University of Montana close to naming 'finalist candidate' for president to replace Bodnar

In a press release posted on a University of Montana website, Montana Commissioner of Higher Education Clayton Christian announced this week that a "finalist candidate" for the job of UM president will be invited to campus on April 6-7.

Christian said that his office's working group, which is in charge of selecting someone to replace outgoing UM President Seth Bodnar, has made "outstanding progress" over the past several weeks.

"I am pleased to report that the search process continues to be highly productive, and plans are underway to invite a finalist candidate to campus on April 6–7," Christian said in the press release. "A schedule is being developed to facilitate meaningful engagement across the campus community. Additional details, including the candidate’s profile and full itinerary, will be shared once plans are finalized."

The Daily Montanan first reported the news about the finalist candidate.

Bodnar stepped down from the job earlier this year and announced he's running as an Independent candidate for U.S. Senate, to fill the seat that's being vacated by U.S. Sen. Steve Daines.