Several significant developments unfolded today at the University of Montana. MTPR's Edward O’Brien reports on two administrative departures and the announcement of an overall campus reorganization.
University of Montana President Seth Bodnar says the reorganization is designed to place a greater emphasis on student success and enrollment.
But if Tom Crady - UM’s vice president of enrollment - wants to be part of the process, he’ll have to apply just like anyone else. Crady tells the Missoulian his current contract will not be renewed.
"The president has asked Dr. Crady to continue to advise him as we move forward through this transition," says UM Communications Director Paula Short. "We’ll certainly draw upon his experience and expertise in enrollment as we move forward to see that we’re proceeding in a way that is complementary to the efforts that he’s already put in place."
Crady told the Missoulian he was "disappointed" by the decision. MTPR could not reach Crady by deadline Monday.
UM’s Interim Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs, meanwhile, announced Monday she’s stepping down at the end of this month. Beverly Edmond wrote in a campus-wide email that she made the decision for personal reasons and must return home to Atlanta. Edmond arrived at UM in June of 2016 and only intended to stay for a year. She’s recommended Paul Kirgis, Dean of the UM School of Law, to serve as Acting Provost until a permanent replacement joins UM. In her email, Edmond voiced support for President Bodnar’s plan to restructure the university’s administration.
Bodnar plans to combine UM’s communications, admissions and financial aid offices.
Spokeswoman Paula Short says student success depends on a tightly integrated focus on academics and what she calls the "student experience."
"Everything from student clubs they’re involved in on campus to their dorm room to campus recreation to any number of things that round out that experience," Short says. "By integrating those, which is commonly done on other campuses – and really marrying academic affairs and student affairs it gives us a chance to really look at the student experience more holistically."
Enrollment has been a thorn in UM’s side since 2010. It’s declined by 25 percent since then. As a result, the school needs to find $10 million in spending cuts by 2022.
Find more details on UM’s reorganization plans, and see an organizational chart showing the changes.
