Letter to the Editor: Meet Your Student Regent

Every year, thousands of Montana students make one of the most consequential decisions of their lives. They commit to an academic pathway, and in doing so, commit years of hard work and significant financial resources. Students place a great deal of trust in their institution to prepare them for what comes after graduation. Those commitments deserve to be taken seriously at every level of the Montana University System (MUS). A Montana education should be transparent, career-focused and most importantly, student-centered.

My name is Quindy Gronley. I am a third-year student at the University of Montana, pursuing a doctorate in pharmacy and a master's in business administration. In June, Gov. Gianforte appointed me as the Student Regent for the MUS. I serve as one of seven voting members of the Board of Regents, which governs sixteen public institutions including MSU. The Board of Regents makes decisions about tuition, academic programs, institutional funding and the policies that shape your experience. I am the only student at that table, and part of my job is ensuring that what happens in Board meetings reflects what is happening in your life. 

Since my appointment, I have had the privilege of attending two Board of Regents meetings, visiting campuses and connecting with presidents, deans and CEOs from institutions across the state. I have also met with deputy commissioners and staff of the Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education who work in budgeting, planning, government relations, legal affairs, academics, research and student success, just to name a few. The work that these teams do is remarkable. There is a palpable, contagious energy among them that is always seeking to innovate, dig deeper and strengthen our educational landscape on all fronts. Working alongside these dedicated individuals has left me with a real sense of humility. I do not take my seat on the Board lightly; throughout my term as Student Regent, it is my commitment to listen openly and learn deeply. That means learning from regents who have served for years, learning from MUS staff and committee members who understand this system’s storied history and functionality, learning from administrators who see the unique strengths that each institution holds and most importantly, learning from students who are living the experience that all of the above exists to serve.

While this may be our first encounter, I hope that it will not be our last. I ask that you utilize my communication platforms to share any and all perspectives you hold as a student. Whether it is something that has made your time at MSU exceptional or something that has made it harder than it needed to be, I want to hear it. Let’s work together to make the MUS stronger, more transparent and more connected. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve you, and I look forward to a wonderful year.

QUINDY J. GRONLEY

Montana University System

Student Regent 2026-27

University of Montana

Doctor of Pharmacy, MBA

MONTANA UNIVERSITY SYSTEM

Board of Regents

RegentGronley@montana.edu | (406)871-5832