Franke Global Leadership Initiative

Please join us in welcoming Eva Hicks, our new 2026 Franke GLI Summer Social Media Intern! 💙

Eva is a rising junior majoring in Communications and minoring in Sports Psychology and Women’s Gender Sexuality Studies. Her GLI theme is Inequality and Human Rights. She is passionate about gender equity and women’s reproductive rights, while strengthening the value of communication within organizations.

She will be doing her beyond the classroom experience next summer and looks forward to preparing for her trip abroad as it gets closer. For the time being, she is SO EXCITED to work as the GLI Social Media Intern this summer!

Are you passionate about developing the next generation of globally minded leaders? The Franke Global Leadership Initiative at the University of Montana is looking for our next dynamic, detail-oriented Program Coordinator to help power one of UM’s most innovative student leadership programs. At the Franke GLI, you’ll be part of a team committed to empowering students to think critically, collaborate across differences, and create meaningful change in the world. This role offers the opportunity to directly impact student experiences—from the classroom to global, hands-on learning opportunities.
Learn more: applications are due May 21! https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/ummissoula/jobs/5335241/program-coordinator-ii-franke-global-leadership-initiative?pagetype=jobOpportunitiesJobs
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Job Opportunities | University of Montana, Helena College & UM Western Welcome to the job application process for the University of Montana, Helena College, and the University of Montana Western!

Our next senior feature is Fiona Carson, a Franke Fellow of Culture and Politics from Fort Collins, CO. Her BTC experience was a semester studying abroad in Malta! Here’s what Fiona has to say about the program: “Absolutely go for it! This program is a perfect accompaniment to your degree and is a great way to learn about global issues and leadership. You get out what you get in, so you really can make the program what you want to”. Thanks, Fiona, and congratulations!🎊

YAY FOR SPRING SEMESTER 2026!! The GLI is so proud of all the hard work our Franke Fellows have put in this year! Have a great summer!!

Our next senior highlight is Olivia Cornwell! Olivia is a Franke Fellow of Resource & Sustainability from Missoula, MT. Her BTC experience was an internship in Samos, Greece 🇬🇷! Congrats on graduating, Olivia, and we wish you all the best in your future endeavors!

We had a wonderful time celebrating our graduates, capstone teams and scholarship recipients at this year’s Franke GLI Celebration. We are so impressed with all of your dedication, passion, and leadership across UM! Congratulations!

With the end of the semester fast approaching, we want to highlight some of the Franke Fellows finishing the program this year. First up is Brooklyn Grimm (who’s also on our social media team!!! ) from Portland, Oregon, whose global theme is Public Global Health.

Brookie’s Beyond the Classroom experience was studying abroad in Cork, Ireland last spring, and here’s what she has to say about her time in GLI:
“This program has so much to offer whether that’s support towards studying abroad or just becoming a more multi-faceted and globally educated individual! In the last few years, I have learned about things I never expected to, gained a great community, and had so much fun in the process! So don’t just take it from me, try it out for yourself!”
Thanks and congrats!!!

Recap moment! We had the opportunity to build Empower Packs with last week, and it was a great moment of teamwork and engagement with our community. Thanks to for their collaboration, and to our Franke Fellows for showing up and working hard!

YAY FOR UMCUR 2026!!! We are beyond proud of every one of our GLI Capstone teams as well as everyone else who presented at UMCUR this year!! All of your hard work has really paid off and we’re in the homestretch now! Way to go!🙌🙌🙌