Montana Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education

The meeting commenced with roll call and acknowledgments for the travel and preparation efforts of board members, campus leadership, and staff. A significant portion of the opening included discussion on staff feedback gathered during a preceding breakfast meeting, focusing on job satisfaction, capacity issues in low unemployment, and a commitment to institutionalizing feedback surveys, professional development, clear advancement pathways, and fostering a non-hostile workplace. The board expressed appreciation for the host campus, the University of Montana, highlighting its role as a driver of vibrant impact locally and globally, and recognized outstanding student achievements through the introduction of two Presidential Honors Scholars. The agenda for the meeting covers numerous items, including meetings with legislative partners, an annual meeting with the Board of Public Education to highlight joint efforts, updates on strategic priorities like resident student access, direct admissions, and FAFSA completion. Committee discussions include labor agreements, facilities, revenue bonds, major maintenance, academic research, AI centers proposals, degree approvals, rural healthcare initiatives, and plans for two-year and community college items.

The meeting commenced with acknowledgments regarding recent commencements and congratulations for the success of Montana's two football teams reaching a semi-final game. Key agenda items included the approval of previous board meeting minutes. Action items focused on facility and operational changes within the Montana University System. This included authorization for significant renovations at Montana Tech, specifically $25.5 million for Main Hall renovations (following $4.5 million for planning) and $6.8 million for Engineering Hall renovations (following $1.2 million for planning). These two building projects will be connected by an elevator and connector. Planning and design authorization for housing improvements at MSU, amounting to $7 million for renovation, deferred maintenance, and new construction, was also addressed, which is preliminary to a larger estimated $70 million construction/financing request later in the year. Finally, the board considered and recommended transitioning from the self-funded workers' compensation plan to a fully insured product with Montana State Fund, based on a consultant's recommendation to eliminate risk and access additional services, while maintaining a workers' compensation committee to oversee future policy renewals.

The meeting included welcoming remarks and acknowledgments, notably thanking Commissioner Christian for his decade of service and noting his record as the longest-serving commissioner of higher education in Montana history. Key agenda items involved a campus update from the MSU President focusing on significant enrollment growth, success with the Freshman 15 program leading to improved graduation rates, and recognition of outstanding student scholars (Goldwater, Euro Scholars, Gates Cambridge finalist, and Hillman Scholars). The Board also received updates on the Montana Post-Secondary Workforce Report, the Governor's executive budget proposal, and the Montana 10 initiative. Discussions covered MSU's research expenditures exceeding $200 million, national academy elections of four faculty members, progress on the Mark and Robin Jones College of Nursing, and the successful accreditation of the MSU Police Department. Additionally, significant updates were provided on campus capital projects, including student housing advancements, the revitalization of Romney Hall, planning for the new GM Ford Hall, and progress on the Student Wellness Center. The importance of community engagement through MSU Extension and bus tours was highlighted.

The meeting commenced with introductory remarks from the Lieutenant Governor, who chaired in the Governor's absence, followed by the pledge of allegiance and roll call, confirming a quorum. Key discussion points included legislative accomplishments from the 2025 session, such as funding increases for teachers via the STARS Act, support for career and technical education, and new laws related to educational credit for volunteering and school reorganization pathways. Both the Lieutenant Governor and the Superintendent highlighted the robust collaboration between the Board of Regents and the Board of Public Education, referencing successes in implementing public charter schools, apprenticeship programs, and data modernization efforts. A strong emphasis was placed on enhancing student access to post-secondary education, including strategies to increase matriculation to college. Mental health support for students and staff was also identified as a priority area needing continued focus. The meeting concluded with the announcement of a joint resolution endorsing FAFSA completion and direct admissions.

The meeting began with roll call and confirmation of a quorum. The Chancellor of UM Western welcomed the board, noting the campus's success with its Experience One block scheduling program. The agenda included an update on performance funding allocation for the next fiscal year, focusing on incentivizing student success and completion. A report on the legislative audit division study of system workforce data was presented, noting lower administrative spending but a need to improve data capabilities. The meeting featured a review of College Application Week outcomes, highlighting that 24% of surveyed students were first-generation college attendees. A board education component covered the Washington Wyoming Alaska Montana Idaho Graduate Medical Education exchange program. The Budget Committee's agenda was noted to set the stage for state and legislative funding recommendations to be adopted in May. Committees focused on education, research, and student affairs addressed items pertaining to student wellness and learning improvements. The staff and compensation committee was set to address seven ratified labor agreements. Following opening remarks, the board approved the minutes from the January 19th conference call. Campus introductions included the Women's Leadership Initiative cohort from the University of Montana and the announcement of Chuck Jenson as the new Administrative and Finance position holder.