University of Montana Foundation

Learn more about Dean Metcalf’s vision for advancing conservation and what this significant gift means for the W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation, University of Montana

James C. Kennedy gifts $5.5M for waterfowl and wetlands research center at UM "This transformative gift is a $5.5 million gift from James Kennedy and it's going to be profound in how it impacts our institution," College of Forestry and Conservation Dean Libby Metcalf told MTN.

A transformative gift to the UM Foundation from Jim Kennedy, Chairman Emeritus of Cox Enterprises and Chairman of the James M. Cox Foundation, will strengthen research, education and collaboration at the W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation.

Kennedy’s $5.5 million gift will establish the James C. Kennedy Waterfowl and Wetlands Center at a time when more than half of North America’s wetlands have been lost. The Center will help researchers map, monitor and protect these vital ecosystems while supporting sustainable waterfowl populations for generations to come. His investment also helps propel the “Treasure Montana: Cultivating Our Tomorrow” campaign, which advances construction of a new, state-of-the-art hub for conservation research and education on the UM campus.

Together, we’re building a future where science, innovation and collaboration drive real solutions for our natural world.

Big news for Montana’s healthcare future.

The University of Montana is launching the state’s first public Physician Associate program this fall, helping address a critical workforce shortage. Interest is already strong, with more than 600 applicants competing for 24 seats in the first cohort.

Designed with Montana in mind, the program emphasizes hands-on training, statewide clinical partnerships, and preparation for practice in rural and underserved communities. Physician associates play a vital role in expanding access to care and can serve as primary providers across the state.

This program reflects the College of Health’s commitment to career readiness and building a sustainable pipeline of healthcare professionals who will live, work and serve in Montana.

Every opportunity starts somewhere.

On , we’re reminded that access to higher education can transform not just one life, but entire families, communities and futures.

Thanks to thousands of generous individuals, families, foundations and organizations investing in UM’s mission, students gain the knowledge, tools and experiences they need to lead and succeed.

Together, we are creating pathways for today’s learners — and lasting impact for generations to come.

Welcoming the next generation of Honors Grizzlies to UM!

The Davidson Honors College has announced its 2026 Presidential Leadership Scholars, 28 outstanding students selected from across North America for their academic excellence, leadership and commitment to their communities.

We thank the many donors who continue to support Presidential Leadership Scholarships. Your giving ensures these scholars have the opportunity to thrive through interdisciplinary learning experiences, research opportunities, mentorship and community engagement.

Learn more about the 2026 Presidential Leadership Scholars at https://bit.ly/4x1SYyp

UM Davidson Honors College student Bella Wengappuly has been named a 2026-27 Goldwater Scholar, earning one of the nation’s most prestigious undergraduate honors for students pursuing research careers in science, engineering and mathematics.

This year, the Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation selected 454 students nationwide as Goldwater Scholars from a pool of more than 5,000 eligible sophomores and juniors. Wengappuly is the 19th student from the University to receive the Goldwater Scholarship and the only student from a college in Montana to be recognized this year.

Among her many educational endeavors, Wengappuly spent three months in South Africa as part of the Beyond the Classroom experiential learning component of the donor-supported Franke Global Leadership Initiative. There, she worked on research projects in wildlife rehabilitation and monitoring, as well as a captive breeding program for cheetah conservation.

Learn more at https://bit.ly/3PwOBdK

Three University of Montana students—Susan Connelly, Elannah Flat Lip and Vivianne Ostheimer—have been named 2026 Udall Scholars, earning national recognition for their leadership and commitment to public service in health care, tribal policy and environmental sustainability.

Their selection brings UM’s total to 51 Udall Scholars, the most in the nation. This year, 65 students were selected from 383 applicants at 181 colleges and universities.

To learn about these exceptional Davidson Honors College students and this prestigious national scholarship, visit https://bit.ly/435Krwy

Four years ago, researcher Josh Beisel applied for a research assistantship position in Andrew Larson’s forest ecology lab at UM. As part of his application, he proposed studying the fire ecology of whitebark pine.

To gather the data he needed, Beisel and three technicians spent a summer hiking deep into the backcountry of the Bitterroot Mountains — one of the most remote areas in Montana where whitebark pine grows. Earlier this year, he published his findings in the journal Ecosphere, along with a second paper on western larch forests.

Beisel’s research was funded in part by the Wilderness Institute Meier Graduate Fellowship, an endowed fund established by donors Joel and Patti Meier. The fellowship supports graduate research and creative scholarship focused on wilderness and wildlands.

With this support, Beisel was able to analyze seedling and sapling data collected from his Bitterroot study sites, examining how climate change and fire are shaping the future of these forests. He used the data to create predictive maps identifying where whitebark pine is most likely to thrive in the future. He plans to publish this work later this year.

On May 9, Beisel graduated from UM with a Ph.D. in systems ecology.

Learn more at https://bit.ly/4uGwEs9

During Spring Commencement on Saturday, May 9, the University of Montana will celebrate over 2,000 degree candidates who make up the class of 2026. The University will host two on-campus ceremonies at 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. in the Adams Center.

In addition to celebrating the academic achievements of students, UM will present honorary doctorates to former UM Foundation Board Chair and the Neil S. Bucklew Presidential Service Award recipient, Joe Whittinghill, and acclaimed author and Professor Emeritus, Debra Magpie Earling.

Saturday’s ceremonies are free and open to the public. You can also livestream the event by visiting https://bit.ly/4dpWB9z

University of Montana students Vivianne Ostheimer and Cadence Hatten have been named Harry S. Truman Scholars, a competitive national grant award that recognizes students with exceptional leadership potential, academic excellence and commitment to careers in public service. Together, Ostheimer and Hatten are the 17th and 18th recipients from UM to receive the award.

The Truman Scholarship provides $30,000 for graduate study, along with leadership training and internship opportunities in public service. This year, 55 college students were selected for the Truman award from a pool of 781 candidates nominated by 305 universities.

At UM, both Hatten and Ostheimer have benefitted from donor-supported Presidential Leadership Scholarships, which are among the University’s most prestigious academic awards for incoming students of the Honors College, recognizing outstanding talent, academic performance and contributions to the community. Thank you to the generous donors who have been a part of their UM journey.

Learn more about UM’s newest Harry S. Truman Scholars at https://bit.ly/4wiszw7