Candidate for job of president University of Montana to be named on Friday

The search for a new University of Montana president, one of the most important jobs in Missoula, is apparently nearing a turning point.

On Thursday, Clayton Christian, the Montana Commissioner of Higher Education, sent out a press release saying that the name a "finalist candidate" for the job will be released on Friday morning, April 3. Apparently, this mysterious soon-to-be named candidate will be visiting campus on April 6-7.

"The visit schedule affords multiple opportunities for various campus community groups to interact with the candidate and features an open forum followed by a reception," Christian said. "We hope you’ll take part in these events as your time allows and share your impressions and feedback. Your participation is vital in helping us determine our next steps and shape our final recommendation to the Board of Regents."

The University of Montana is the state's flagship (oldest) research University, with a $164 million budget in fiscal year 2026. The president oversees about 1,238 employees (both faculty and staff combined) and there are over 8,500 full-time equivalent students.

The Office of Higher Education hired a consulting firm, AGB Search, to solicit input and help find and choose a candidate for the job.

In February, Christian said applicants for the job came from "numerous states and a diversity of backgrounds, including many from other R1 (a top-tier research classification) institutions across the country."

"Despite this search having an expedited timeline, response to our outreach has been comparable to the system’s recent more extended presidential searches," he said. "AGB Search’s excellent work paired with the exceptional reputation of UM has thus far resulted in a deep pool of outstanding prospects and we expect many more submissions in the coming days."