Estee Aiken picked to be next chancellor at University of Montana Western

The current interim provost at the University of Montana Western will become the university’s next chancellor upon approval from the Montana Board of Regents, state Commissioner of Higher Education Clayton Christian announced Thursday.

Estee Aiken has served as the interim provost and vice chancellor at UM Western since December. She joined UM Western in 2011 and worked in the university’s education department as a tenured professor for 15 years teaching more than 20 courses. Before being named interim provost last year, Aiken was the university’s Dean of Strategic Initiatives.

Aiken has also served on the Dillon School District Board of Trustees and has held many other leadership roles in education during her career. She was also recognized as a Montana University System Teacher Scholar for her work on grant-funded projects and editing and co-authoring of an array of professional publications, the commissioner’s office said.

Christian said in a press release Aiken’s experience as a teacher, administrator, and researcher makes her an ideal fit to lead UM Western.

“Her stewardship will ensure that UMW sustains and grows its reputation as a high-quality university offering innovating programming and a unique student experience within the Montana University System,” Christian said.

Aiken also previously chaired UMW’s Teaching Development Committee, was elected vice chair of the Faculty Senate and helped facilitate a speaker series for the education department, according to her resume.

Before working at UMW, Aiken taught for three years at the University of Northern Colorado, and she spent eight years as an elementary school teacher in Denver and Colorado Springs.

She received a Bachelor of Arts in Music from Macalester College, a Master of Arts in Teaching Elementary School from Colorado College and a Doctorate of Education in Educational Studies from the University of Colorado.

Aiken said in a statement she values the experiences and relationships that led her to the chancellorship. She is expected to start on May 21 once approved by the Board of Regents.

“I’m fortunate to have called UM Western and Dillon my home for 15 years now, and I am thrilled at the possibilities as Chancellor to invest further in this community, in this university, and especially in the students who are at its heart,” she said in a statement.