to deliver the best care and education possible.

Dahn Ebert awarded Montana ASPIRE TRIO Student Achiever Award
The TRIO Student Achiever Award recognizes a TRIO program alumn in the ASPIRE region who graduated from a post-secondary program of study, received recognition for outstanding academic achievement, has made significant civic, community, or professional contributions. Additionally, the TRIO program in which the alumn participated must have had significant impact on them in obtaining their educational and professional objectives. This award recognizes the significant impact(s) of TRIO Student Support Services programs and their alumni.
Dahn began her undergraduate studies at UM in 2014 and graduated with a BA in Anthropology in 2018. During her time as a student at UM, she was actively involved in TRIO Student Support Services programming and played a key role in revitalizing the program’s student group, which led to increased opportunities for meaningful peer-to-peer support and social connections.
Since 2019, Dahn has been a valued member of the Office of Disability Equity (ODE) team. As the Testing Coordinator, she manages the ODE Testing Center and supervises student employees. In a typical autumn or spring semester, she and her team administer over 1,000 accommodated tests. Dahn is known for her thoughtfulness, proactivity, and patience, providing intentional collegiality and inclusive support to students in the Testing Center. Her contributions are invaluable, and we are thrilled to recognize her impactful journey at UM as we celebrate this recognition.
Might of Montana Award Recipients
We are proud of our Might of Montana Award recipients, recognized for their outstanding service to the campus community!
Patricia Duce, Ciarra McCormick, Maryann Dunbar and Joshua Tucker are among UM employees going above and beyond to serve students and colleagues every day.
Click on their images to learn more about colleagues serving across campus in Computer Science, UM Housing, at Missoula College, and the IT Help Desk.
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Patricia Duce, Lecturer, Computer Science
The students inspire me! I care about helping students succeed, and that drives me to give my best. Computer Science is a challenging major. Every student comes into the program with a different background and level of experience. I am always trying to think of new ways to help students learn the material and make sure they are ready for the next class. Watching a student’s growth over time in their computer science skills and confidence is the most fulfilling part of my work. -
Ciarra McCormick, Assistant Director of Residential Support and Community Responsibility, UM Housing
"My favorite part about working at UM is building rapport with students and helping them navigate the challenges that come with attending college. I also love working with the UM Housing Community Directors and Area Coordinators and being part of their career journeys. It is very meaningful work to be able to support students and staff as they build their confidence, skill sets, and work toward their future goals." -
Maryann Dunbar, Academic Advisor, Missoula College
"My favorite UM tradition is Montana Grizzly Football... People travel all over the country each weekend for Griz football and I continue to be amazed by the loyalty of the Montana Griz family and fans." -
Joshua Tucker, Client Experience Manager, UM IT
"My favorite part about working at UM is seeing students develop career skills and becoming well rounded and informed citizens."

Patricia Duce, Lecturer, Computer Science

Ciarra McCormick, Assistant Director of Residential Support and Community Responsibility, UM Housing

Maryann Dunbar, Academic Advisor, Missoula College
